Mental Health America

RLC has many resources available for people who are looking to improve mental health. The college has partnered with Mental Health America, 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.

Mental Health America | Community Resource Booklet

BetterMynd

Rend Lake College is partnered with BetterMynd to offer our students access to private online therapy sessions from their diverse network of licensed mental health counselors.

These 50-minute, live video-sessions are private, confidential, and can take place from the convenience of your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Sessions are available during the day, at night, and on the weekends. BetterMynd also provides free self-help resources and free group workshops to all Rend Lake students.

To register and get started with a counselor that’s a good fit for you, sign-up here.

If you have any questions about these services, you can also email BetterMynd at [email protected]

Food Pantry

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 

Housing Assistance

In an effort to provide assistance to students experiencing homelessness, Rend Lake College has designated a staff member, Sarah Draper, to serve as a liaison to assist enrolled students who are experiencing housing insecurity.  Sarah is happy to help connect you with campus and community resources surrounding housing insecurity.

Local Housing Authorities: 

• Franklin County: 618-439-2601
• Hamilton County: 618-643-3265
• Jefferson County: 618-244-5910
• Perry County: 618-542-5409
• Wayne County: 618-842-9008
• White County: 618-966-3868
• Federal Housing Assistance: United States Department of Housing and Urban Development: www.hud.gov.  
  

For a complete list of resources in our area please download our RL-Cares Community Resource Booklet 

Laptop and Loaner Webcam Program

Rend Lake College has a Laptop and Webcam Loaner Program. If you need to borrow a laptop or webcam to complete coursework, please contact the RL-Cares program at [email protected] or by calling 618-437-5321 x 1225. Laptops require a deposit of $60. If you are a financial aid recipient, you may use FAFSA to pay the deposit. Webcams do not require a deposit. You will need to return the laptop/webcam at the end of the semester or contact RL-Cares to extend the terms of your loaner agreement.

Post-Secondary Education Services for Youth In Care

If you are a student exiting DCFS/youth in care, you might be eligible for educational funding.  For more information, visit the Illinois DCFS website DCFS (illinois.gov) 

Student Ambassadors

WHAT IS THE STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM?

The student ambassador program is a leadership opportunity for an honorary group of students who are dedicated to serving and representing Rend Lake College.  Student Ambassadors provide campus tours, seek to enhance prospective student’s knowledge about the various student support services and programs offered at Rend Lake College, service as a Rend Lake College representative within the campus community, and perform duties at various Rend Lake College campus and community events.

WHAT DOES A STUDENT AMBASSADOR DO?

• Develop an expanded knowledge of Rend Lake College

• Conduct campus tours for new students, schools, classes and guests.

• Assist with the preparation and implementation of Warrior Days and Orientation.

• Represent Rend Lake College during college events.

• Assist with duties and tasks related to events put on by various Rend Lake College departments.

• Work with diverse populations and provide tips on being a successful student

• Assist with a variety of office-related tasks.

• Attend periodic meetings and required training

• All other duties as assigned

BENEFITS OF BECOMING A STUDENT AMBASSADOR

• Gain experience through community involvement and service

• Develop a wide range of transferrable skills to benefit both personal and professional ventures

• Gain leadership skills to enhance a resume as well as university and scholarship applications

• Create relationships that lead to letters of recommendation

• Help students and the community learn more about Rend Lake College

• Receive an official Rend Lake College polo and nametag

HOW TO BECOME A STUDENT AMBASSADOR

Qualifications to Apply

• Must be a currently enrolled Rend Lake College student for the application year

• Must have completed at least one semester or at least six credit hours at Rend Lake College to apply

• Must have a semester and a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

• Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the college.

• The position has a one year minimum commitment.

• Demonstrate strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.

• Exhibit leadership, initiative, dependability, discipline, and enthusiasm.

Student Ambassadors….

• Are positive

• Excel at communicating with others

• Provide excellent customer service

• Have Warrior Pride

• Are open to learning new things

• Have a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Will receive a three-credit hour tuition award

To apply:

• Request a Student Ambassador Application by emailing [email protected]

• Submit the application by March 15th for the upcoming year.

**Please note ~Applying to the Student Ambassador Program does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

WANT TO NOMINATE A STUDENT TO BE A STUDENT AMBASSADOR?

• Simply complete the Student Ambassador Nomination Form and submit by 3/15/2024 – the nominated students will be reviewed and contacted to complete an application. You can get a nomination form by emailing [email protected]

For more information:

Vickie Schulte

Dean of Student Success and Development

618-437-5321, ext 1331

[email protected]