“The Plunge”
When it comes to “making a difference in the world by integrating learning and citizenship,” the University makes certain students have structured opportunities to explore their convictions and act on their passions. One example of such an activity is the Rockford University Plunge, a long-standing tradition where students spend a morning during new student orientation working in small groups and doing needed projects for several community agencies in the Rockford area. There are additional opportunities sponsored by the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE) throughout the academic year, like the Martin Luther King, Jr. day of service and others.