Program Sunsets and Student Advising Updates

Program Sunsets and Student Advising Updates

• Students
• 05/14/2025

Rock Valley College continuously evaluates programs, degrees, and certificates to ensure that offerings are relevant and lead to employment or transfer.

Because of that, the college will add new programs and/or discontinue others. Below are some degrees and certificates that will no longer be offered at the college as well as some options to take in their place.

Computer Information Systems

Sunsetting Programs:

• Cisco CCNA Security Certificate (3776)
• Mobile App Development Certificate (2755)

Recommended Alternatives:

• Cybersecurity Technician Certificate (3778) - 15 credits
• Advanced Cybersecurity Technician Certificate (3779) - 20 credits
• Cybersecurity Specialist AAS (3775) - 64 credits
• Network Technician Certificate

These alternatives reflect the input of the program's Advisory Committee and support student readiness for the job market, including our AAS in Cybersecurity, designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the NSA and DHS.

For more information, please contact:
Peter Held, Interim Dean, CTE - p.held@rockvalleycollege.edu, 815-921-4106

Stephanie Wascher, Associate Professor/Program Chair - s.wasche@rockvalleycollege.edu, 815-921-3160

Graphic Arts

Sunsetting Program:

• Graphic Arts Technology AAS (8220)

Remaining Pathways:

• AAS in Graphic Design
• AAS in Cross Media

Advisors will receive a list of affected students, and the Arts & Social Sciences division will contact them directly. Students may complete the program by May 19, 2026.

For questions, contact:
Takeisha Lambert, Dean, Arts & Social Sciences - t.lambert@rockvalleycollege.edu, 815-921-3312
Scott Fustin, Associate Professor/Program Chair - s.fustin@rockvalleycollege.edu, 815-921-3053
Jenn Mickelson, Curriculum Coordinator - j.mickelson@rockvalleycollege.edu, 815-921-4257

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Sunsetting Certificates:

• Word (2606)
• Excel (2607)
• PowerPoint (2608)
• Access (2609)

Recommended Alternative:

• Certificate or AAS in Business Administration, which integrates essential administrative software competencies into the curriculum.

Advisors will be provided with a list of impacted students. Students have until May 19, 2026 to complete any of the above certificates.

For questions, contact:
Mark Lanting, Ed.D., Dean of Communications & Humanities - m.lanting@rockvalleycollege.edu, 815-921-2363
Jenn Mickelson, Curriculum Coordinator - j.mickelson@rockvalleycollege.edu, 815-921-4257

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