Starting a college journey comes with a learning curve. At Rend Lake College, no student has to figure it out alone. From academic support and state-of-the-art tech tools to personal wellness initiatives and reliable child care, RLC has built a student-centered network of campus resources designed to help every Warrior thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Located at the center of the Ina campus, the Mary & George Slankard Learning Resource Center (LRC) is a hub for studying, research and technical tools.
At the LRC, students can borrow up to 10 items at a time, for three weeks, using their valid student ID. Students have access to books, DVDs, course reserve materials and Interlibrary Loans.
The LRC features an Open Computer Lab (LRC 128), loaner laptops, webcams, headphones and portable charging stations. Have printing needs? Every student receives a $15 print credit per semester via PaperCut . Printing charges are 10 cents per page for black & white, and 25 cents per page for full color.
The Electronic Library is an online source of helpful content for individuals to use. Discover resources such as eBooks, digital newspapers, RLC's library catalog, articles, research databases, streaming video, maps, digital archives, Story Time Kits and more.
The Student Success Center is a space at the LRC that's designed to help students learn, study and succeed. Whether you prefer to study independently in a quiet space, collaborate with classmates in a small group or take advantage of hands-on learning resources, the Center has something for you.
Students can use computers and whiteboards, study anatomy and physiology with skeletons and bone models, practice skills with the welding simulator or gain hands-on experience using nursing simulators. The Center also serves as a designated study hall space for student-athletes, providing a supportive environment to stay focused on academics.
Located in the LRC, the Wellness Room is a quiet, comfortable space where students and staff can relax, recharge and take a break to support their mental and emotional well-being. Students can also visit the Lactation Room, which offers a private space where nursing parents can comfortably and safely pump or breastfeed while on campus.
Get the support you need to succeed. RLC offers free tutoring services to current students, providing personalized academic assistance, study strategies, and the confidence to reach your goals. Whether you are looking to master a difficult formula, refine a speech, or polish an essay, our specialized campus labs are here to help.
The Communications Lab
is located in the North Oasis, just across the sidewalk from the LRC. Students receive personalized assistance with speech preparation, outline building and presentation delivery to hone their public speaking skills.
The Writing Lab, also located in the North Oasis, offers one-on-one guidance for brainstorming, essay structuring, citation formatting and final proofreading for any writing assignment across campus.
Students who visit the Math Lab in the North Oasis receive access to tutoring, formula review and step-by-step problem-solving support for math courses ranging from foundational skills to advanced statistics and calculus.
In addition to our subject-specific labs, general peer tutoring is available to support your academic coursework. If you need extra help in a class, you can request a tutor by submitting a request form to the Director of the SHINE Program and Tutoring in the LRC. Want to share your knowledge and help fellow Warriors succeed? RLC students who excel academically can also apply to become a campus tutor. To learn more about requesting assistance or signing up as a tutor, contact the Tutoring Coordinator at 618-437-5321 ext. 1204.
RL-Cares is a free service encouraging students to discuss various issues, personal and academic, pertaining to one’s educational future. Referrals to on- or off-campus resources, academic planning, connecting with community organizations and the development of a plan of action are potential outcomes from an RL-Cares meeting.
RL-Cares offices are located in two different areas on campus to promote accessibility: the LRC (LRC 117) and the Administration Building (Admin 121 & 105).
RLC has many resources available for people who are looking to improve their mental health. The college has partnered with Mental Health America, a college mental health support system that includes contact information for a range of local assistance providers and national help hotlines.
Students also have access to free BetterMynd online therapy sessions. These 50-minute, live video sessions are private and confidential, taking place from the convenience of your laptop, smartphone or tablet. To register and get started with a counselor who is a good fit for you, sign-up here.
TimelyCare is a free, confidential peer support platform for student mental health. Health coaching, basic needs information, self-care tools and an online community support platform are offered free of charge for students, faculty and staff.
Reaching out for support is the first step toward feeling better. If you need help, click here to download RLC's Community Resource Booklet.
The Student Emergency Fund was created to assist students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency or catastrophic event that would otherwise prevent them from continuing their education at RLC. All funds are provided through various fundraising activities and donations. For more information about the fund, click here or call RL-Cares at 618-437-5321 ext. 1225.
Located in the North Oasis, the RL-Cares Food Pantry provides dedicated support for students experiencing food insecurity. The pantry is funded through donations to make sure all students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically.
Each month, the RL-Cares team hosts free lunches on the Ina campus. “Lunch on the Lake” not only provides free meals for students, but it also offers an opportunity to explore on- and off-campus resources.
The CARES team connects students to personal counseling, academic planning, community agencies and emergency funds for unexpected financial hardships. A dedicated liaison will connect students facing housing insecurity with local housing authorities across Franklin, Jefferson, Perry and neighboring counties. To get in contact with the housing liaison, reach out to the RL-Cares team at 618-437-5321 ext. 1225.
The TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. RLC features two programs: Upward Bound and STARS (Student Transfer and Retention Support).
The STARS program visit Disney World in 2024.
The Upward Bound Program, a college preparatory program for high school students, is designed to provide academic support, personal/career advisement and cultural/social enrichment to students who have the academic ability to be successful in college. The Upward Bound program is open to students ages 13–19 enrolled at Benton, Hamilton County, Zeigler-Royalton or Mt. Vernon high schools who have completed 8th grade but have not yet entered their 12th-grade year. For more information about the Upward Bound program, contact 618-437-5321 ext. 1326.
The STARS program is committed to the success of students who are first-generation, income-eligible and/or have a documented disability. The program is dedicated to empowering scholars by building the essential skills and knowledge needed to complete their post-secondary education, maximize academic success and achieve career readiness. Scholars are prepared to graduate as skilled, lifelong learners and capable professionals ready to lead in their fields. For more information about the STARS program, contact 618-437-5321 ext. 1326.
The SHINE (Support Helping Individuals Navigate Education) program is a comprehensive program designed to empower individuals and provide them with the necessary skills and resources to secure employment, achieve independence and foster personal growth. Through SHINE, participants are equipped with the tools and support needed to succeed in the workforce, gain financial stability and build confidence in their abilities. For more information about the SHINE program, contact 618-437-5321 ext. 1205.
The RLC Foundation Children’s Center provides high-quality care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years during the academic year, with summer care available for ages up to 12. The center features tailored programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and pre-K students, using portfolio documentation and interactive learning centers to support individual development. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during fall and spring semesters, the facility serves RLC students, staff/faculty and area families by offering DHS subsidies and flexible payment options while doubling as a hands-on training site for RLC Early Childhood Education students.
Young graduates take the stage during the 2022 Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center Pre-K graduation ceremony.
The IT Help Desk provides students, faculty and staff with computer equipment, network access and technical support. The help desk also assists with common issues regarding Canvas, Experience, LRC online resources, WarriorMail (student email) and the Wireless Emergency Network System (WENS). To submit a request, contact the IT Help Desk by phone at 618-437-5321 ext. 1259, or submit an online request by emailing help-desk@rlc.edu.
RLC offers a variety of dining options across its campuses to keep students and staff energized throughout the week.
Located in the Student Center on the main campus, the RL Café serves hot breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students and staff can also take advantage of convenient online ordering ahead to skip the line!
Situated inside the LRC, Blended provides specialty drinks, coffee and quick bites during weekday morning-to-afternoon hours.
Located at the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy in Mt. Vernon, RLConfections offers handcrafted gourmet chocolates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.