The Conference Center at RVCC
The Conference Center at RVCC serves as a conduit to bring the academic and corporate communities together.
The Conference Center offers more than 5,500 square feet of multi-functional meeting and event space to accommodate your specific meeting, conference, theatrical production, training or other event needs.
- The Grand Conference Rooms provide over 3,600 square feet of flexible event space, with a seating capacity of up to 400 people.
- Breakout rooms can be configured to meet your unique needs. Each room can seat up to 30.
- A PC Lab offers 24 workstations.
Each of our conference rooms is equipped with installed audio visual systems, desktops for presentations and wireless touch screen control panels.
For additional information call (908) 526-1200, extension 8818 or 8282, or visit us online.
Ray Bateman Center for Student Life and Leadership
The three-story Bateman Center offers 24,000 square feet of flexible learning space including conference rooms, small study areas, student work stations and office space for student groups. It provides a central meeting location for all student clubs and organizations. The first floor has offices for Student Life management, five conference rooms for student group meetings, a small kitchen and office space for the Student Government Association and the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. There is a two-story atrium that provides seating areas, as well as a “living wall” of vegetation. The second floor features several different types of areas to support collaborative learning and networking, a reading room, and a variety of seating that promotes student collaboration.
Evelyn S. Field Library
The Evelyn S. Field Library is located on two floors near the main entrance of the College. The Check Out Desk and the Reference Desk are both on the first floor. The circulating book collection is located on the second floor.
- Library Card: The College ID card serves as the library card.
- Group Study Rooms: Group study rooms, which are located on the second floor, may be reserved for groups of two or more students for up to three hours at a time. Groups are also welcome to use the Library Lounge located outside the Library.
- Study Space: The Library has carrel and table seating available for studying on both levels. Silent study is offered on the second floor. The Library staff tries to maintain a quiet environment on the first floor.
- Computers: Computers are available for library research, writing papers, College e-mail services and general Internet access.
- Library Instruction: The Library’s instructional program offers a wide variety of classes at the developmental level, through basic instruction to advanced subject-specific classes. Classes are conducted in our computer classroom by the Library faculty.
- Librarians are available in the Library or can be reached by phone or via a chat service directly from the website. They can help students find the right kinds of resources for their assignments.
- Photocopying and Scanning: Photocopying and scanning are available with the use of copy cards.
- Collection: The Library’s collection of books, eBooks, DVDs, videos, audio books, journals and newspapers has been selected in consultation with the faculty to support the curriculum of the College and to provide academic, cultural, and informational enrichment. The Library catalog, which is available from the Library’s website, provides access to books, eBooks, videos, and audio books. An extensive collection of databases gives access to current information in journals, magazines, and newspapers.
- Remote Access: The Library’s website serves as the gateway to the digital library. Users may conduct research from home or office using their RVCC network login to access subscription databases. Users may electronically request inter-library loan for materials that the RVCC Library does not own.
- Hours: The Library is open day, evening and weekend hours as posted in the Library and online at http://library.raritanval.edu.
Video Production/Editing Room
The Video Production/Editing Facilities are located in the West Building and are used to teach video production and editing courses. The Editing Studio features PC digital editing stations that utilize Adobe Premiere software. The Video Vault Equipment room contains both camcorders and DSLR camera, and audio equipment for video production.
Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies Resource Center
Since 1981, the Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies has offered educational programs for educators, students and the community. Through education and unique programming, it promotes tolerance, understanding and compassion. The Center offers educational seminars, workshops, and presentations for students and teachers about the lessons learned from the Holocaust as well as genocides that continue today.
The Resource Center of the Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies is located on the second floor of the Evelyn S. Field Library at Raritan Valley Community College. The Resource Room, established in 1999, is a joint project with the College and The Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties. The Resource Room houses computers, books, a video collection, and other reference materials for research and study as well as an area for classroom instruction. The Morris and Dorothy Hirsch Research Library of Holocaust and Genocide Studies is an extensive collection of materials on the Holocaust, genocides and diversity.
Teachers are encouraged to bring their classes to visit, study and research using materials in the resource center. Educational programs with speakers and survivors of the Holocaust and genocides are offered to the local community.
“Learning Through Experience,” the Institute’s cornerstone educational program, began as a one-day program more than 35 years ago and has now grown into a three-day annual event. The program has educated more than 100,000 middle and high school students and educators who attend a unique series of guest speaker workshops on the Holocaust and genocide.
For information regarding programming, resource information or annual events, contact (908) 526-1200, extension 8524 or visit our website.
Testing Center
The Testing Center conducts admissions, placement and competency testing for the College, including for ESL, English and Mathematics, foreign languages and technological competency. Students taking make-up exams or tests for online courses may be required to use the Testing Center. Tests such as CLEP, DSST, and High School Equivalency are also administered at the College. Photo identification is required prior to testing.
High School Equivalency Testing
The College offers High School Equivalency testing to qualified applicants who wish to gain a high school diploma. The test is given by appointment. Additional information is available online.
The Academic Support Center
The Academic Support Center (ASC), located in Somerset Hall, Room S-020, provides academic support services at no additional charge to registered RVCC students. The ASC offers:
- Drop-in Tutoring - Free individual and group tutoring is available in a wide variety of academic disciplines. ASC tutors are employed by the College and participate in regular training.
- Tutor-assisted Study Groups – On students’ initiative, ASC staff provides meeting space and tutor assistance to groups of two or more.
- Learning Support Materials - Reference books, current text books, DVDs, computer software, and manipulative learning tools for math and science are available at the ASC. State-of-the-art assistive technologies are accessible to accommodate special needs students.
- Computers - Internet access and learning support software are available for writing papers, doing research, and completing homework. The ASC staff is trained to help students with online learning systems and course software.
- Online Tutoring - ASC writing tutors provide prompt feedback for papers submitted online to asctutor@raritanval.edu. Smarthinking, a web-based tutoring service covering multiple subjects, is accessible 7 days a week. Please visit our website or contact the ASC for details.
- Hours of Operation - Fall and Spring Semesters: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. For summer and Intersession hours, visit our website or stop by for an updated schedule.
For more information about the ASC, call (908) 526-1200, extension 8393 or check online.
Students, adjuncts and other professionals interested in becoming tutors should contact the ASC or check the website for application information.
Optical Clinic
The optical clinic serves the RVCC community by providing high quality prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses at a substantial discount from the retail price. Located on the ground floor of the College Center, the clinic is operated by the Ophthalmic Science program and is staffed by students in the program under the direct supervision of a licensed optician. The optical clinic contains a state-of-the-art laboratory and can fill any prescription for contact lenses, sunglasses or eyeglasses as well as make expert frame adjustments and repairs.
Paul Robeson Institute
The Paul Robeson Institute for Ethics, Leadership, and Social Justice was founded in 1999 to preserve Paul Robeson’s legacy in the area where he came of age as an artist, athlete, orator, and scholar. The Institute envisions a global community of diverse cultures that embodies, through attitudes and behaviors, Paul Robeson’s ideals, beliefs, values, and vision for a world of justice and peace.
The Paul Robeson Institute offers:
- Opportunities for individuals and the community that foster a spirit of inquiry and excellence in academic studies, communication skills, and the arts and sciences
- Educational workshops, seminars, and forums that train educators to integrate the history and contributions of African-Americans into the full educational curriculum as required by the New Jersey Amistad mandate
- Cultural happenings such as exhibits, lectures, concerts, and artistic events
- Programs that emphasize the core values needed by young adults for leadership roles and civic participation in the 21st Century
- Annual Paul Robeson Youth Achievement Awards to distinguish and honor middle school and high school students who are following the Robeson role model as leaders and achievers in the following categories: Arts, Scholarship, Athletics, and Community Service.
The Paul Robeson Resource Room, located in the College’s Evelyn S. Field Library, is an information center for Robeson’s national and worldwide activities. Established in 2003, the Resource Room serves as a repository for educational materials, historical records, and memorabilia of Robeson’s Somerville years and the worldwide accomplishments of people of African-American descent.
Physical Education Complex
The physical education complex consists of indoor and outdoor facilities. The indoor facilities are highlighted by a 10,000 square foot gymnasium that seats 540 patrons, a natatorium that houses a six-lane heated pool, and a recently renovated Fitness Center. The 2,800 square foot Fitness Center contains over 30 cardio, strength and conditioning machines. The state-of-the-art Fitness Center provides a variety of equipment designed for personal wellness and conditioning.
Outdoor facilities include four full-length basketball courts; a soccer field and a six-lane, 400 meter track; a baseball diamond; and a softball field. Athletic facilities are available to members of the student body for recreational activities and can be scheduled through the Athletic Department. All students are encouraged to participate in a variety of programs, from intramurals to intercollegiate athletics.
Additional information and photos can be viewed at www.rvccathletics.com.
The Planetarium
The 100-seat RVCC Planetarium utilizes a computerized AllDome High Definition projection system, offering visitors an immersive virtual tour of the Universe. The Planetarium visuals are complemented with a 5.1 surround sound audio system.
The Planetarium also features a gift shop and exhibit area. Exhibits include 1/15th scale models of the Space Shuttle and Hubble Space Telescope; various images from the Space Telescope; a Gravity Well; an H-R Diagram; and a series of five displays that describes our place in the Universe. A 142-pound iron meteorite is on a three-year loan from the American Museum of Natural History. A small observatory using a 16-inch Meade telescope was permanently installed next to the Planetarium in spring 2013, along with a variety of portable telescopes that are available to visitors.
Each year the Planetarium provides programs to more than 20,000 school children, as well as 8,000 public attendees. Presentations include such topics as the changing seasonal sky, Moon phases, tours of the solar system, exploration of our Milky Way Galaxy and the Universe.
Astronomy classes are offered for credit students and meet regularly in the Planetarium. Other College programs that use the facility include Physics and Service Learning. A College Astronomy Club is also available to all RVCC students.
Since 2004 the Planetarium facility has worked in close collaboration with the Science Education Institute under the umbrella of the New Jersey Astronomy Center (NJACE).
The Science Education Institute supports New Jersey school districts with the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It provides two series of five one-day workshops during the school year and two week-long summer institutes – all at RVCC. In addition, it provides customized long-term training programs in local school districts. These workshops are attended by approximately 1,000 teachers each year.
In collaboration with Rider and Princeton University, the Science Education Institute offers a NGSS Teacher Leader Program, currently consisting of 33 teachers of grades K-12. These teachers co-facilitate the workshops offered by this higher-Ed consortium while developing their science content and leadership skills.
The Science Education Institute also provides training and rentals of the Center’s five Starlab Portable Planetariums, which are used by an estimated 75 teachers each year and serve an estimated 10,000 students.
Science Laboratories
Laboratories for science courses are located in the state-of-the-art Christine Todd Whitman Science Center. A 23,500 square-foot expansion to the Science Center was completed in 2016. The expansion includes four new Chemistry labs, a Physics lab, a hybrid Physics classroom that can be used as a lab or a lecture room, and two new classrooms. The classrooms are spacious and bright, and each one has over 60 linear feet of writable surface. Coupled with the easily movable tables and chairs, the facility enables faculty to incorporate innovative student-centered teaching methods that are difficult to facilitate in traditional classrooms. Additional space for instrumentation and student projects, and a Materials Testing Lab are also included. As part of the expansion project, the existing Physics labs have been converted into two new Engineering computer labs, and the existing Chemistry labs have been converted into new Environmental Science and Biology labs.
The Biology laboratories are equipped with microscopes, an autoclave, spectrophotometers, preserved specimens (including for student participant dissections), and innovative models. The 240-acre campus, surrounded by mature forest growth, fields, and a pond, provides a natural living laboratory for Botany, Ecology, and Environmental Science courses. A herbarium collection of several hundred specimens for teaching local plant identification and a greenhouse with a periodic collection of tropical and subtropical plants are also maintained. General Biology I courses introduce students to some of the bio-techniques used in industry, research, and the medical fields. Students master separating molecular components through Gel-Electrophoresis and precipitate a DNA sample from their own cheek cells. General Biology II has a NanoDropLite instrument which measures the DNA concentration in animal and plant samples. The ENVI 102 course has a XRF (xray fluorescence) machine used to test soil in rain gardens for lead, zinc, and copper. The XRF is also utilized in BIOL 102 lab groups to test their research water samples for metals.
The Human Anatomy & Physiology labs are equipped with innovative models that support the study of the various human anatomical systems. The lab activities introduce the students to common human disease processes; a scientific component that includes anatomical studies utilizing microscopes and dissections; while incorporating the study of physiological concepts through experimentation using the scientific method. The Anatomy & Physiology labs are structured so that students can work independently, in pairs, or in groups within a safe and productive environment.
The new Chemistry labs include state-of-the-art energy-efficient fume hoods and snorkel hoods at the benches that allow students to run experiments with maximum safety. The hoods and benches are equipped with gas, water, vacuum, and compressed air lines, and students use sophisticated digital collection hardware and software in their experiments. Students also use a variety of analytical instruments, such as an infrared spectrometer, UV-visible and atomic absorption spectrophotometers, and a gas chromatograph.
The new Physics labs include larger facilities and lab stations to provide students with hands-on experiments and activities to observe and analyze abstract physical concepts, including new equipment used for mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermodynamics, and engineering experiments. Most Physics experiments are specifically designed to be used with the new PASCO 850 Universal Interface Capstone software that provides one of the most powerful data acquisition, display, and analysis systems available for science education.
The Theatre at RVCC
The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCCArts), a community-based, non-profit performing arts center, presents a wide range of cultural programming by professional touring companies of regional, national and international stature. Providing affordable entertainment and educational programming to the College and the community, RVCCArts strives to be a meeting place of diverse ideas and art—a cultural center—providing a central location where College and community, teacher and learner can come together and share the transforming experience of live performance.
Each season, RVCCArts presents the Mainstage series; a Youth and Family Series; and School-Time Performances, a series of educational field trip events for preK through grade 12. In addition, RVCCArts offers two mid-week series for an adult audience, Tuesdays with Stories and Music at Club28. These events are designed for a smaller audience, in an intimate setting, and each includes a post-show discussion with the artists.
Visual and Performing Arts Studios
The Visual and Performing Arts curricula are supported by the studio and performance spaces located in the Arts Building, the West Building, the Theatre, and two building units located next to the Arts Building. The department maintains spaces for the Associate of Arts Degrees in Visual Art, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Dance, Theatre, Studio Arts and Music. Studio spaces for the Associate of Arts Theatre Option and the Associate of Science Interior Design Degree are also housed in the department.
The studio arts area includes numerous studios: a ceramics studio with an outdoor Raku firing area; a printmaking studio; a drawing studio; a painting studio; a sculpture studio with an outdoor welding area; black-and-white and color photography studios; a graphic design studio; a design studio; and an art history classroom.
The ceramics studio has a handbuilding room; a wheel room with 14 electric wheels and two kick wheels; two glazing areas; and a kiln room with five electric kilns and one 17-cubic foot gas kiln. The outdoor Raku firing area can support four Raku kilns firing simultaneously.
The photography studio has a large black-and-white darkroom area with 13 enlargers; a classroom for lectures and critiques; a film developing room; and a room for studio photography with a copy stand, photo backdrop wall and studio lights, and an area with a large format copy camera and large format enlarger that can handle formats up to 4’ x 5’. The painting studio is equipped with 20 steel easels, drawing tables, stretcher storage racks and daylight track lighting. Large windows on the north wall provide excellent light for daytime painting classes.
The painting studio serves acrylic and oil painting classes, as well as watercolor and drawing classes. A second drawing studio is equipped with track lighting, drawing stools and pinable walls. A large lecture room fitted with multiple audio-visual display possibilities serves as an art history and art appreciation classroom.
The Interior Design program is housed in the Interior Design Center behind the Arts Building. The building houses 2 classrooms: one room is equipped with computers that have the latest software used in Interior Design education. The other classroom is a studio equipped with drafting tables where students work on hands-on interior design projects. The center is equipped with large scanners and printers for completing the student projects.
The Arts Building also has 2 Mac computer studios with 18 Mac stations each that serve all the Graphic Design courses as well as the 2D Design, Color Theory, and various photography, printmaking and 3-D Design classes. It also has 3 large format inkjet printers. Audio Production is taught in the digital music studio in the Arts Building.
The department uses the RVCC Art Gallery on the lower level of the College Center for eight exhibitions per year, including two Student Art Exhibitions, an Art Faculty Exhibition, and a Juried Art Student Exhibition. A Holiday Art Show and Sale of student and faculty work is held in December. Two non-student or faculty exhibitions also are held, curated by various faculty members.
The Dance studio, located in the Arts Building, is equipped with a wood-sprung floor and Marley surface, mirror, barres and a media/projection unit. The dance studio serves classes in modern dance, ballet, jazz, performance of repertory and choreography. An additional performing arts studio, with a semi-sprung floor and mirrors, is used for classes and rehearsal space and is shared among the three performing arts (dance, music, and theatre). Dance concerts utilize the Edward Nash Theatre, a proscenium-style stage with 1,000 seats on two levels. The Welpe Theatre, a flexible studio/black box space, is a perfect setting for more intimate and experimental performances.
The Music program classes are held in the Arts Building. The music rehearsal studio is used for performing ensemble rehearsals, music classes and small recitals. A second classroom-studio is equipped with electronic pianos for keyboard proficiency and theory study. An electronic music lab is equipped with computer-keyboard stations with MIDI-equipped synthesizers and selected music technologies and software programs for music notation and ear-training skills. All music studios are equipped with sound reproduction equipment. A fourth music classroom for music theory classes is equipped with a digital projector and sound reproduction equipment. Informal concerts/recitals are held in the music rehearsal studio. Formal concerts/recitals are presented in the Welpe and Nash Theatres. Soundproof practice modules are available to music students for instrumental or vocal practice.
The Theatre program classes are taught in the College Theatre (in the Welpe Theatre), in the Arts Building and in a separate Theatre Lab behind the Arts Building. Theatre productions—both dramatic and musical—dance concerts, and music recitals and concerts are held in the Edward Nash Theatre or the smaller Welpe Theatre. In addition, the Theatre Lab in the back of the Arts Building is used as the classroom for all of the Acting classes and as a small rehearsal studio. The unit is equipped with a room with spotlights, curtain, and storage space for props.
Workforce Training Center
RVCC’s 47,000 square foot Workforce Training Center, which opened in spring 2017, is be home to a variety of programs created to better serve the community’s economic and employment needs. Half of the facility, which includes prefabricated construction design methods, features double-height areas to accommodate the trade programs in such fields as Automotive Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Environmental Control Technology. The other half of the building is two stories and includes space for administrative offices, development courses, and beauty industry programs such as Cosmetology and Esthetics. RVCC partnered with local industry and business leaders to design and build training programs in accordance with local employer and expert worker specifications. The goal was to work with the business community and provide the educational resources that foster highly skilled and productive employees.
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