Academics
Online Students
Whether advancing their career or a stay-at-home parent seeking further education, Rend Lake College believes that education should be accessible to everyone regardless of their location or schedule.
Online Applications
Canvas
Canvas is the online course management system used at RLC. It serves as your primary source for online course participation, including viewing lectures, submitting assignments, etc.
WarriorMail
WarriorMail is your free RLC student email. We enjoy a mail system that allows us to send important RLC communications and any other approved email communications to our students. You'll enjoy the robust features of Google's Gmail — a heavyweight email provider.Online Navigation Essentials - ONE 1500
Online Navigation Essentials (ONE 1500) primes you for the online learning environment. We'll give you helpful hints and tips, let you know what to expect and where to begin, and get you familiar with your account, registering for classes, online courses, tech requirements, and valuable resources. RLC online learning starts at ONE.
Learning in the online environment can be a rewarding and valuable experience, but it is important that you know what to expect throughout your journey. That’s where ONE 1500 comes in. Any student enrolled in an online or hybrid course will be required to complete Online Navigation Essentials (ONE 1500), a one-time online orientation. These self-paced lessons and activities provide necessary and essential skills for online learning.
The Online Navigation Essentials (ONE 1500) orientation module, found in Canvas, contains helpful hints and tips which provide an introduction to the online environment. The information provided will help you become familiar with the software and terminology important to online learning.
Completing ONE 1500 before accessing your online or hybrid courses is essential to being successful in this style of learning. Keep in mind, you must succesfully complete ONE 1500 before you can enroll in future courses.
What to expect?
During ONE 1500, you will complete various activities which will help you determine if online learning is right for you and assist you in navigating this style of learning. Our goal is to make your online learning experience a successful and rewarding one. ONE 1500 will give you a great start to your online experience!
How do I start ONE 1500?
Go to Canvas and sign in with the credentials you received when you registered for class. Look for the ONE 1500 module, click the title, and just follow the directions.
Need help? Call the Help Desk at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1259 or email ONE_1500_Help@rlc.edu.
Canvas
Canvas is the online course management system used at RLC. It serves as your primary source for online course participation, including viewing lectures, submitting assignments, etc.
WarriorMail
WarriorMail is your free RLC student email. We enjoy a mail system that allows us to send important RLC communications and any other approved email communications to our students. You'll enjoy the robust features of Google's Gmail — a heavyweight email provider.Online Navigation Essentials - ONE 1500
Online Navigation Essentials (ONE 1500) primes you for the online learning environment. We'll give you helpful hints and tips, let you know what to expect and where to begin, and get you familiar with your account, registering for classes, online courses, tech requirements, and valuable resources. RLC online learning starts at ONE.
Learning in the online environment can be a rewarding and valuable experience, but it is important that you know what to expect throughout your journey. That’s where ONE 1500 comes in. Any student enrolled in an online or hybrid course will be required to complete Online Navigation Essentials (ONE 1500), a one-time online orientation. These self-paced lessons and activities provide necessary and essential skills for online learning.
The Online Navigation Essentials (ONE 1500) orientation module, found in Canvas, contains helpful hints and tips which provide an introduction to the online environment. The information provided will help you become familiar with the software and terminology important to online learning.
Completing ONE 1500 before accessing your online or hybrid courses is essential to being successful in this style of learning. Keep in mind, you must succesfully complete ONE 1500 before you can enroll in future courses.
What to expect?
During ONE 1500, you will complete various activities which will help you determine if online learning is right for you and assist you in navigating this style of learning. Our goal is to make your online learning experience a successful and rewarding one. ONE 1500 will give you a great start to your online experience!
How do I start ONE 1500?
Go to Canvas and sign in with the credentials you received when you registered for class. Look for the ONE 1500 module, click the title, and just follow the directions.
Need help? Call the Help Desk at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1259 or email ONE_1500_Help@rlc.edu.
Online Learning
To protect the privacy of your account, as well as academic honesty, it is important that you do not share your login information with others. Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined by RLC’s Academic Integrity policy in the Student Handbook.Logging On
Login NOW: Make sure you can access your Warriormail and Canvas accounts before you need to submit assignments. Some students have run into issues when logging into those accounts on their personal computers for the first time. The programs may not recognize the device. Avoid frustration and panic by making sure you have access to what you need as soon as possible. Login to Warriormail first. Students who try to login to their Canvas account before accessing Warriormail sometimes run into a 403 error message. If you do get a 403 error, you can either sign into another Google account or log out of all Google accounts and then sign in.Communication
Check your assignment dates: Not everything is due at the end of the week. Most online classes have assignments due on Fridays. But that is not the case for ALL classes as RLC makes its shift online. Students need to check their assignment dates for all courses because classes may differ.Tutoring
Online tutoring is available for those looking for assistance. We will be using the Zoom app for all online tutoring. To join an online Zoom tutoring session please email Dr. Kirk Rhodes at rhodesk@rlc.edu.Tech & Research Support
Ask for help: If you run into issues accessing accounts or navigating the shift to online classes, you can always contact the Help Desk. We'll be monitoring emails and calls from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday – Friday. Of course, you can always leave a voicemail or send an email and we'll get to your issue as soon as we can. Send an email to help-desk@rlc.edu or call 618-437-5321, ext. 1259. The Help Desk cannot send usernames or passwords via email, but if students leave a phone number in the email, the Help Desk will call them back with their info. Response time will vary depending on the volume of requests. Please be patient — someone will contact you as soon as possible.
Need help with research? We are here to help with any of your research projects; from choosing a topic to citing the resources you plan to use in your writing, presentations or speeches. You can ask questions by calling, emailing, using the Ask a Question link, or through a virtual meeting:
(618) 437-5321, ext. 1276 | reference@rlc.edu | Ask a Question
Let's meet up on Google Meet or Zoom to get you started with your research!
Logging into the electronic resources (EBSCO, SIRs, JSTOR) requires you to use your RLC student username and password which is the same login you use for Canvas only you don't include the @warriormail.rlc.edu in the username.
Online Learning
To protect the privacy of your account, as well as academic honesty, it is important that you do not share your login information with others. Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined by RLC’s Academic Integrity policy in the Student Handbook.Logging On
Login NOW: Make sure you can access your Warriormail and Canvas accounts before you need to submit assignments. Some students have run into issues when logging into those accounts on their personal computers for the first time. The programs may not recognize the device. Avoid frustration and panic by making sure you have access to what you need as soon as possible. Login to Warriormail first. Students who try to login to their Canvas account before accessing Warriormail sometimes run into a 403 error message. If you do get a 403 error, you can either sign into another Google account or log out of all Google accounts and then sign in.Communication
Check your assignment dates: Not everything is due at the end of the week. Most online classes have assignments due on Fridays. But that is not the case for ALL classes as RLC makes its shift online. Students need to check their assignment dates for all courses because classes may differ.Tutoring
Online tutoring is available for those looking for assistance. We will be using the Zoom app for all online tutoring. To join an online Zoom tutoring session please email Dr. Kirk Rhodes at rhodesk@rlc.edu.Tech & Research Support
Ask for help: If you run into issues accessing accounts or navigating the shift to online classes, you can always contact the Help Desk. We'll be monitoring emails and calls from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday – Friday. Of course, you can always leave a voicemail or send an email and we'll get to your issue as soon as we can. Send an email to help-desk@rlc.edu or call 618-437-5321, ext. 1259. The Help Desk cannot send usernames or passwords via email, but if students leave a phone number in the email, the Help Desk will call them back with their info. Response time will vary depending on the volume of requests. Please be patient — someone will contact you as soon as possible.
Need help with research? We are here to help with any of your research projects; from choosing a topic to citing the resources you plan to use in your writing, presentations or speeches. You can ask questions by calling, emailing, using the Ask a Question link, or through a virtual meeting:
(618) 437-5321, ext. 1276 | reference@rlc.edu | Ask a Question
Let's meet up on Google Meet or Zoom to get you started with your research!
Logging into the electronic resources (EBSCO, SIRs, JSTOR) requires you to use your RLC student username and password which is the same login you use for Canvas only you don't include the @warriormail.rlc.edu in the username.
Browser Plug-Ins & Extras
Adobe Acrobat Reader (Windows/Linux/Mac/Android)
Adobe's Acrobat Reader allows you to view, print and save pdf documents such as the many forms found on rlc.edu. Acrobat Reader will not allow you to create pdf documents. Acrobat Reader is free and easy to install.
Adobe Flash Player (Windows/Linux/Mac)
This plug-in allows you to view flash content on web pages. Flash is safe and completely free.
Adobe Shockwave (Windows/Mac)
This plug-in allows you to view shockwave content on web pages. Shockwave is safe and completely free.
Java (Windows/Max/Linux/Solaris)
This plug-in is required to view some content on the Internet, including features of Blackboard.
Productivity Software / Office Applications
Microsoft Office 365 (Windows/Macs/iPad/Android)
Office 365 Education for Students is available for RLC students and it's free! Office 365 products include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft OneNote, Teams and other tools. Use your WarriorMail credentials to get started!
Google Applications (online, cloud-based access)
Google provides the following cloud-based tools; available to you from any device with Internet access!
- Google Drive - an online file storage option offering 15GB of cloud-based storage for your files
- Google Docs - an online word processing tool
- Google Slides - an online slide presentation application
- Google Sheets - an online spreadsheet application
Use your WarriorMail address or Gmail account to log in and create, edit, and collaborate from anywhere. By default, Google applications save your files to your online storage within Google Drive.
Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer (Windows)
PowerPoint Viewer is a free download and allows you to view existing presentations created in PowerPoint 2007 or later.
OpenOffice (Windows/Linux/ Mac)
Apache OpenOffice is an open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose.
Web Browsers & Other Tools
Mozilla Firefox (Windows/Linux/Mac)
A free, non-profit browser for desktop or mobile.
Google Chrome (Windows/Linux/Mac/Android/iOS)
A free Web browser for desktop or mobile use.
Respondus LockDown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser is a web browser that may be required to access tests or quizzes within Blackboard. Not all online/hybrid courses utilize LockDown Browser. Your instructor will inform you of LockDown Browser requirements and provide documentation to help you get started.
Microsoft Silverlight
Silverlight is a free plug-in that works with your browser to provide access to interactive web pages.
PaperCut
Our new print management system gives students the ability to self-manage printing needs efficiently and securely, Manage Account.NC-SARA
Rend Lake College has been approved by Illinois to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Learn more at www.nc-sara.org.Browser Plug-Ins & Extras
Adobe Acrobat Reader (Windows/Linux/Mac/Android)
Adobe's Acrobat Reader allows you to view, print and save pdf documents such as the many forms found on rlc.edu. Acrobat Reader will not allow you to create pdf documents. Acrobat Reader is free and easy to install.
Adobe Flash Player (Windows/Linux/Mac)
This plug-in allows you to view flash content on web pages. Flash is safe and completely free.
Adobe Shockwave (Windows/Mac)
This plug-in allows you to view shockwave content on web pages. Shockwave is safe and completely free.
Java (Windows/Max/Linux/Solaris)
This plug-in is required to view some content on the Internet, including features of Blackboard.
Productivity Software / Office Applications
Microsoft Office 365 (Windows/Macs/iPad/Android)
Office 365 Education for Students is available for RLC students and it's free! Office 365 products include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft OneNote, Teams and other tools. Use your WarriorMail credentials to get started!
Google Applications (online, cloud-based access)
Google provides the following cloud-based tools; available to you from any device with Internet access!
- Google Drive - an online file storage option offering 15GB of cloud-based storage for your files
- Google Docs - an online word processing tool
- Google Slides - an online slide presentation application
- Google Sheets - an online spreadsheet application
Use your WarriorMail address or Gmail account to log in and create, edit, and collaborate from anywhere. By default, Google applications save your files to your online storage within Google Drive.
Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer (Windows)
PowerPoint Viewer is a free download and allows you to view existing presentations created in PowerPoint 2007 or later.
OpenOffice (Windows/Linux/ Mac)
Apache OpenOffice is an open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose.
Web Browsers & Other Tools
Mozilla Firefox (Windows/Linux/Mac)
A free, non-profit browser for desktop or mobile.
Google Chrome (Windows/Linux/Mac/Android/iOS)
A free Web browser for desktop or mobile use.
Respondus LockDown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser is a web browser that may be required to access tests or quizzes within Blackboard. Not all online/hybrid courses utilize LockDown Browser. Your instructor will inform you of LockDown Browser requirements and provide documentation to help you get started.
Microsoft Silverlight
Silverlight is a free plug-in that works with your browser to provide access to interactive web pages.
PaperCut
Our new print management system gives students the ability to self-manage printing needs efficiently and securely, Manage Account.NC-SARA
Rend Lake College has been approved by Illinois to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Learn more at www.nc-sara.org.Submitting a Complaint
An informal complaint should be addressed with the appropriate faculty or staff member. If the issue is not resolved, the student may initiate a formal complaint by submitting the electronic complaint form. The complaint will be assigned to an administrator to investigate and render a decision.
If you have a complaint that needs to be addressed, please follow the process in the Student Handbook outlined here: Rend Lake College Student Handbook. Any questions regarding the complaint process should be directed to the Vice President of Student Services.
Rend Lake College is committed to resolving student complaints in a prompt and fair manner. The college works diligently to find positive resolutions to all student concerns. Please exhaust all avenues of complaint resolution both informally and formally before going outside the College.
Online FAQS
Should I take an online course?
Online learning is a very different environment than that of the traditional classroom. With that in mind, online learning is not for everyone. So, how can you tell? Your answers to the following questions will help you decide:
- Am I self-motivated and self-disciplined?
- Can I communicate effectively through written communication?
- Do I have basic computer skills: word processing, internet browsing, email (including sending and receiving attachments?)
- Do I have practically unlimited access to a computer and internet service?
- Am I open-minded about sharing life, work and educational experiences?
- Do I have the ability to learn new software without classroom instruction?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, chances are you are a good candidate for success in an online course. A few “no” answers to these questions may identify areas that need strengthened or addressed, but you may still decide that online learning is a good choice for you.
If you answered “no” to many of the questions, this may indicate that your chances for success may be greater in a traditional course setting at this time. As your skills and experience grow, you may decide to revisit the option of online learning in the future.
Do I need specific technology skills or equipment?
In order to be successful in an online learning environment, you will need to have some basic computer skills. Your online learning experience will be less stressful if these competencies have been mastered.
- Operate a web browser
- Download, upload and install files
- Access your e-mail account
- Send and receive e-mail with attachments
- Use a word processor to create and print documents
- Use presentation software (such as PowerPoint) to create presentation slides
It is also important that you have nearly unlimited access to a computer with Internet access. As for hardware and software requirements, please visit here for information about requirements and recommendations
How do online courses work?
How do I access my online course?
Usernames and passwords for your online accounts will be automatically generated and given to you by your advisor when you register for classes. Access your online courses by visiting here or clicking on the Canvas link from the MyRLC portal. Use your username and password to log in.
Note: To protect the privacy of your accounts, it is important that you do not share your login information with others.
What login do I use?
You will be prompted to log into a Google account. That is normal and expected. (Canvas is tied to your WarriorMail, which is actually a Google account.) Use the username (lastnamefirstinitial####) and password provided to you but be sure to include @warriormail.rlc.edu with your username.
If you receive an error message, check to see if you are already logged in to your browser under a different Google account, perhaps a personal account. Log out of the account and refresh the page to try again.
What is Canvas?
When will students be added to Canvas courses?
Is there a Canvas app?
What is MyRLC?
What is the difference between an “online course” and a “hybrid course”?
Courses at Rend Lake College are offered in the following structures or formats:
- Face-to-Face – In this type of course, you will attend classes on campus or at an extension center in a physical setting with an instructor present. Canvas may be used for assignment submission, course document dissemination, etc.
- Hybrid – The hybrid course will require you to complete a portion of the coursework online using Canvas and the remainder of the coursework will be completed in a face-to-face learning setting. Campus visits will be necessary for this type of class. Course numbers for a hybrid course will include a section number beginning with "Y", for example, CSCI 1101-Y1. The "Y" indicates a hybrid course.
- Online – The online course is designed for you to complete your course online using Canvas. You are expected to have a computer available and access to the Internet. Course numbers for an online course will include a section number beginning with "N", for example, CSCI 1101-N1. The "N" indicates an online course.
Please note that some online courses require you to visit a test-proctoring site to complete the test requirements for the course. You will be informed of and instructed on test proctoring procedures by the course instructor.
Online access to the hybrid and/or online course may not be made available until the first day of class as early course availability is at the discretion of the instructor.
Please refer to the Official Catalog for more detailed information about your course.
Do I have to complete the orientation if I already have taken an online class?
Will the instructor see the results of my successful online student’s assessment?
Can I use my WarriorMail account for personal use?
Who can I contact to get help with using the Electronic Library?
What does OSR stand for?
What if I get a 403 error?
Why am I having problems submitting a Google Doc via the Canvas Student App?
This is an "on the fly" video, but hopefully it will help. See How to Submit a Google Docs to the Canvas Student App for step-by-step documentation.
