It received initial accreditation in 1971 after applying for accreditation candidacy in 1967. Rock Valley College partners with area four-year colleges and universities, such as Northern Illinois University, University of Illinois Springfield, and Western Illinois University as a part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement which ensures general education credits are transferable among more than 100 participating college or universities in Illinois. There are two primary educational tracks at RVC: Transfer Programs, and Career Educational Programs. The tracks offer a total of 33 associate degree programs, and 34 certificate programs to students of RVC. Enrollment As of April 13, 2009, for-credit Spring enrollment at RVC was 8,072, of which 3,569 were enrolled full-time, and 4,503 were enrolled part-time. In addition, 7,853 non-credit enrollees were reported by RVC for the same period. Dual credit students, who are obtaining college credit while attending high school accounted for 536 students of total enrollment. Overall student head count at the college rose 8 percent from 2008 school year. Most of the increase in enrollment was attributed to new freshmen beginning at community colleges, as well as the introduction of new programs at the college. Libraries Rock Valley College provides a library at its main Rockford, Illinois Campus. The library has over 100,000 volumes and equivalent online periodical and newspaper databases. It has facilities for study, research, leisure reading, class preparation, and wireless Internet access for students. Athletics Nine men's and women's intercollegiate sports are offered at RVC. The Golden Eagles compete in NJCAA Division II in volleyball, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, men's and women's soccer and men's and women's bowling. RVC has won six NJCAA National Championships in volleyball, golf, and tennis. The 2014 men's basketball team won the NJCAA DIII national tournament in Loch Sheldrake, NY at Sullivan County Community College, the first national championship in the program's 48-year history. RVC was one of only four community colleges to field a football program among the 48-member Illinois Community College System. Due to funding and attendance issues, the RVC Board of Trustees voted to discontinue the football program on April 28, 2009. Theatre and arts The college Theatre Department offers year-round opportunities for students and community members through its two theatres: Rock Valley College Starlight Theatre and Rock Valley College Studio Theatre. The Starlight Theatre is housed in the award-winning outdoor Bengt Sjostrom Theatre, which features a movable