Rockford University Announces Opening Plans for Fall 2020

Hybrid Learning Approach Ensures Excellent Education and Student Safety

Rockford, IL (06/22/2020) — Rockford University, the region's leading private four-year institution, this week shared its plans to welcome back students in the fall of 2020 with the excellent educational experience they expect while protecting health and safety of all on campus.

Rockford University's fall semester will begin as planned on August 19, however the University will not have the traditional fall break. The final day of the regular semester will be November 24th (Tuesday before Thanksgiving) and final exams will occur online the week after Thanksgiving.

All classes will be designed with a hybrid approach using virtual and in-person instruction. This allows classes to meet face-to-face while simultaneously leveraging current technologies, fully utilizing classroom space, and accommodating those students, faculty, and staff who are vulnerable populations in regard to COVID-19. In the event that the state finds itself back in Phase 3, all Rockford University classes will be prepared to seamlessly shift to fully online programs.

"Our faculty and staff have been planning to ensure our students' experience is positive and personal - no matter the learning environment. The blended curriculum enables in-person, on-campus learning while adhering to social distancing guidelines and providing a safe and clean environment for our community," said Dr. Eric Fulcomer, President, Rockford University. "We are well-prepared to balance our students' educational opportunities and safety."

Rockford University has set up several task forces which are still actively planning and working through many details and possibilities based on questions or concerns students, faculty and staff may have. During the next two months, faculty and staff will be working out details regarding the fall curriculum in regard to various modes of delivery, location of classes, and concrete safety protocols. Additionally, the University is actively monitoring recommendations and guidelines from local, state, and national officials, and designing responses with our students, faculty, staff, and partners in higher education.

The guidelines and safety measures in place for the fall 2020 opening plan will apply to all students, including students in the traditional undergraduate program (on campus or commuting), adult degree completion program, or graduate programs.

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