RL-Cares
RL-Cares is a free service encouraging students to discuss various issues, personal and academic, pertaining to one’s educational future. Referral to on- or off-campus resources, academic planning, connecting with community organizations and development of a plan-of-action are potential outcomes from an RL-Cares meeting. Email us at [email protected] or call (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1293.
Schedule A Meeting | Refer Someone
RLC has many resources available for people who are looking to improve mental health. The college has partnered with ULifeline, a college mental health support system that includes contact information for local institutions and national help hotlines. These contacts are not just limited to college students. Anyone from the general public is encouraged to utilize these resources.
Reaching out for support is the first step towards feeling better. If you need help, please reach out to the resources provided.
ULifeline | Community Resource Booklet
Our Food Pantry was created for students struggling to get adequate food. Studies show more than 30% of community college students in the U.S. are going hungry. And the numbers are growing. If you are dealing with food insecurity, RLC can help.
Submit A Food Pantry Application
RL-Cares
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1293
Toll-free (In-District): 1-800-369-5321 Ext. 1293
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: RL-Cares
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: RL-Cares
Perkins - Special Populations
The Perkins IV/Special Populations program offers assistance to qualified career and technical education students. Services offered include tutoring, transportation reimbursement, certain lab fees, books and supplies. In order to qualify for the program, you must receive a PELL Grant, be a career and technical education major and have completed 12 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.0 or better. Selections are based on need. More information is available by contacting the Perkins Coordinator at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1267.
Among career and technical students participating in the Perkins/Special Populations Program are those who…
- Need to upgrade skills in reading, math, and writing
- Have difficulty in a class
- Receive some form of financial assistance
- Learn in a non-traditional way
- Are physically challenged
- Are displaced homemakers
- Are single parents
SERVICES PROVIDED
The Perkins/Special Populations Program provides services to students that include:
- Peer and group tutoring
- Academic and career guidance and counseling
- Assistance with payment of certain lab fees, books and supplies
- Career planning
- Special instructional materials
- Note-taking
Some limited services available only for specific programs:
- Transportation monies
MORE INFORMATION
Assistance and more information is available from:
COVID-19 got you stuck at home? Have trouble with babysitting or transportation?
NO PROBLEM! WE’VE GONE REMOTE!
Here’s how it works:
- Click the Sign Me Up button above and fill out the intake form
- A Skills Center Staff member will contact you for a phone interview.
- Our Testing Specialist will contact you to explain how to complete a TABE Locator Test (see below for more info)
- You will receive a registration packet in the mail. Fill it out and sign all the forms.
- Testing Specialist will contact you again to schedule a TABE Reading test.
DON’T WORRY about taking a test … we just need to know what you already know - Next we will meet you at a convenient location to give you books and supplies for class and you give us your registration packet. Please wear a mask!
We also have loaner laptops, hotspots and data cards if you need them! - Lastly your teacher will contact you with a link to a ZOOM meeting. That is how you will join the class.
Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to Noon or 6:00 to 9:00.
Reading and Math Only classes are: Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 to 3:00
MISSION STATEMENT
Rend Lake College’s Skills Center provides adult education services in the Rend Lake College district. The program provides relevant and accessible educational opportunities for adult learners to help them succeed at work, home and in their communities. The program curriculum is designed to integrate instruction of basic skills in reading, writing and math; with life skills, parenting skills and workforce preparation skills.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Skills Center programs prepare students for the HSE (high school equivalency) tests and help students develop their skills in basic reading, math and job readiness. For more information, call (618) 437-5321 or toll-free at (800) 369-5321, Ext. 1241 / 1244 / 1220, or email [email protected].
Headlines
Eligibilities
High School Equivalency (GED)
Eligibility - No high school diploma/GED or Below 9th grade in reading or math. Students with a high school diploma can enroll to brush up on academic skills before enrolling in college or to advance in the workforce
Two Levels: Reading/language Arts Only or Math Only
Eligibility:
ABE Reading/Language Arts – reading between 4th and 9th grades
ASE Reading/Language Arts – reading between 9th and 12 grades
ABE Math – math between 6th and 9th grades
ASE Math – math between 9th and 12 grades
Students can enroll in these classes if they only need to study math or reading to pass a GED test or if they want to increase their skills in these subjects.
Bridge: Healthcare/Information Technology/Manufacturing
Eligibility: Reading or math between 6th and 9th grades
ICAPS: Phlebotomy/Welding/Machining/IT
Eligibility: Reading or math between 9th and 12th grades
Class Locations
Skills Center classes are offered at the following locations. Class schedules (day or evening), vary from location to location. Contact a member of the Skills Center team for enrollment information at a location near you.
Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance
302 S Main Street
Benton, IL
Rend Lake College MarketPlace
Suite B
327 Potomac Blvd.
Mount Vernon, IL
Rend Lake College Main Campus
468 N Ken Gray Pkwy
Ina, IL 62846
Online classes also available
Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses are designed to help students gain basic knowledge in educational content areas. As the students progress to the intermediate level ABE classes they will increase and advance their knowledge of the material. The subject areas are taught with an emphasis on adult applications. Placement is determined using the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) assessment.
ABE classes include:
- Reading
- Math
- Writing
- Science
- Social studies
- Computer skills
Classes are conveniently scheduled throughout the Rend Lake College District in Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton and Perry counties. Both day and evening classes are available.
Helpful Site:http://www.testprepreview.com/ged_test_breakdown.htm
For more information:
Rend Lake College Adult Education and Family Literacy
468 N. Ken Gray Pkwy Ina , IL 62846
(618) 437-5321, Ext. 1241 or Ext. 1244
Toll-free (In-District) 1-800-369-5321
e-mail: [email protected]
High School Equivalency Classes
HSE (formerly known as GED) classes help students prepare for the HSE Tests to earn their high school equivalency diploma. Students will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills while studying the subject areas covered on the HSE Tests.
The HSE (formerly known as GED) test is comprised of four subjects: math, science, social studies, and language arts. Each exam tests a student’s knowledge of topics covered in a typical high school classroom, from history and government to life science and algebra. Exams are taken on a computer in a GED test center or proctored remotely. The exams have a variety of answer formats, such as multiple choice, short answer, and fill-in-the-blank.
How long does it take to get a GED?
The time it takes to earn a GED can vary based on the last grade a student completed and how recently he or she attended school. The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) assessment is used to determine appropriate placement in HSE classes. However, attending classes regularly and studying 3-4 times a week can help students become GED ready.
ICAPS
Through the Integrated Career and Academic System (ICAPS), students work to complete their GED and are co-enrolled in credit career and technical education (CTE) courses through an integrated instructional model. It supplemented by support courses and comprehensive student support services. It also includes team teaching with the CTE and Skills Center instructors. The model provides career pathway/employment opportunities for students while enabling transition into additional postsecondary certificate/degree programs or the workforce.
The Skills Center offers ICAPS in four pathways:
Bridge Program
The Skills Center Bridge classes provide students with the opportunity to improve their intermediate skills in reading, writing, numeracy, technology skills, and oral communication while exploring careers in healthcare, manufacturing, or information technology.
Instruction includes an introduction to Career Pathways, development of career plans, career awareness, career exploration, job readiness skills, Illinois Essential Employability Skills, exploration of Illinois WorkNet, and introduction of career cluster knowledge.
A student who meets some or all of the following may wish to enroll in either the healthcare, manufacturing or information technology Bridge program:
- A desire to obtain a GED
- An interest in exploring the health care or manufacturing fields
- A wish to experience the college atmosphere
- An interest in meeting with other college departments and programs to help with their needs and goals
- Want to receive valuable information to assist in career exploration
Transition services provide students with the information and assistance they need successfully navigate moving from adult education coursework to credit, occupational programs or apprenticeships. Services may include (as needed and available) academic advising, study skills, coaching, and referrals to individual support services (e.g., transportation and childcare).
The Bridge program is the first step in exploring these fields. For more information, fill out the form below or contact the Adult Education Department at Ext. 1241 or at [email protected].
Staff
College Survival Guide
This mini-survival guide has been prepared especially for YOU in an attempt to make your transition into the college environment a smooth one. RLC Student Services understands your frustration! We have been listening . . . and we know you often have found yourself saying, “NOBODY TOLD ME!” So, we put together a list that hopefully will answer many of your questions about life at Rend Lake College.
Student Services
Phone Number: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1343
Email Student Services
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Student Services
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Student Services
Graduation
The Commencement ceremony is the culmination of the student’s program of study. Each May, Rend Lake College conducts a graduation exercise whereby faculty, staff, family and friends come together to recognize and honor academic achievements. All eligible degree and certificate recipients are encouraged to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
Participation in this ceremony is allowed prior to verification of completion of final courses. The student should be within six credit hours of fulfilling graduation requirements, and requirements should be completed in the summer session following May graduation. The actual degree or certificate is posted to the official transcript and the certificate or diploma is released when all requirements have been met and verified by the Director of Student Records.
2021 Rend Lake College Commencement
- Saturday, May 8, 2021 (rain date May 15, 2021)
- Outside Wayne Arnold Recreation Center on the south end of the Ina Campus
- Morning Ceremony 10:30 a.m. — for those graduating with an Associate of Applied Science Degree and/or Occupational Certificate
- Afternoon Ceremony 1:00 p.m. — for those graduating with an Associate of Arts, Science, Fine Arts, or Engineering Science Degree
- ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 30 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR CEREMONY
COVID restrictions will be implemented. Two guest tickets will be issued to each graduate. No indoor facilities will be available to the public. Masks will be required by both graduates and guests.
Caps and Gowns - Pick up for cap/gown, shirt, mask, and tickets will be in the Student Records Office starting Monday, May 3rd.
Guests - Each Graduate will receive two tickets for guests, per CDC and IDPH guidelines. Guests must present ticket for entrance and children are included as guests.
Streaming - Both commencement ceremonies will be streamed below.
Morning Ceremony |
Afternoon Ceremony |
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Graduate Slideshow |
Student Services
Phone Number: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1343
Email Student Services
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Student Services
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Student Services
Housing & Transportation
Housing
Rend Lake College does not own housing. However, there are many privately owned housing options for students looking to live in a community near the Ina Campus. Some cities and towns near Ina include Bonnie, Benton, Sesser, Mt. Vernon, Whittington and Ewing. View a map.
Disclaimer: The facilities for sale/rent listed below are privately owned. They are not assets of Rend Lake College.
MetroTravelGuide - Provides a map of hotels within 15 miles of the Rend Lake College Main Campus
Transportation
Are you looking for transportation to and from Rend Lake College?
Students can charge South Central Transit (SCT) money cards to their financial aid if they have funds remaining after their direct expenses with the college have been paid. SCT is a public shuttle that services Franklin and Jefferson counties. They have many pick-up and drop-off points within those counties.
Bus passes are available for purchase. If you are interested in using your extra financial aid funds to purchase an SCT money card, please contact RLC Financial Aid.
South Central Transit Monday Card Fare Information
Visit SCT website for full fare information: http://southcentraltransit.org/fare-schedule/
Discounts are provided for veterans, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children, and those who purchase Money Cards.
Student Services
Phone Number: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1343
Email Student Services
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Student Services
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Student Services
Disability Services
Disability Access Services provides accommodations and services to students with documented disabilities who are currently enrolled at Rend Lake College. These accommodations and services are offered in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
REND LAKE COLLEGE WILL MAKE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO HELP YOU IF ...
You are otherwise qualified for the program or class and your disability interferes with your ability to participate in class.
You are otherwise qualified for the program or class and you have a legitimate educational purpose and need for requested accommodations or materials for use in class.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AT REND LAKE COLLEGE HAVE THE RIGHT TO...
Equal opportunity and access to participate, work and learn
Reasonable accommodations
Appropriate confidentiality
Information about available services and accommodations
Accessible campus facilities
STUDENTS WITH DISABILIIES AT REND LAKE COLLEGE HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO...
Identify themselves early in order to receive requested accommodations in a timely manner
Provide current and valid documentation that provides enough information for DAS staff to determine appropriate academic adjustments
Meet qualifications and standards set forth for all Rend Lake College students
Advocate for their individual needs
REND LAKE COLLEGE HAS THE RIGHT TO...
Require documentation of disabilities
Determine what accommodations are appropriate
Provide only those accommodations required by the disability that do not sacrifice the academic integrity of the program, course, or activity
REND LAKE COLLEGE HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO...
Ensure that its programs and facilities are accessible and usable
Inform students of available accommodations and procedures for requesting them
Make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
TO REQUEST SERVICES
Students with disabilities who wish to request accommodations and services may apply with DAS. Appropriate documentation of disability(s) must be provided.
After registering, the appropriate accommodations will be determined on an individual basis. An accommodation plan will be developed and updated each semester or as needed.
For additional information about Postsecondary Education and Students with Disabilities, visit the Department of Education’s web site at www.ed.gov/ocr.
Test Proctoring
The Baker Administration Building is now the home for test proctoring services on the Rend Lake College Campus. Our staff is available to facilitate make up testing in a convenient, structured environment with flexible hours to accommodate most schedules.
RLC Students:
- You must make every effort to attend the tests given by your instructor on the test date.
- In the event that you miss a test, you must contact your instructor to make arrangements for make-up testing with him or her first.
- If a time cannot be arranged to meet with the instructor, he/she will provide and schedule a make-up test with the Testing Center (Extension 1268) during the posted testing hours.
- You must bring a valid picture identification (Driver’s license or student ID) with you in order to make up a test.
- You must read and sign the student testing agreement.
- Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and the same penalties apply just as if you were testing in the classroom
Non-RLC Students:
- You must make contact with the Testing Center (Extension 1268) in order to arrange delivery and instructions for testing from your institution. There is a $15 fee for test administration.
- You must bring a valid picture ID (Driver’s license or student ID) with you in order to take the test.
- You must read and sign the student testing agreement.
- You will be subject to Rend Lake College’s policies on Academic Dishonesty and will be subject to the same penalties as RLC students for abuse of this policy.
- We reserve the right to deny the testing service to any outside agency should the offering of this service become problematic.
Testing Center
Department Phone Number: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1268
Department Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Testing Center
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Testing Center
Testing Center
Schedule Your Testing Appointment Here
The Testing Center is located in the Baker Administration Building on our Ina Campus. We offer a range of testing services, including placement tests, general test proctoring and testing for outside agencies. You can even take examinations for college credit. View the information below to get started with Testing Center services at RLC.
ACCUPLACER
ACCUPLACER is a series of untimed computerized placement tests developed by American College Testing (ACT). Students need to take the ACCUPLACER test if they plan to take a class with a math, English and/or reading prerequisite.
Enroll at RLC 
Call to set up your test 618-437-5321 Ext. 1266
Students are exempt if they scored at least a 20 in English, a 20 in Reading and a 22 in Math on the ACT; or a 480 in English and a 530 in Math on the SAT. ACCUPLACER testing takes place on a daily basis on campus with other testing dates and times scheduled as needed. Test scores are valid for five years. Students are allowed to take the ACCUPLACER test a maximum of two times after the beginning of their senior year in high school.
ACCUPLACER is FREE.
Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC)
MSSC testing is managed through RLC's Community and Corporate Education division. Interested in taking a certification exam? Contact RLC Community and Corporate Education to set up a time to take the exam in our Testing Center.MSSC Assessments tested at RLC include Safety, Quality Practices & Measurement, Manufacturing Processes and Production, Maintenance Awareness, and Green Production.
Get prepared for MSSC tests with training through RLC Community and Corporate Education.
$60 one-time setup fee. $50 per exam. Call Community and Corporate Education 618-437-5321 Ext. 1380.
Staff
Testing Center
Department Phone Number: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1268
Department Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Testing Center
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Testing Center
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STARS is a federally funded TRIO program committed to the success of first-generation, low-income, and/or scholars with disabilities. Our mission is to empower scholars to:
- Develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and attributes to complete a post-secondary education.
- Achieve maximum academic success and career readiness.
- Graduate as skilled, self-actualizing professionals and global citizens who lead through best practices and lifelong learning.
Services Provided (Free for STARS Scholars)
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One-on-One Tutoring |
Career Guidance |
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Individualized Academic Advising |
Cultural Enrichment Activities |
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Priority Class Registration |
Access to STARS computer Lab |
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Personal and Academic Support |
FAFSA Assistance and Financial Literacy Training |
Eligibility
1. First Generation (Neither parent/guardian has a four-year college degree), and/or
2. Financial need (receive the federal Pell Grant), and/or
3. Utilize the Rend Lake College Disability Services
For more information feel free to browse our STARS brochure or e-mail us at [email protected].
Staff
Useful Links
Transfer Colleges:
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale - www.siuc.edu
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville - www.siue.edu
Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois - www.eiu.edu
Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky - www.murraystate.edu
University of Illinois, Springfield - www.uis.edu
University of Illinois, Chicago - www.uic.edu
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign - www.uiuc.edu
McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois - www.mckendree.edu
Greenville College - http://www.greenville.edu/
Scholarship Information:
College View—http://www.collegeview.com/financialaid/index.html
FastWeb—http://www.fastweb.com
College Board Search—
http://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_ss/welcome.jsp
Illinois Dollars for Scholars—
http://www.illinoisdollarsforscholars.org/students.php
SIU-C Scholarship Search—http://fao.siu.edu/scholarships/sch_search.php
RLC Foundation Scholarship Opportunities—http://www.rlc.edu/foundation
College-Scholarships.com —http://www.college-scholarships.com/
Scholarships.com —http://www.scholarships.com/
Other Useful Websites:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) —http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
The Student Survival Manual —www.luminet.net/~jackp/survival.html
MatchCollege - http://www.matchcollege.com
Our STARS Program is a Student Support Services grant, funded by the U. S. Department of Education as a component of TRIO. It is designed to help eligible Rend Lake College students make the most of their college years by offering the counseling and academic support that may be needed to successfully complete a college degree and transfer to a four-year university. The STARS Program assists 160 Rend Lake College students each year.
Student Support Services is a grant developed in 1965 under Title IV of the Higher Education and Cooperation Act and is administered by the U. S. Department of Education. There are over 900 Student Support Services programs serving college students nationwide. Rend Lake College was awarded a TRIO Student Support Services grant for the first time in 1997.
Upcoming Events
| Kids Camps: Let's Get Fit Grades 4-6 Jun 24 2021 |
| Kids Camps: RLC Bakeshop Grades 4-8 Jun 24 2021 |
| Kids Camps: Garbage Pail Science Grades 1-3 Jun 24 2021 |
| CANCELLED - Kids Camps: Music & Movement Grades 4-6 Jun 24 2021 |
| SAFE Advocate on Campus Jun 30 2021 |
| Family Fun Night at the Aquatic Zoo Jun 30 2021 |
| Summer Midterm Jul 02 2021 |
| Independence Day Holiday (observed) Jul 05 2021 |
| Summer Grant & Scholarship Refunds Jul 07 2021 |
| Fall Semester Payment Deadline Jul 15 2021 |