Forum Series

Dr. Kyle Stedman, Administrator

The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers and performers in a variety of disciplines who have achieved success locally, nationally and even internationally. The Series’ central programming focus is geared toward students. Lectures and performances are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education while also providing a shared experience for Rockford University students. Presenters in the Series also interact with students in classes, informal conversations, and over meals. The Forum Committee, comprised of faculty and student representatives, selects the events. Suggestions for programs are accepted from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others. Attempts are made to design the Series with various constituencies in mind.

All-University Requirement

The purpose of the Forum Series is to augment student learning by presenting new ideas, global issues, artistic endeavors, and community activism to extend education beyond the classroom. Events offer students opportunities for reflection and contemplation on what they see and experience as a way to understand a world larger than themselves.

All full-time undergraduate students are required to attend a minimum of two Forum Series events each semester. (Exceptions: student teachers and participants in off-campus programs such as Washington Semester or Regent’s College and students in the University’s BSMS program.)

Forum Credit Regulations

• If a student’s course load drops below 12 credits during the semester, he or she is still required to complete the Forum requirement. The only exception is if a student withdraws or medically withdraws from all coursework for the semester.

• Students who fail to fulfill the Forum requirement by the end of any semester will receive an “F” for that semester.

• Failure to complete the Forum Series requirement bars a student from the dean’s list or distinguished scholars list and from receiving a degree.

• Students unable to attend two Forum events during a semester can complete the requirement by submitting an essay to the Forum Committee for each of the missing Forum events based on event recordings available in the library. These events must be from the semester failed and only from an event a student did not attend.

• For detailed guidelines on writing and submitting make-up essays (including due dates and essay requirements), please see the Forum Series page on the Portal.