College Readiness & Learner Supports
Library
(815) 921-4600
Located: Educational Resource Center (ERC) – 1st and 2nd floors
Estelle M. Black Library
The Estelle M. Black Library supports the information needs of students, faculty, staff, and community members of the college district. Resources include more than 90,000 book volumes; thousands of online journals; streaming video; eBooks; and access to materials from an additional 88 Illinois academic libraries. Dedicated information specialists further strengthen the Library’s mission.
The Library provides space for individual and group study. Student services focus on circulation of materials and instruction in the use of the online catalog and electronic databases, as well as support for locating and using all library resources.
Library spaces include the RVC Writing Center, six private study rooms, a soundproof pod for online interviews, telehealth, and web meetings, and an Honorlock examination workspace for students taking online exams that require a quiet space. In cooperation with the Media Lab, the Library also offers two media recording studios. Additional resources include 13 computers for student use, four computers for community use, scanning workstations, printing, course reserves, Interlibrary Loan services, and a limited number of calculators available for checkout.
For more information, contact the Library:
Reference Desk and Research Help: (815) 921-4619
Library Research Help
Circulation Desk and Renewals: (815) 921-4615
Library Circulation Services
Interlibrary Loan: (815) 921-4610
Testing Center
(815) 921-2380
Located: Stenstrom Student Center – Ground Floor
Testing Center
The Testing Center at the Main Campus provides professional administration of testing programs and services for students and community residents. Services include placement testing, make-up exams, exams for online and hybrid courses, and testing accommodations for students with disabilities.
Specialized test administration includes the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) State Exam, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exam, and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
Community residents enrolled in post-secondary distance or online programs at other institutions may also complete course exams in the Testing Center.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring Center
(815) 921-2370
Located: Estelle M. Black Library, 1st floor
RVC Tutoring Center
Tutoring Services
The Tutoring Center supports the academic development of RVC students through free peer-to-peer tutoring.
Appointments are encouraged, though drop-in times are available for some classes. Sessions are 50 minutes and begin on the hour. Students should bring their textbooks and class notes.
Writing Center
(815) 921-2370
Located: Estelle M. Black Library, 1st floor
RVC Writing Center
Writing Center
Writing coaches provide free individual sessions to help students understand and prepare writing assignments. Assistance includes planning, organizing ideas, composing, revising, editing, and citing sources.
Appointments are encouraged, though drop-in times are available. Sessions are 30 minutes. Students should bring their assignment and grading rubric, if provided.
Math Lab
Located: Jacobs Center for Science and Math (JCSM), Ground Floor, Room 0210
RVC Math Lab
Math Lab Inquiries
The Math Lab is staffed by instructors and tutors and offers free drop-in tutoring, in-lab use of graphing calculators, computers for online math homework, and additional math resources.
Hours change each semester. The current schedule is posted on the Math Lab door and website.
Science Resource Room
(815) 921-1167
Located: Jacobs Center for Science and Math (JCSM), First Floor, Room 1011
RVC Science Resource Room
Open hours vary by semester and are posted on the door; appointments are also available.
Manager: Lisa Strong | (815) 921-3454
The Science Resource Room provides space for individual and small-group study in biology, chemistry, and other sciences. Available resources include textbooks, computers, printers, and limited lab materials. Science faculty or peer tutors may be available.
Adult Education
(815) 921-2000
Rock Valley College Downtown (RVCD)
99 E. State Street, second floor (Iconic Building)
RVC Adult Education
Adult Education
Rock Valley College’s Adult Education program supports students seeking to earn the Illinois High School Diploma, improve basic academic skills, or strengthen English-language proficiency. Programs are offered at no cost and are designed to support student success regardless of prior academic experience.
Adult Basic and Secondary Education (ABE/ASE)
Supports students in strengthening reading, writing, and math skills while preparing for the Illinois High School Diploma, college transition, and career readiness.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Classes support development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Adult Education Bridge Programs
Bridge to Careers
Bridge to Manufacturing
Bridge to Healthcare
Academic ESL Bridge to College and Careers
Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS)
Supports students in developing academic skills, earning the Illinois High School Diploma, and completing RVC certificate programs in high-demand fields such as manufacturing and healthcare.
Adult and Dislocated Workers Program
Provides workforce services including career planning, job search assistance, workshops, and on-the-job training opportunities with local employers.
Refugee and Immigrant Services
(815) 921-2270
Rock Valley College Downtown (RVCD)
99 E. State Street, second floor (Iconic Building)
RVC Refugee and Immigrant Services
Refugee and Immigrant Services
RVC Refugee and Immigrant Services supports community members in achieving self-sufficiency through the following programs:
Refugee Social Services
Provides employment and case management services during participants’ first five years in the United States, including specialized support for individuals aged 60 and older.
New Americans Initiative
Assists eligible individuals with U.S. citizenship applications, DACA renewal preparation, and citizenship test and interview preparation classes.
Illinois Welcoming Center
Supports limited English proficient individuals with job search assistance, immigration needs, targeted case management, and referrals to local resources.