Adult Education and GED Preparation
Adult Education offers a variety of courses to help meet the diverse needs of the community. Adult Secondary Education courses prepare students for passing the GED test. Passing the test demonstrates eligibility for a high school equivalency certificate. Adult Basic Education courses are available to students who need to review basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics for personal development or advancement to higher-level courses. Job skills courses help students improve opportunities for employment, and parenting classes are provided at selected sites.
To enroll in the program, students must first attend an orientation. Orientation for most classes will last about 2.5 hours. The session is free. Individuals interested in enrolling in the program must be at least 16. All classes for the program are free to eligible students. For more information, visit the Adult Education Office, Room SC08, or call 217.875.7211, Ext. 6355.
English as a Second Language Program
English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are available for individuals who are native speakers of another language and who need to improve their English speaking, reading, and writing skills for academic or employment purposes. Courses are offered at the pre-beginning, beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. All classes and textbooks for this program are free. Persons interested in enrolling in these classes should contact the Adult Education Office, Room SC08, 217.875.7211, Ext. 6355, for further information.
Kitty Lindsey Learning Resources Center (Library)
Richland Community College is a member of a group of nearly 100 academic libraries in Illinois that allows each RCC student equal borrowing privileges across the campuses. Delivery of materials is free and occurs daily. This service means that RCC students have millions of items at their fingertips to complete their assignments successfully. Books may be borrowed for 28 days or longer, and borrowers will not accrue fines for overdue items at Richland. If an item is lost or damaged, a reasonable replacement fee will be assessed.
Reserve Shelf
This is where students might be able to check out a textbook and use it in the library or at home. For students who are on a limited budget or who forget to bring their text to campus, the reserve shelf is a handy service. Graphing calculators may also be checked out for the semester.
Research Assistance
Professional librarians are on hand every day to help student locate and evaluate the sources they need to finish an assignment whether through books, articles, or websites. Librarians are also available through email at askalibrarian@richland.edu.
Internet/Printing/Scanning
The Library is the campus hub for these services. With nearly 30 workstations, two printers, two photocopy/scanners with pdf + email capability, the Library is centrally located for easy use by students in all disciplines.
Quiet Study/Study Rooms
Students looking for a quiet place to study will find it in the Library. Study rooms can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Project Read Plus
Project Read Plus helps adult students improve basic reading and math skills through free one-on-one tutoring. Students gain background knowledge before taking math classes and often improve scores on Richland's placement tests. Call 217.423.7323 for more information and for an appointment on campus or at the tutoring center at the Decatur Public Library.
Richland Foundation
The Richland Community College Foundation was established in 1980 to encourage and receive contributions in support of the College. Foundation funds are designated for scholarships, facilities and equipment, technological innovations, educational and developmental programs, and community service projects. For information, call 217.875-7211, Ext. 6350.
Alumni Association
The Richland Alumni Association was created in 1985 to offer opportunities for alumni to connect with one another and to enjoy events and other activities of mutual interest. Goals include promoting the personal, educational, and professional development of alumni and establishing and encouraging a mutually beneficial relationship between the College and its alumni. For information call 217.875.7211, Ext. 6203, or visit www.richland.edu/alumni.
Fitness Center
Fitness Center coaches are available to help each person establish a fitness program based on individual fitness goals and abilities. The fitness program uses elliptical cross trainers, stationary bikes, treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, free weights, and Hammer Strength weight machines to provide a combined aerobic/muscle-toning workout. A cross-fit program is offered, which ensures maximum results in a shorter 20-30-minute workout session.
The Fitness Center also offers fitness testing. Regular fitness testing can objectively measure the effectiveness of a fitness program and can possibly save months or even years of hard work. If progress is not significant, immediate changes can be made to the program.
The Fitness Center is available on a first-come, first-serve basis with short or no wait times to use the equipment. Locker room and shower facilities are available. The Fitness Center is located in Room 116 in the Workforce Development Institute. For more information, call 217-875-7211, Ext. 6324 or 6290, or visit www.richland.edu/fitness.
Workforce Development
Richland Community College provides a variety of professional training and community education opportunities in formats ranging from full-day classes to short-term workshops held in the evening, during the day, or on Saturdays. Richland can provide customized training that fits the specific needs of any business, industry, or individual. Richland’s priority is to serve the needs of the District’s varied population.
Professional Development: Business and corporate training options to update knowledge and theory in order to fulfill job responsibilities, find a new career, or upgrade one’s current position are offered in areas such as occupational safety, workforce training for specific applications, commercial truck driver training and supervisory management skills.
Personal Development: Opportunities for self-growth and development of new skills are available in non-credit topics ranging from technology to dance to culinary.
Shilling Community Education Center: The Center features a 325-seat auditorium, banquet room with seating for 300, conference rooms, and several classrooms available for use. The facility is available for meetings, programs, teleconferences, performances, and other events. Call 217.875.7211, Ext. 6240.
Richland Discover
A variety of summer classes are offered for youth for hands-on academic opportunities.