A permanent NIU branch campus might be built in Rockford to expand the university’s educational services if the Illinois legislation approves funds to locate a site and construction costs.

The Illinois Senate approved to amend the Board of Regents’ fiscal year 1990 budget allowing for $500,000 to locate a branch site and cover additional costs associated with acquisition-related expenses. The Regents are NIU’s governing board.

Sen. Joyce Holmberg, D-Rockford, introduced the budget amendment to the senate, which passed May 24. NIU President John LaTourette said the amendment also has passed the Illinois House of Representatives Appropriation Committee. The amendment still must be approved by both houses and signed by Gov. James Thompson, he said.

While the concept is not new for students to attend classes at a branch in Rockford, a permanent building is required to continue that service, LaTourette said.

For nearly 25 years, NIU has offered students a chance to obtain a degree by attending classes in Rockford, LaTourette said. However, in 1987, the former site of the branch was eliminated by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, he said.

The result from the elimination of the former site is to find a more permanent location for the branch, LaTourette said. The new location must have room for the possible expansion of the branch, he said.

He said he hopes a site will be found quickly so new money can be appropriated by next year’s legislative session to purchase a building or construct one.

Finding a new site for the branch is a cooperative activity between NIU, Rockford College and Rock Valley College, LaTourette said. “The focus of the joint effort is “expansion of educational services,” he said.

Support services for the students at the branch will be arranged as well, including a career planning and placement center, LaTourette said. A comprehensive library and computer support systems also are being considered for the branch’s future development, he said.

LaTourette said, “4,000 (NIU) alumni are in Rockford who want more services.” In addition, he said about 2,000 students from Rockford register for classes each year.

Pat McGuckin, Holmberg’s assistant press secretary, said part of the reason for wanting an NIU branch in Rockford is to have a “presence” of the university in the town.

“Illinois’ second largest university (NIU) will benefit by creating a presence in Illinois’ second largest city (Rockford),” McGuckin said.

Juniors and seniors would be able to complete their education at the branch after receiving their associate’s degrees from Rock Valley College, McGuckin said. Senior citizens would have access to the branch to take classes as well, he said.

Identical programs that are currently offered at the branch will continue to be offered until an assessment can be completed of additional educational needs, LaTourette said.

“A combination of degrees and programs that do not lead to degress will be offered,” LaTourette said. One degree that students can obtain from attending classes at the branch is the Master of Business Administration, he said.

The same admission and graduation requirements of NIU will apply to students at the branch, LaTourette said. Students completing their education at the Rockford branch also will receive the same diploma that NIU students in DeKalb receive, he said.