2025-2026 College Catalog

Student Engagement

Rock Valley College is committed to helping its students be successful. To this end, the college provides a variety of activities and services for students. Please review the following information to become familiar with how the college supports students in meeting their goals.

Student Life

Phone: (815) 921-4183 or (815) 921-4118

Student Life Mission Statement: Student Life exists to connect, engage, and develop Rock Valley College students in a supportive environment through positive leadership and community-building opportunities, while serving as a bridge to their future accomplishments.

Did you know that the more involved college students are in the academic and social aspects of campus life, the more they benefit in terms of learning and personal development? Student Life supports and enhances the academic experience through opportunities that help students get and stay engaged outside of the classroom.

The Student Life office is located on the first floor of the Stenstrom Student Center. While attending Rock Valley College, students are encouraged to live, learn, and lead.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Phone: (815) 921-4184

One of the easiest ways to get and stay involved is to join a student organization on campus. There are more than 20 organizations to choose from. Joining is as easy as stopping by Student Life or calling the office. Students may also start a new club by following a few simple steps.

For a list of current active student clubs and organizations, visit the Student Life organizations page.

Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society

Phi Theta Kappa, the official honor society of two-year colleges, recognizes and encourages academic achievement while providing opportunities for individual growth and development through academic, leadership, and service programming.

Rock Valley College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Omicron Eta, inducts approximately 100 students each fall and spring semester. To be eligible for induction, students must have completed at least 12 college-level credits, earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, and be enrolled at Rock Valley College during the semester of induction.

In addition to being an honor society, Omicron Eta is an active student organization open to all Rock Valley College students. For more information, visit Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) or call (815) 921-4104.

Student Lounge on the Main Campus

Phone: (815) 921-4184

The Student Lounge is located on the first floor of the Stenstrom Student Center, across from the First Year Experience office. The lounge includes seating, a ping-pong table, and other amenities.

The Student Lounge also hosts informal activities that promote community, free discussion, and esports engagement. It is a welcoming space to relax between classes or while grabbing a bite to eat. The lounge is available for reservation, as are the HUB and the Student Life Organizations Room.

Student Government Association (SGA)

Phone: (815) 921-4185 or (815) 921-4188

Purpose Statement: To support and advocate for students at Rock Valley College through service, leadership, and civic engagement.

The Student Government Association is composed of students elected by their peers to serve as the student voice on campus. SGA addresses student needs and interests related to college and community matters, promotes student involvement, and works to improve student welfare.

Campus Activities Board (CAB)

Phone: (815) 921-4189 or (815) 921-4178

Purpose Statement: To provide educational and engaging activities that foster a sense of community at Rock Valley College.

The Campus Activities Board is comprised of student officers and members responsible for bringing diverse, high-quality entertainment and enrichment opportunities to campus throughout the year. Events may include live music, comedy, speakers, performances, and interactive activities. Students are encouraged to watch for CAB announcements and participate in campus events.

The Valley Forge

Phone: (815) 921-3331
Location: Educational Resource Center, ground floor

The Valley Forge is Rock Valley College’s award-winning, student-run news source. Content is updated throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Any currently enrolled student may apply to work with The Valley Forge. For more information, contact the faculty advisor, Jerry LaBuy.

The Valley Forge also welcomes story ideas, articles, columns, and letters to the editor from the Rock Valley College community. Submission information is available through The Valley Forge online publication.