ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
FALL 2015
FAMILY Connections READY. SET. GO! Welcome to the start of a new academic year at Robert Morris University. We are excited to welcome the RMU Class of 2019 and our new transfer students, as well as our returning students, back home on campus! We have been busy this summer making plans for the upcoming year. I encourage you take the time to review this newsletter with your student before you arrive to campus later this month. Encourage him/her to be familiar with the services and resources
available on campus and to get involved, both in the classroom and out. We understand that parents and families are concerned about the well-being of their children. I want to assure you that the safety, security, and well-being of your student are also our priority. I look forward to welcoming all of you to campus in the next several weeks and having you share in the excitement of your child’s college experience.
John Michalenko Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students
Family Connections is a publication designed for the parents and families of Robert Morris University students. It is compiled by the Office of Student Life and printed in cooperation with the Office of Public Relations and Marketing. Editions are printed in the fall, winter, and spring of each academic year. We are interested in your feedback about this publication. Email your comments and suggestions to studentlife@rmu.edu.
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CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS The Center for Student Success at RMU is committed to helping each student achieve his/her potential during their academic career. This is accomplished through many different evaluations and methods of assistance. For INCOMING FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS, the College Student Inventory is an evaluation tool that is administered during the FYSP1000 course. This tool allows the counselor to peek inside the student’s mind and determine his/her strengths and weaknesses. The counselors review this instrument with the students in a one-on-one appointment within the first half of the fall semester. This appointment allows the counselor to devise a specific plan for each student that will carry with them throughout their academic career. Some plans may utilize the tutoring services at RMU. RMU’S TUTORING PROGRAM is certified by the College Reading and Learning Association. All tutors go through an intensive training program at the start of each semester. The tutors are peer tutors, meaning they are undergraduate students who have completed the courses in which they tutor, having earned a “B” or higher, and have an overall QPA of at least a 3.0. Tutoring is a free service that is offered on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis. The schedule is posted online and is available in the Center for Student Success. Tutoring hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays by appointment. Tutoring is available for all traditional and transfer undergraduate students.
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As a NEW TRANSFER STUDENT, counselors in the Center for Student Success can help to make a smooth transition to RMU. During the Fall Orientation, a transfer student session is offered by the counselors in the center. The session is geared to help students immediately recognize their support systems at RMU and to know the location and function of the support offices. It is to function as a bridge between where you have come from and where you are now. This year’s program is on Friday, August 21 from noon – 2:30 p.m. in Hopwood Hall, Patrick Henry Center. Lunch will be provided. Sometimes in order for students to achieve their greatest success, accommodations need to be made to assist them in the classroom. If accommodations were provided during a student’s educational experience, assistance can be provided at RMU. To request an appointment to discuss accommodations in a classroom through SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, please call 412-397-6862. The staff members in the Center for Student Success are committed to RMU students. To learn more about our resources or to schedule an appointment, please call 412-397-6862. We work every day to change lives.
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GREETINGS FROM THE OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL STUDENT SERVICES The purpose of the OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL STUDENT SERVICES is to foster a sense of community, within and among students of all races, genders, walks of life and national origins. The office seeks to provide students with truly unique cultural experiences. We encourage students to embrace their own culture, while learning about the cultures of others.
in the past have included academic success for athletes, the hidden history of the Chinese in Pittsburgh, and Hip Hop history. Students can also participate in all the activities within the Ambassador of Equality program as well. (http://studentlife.rmu.edu/multiculturalstudent-services/ambassador-of-equalityprogram)
MULTICULTURAL STUDENT SERVICES seeks to enhance the college experience for all Robert Morris University students by introducing them to the benefits of diversity. Intertwined within the program are social, educational, and leadership events and opportunities designed to help students have a greater appreciation for themselves and for those sharing the world with them. Multicultural Student Services has been, and will continue to be, an agent of positive change in the Robert Morris University community.
With over ten student organizations to join that fall under the multicultural umbrella, students have a plethora of options to choose from. We encourage all students to come out for the fourth annual De La Gente Festival to be held on September 5, 2015 at the Joe Walton Stadium in conjunction with the Robert Morris University football home opener. Festivities begin at 10 a.m., and are open to the whole community. Come join the activities, meet some amazing students, and enjoy music and food from across the world.
There are numerous opportunities for student to be involved and to participate in activities that promote and encourage inclusivity. The office sponsors the DIVERSITY SPEAKER SERIES for members of the RMU community and is an opportunity to hear varied opinions and thoughts on diversity-related issues. Topics
You can contact the office directly by email at multicultural@rmu.edu or by phone at 412-397-6488. You can also follow us on Twitter @RMUlticultural.
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A HEALTHY RESOURCE! STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES is the university's primary health care office, paying special attention to the unique needs of young adults. The staff is committed to the concept of wellness and hopes that students come to the Health Service for wellness information, as well as for help when students are ill or injured. We believe that each individual is responsible for his/her health and that traditional medical care is only one part of health care. Self-care is an important way to promote a healthy lifestyle and detect and prevent illness. General care will be given to all students free of charge. Some non-prescription medications are also provided free of charge. Prescriptions provided by the physician are the responsibility of the student. Student Health Services will aid students in obtaining appointments with physicians and dentists in the community. Any fees incurred for these services will be the responsibility of the student.
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Pharmacies in close proximity to campus include Big K Mart, Giant Eagle, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens. The student should have the knowledge as to which pharmacies their insurance provider will honor; if you are unsure call the member services number on the back of the insurance card. The Student Health Service is located in the Jefferson Center. A registered nurse is available Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and on Fridays until 5 p.m. A physician or certified nurse practitioner is available for care during the academic year according to the following schedule. No appointments are necessary. Monday & Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Friday
4:30–6 p.m. 4–5:30 p.m. 3–4:30 p.m. 3:30–5 p.m.
The staff of Student Health Services can be reached at 412-397-6221 or by email at bruich@rmu.edu.
EMERGENCY SERVICES SEWICKLEY VALLEY HOSPITAL is the closest hospital to the university, only 4.5 miles away, and maintains a 24-hour emergency room. Transportation to the hospital for non-emergency care is the student’s responsibility. VALLEY AMBULANCE, a local provider, offers 24-hour ambulance service. Resident students needing an ambulance should contact RMU Public Safety at 412-397-2424. The Ambulance Authority’s emergency number is 412-262-2620 for off campus students. The student should be aware of what
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his/her insurance carrier defines as a medical emergency. Examples: chest pain, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, severe abdominal pain or prolonged vomiting, seizure (in a non-diagnosed patient) and suspected fracture of a bone. Students should call their insurance provider to determine if they have ambulance coverage while at RMU.
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SELF-CARE SUPPLIES Please supply your student with a small first-aid kit to be used when Student Health Services is closed. The kit should include band-aids, antidiarrheal medication, antacid tablets, antiseptic, Tylenol and/or Advil, reusable ice pack, thermometer, a flash light, and batteries. Students should also have a three day supply of food items and water as well as a supply of daily prescribed medications in the event of an
emergency situation. Do not forget to include some items for sick days, such as canned soup, crackers, and Gatorade. One of the most important items to bring is self-care knowledge!
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE REMINDER FOR 2015-16 Please be sure that your student has provided the university with current insurance information. The university requires that all traditional undergraduate students, both full and part-time carry health insurance that is comparable to the established RMU health insurance plan that is provided by Highmark. Please note that travel insurance is not considered comparable coverage. Your student can visit rmu.edu/studentinsurance Choose the “student insurance” option and log into Sentry Secured Services. In Sentry Secured Services select the “add” option and complete the online form to provide his/her insurance information. This information is automatically sent to the RMU Student Health Services Office.
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Students who do not provide proof of comparable insurance coverage by the required deadline will automatically be enrolled in the Highmark plan and the annual cost of $1,992 will be charged to their RMU Student Account. Students enrolled in the plan will receive their insurance cards directly from Highmark once the university has provided the carrier with the information. The insurance card that will be sent will be printed with the RMU logo on it. Contact Student Health Services at 412-397-6221 for more information.
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RMU LIBRARY MAKEOVER CONTINUES Physical and service improvements are transforming the RMU Library, located on the second and third floors of Patrick Henry Center, into a popular destination point on campus for students, faculty, and staff. The recent total renovation of the main floor has been complemented by a replacement of the bricks on the exterior of the building as well as new windows throughout the facility. The most dramatic upgrade is the completion of a new dedicated street entrance to the Library that provides direct access from Massey Way. New landscaping, lighting, and walkways give the RMU Library a welcoming identity. Services provided by the Library and its staff have expanded to now include: • 24/7 access to the quiet study area, computers, printers, copiers, and scanners • One stop Library Help area to provide a wide range of services, including reference assistance and materials checkout • Textbook reserves for RMU core courses for in-library use as well as faculty-provided reserved materials • Growing current popular DVD collection for borrowing by students, faculty, and staff for leisure viewing
• Addition of six private study rooms for use by students • Installation of free-standing mobile device charging station in addition to individual cable sets to accommodate charging for a variety of devices • Laptops and iPads for in-library circulation • Access to hundreds of thousands of e-books in addition to a print collection located on the upper level • Nearly 100 distinct research databases available to the RMU community to find information on virtually any topic • Full text access to millions of full text journal articles • Ability to borrow books from 70 academic libraries across the region through E-Z Borrow • Headphones and DVD players available for in-library use • Library-wide wireless network as well as remote off-site access to electronic resources available around the clock Most importantly, the RMU Library has a knowledgeable and engaged cadre of professionals and support staff to provide assistance, guidance, and direction.
• Current bestsellers- fiction and nonfiction book section reinvigorated
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STAY CONNECTED WITH RMU If you would like to receive future electronic issues of Family Connections, as well as other important RMU information geared towards parents and families of current students, please e-mail studentlife@rmu.edu. All we need is your student’s name, your e-mail address, and a quick note indicating that you would like to receive information from us.
If you are a parent of a returning student and need to update your contact information, please send a note to the above e-mail address with your corrected information and we will update our records. This service is aimed at keeping parents and families informed of RMU events and opportunities such as Family Weekend, Parent Satisfaction Survey, other special events, and announcements.
RMU CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING SYSTEM RMU recognizes its obligation to its students, employees, partners, and the general public to maintain the highest ethical standards. To ensure that we meet this standard, RMU has partnered with EthicsPoint to provide a simple, risk-free way to anonymously and confidentially report activities that may involve unethical or otherwise inappropriate activity or behavior in violation of university policies. Reports
submitted through EthicsPoint will be forwarded to university personnel for prompt and appropriate investigation, follow-up, and response. Individuals may file an anonymous report with the university through the RMU website at rmu.edu/EthicsPolicy or by calling EthicsPoint at 800-963-5593.
ENROLLMENT CERTIFICATE If verification is needed that you are an enrolled student at RMU, you can request an enrollment certificate by visiting the RMU website. Login to the Sentry Secured Services, click on “eServices,” click on “Enrollment at RMU” under Demographics. Next you should click on
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“National Student Clearinghouse” and then “Obtain an Enrollment Certificate.” A certificate can only be issued once you have attended classes for two weeks. You may also contact Academic Services at 412-397-3464.
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RMU POLICE DEPARTMENT The Robert Morris University Police Department, located at the Barry Center, is a full-service law enforcement agency. It is staffed with 16 sworn police officers certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under the direction of the Chief of Police, all RMU officers have full arrest powers and receive the same training other local law enforcement officers do and are dedicated to providing first-class service to the community. The objective of the department is to ensure and maintain a safe campus environment while providing you with as much assistance as possible. The department is comprised solely of a patrol division with access to marked police vehicles, golf carts and bicycles for patrolling the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All officers are responsible for crime prevention, traffic and parking enforcement, community policing, vehicle jump starts and lockouts, safety escorts, and fingerprinting to name a few services provided by the department.
Our Police Department is charged with creating a safe and secure environment. This task, however, is not one we can accomplish alone. Our efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment rely on our ability to develop collaborative relationships with the many communities that make up the university. The telephone number for the RMU Police Department is 412-397-2424 or ext. 2424 using any university phone on campus. This number is used for emergency purposes as well as routine business calls. More information on the Campus Police Department is available at rmu.edu/publicsafety, and we hope you will find your stay at Robert Morris University to be both pleasant and safe.
ARE YOU AN RMU LEGACY? Is your father, mother, brother, sister or grandparent an RMU alum or current student? If so you are a member of the RMU Legacy family. Each year the Office of Alumni Relations hosts special events specifically for RMU legacies and their families. So if you’re a legacy, we want to make sure you are on the invitation list.
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Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at rmualum@rmu.edu or 412-397-6464 to let us know that you are a part of the RMU Legacy family.
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COLONIALS SERVE AND LEARN! “Life’s most urgent and persistent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Office of Student Civic Engagement (OSCE) offers RMU students many ways to become actively engaged in life beyond campus in Moon Twp., the city of Pittsburgh, and the broader community. Students have numerous opportunities to participate through fun and challenging volunteer service projects organized on weekends throughout the academic year, as well as through the Alternative Spring Break Program, which offers service-learning trips to diverse regions of the country over spring break. The OSCE also facilitates non-partisan voter education, registration, and engagement – encouraging all RMU students to register and vote in local, state, and national elections. In addition, students have the opportunity to explore careers in the not-for-profit sector through the Nonprofit Leadership Association Certificate Program. Giving back to the community is part of the culture at RMU. Students can sign up online to participate in a wide variety of half-day and daylong service projects in Moon Twp., the city of Pittsburgh and other nearby communities. Students help to build affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity, mentor at-risk children in an afterschool program through Big Brothers Big Sisters, enjoy activities with local nursing home residents at West Hills Health and Rehab, and pack relief supplies to be sent overseas by World Vision – to name but a few of RMU’s ongoing community partnerships. During 2014–15, 3,149 students completed 37,252 hours of volunteer service through 606 different projects. There are endless ways for students to get involved. Through its Alternative Spring Break Program, RMU offers students the opportunity to travel to
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different parts of the United States for an intensive week of service and learning in diverse urban and rural settings. In previous years students have traveled to cities as varied as Washington D.C. and New Orleans to work in homeless shelters and soup kitchens, and to do ongoing hurricane relief work. RMU students have also volunteered throughout the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia doing home repairs for low income and elderly residents of the beautiful, but isolated region. While serving, students learn about pressing social issues, meet volunteers from other universities, and get a taste of the local culture. Through the Nonprofit Leadership Association (NLA) Certificate Program, students of all majors have the opportunity to learn about career and leadership opportunities in the not-for-profit sector. Students work at their own pace to complete three non-credit workshops led by RMU’s Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management, as well as a 150-hour internship at a nonprofit organization of the student’s choice. As the not-for-profit sector makes up a substantial segment of the national economy, and as the sector has become increasingly professionalized with most agency leaders holding advanced degrees, there are endless career opportunities for students to explore. Students are invited to stop by the Office of Student Civic Engagement in Nicholson Center, Room 250, near the student mailboxes. Office hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Be sure to visit our webpages: rmu.edu/osce. Students may email Donna Anderson, director at andersond@rmu.edu or call her at 412-397-6492.
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CONNECTING WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL SIDE The Campus Ministry Association (CMA) welcomes all new students and their families to Robert Morris University. The mission of the CMA is to assist and enhance the spiritual development of the RMU community. The association is blessed with many religious leaders who generously serve students, staff, and faculty throughout the academic year by listening to their needs while providing diverse programming. Recognizing transitioning into
college life can be challenging, and that sometimes faith can get lost along the way, all new students are encouraged to take a couple minutes to complete our religious survey. The purpose of this survey is to connect students with their campus minister when they arrive at RMU. You can find a link to this survey along with other pertinent campus ministry information at the following link: studentlife.rmu.edu/campus-ministry-association
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Robert Morris University understands that dining is an integral part of the university experience, which is why we offer our students a number of delicious and nutritious dining options. RMU Dining Services focuses on fresh and healthy options with a wide variety of tastes while keeping in mind the busy lifestyle of today’s students.
For those in a hurry, RoMo’s Café offers an inviting, casual dining option. Here students can enjoy ‘made-to-order’ sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Hot evening specials and fresh Sushi are offered in addition to a selection of savory coffees, teas and pastry items. Grocery and personal products can be purchased here for the convenience of our students.
It all starts in our PNC Colonial Café, where you will find meals made with only the freshest and finest ingredients, prepared from scratch by our experienced chefs. Eight unique stations mean you can always find what you are hungry for, from our chef-inspired Daily Specials to the Firehouse Grill, International options, Carving Station, Freshens, Fresh Soup and Salad bar and so much more.
Whether your student is heading to or from class, he/she can stop by the conveniently located Hale Café to enjoy a delicious Starbucks specialty coffee, espresso, cappuccino and new this year, Frappuccino drink. The contemporary Wheatley Café comes alive during lunch with a chef’s display cooking table and for those busy students, on-the-go meals, salads, sandwiches and sushi.
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RMU’s newest dining location, Yorktown Café, prepares gourmet steak, chicken or veggie burgers, garden fresh salads and wraps, wings, and other unique dishes to go along with their variety of beverages and hand-dipped milkshakes. After skating or shooting the puck, students can grab a bite to eat at the Island Sports Center Bistro where delicious burgers, hot dogs, chicken and more are on the menu.
Nutrition, variety, and flexibility – that is what you and your student can expect from RMU Dining Services. Food allergies or preferences can be accommodated in all locations. Your student should contact the Center for Student Success (center4success@rmu.edu or 412-397-6862) to discuss food allergies or other dietary requirements.
DINING SERVICES HOURS OF OPERATION PNC COLONIAL CAFÉ Monday – Friday Saturday – Sunday
7 a.m. – 8 p.m. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
WHEATLEY CAFÉ Monday – Thursday Friday
7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.** 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.**
**Chef’s Table will be available 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. ROMO’S CAFÉ Monday – Friday Saturday Sunday
HALE CAFÉ Monday – Thursday Friday
7 a.m. – Midnight 7:30 a.m. – Midnight 2 p.m. – Midnight
YORKTOWN CAFÉ Monday – Friday Saturday – Sunday
7 a.m. – Midnight*** 9 a.m. – Midnight***
***Grab & Go, breakfast and lunch specials offered. Full service begins at 5 p.m. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
ISLAND SPORTS ICE HOUSE BISTRO Monday – Friday 4 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday – Sunday 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Visit us at rmu.edu/dining for more information.
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CAREER EXPO 2015: LET THE JOB SEARCH BEGIN On Wednesday, October 7th the Career Center will host the 19th annual Career Expo from noon – 4 p.m. in the Sewall Center Arena. It’s one of the largest career fairs in the area and typically attracts over 100 employers. The event is open only to RMU students and alumni. The Career Expo provides an excellent opportunity to connect with potential employers in a wide range of career fields including accounting, communications, engineering, finance, healthcare, hospitality, sales, social services, technology and more! Employer participants may be seeking candidates for internships, part-time jobs or full-time positions. Students and alumni should take advantage of this event to jump-start their job search and expand their professional networking. The Career Center will be inviting graduate schools to the Career Expo as well as employers. Students interested in pursuing graduate study will have the opportunity to talk with representatives from a variety of graduate schools. Parents and family members can be very helpful in reminding students to prepare and attend. When doing so, please also remind them of the following Checklist for Job Fair Success:
While preparing for the Career Expo, students are encouraged to review the Job Fair Tip Sheet, available on the Career Center’s website. Students are also encouraged to meet with a career counselor for a resumé review and/or to discuss career goals and job fair success strategies. To schedule an appointment, students may call the Career Center at 412-397-6333. For additional information about the Career Expo and representatives who will be attending the event, students and alumni may login to ColonialTRAK, click on the Events tab, select “Advanced Search,” enter “Career Expo 2015” in the Career Event Name box, and click “Search.” Parents and family members are also welcome to promote the event to their employer or other businesses, organizations and graduate schools in the community. Employers or graduate schools interested in registering for the Career Expo may do so by visiting the following website: rmu.edu/careerexpo. The website includes detailed information about the event and registration fees. The deadline for employer/graduate school registration is Friday, September 18, 2015.
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an error-free resume professional attire focused career goals a brief self-commercial or “infomercial” to convey strengths and enthusiasm • polished interview skills • employer/graduate school research • a list of questions to ask employers or graduate school representatives
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CAREER CENTER: UPCOMING EVENTS For details and a complete listing, please refer to the Career Center website: rmu.edu/careercenter. SEPTEMBER 10 12:45–2:45 p.m. Workforce Recruitment Program Sewall Center – Dining A&B
SEPTEMBER 28 1–2 p.m. Marketing Your Greek Life Experience Sewall Center – Dining C
OCTOBER 27 4–5:45 p.m. Navigating the Workplace Maze Sewall Center – Int’l Suite
SEPTEMBER 15 2:30–7 p.m. Accounting Career & Networking Day Sewall Center – Third Floor
SEPTEMBER 29 12:45–2:45 p.m. LinkedIn Workshop Sewall Center – Dining A&B
OCTOBER 28 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. Internship Seminar Sewall Center – Dining A&B
OCTOBER 7 Noon–4 p.m. Career Expo Sewall Center Arena
OCTOBER 30 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Nursing Networking Event, Sewall Center – Int’l Suite
OCTOBER 13 3:45–5:15 p.m. Career Opportunities in Education Sewall Center – Dining A&B
NOVEMBER 4 4–6 p.m. Jump-Start Your Job Search Sewall Center – Dining A&B
SEPTEMBER 16 5–8 p.m. Actuarial Science Interview Workshop Sewall Center – Int’l Suite SEPTEMBER 18 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Veteran Professional Development Forum Sewall Center – Dining C SEPTEMBER 22 3:15–4:15 p.m. Interview Seminar Sewall Center – Dining C SEPTEMBER 22 4:30–6 p.m. Internship Seminar Sewall Center – Dining C SEPTEMBER 23 3:30–5 p.m. Revamp Your Resume Sewall Center – Dining A&B
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OCTOBER 14 10 a.m.–3 p.m. WestPACS Job Fair, Monroeville Conv. Center OCTOBER 16 1 – 3:30 p.m. Actuarial Career Day Sheraton Hotel
NOVEMBER 11 4–6 p.m. Veteran Networking Event Sewall Center – Int’l Suite NOVEMBER 12 1–3 p.m. Pathways to Federal Employment Sewall Center – Dining C NOVEMBER 16 1 – 4 p.m. Careers in the Social Sciences Sewall Center – Third Floor
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TIPS FOR LIVING ON CAMPUS Whether this is your first year at Robert Morris University or you’re back for another round, you’re in for an exhilarating journey! This is an exciting time for all students because it’s the beginning of a new year with new friends, new opportunities, and a new residential experience. You may be wondering, “How can I make the most of this new living environment and these new opportunities?” We have some ideas…. KNOW YOUR RESOURCES If you live in the residence halls, you have student Community Assistants (CAs) and professional Area Coordinators (ACs) who also live within the building to provide support. CAs and ACs are on call every night for after-hours issues or emergencies, and you can always stop in the Office of Residence Life during business hours. CAs can help connect you to other offices or departments on campus that are able to help you in any capacity imaginable! GO TO CLASS Class attendance is essential not only to your own learning, but foundational as you build relationships with faculty and students within your academic school. Pay attention to faculty, take good notes, and participate in discussion. DO YOUR HOMEWORK Whether it’s a reading for class or an actual assignment, do it! Homework in college is different from high school because a lot of your learning takes place individually when you research outside of the classroom. Create schedules and prepare in advance so you aren’t overwhelmed the night before an assignment is due.
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OPEN YOUR DOOR Living in a residence hall is one of the easiest ways to make friends if you’re willing to open your door for others. When you’re relaxing or playing video games, prop your door as a sign you’re open to conversation with other members of your community! Don’t forget that you have a roommate or suitemates as well! Remember that you don’t have to be best friends with the people you live with, but they can be a great source of humor and support throughout your time at RMU. GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY Your CA is a great resource to connect you to the many student organizations at RMU. One of the premier organizations for residential students is the Residence Hall Association (RHA), which plans a number of great events each semester. If you did Student Council/Government in high school, RHA is a great way to stay active in leadership! FIND YOUR PASSION Attending student organization meetings and being actively engaged in class materials will expose you to new ideas or career opportunities. Immerse yourself in these experiences and you may find a cool new hobby or even your dream job! USE A PLANNER OR CALENDAR APP College is different from high school because you aren’t in the same building attending eight classes a day five days a week. You have a flexible schedule with more free time, which means increased responsibility for your own academics. Using a planning book or a reminder/calendar app on your phone are great ways to keep track of assignments, readings, meetings, and class times.
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PREPARE TO ADJUST YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE Although you have the liberty to sleep in, you can’t sleep your day away! One of the easiest ways to be successful is to find a normal sleeping pattern in which you wake up and go to sleep at approximately the same times each day. Your body will adjust and you will function much better with your new-found free time. KEEP AN OPEN MIND AND EMBRACE CHANGE College is a time for growth and development as you have new experiences. Keep this in mind and, again, allow yourself to be vulnerable and
open to new ideas, experiences, and opportunities. Even though it may not seem like it, you will change while at college and that’s a perfectly natural part of becoming an adult. While these ideas are not all-inclusive, they’re a great start to having a successful year at RMU. We hope you take the time to make the most of every opportunity presented to you and that you have a great year! Remember that the Office of Residence Life is located in Washington Hall and our staff is always willing to help in any way possible!
RESIDENT STUDENT CARE PACKAGE PROGRAM This program was created to give parents and family members an opportunity to provide students with positive reinforcement and a small surprise throughout the school year. Six packages are offered: The Welcome Package, RM-Boo, Fall Finals, Be My Valentine, Out-of theBlue, and Spring Finals.
Each package is filled with a variety of personalized RMU items and different treats and snacks. For more information about the Care Package Program contact Desmond McCoy in the Office of Residence Life at mccoy@rmu.edu.
RMU BOOKSTORE The RMU bookstore, located on the first floor of the Nicholson Center, is your key location for all textbooks, school supplies, RMU spirit wear merchandise and dorm and gift essentials. They offer a variety of methods to acquire your needed textbooks; buy new or used, rent, digital and have the staff on site to help you with your decision.
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STORE HOURS: Monday - Tuesday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday - Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat and Sun Closed The bookstore will also have items for sale at various athletic events held on campus. You can visit the bookstore online at robert-morris.bncollege.com
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FALL 2015 MOVE-IN INFORMATION Fall 2015 is just around the corner! Upper-class students will be permitted to return to campus between August 21-23. Fifteen-week fall classes begin on Monday, August 24. Specific move in times are available on our website at rmu.edu/residencelife.
Students who live in Yorktown Hall are to check in at the Yorktown front desk. If you would like to request to move in early please call our office at 412-397-5252 or email at reslife@rmu.edu. Students may not arrive earlier than Wednesday, August 19.
Freshmen and new transfer students will arrive on Thursday, August 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sewall Center (3rd Floor).
RECREATION BY STUDENTS INITIATIVE Robert Morris University offers a wide array of intramural games, club sport teams and fitness programming. There is an opportunity for everyone to participate in a recreational sport or activity at RMU through the Recreation by Students Initiative.
Through Rec-by-Students, residential students can plan, create and participate in a wide variety of activities put on by students and staff members. For more information on Rec-by-Students contact Desmond McCoy in the Office of Residence Life at mccoy@rmu.edu.
GIVE THEM THE KEYS TO OUR CAR INSTEAD Sending your son or daughter to college can be stressful and having a car on campus is just one more thing to worry about. Luckily, with Zipcar, students can have wheels when they want them without the hassles of owning a car. Zipcar is a service that allows 18+ students to reserve and drive cars by the hour or day. Zipcars are parked
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right on campus and gas and insurance are included with every reservation. So, when your student needs to make a trip to Target or to come home for a weekend, they can grab a Zipcar. To sign up for just $25, send your student to zipcar.com and they’ll get $35 in free driving credit. If you’re looking for a little more about how Zipcar works: zipcar.com/how.
RMU.EDU
CITADEL The Center for Innovative Teaching and Directed Engaged Learning (CITADEL) welcomes your student to the 2015-16 academic year. One of RMU’s enduring values is changing lives, and the CITADEL is one of the places on campus where your student can do that. Our efforts in Innovative Teaching ensure that our faculty examine pedagogical and technological items that enhance what they do in the classroom, improving the educational life of your student. Meanwhile, through Directed Engaged Learning and participating in the Engaged Learning program, your student will expand his or her horizons. Our Student Engagement Transcript, the SET, is an official university endorsement of a student’s leadership roles, internship experiences, community service activities, study abroad trips, and many other accomplishments. Participating in the program is a graduation requirement for all incoming undergraduate students.
Please encourage your student stop by the CITADEL, which is located on the third floor of the Patrick Henry Center, and get acquainted with our team: ANTHONY MORETTI, PH.D. Director, CITADEL Patrick Henry 330 412 397-6467 moretti@rmu.edu TERRI BYRNES Assistant Director, Engaged Learning Patrick Henry 301 412-397-6430 byrnes@rmu.edu SAMANTHA MOIK Engaged Learning Specialist Patrick Henry 302 412-397-5973 moik@rmu.edu
Whether your student needs assistance with getting started on the SET, or would like to complete all seven categories, we are here to help.
RENEE LYLES Secretary Patrick Henry 302 412-397-5956 lyles@rmu.edu
If your student is graduating in the spring and has not fulfilled SET requirements yet, it’s not too late! There is still plenty of time to meet his or her graduation responsibilities.
Want to know more? Look for our updated website at: citadel.rmu.edu
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY FAMILY CONNECTIONS
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RMU FAMILY WEEKEND: OCTOBER 23 – 24 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 Men’s Soccer vs. Fairleigh Dickinson, 3 p.m. North Athletic Complex Oktoberfest, 5 – 8 p.m. Sewall Center Arena Hosted by the Office of Student Life ** SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 Campus Tours – Departs Noon from the Admissions Office – Nicholson Center (3rd Floor) Transition from College to Careers: A Parent’s Guide for Career Development, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Benjamin Rush Center Hosted by the Career Center Women’s Volleyball vs. St. Francis (PA), 3 p.m. Sewall Center Arena Women’s Volleyball Alumni Weekend
Pre-Game Dinner, 4 – 6 p.m. Sewall Center (3rd Floor) ** Family Fun Tent, 4 – 6 p.m. Joe Walton Stadium Plaza Football vs. Duquesne, 6 p.m. Joe Walton Stadium Followed by Zambelli Fireworks* RMU Legacy Family Event 1921 Club at Joe Walton Stadium By invitation only *Game tickets can be purchased from the Athletic Ticket Office at 420397-4949 or athleticticketing@rmu.edu or rmucolonials.com ** No charge for event. Reservations recommended. Visit rmu.edu/familyweekend for more information.
SIGN UP FOR eBILLING Offered through RMU’s sentry shared portal. In order to set up a guest account to receive notifications of an ebill when available, please have your student use the following steps to create an account. STEP 1 Edit their release information through Sentry Secured Services to add guest information. • Check the box for financial records • Add your guest’s email address • Save
STEP 2 Activate the ‘guest’ account • Go to rmu.edu/activate or click on the green Activate Guest Account button • Enter your requested information • Select ‘guest’ account • Create a password for your guest • Remember to tell your guest their login information
Once created, guests may login with their access information at rmu.edu/sentryshared
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RMU.EDU
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! Be sure to check RMU on your favorite social media sites. Below are several Twitter accounts you can follow to keep up-to-date with news and events on campus: @RMU @RMUathletics @RMUSentryMedia Campus News @RMUCampusRec @RMUCareerCenter Student Employment @RMUTutor Center for Student Success @RMUHealth Counseling Center @RMUDining @RMUGreekLife Fraternities and Sororities @RMU_IT @RMUlticultural @RMUResLife @RMU_OSCE @RMUnow Office of Student Life @RMUNurse Health Services
RMU INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES RMU.EDU/IT Like us on Facebook: RMU Information Technology Follow us on Twitter: @RMU_IT View RMU classrooms: rmu.edu/classrooms
GOOGLE APPS FOR EDUCATION GOOGLE.COM/2STEP Students have access to Google Apps for Education, which includes Gmail, Drive (spreadsheets, documents, presentations), Calendar, Sites, Chat and Hangouts. IT recommends further securing your account with 2-Step Verification. Learn more and enroll today.
HELP DESK RMU.EDU/HELP 412-397-2211 TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE RMU.EDU/RESNET ResNet assists resident students with resolving technology problems. Offices are located on the first floors of Lexington and Yorktown Halls and in Braddock Hall. Walk-ins to ResNet are always welcome! 412-397-2299 (X2299) RMU MOBILE APP RMU.EDU/MOBILEAPP This app will highlight the academic calendar, library, fitness, dining, lab and shuttle hours; and faculty directory. You will be able to view your personal checksheet, class schedule, and grades. PASSWORD CHANGE RMU.EDU/PASSWORDS To better protect your RMU accounts, you will be required to change your password every 60 days. REMOTE ACCESS RMU.EDU/VIEW VMware View is RMU’s 24/7 remote computer lab and office environment. Access a Windows 7 desktop containing all general RMU lab software from any Internet connection. RMU ALERT RMU.EDU/ALERT RMU ALERT is our emergency notification system that rapidly sends text, voice, and network broadcast messages during critical situations such as power outages, weather-related closings and delays, and campus security situations.
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY FAMILY CONNECTIONS
RMU WIRELESS RMU.EDU/WIRELESS Wireless networks are available in all residence halls and campus buildings, the Island Sports Center, and RMU Downtown (Heinz 57 building). PRINTING RMU.EDU/PRINTING Every RMU student has printing funds and each of our computer labs has access to a printer. These labs are a great place to print assignments and work on group projects. Print to any RMU printer wirelessly from your own laptop by visiting rmu.edu/WiFiPrint CAMPUS COMPUTER LABS RMU.EDU/LABS The computer lab in Jefferson is a available 24/7 for student use. The Library has computers available during Library hours. When not in classroom use, there are multiple labs in Hale open daily from 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. ACCEPTABLE TECHNOLOGY USE RMU.EDU/P2P RMU takes a proactive approach to protect you from violating copyright infringement laws and violating the Student Code of Conduct and IT Acceptable Use Policy. CABLE TV RMU.EDU/CABLETV RMU has partnered with Comcast to provide cable television service to all residence hall rooms.
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STUDENT LIFE Robert Morris University 6001 University Boulevard Moon Township, PA 15108 rmu.edu
FAMILY Connections CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit rmu.edu for the university’s full calendar of events.
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Bingo Night – 8 p.m. –RoMo’s Café
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Ice Skating @ RMU Island Sports Center – 6:45 p.m. departure
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Personalized Greeting Cards – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. / 4 – 6 p.m. –
AUGUST
Nicholson Center
20–23
New Student Orientation
23
Bobbymania – 7 - 10 p.m. – Nicholson Center lawn
OCTOBER
24-29
Welcome Week (various events)
DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
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Late Night Student Dance – 10 p.m. – Midnight – John Jay Gym
1-4
Sorority Recruitment (various events)
4-9
Mental Health Awareness Week (various events)
SEPTEMBER
7
Career Expo – Noon – 4 p.m. – Sewall Center Arena
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
11
National Society of Collegiate Scholars Induction – 11 a.m. –
2
Student Activities Fair – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Nicholson Center Fire Pit
3
Robert’s Rebates Fair – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Nicholson Center
11-16
Spirituality Week (various events)
5
De La Gente Celebration – 10 a.m. – Noon – Joe Walton Stadium Plaza
14
Pittsburgh Speakers Series presents John Irving – 8 p.m. – Heinz Hall
7
Labor Day Holiday. No Classes. Administrative Offices closed.
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12
Healthy Foods and Wellness Expo – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Sewall Center
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Diversity Speakers Series presents Kiya Tomlin – 4:30 – 6 p.m. – Sewall
17
Grove City Outlets Trip – 9 a.m. departure
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Homecoming Weekend (various events)
18-23
Alcohol Awareness Week(various events)
Student Dance – 9 p.m. – Midnight – Sewall Center Arena
23-24
Family Weekend (various events)
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Homecoming Weekend (various events)
30
Halloween Dance – 10 p.m. – Midnight – John Jay Gym
Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport (invitation only)
Diversity Speakers Series presents Lourdes Sanchez-Ridge – 4:30 p.m. Sewall Center