School of Engineering, Mathematics & Science SPRING 2013
> First University-Wide Program and LivingLearning Cohort
Students starting in the fall of 2009 were selected through an interview process for the STEM scholarship by meeting the PELL requirement through the FAFSA and meeting academic and leadership requirements as well. The initial cohort consisted of 21 students (seven in each discipline of science, engineering, and mathematics) of whom the majority (13 out of the 21 students in the applicant pool, or 62%) were the first generation of college attendees. In addition, the initial cohort included 11 females or 52%. The majority of those students would not have been able to afford attending RMU without the grant. The PI on the grant was Dr. Maria Kalevitch with Drs. Badger, Holdan and Sirinterlikci serving as Co-PI's. Cheryl Maurer was instrumental in supporting grant activities Since the beginning of the spring 2011 semester, the cohort has remained the same with the exception of one student leaving RMU after the semester due to personal reasons, thus overall retention is 95%. During the planning year of the project, the management team completed preparation for the arrival of the Living-Learning Cohort of the STEM Scholars. The leadership team also worked with Academic Services and the Registrar’s Office to determine what common classes in science, mathematics, communication skills and core courses the STEM Scholars would take for the incoming year. The intention was to schedule the group for the same sections to foster the living-learning environment. They were involved in academic and professional experiences as well as community service, cultural activities, and outreach activities (just to name a few) throughout their academic careers. Some examples include National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, Honors Program, Habitat for Humanity, Division I and club sports, peer tutors, fraternities, sororities, and various other RMU student organizations. This cohort served as a strong support mechanism to help other students adapt to the college environment and succeed in the future.
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The School of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (SEMS) at Robert Morris University was awarded a five-year grant (the first year was a planning year) from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to give scholarships to 21 academically talented but financially challenged students majoring in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Each student received up to a total of $24,000 over their four years of study.
Welcome to the new edition of our school’s newsletter! When I was asked to highlight our four most important developments that took place in SEMS in the past year, the following came to mind: • The graduation of the NSF STEM Cohort, the first living-learning community at RMU and the first NSF grant that enjoyed university-wide support. • The doubling of SEMS enrollment, especially in engineering. • Having our first graduate from the medical school—first medical doctor from our pre-medicine program that began in 2005. • Actuarial science students who have not only passed exams, but who have already attained employment. These are the stories you will read about in this issue of our SEMS Newsletter. We would appreciate your feedback and look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy! My Best Wishes,
M A R I A V. K A L E V I T C H , P H . D . , DEAN & UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR