Richland Community College: A Central Illinois Institution of Learning
Richland Community College (RCC), located in Decatur, Illinois, stands as a pillar of education in the heart of Central Illinois. Founded in 1971, the college has a long-standing commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities and fostering community growth. This article delves into the history, mission, academic offerings, campus facilities, and community engagement that define Richland Community College.
A Foundation of Comprehensive Education
In 1971, Richland Community College was founded with a mission to be a comprehensive community college. At that time, its mission statement identified it as a comprehensive community college, which required that it offer baccalaureate, technical, continuing education, and community service programs. For over 45 years, that is what the College has done. Since its founding, the basic purpose and mission have not dramatically changed. However, the scope of activities and the manner in which they occur have evolved significantly to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Yesterday’s community colleges measured their success by how many students they served. Today’s community colleges measure success by how well they serve. Today’s new economy retains the elements of mass production but adds new standards for quality, variety, sustainability, innovation, convenience, and timeliness. For a college to serve well, it must commit to improving standards of quality. It must commit to providing education, programs, and services in a variety of ways to diverse people at ever-changing times and places. Richland’s faculty and staff are committed to meeting the challenges of the new economies and technologies. They are committed to providing the leadership and education required to create a talented pool of people who will help Central Illinois grow and prosper in an increasingly complex world.
Campus and Facilities
Richland Community College serves its District with the main campus, in Decatur, and two extension centers. The College’s main campus resides on a site of 155 acres of land. Following substantial growth and expansion, Richland currently contains 293,590 sq ft (27,275 m2). Richland creates on a regular basis a Facilities Master Plan to guide construction and remodeling efforts to meet programmatic and institutional needs.
Over the years, Richland Community College has undertaken numerous construction and remodeling projects to enhance its facilities and meet the evolving needs of its students and the community. These include:
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September 1990: Construction began on the Weidenbacher Greenhouse.
March 1992: Work began on the Shilling Community Education Center, a 44,600-square-foot structure with auditorium.
December 2002: The new Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District building built on Richland’s campus was dedicated.
Fall 2004: The Human Simulator Lab became operational.
September 2007: Ground was broken for the Early Childhood classroom and Fitness Center.
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February 2008: the Agribusiness and Occupational Technology Center was renamed the Dwayne O.
April 2009: The Adele P.
Fall 2021: The redesigned first floor South Wing opened to classes; science labs, Health Professions classrooms, and the Academic Success Center occupy the space.
Extension Centers and Off-Campus Sites
In addition to the main campus, Richland Community College operates two primary off-campus locations:
- The Fairview Park Plaza Extension Center: Located at 1485 King Street in Decatur, this center provides classroom space for both credit and non-credit classes and is also rented by businesses for training workshops.
- The Clinton Higher Education Center: Situated at 140 Sunrise Court in Clinton, Illinois, this center offers admissions, advising, registration, placement testing, virtual testing, and financial aid services. Credit classes and workshops are scheduled in Clinton, as well as in other communities throughout Richland's district. Interactive evening credit classes are held via distance learning.
Several other off-campus sites, including high schools, host classes for Richland Community College. Heartland Technical Academy provides dual credit classes for high school students on Richland's main campus. Project READ, (a personal adult-tutoring program for reading and math), is located at the Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin in Decatur.
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Academic Profile
Richland Community College utilizes a semester-based academic year. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 45 different fields. Popular programs include: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Biological and Physical Sciences, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. The highest degree offered at Richland Community College is an associate degree.
Student Life and Support Services
Richland Community College provides a range of services to support students in their academic and personal development. These include:
- Academic/career counseling services
- Placement services for completers
- Employment services for students
- Credit for life experiences
Financial Aid and Tuition
For the academic year 2020-2021, the in-district tuition and fees were $4,590, in-state tuition and fees were $9,090, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $19,260. There is no application fee. At Richland Community College, 56 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $3,513.Books and supplies $1,320
Community Engagement and Recognition
Richland Community College is deeply involved in the local community, offering various programs and initiatives to promote education and economic development.
- Fall 2004: Decatur was chosen as one of the permanent sites for the Farm Progress Show. Decatur will host the show every other year, beginning fall 2005, for the next 20 years.
- Fall 2005: Richland entered into agreements with Logan, Lincoln, and Jacksonville (including Pittsfield Work Camp) Correctional Centers to offer programs to Department of Corrections students.
- March 2020: Richland hosted Women Changing the Face of Agriculture, a statewide gathering of almost 1000 students, advisors, and professionals to showcase employment opportunities in agriculture for women.
The college also celebrates the achievements of individuals who contribute to the community through events like the EnRich Program Recognition & Awards.
Adapting to Challenges
Richland Community College has demonstrated its ability to adapt to changing circumstances, as evidenced by its response to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Spring 2020: Richland responded to the coronavirus pandemic by transitioning to an all-online course delivery for the remainder of the semester.
- Summer 2020: Remodeling began in the first floor South Wing as part of the Facilities Master Plan.
- Fall 2020 and Spring 2021: Courses were designed using one of 3 formats: online, online live, and hybrid. Employees worked from home as much as possible, and typical events were held virtually or cancelled.
Leadership and Vision
Richland Community College is led by dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators who are committed to providing quality education and supporting student success. The college's leadership emphasizes learning, improvement, and service, with a focus on assisting students in achieving their educational goals.
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