Family Connections - November 2017

ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY

NOVEMBER 2017

FAMILY Connections TIME FLIES It is hard to believe that we are more than halfway through the fall semester. The leaves on campus are falling and the sun is now setting earlier and earlier each evening. I hope that your student is having a productive and successful semester so far, and that you are having the opportunity to keep up to date with his/her achievements as well as all of the exciting activities taking place on our campus.

We enjoyed seeing many parents and families around RMU during our fall Family Weekend in October. It is always refreshing to see students and their families enjoying campus activities together.

Many of you will be making the trip to campus again soon to bring your student (and his/her laundry) home for the Thanksgiving Break!

This issue of Family Connections highlights some recommendations we hope you will consider when advising your student on how to address concerns and issues he/she may be experiencing in college.

We are also sharing some common higher education and RMU terms and their definitions.

There is unique terminology in the higher education environment that often needs decoded for students and families.

Finally, we profile in this issue several members of the RMU Parent Council who want to share their perspective and unique expertise with you. These families are active and involved with RMU in many ways and we value their contributions to our university. We are delighted to have this opportunity to introduce them to you.

My best to you, your student, and your family for the upcoming holiday season and semester break.

Enjoy this time together and we will look forward to seeing our students return to campus in early January 2018.

Sincerely,

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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SEMESTER BREAKS: AN OPPORTUNITY TO BREAK INTO CAREER SUCCESS Students will soon be embarking on the Thanksgiving and winter breaks. These breaks provide welcome rest and relaxation for students, but they can also provide an opportunity to invest time in career development activities. If your student is looking for ideas, consider suggesting the following: UPDATE THE RÉSUMÉ Opportunities for part-time, internship or full-time positions can sometimes present themselves at unexpected times, so it is important for students to keep their résumés updated and employer-ready.

The end of the semester is a great time to remind your student to update their résumé with any new work experiences, skills, academic projects, campus or community involvement, etc.

CREATE/UPDATE A LINKEDIN PROFILE LinkedIn is one of the largest professional networking sites. During a semester break, encourage your student to create or update their LinkedIn profile and connect with alumni or professionals in their field of interest. The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) also invites students and alumni to join the Robert Morris University Career Network.

This LinkedIn group is managed by the CPDC and provides an opportunity for RMU students and alumni to connect with each other about career-related topics.

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RESEARCH CAREER INFORMATION OR JOB LISTINGS Breaks can also be a good time for students to think about how they want to apply what they have learned in their classes to specific fields or organizations. Vault, the CPDC’s newest career research tool, is a comprehensive online career resource that includes industry and profession overviews; rankings and profiles for employers and internship programs; a job and internship database; career articles, blogs and videos; sample résumés, cover letters and interview questions; and over 100 career guides. Students and alumni may access Vault through the CPDC website as well as the “Links” section of ColonialTRAK, the CPDC’s online job posting and event management system.

CONDUCT AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW OR SHADOWING EXPERIENCE Regardless of whether a student is just beginning their college experience or is nearing graduation, networking is extremely beneficial. Parents and family members can provide valuable connections through their own friends, relatives, co-workers and community members. First-year students may appreciate their parents and family members setting up a shadowing experience or informational interview during a break while upper-class students may benefit from your help with providing initial contact information.

For more information about Career and Professional Development Center services and resources, please visit rmu.edu/careercenter.

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WHAT DO I DO WHEN? MY DAUGHTER OR SON SEEMS TO BE STRUGGLING IN CLASS...

• Make sure your student is attending class.

Going to class is a major part of the college experience and helps her/his chances of earning a passing grade, persisting through their academic program, and graduating on time.

• Tell your student to get to know her/his professors by introducing themselves in class and visiting professors during their office hours.

• Encourage your student to ask for academic help if they are falling behind or have concerns about their assignments.

• Have your student meet their academic advisor.

• Refer your student to the Center for Student Success in the Nicholson Center and meet with their Collegiate Support Coordinator. The Center offers a wide array of academic support services including tutoring, supplemental instruction, study groups, and services for students with disabilities. Tutoring services are FREE to all undergraduate students.

MY DAUGHTER OR SON HAS AN INJURY OR ILLNESS...

• Encourage your student to report the injury to the Office of Student Life or the Center for Student Success. Your student may be eligible for temporary accommodations, including transportation services and academic support.

• Have your student visit the UPMC MyHealth@School.

• Help them find ways to balance their academic obligations, work schedules and co-curricular activities so they can stay healthy, and well.

• If you feel there is a possibility your student’s mental well-being is endangered, please refer your student to the Counseling Center.

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MY DAUGHTER OR SON IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THEIR ROOMMATE OR HOUSING SITUATION….

• Encourage your student to work things out on her/his own.

• Refer your student to the Community Advisor or Area Coordinator in their residence hall.

• Be patient and remember that a critical part of the college experience is for students to learn how to work through the obstacles and challenges that life will inevitably throw at them.

MY DAUGHTER OR SON IS HAVING A SOCIAL MEDIA ISSUE...

• Encourage your student to use sound judgement on the posts and links that create their identity.

• Remind your student that pictures of them might be posted on another Facebook page so they will need to be aware of their privacy settings on all of their social media accounts.

One poor error of judgement can have a powerful consequence.

• Suggest they use social media to open doors, not close them. Ask your student to consider if the image they are projecting through their content is one by which they want their friends, family, potential employers, and others to know them.

MY DAUGHTER OR SON APPEARS TO BE GETTING INVOLVED IN THE USE OF ALCOHOL….

• Remind your student that the perception that everyone drinks is not true.

• Talk openly about alcohol and other drugs and keep the lines of communication open.

• Encourage your student to make smart choices.

Be sure they feel empowered to say “no” when

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something does not seem right or talk through ways to remove him/herself from an uncomfortable situation.

• Make sure your student understands not only the legal consequences of drinking, but the academic consequences of underage drinking and alcohol abuse on campus.

• Help him/her learn from their mistakes.

• If you feel your student’s alcohol use has reached the level where treatment is needed, the Counseling Center can help your student to explore options, including an evaluation by an off-campus provider.

MY DAUGHTER OR SON DOESN’T HAVE A RÉSUMÉ OR STARTED A SEARCH FOR AN INTERNSHIP...

• Encourage your student to schedule an appointment with a career coach in the Career and Professional Development Center to develop résumés, cover letters, and other professional communication tools.

• Download a copy of the Résumé Writing Guide under student resources on the Career Center webpage. The guide is available online or in hardcopy at the Career and Professional Development Center.

MY DAUGHTER OR SON DOES NOT HAVE A PARTTIME, ON-CAMPUS JOB...

• Encourage your student to conduct a job search using RMU’s online resources. ColonialTRAK is an online job search tool for RMU students and alumni. Your student can search and apply for part-time jobs, internship, full-time jobs, and graduate assistantship opportunities.

Students can find on-campus work-study opportunities via RMU Talent Track.

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MY DAUGHTER OR SON TELLS ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING TO DO ON CAMPUS...

• Encourage your student to log in to our campus-wide online community called Revolution. Here he/she can view upcoming campus events and activities, learn more and connect with the more than 125 active student clubs and organizations on campus.

• If your student lives on campus, ask if they have taken advantage of any recent programs and activities being offered in their Residence Hall or through our Residence Hall Association.

• Suggest your student visit the Office of Student Life (Nicholson Center, 2nd Floor) to talk with a staff member about opportunities to get connected.

MY DAUGHTER OR SON APPEARS TO BE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH…..

• If your student has been on psychiatric medication before attending RMU, make sure to maintain a relationship with the prescribing doctor and ensure your student has enough refills.

• If you notice changes in your student’s behavior and are concerned, encourage them to schedule an appointment with the Counseling Center.

• Your student may be eligible for accommodations for mental health if they are in treatment. Encourage your student to meet with the Center for Student Success.

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HIGHER EDUCATION: UNDERSTANDING THE RMU TERMS Higher Education is filled with many terms and industry-specific jargon that is unfamiliar to many students and families. Below is a glossary of higher education terms that are used at Robert Morris University. Your son or daughter may have seen these terms on a university document, heard them during a conversation with a professor or staff member, or shared them with you. Our hope is to demystify commonly used terms at RMU and provide more friendly translations for these terms.

ACADEMIC ADVISOR: A member of the school’s faculty who provides advice and guidance to students on their major, course selection, and careers.

ACADEMIC PROBATION: All colleges require students to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in school.

Any student not maintaining satisfactory progress toward his/her educational objectives will be placed on probation for a semester.

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPT: An official record of a student’s coursework at RMU. Collegiate Support Coordinators – professional staff members in the Center for Student Success who assist with academic planning, personal concerns, and provide services to support student success.

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CLEP: The College Level Examination Program can be administered to students who desire to obtain college credit by taking proficiency tests in selected courses. If the student scores high enough on the test, college credit can be awarded. There is a charge for each test taken. Information concerning an individual institution's policies toward CLEP Tests can be found in the institution's catalog.

COURSE LOAD: The number of courses or credits a student takes during a specific academic term.

Most students enroll in 12-18 credits, which is a full-time student course load. A student who takes less than 12 credits is enrolled as a part-time student.

CREDITS: These are units that a school uses to indicate the value of a particular course. A course may be worth 1, 2, 3, 4 or more credits, depending on the nature and content of the course. Courses are typically referred to in terms of “credits,” “credit hours,” or “units.”

DIRECTED STUDY: An academic course that allows a student to earn credit for work completed outside of the normal classroom setting. The coursework is monitored by a faculty member.

DISCIPLINARY PROBATION: Students are expected to adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Any student who violates university policy could be placed on probation for a period of time from one semester through the entirety of their undergraduate career at RMU.

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DROP: To withdraw from a course. A college typically has a period of time at the beginning of the term during which a student may drop or add courses.

ELECTIVES: Courses that a student may choose to take toward a degree, but are not required.

FERPA: FERPA stands for "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974" also known as "The Buckley Amendment." FERPA is the United States federal law that protects student records privacy review and disclosure rights. FERPA places certain restrictions on the kinds of information about students that can be shared without explicit permission from the student.

FREEDOM CARD: The Freedom Card, or the student ID is similar to a driver’s license and includes a photograph of the student, a student number (ID number) and the student’s name. The card is primarily used for eating on campus, but is often required for admittance to functions sponsored by the college or for identification when cashing checks or for other purposes, and to receive student discounts.

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE PROGRAM (FYSP): FYSP is a course designed to increase the first-year student success at the University by helping them build the skills necessary to reach their educational goals.

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GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA): A student’s performance is calculated as a numerical average of grades earned in all courses. A student may have a major grade point average and an overall grade point average. The GPA is determined each academic term on a 4.00 scale.

INTERNSHIP, PRACTICUM, CLINICAL: An experience that allows students to work in a professional environment to gain practical career-focused skills and training related to their academic major or career of choice. Internships, practicums or clinical rotations may be paid or unpaid, and can vary in lengths during the academic year or summer.

MAJOR: The academic subject area that a student chooses to focus on during his/her undergraduate studies.

MINOR: An academic subject area that a student chooses to have a secondary focus on during his/her undergraduate studies. Unlike a major, a minor is not required, but allows a student to take a few additional courses in a subject area different from his/her major.

PREREQUISITE: A required course that must be completed successfully before a student is permitted to enroll in a more advanced course.

Probation – a status or period of time in which students with very low grade point averages or whose academic work is unsatisfactory according to the school, must improve their performance to a certain level.

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PROVOST: The senior academic officer of the university who oversees all academic schools, academic policies, and all curriculum-related matters.

REGISTRAR: The university official who is responsible for maintaining and releasing academic records or transcripts.

SEMESTERS: Periods of study that divide the academic year into two equal segments of approximately 15 to 18 weeks each.

STUDENT CONDUCT PROCESS: The process by which the university reviews student actions that violate university policies and procedures with an accused student. If the student is found responsible for the violation(s), educational sanctions may be placed on the student to prevent future violations and promote respectful and responsible campus citizenship.

TUITION: Tuition is the amount paid for each credit hour of enrollment. Tuition does not include the cost of books, fees, or room and board. Tuition charges vary from college to college and are dependent on such factors as resident or out-ofstate status, level of classes enrolled in (lower, upper, or graduate division), and whether the institution is publicly or privately financed.

WITHDRAWAL: Students may withdraw from courses during a semester, but there are established procedures for doing so. The college catalog and/or Class Schedule generally specifies the procedures. Written approval from a university official must be secured, and some fees must be paid.

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TRANSCRIPT (SET): The SET formally documents a student’s participation in experiential learning, leadership roles, community service hours, international study trips, internship experiences, and much more. Completing two of the first six categories of the SET is a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students.

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PARENT COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT The Parent Council members work with staff and faculty members to ensure a meaningful connection to RMU’s parents and families. They enjoy connecting with others in the Colonial community and, with the Parent Council Spotlight, would like to share their own journeys.

RON GRAZIANI: Ron and his wife Kathy are no strangers to RMU. Their oldest son, Tyler graduated in 2015 and now works for Robert Morris as an Admissions Counselor. Zach is a current senior at Bobby Mo and Nate, their youngest, is set to graduate high school this year. A favorite RMU memory for Ron is having both Tyler and Zach on the soccer field at the same time.

THE GRAZIANI JOURNEY What went into the decision making process when choosing Robert Morris? The quality of the business school, RMU’s relationships with local companies, and Division I athletic opportunities proved to be the best value and fit.

RON’S ADVICE TO PARENTS How often should you initiate contact with your child while they’re at school? Talking to them at least once a week is a good amount. It is good to hear their voice to hear how they’re doing, not just what they’re saying.

MARY GRILL: Mary, Dan, and their two sons, Austin and Eric, a sophomore at RMU, enjoy golfing, traveling, and sitting around a bonfire as a family.

While Eric is away from home, Mary enjoys sending care packages –small “dollar store” toys and a delicious homemade snack- as a way to stay connected to him. When she received her Parent Council invitation from President Howard, she was honored and excited to learn about the university and meeting other Colonial families.

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THE GRILL JOURNEY What is the weirdest thing Eric has packed for college? Eric is practical. He counted the number of weeks in the semester and packed exactly that many Tide-pods for weekly laundry!

MARY’S ADVICE TO PARENTS What piece of advice would you give to incoming families? Trust that you raised a good son or daughter. Remind them to make good decisions – go to class, do your best, and don’t forget to call your mom! This is their time to shine for themselves, and while you are proud of them, they should be proud of themselves.

STACEY AND MICHAEL PASSERINI: When their daughter Taylor, a current sophomore, decided that she wanted to join older brother Vince, a senior at RMU, the decision seemed like a natural choice. While away, they exchange a quick text almost daily with their children. When they come to campus to visit, you can catch them across the street at Kiyoshi Bistro.

THE PASSERINI JOURNEY During move in, how many trips did you have to make to Target, Walmart, or IKEA? More than you could imagine!

STACEY AND MICHAEL’S ADVICE TO PARENTS Why do you choose to donate to RMU and where do you designate your gift? We give to the RMU Parent Fund because we see and appreciate what RMU is doing for Vince and Taylor. Once a Colonial family, always a Colonial family.

DAVE COX: When driving from his hometown of Yukon, PA to campus, country music is a must. As a family, Dave, his wife Luann, and their three children enjoy camping whenever they get the chance. Dave is incredibly happy with Danny, a sophomore who is part of the Honors Program.

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THE COX JOURNEY When you received your invitation from President Howard, what made you say yes to joining? I considered it an honor to be asked!

DAVE’S ADVICE TO PARENTS As a parent, what has been the hardest thing to learn or deal with?

Danny is the second child in college and though Robert Morris has been welcoming, the separation is tough.

RICHARD WANAT: Watching his son, Jonathan, a sophomore, play football with a sunset in the background at Joe Walton Stadium is quite a sight to behold, and one of Richard’s favorite things about campus. Richard and his wife, Mindy, live with their five children in Silver Spring, MD but make it back for his son’s games – and a quick bite at Eggs N’ At! Nothing makes him more proud than to see Jonathan enjoying RMU. THE WANAT JOURNEY What is the weirdest thing your son has packed for RMU? A Star Wars Storm Trooper helmet!

RICHARD’S ADVICE TO PARENTS Do you give Jonathan time management advice? With Jonathan playing football, I don’t give advice. I think that the busier they are, the better they will learn how to prioritize their time.

HYACINTH PERRAULT: Campus in the fall is Hyacinth’s favorite time to visit her son, Eric, a sophomore. Even though she and her partner George live 4 hours away, they try to make it back for Move-In Day and Family Weekend. The distance made the transition into college difficult, but she is confident and happy knowing that Eric

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is continuing to have a positive and academically challenging experience while making memories that will last him a lifetime.

THE PERRAULT JOURNEY Thus far, what has been your highlight of your time as a Parent Council member? I enjoy developing relationships with RMU faculty and staff, receiving news about the campus, and meeting other families.

HYACINTH’S ADVICE TO PARENTS In Eric’s first semester, how many times did you call, text, or email him? Was it too much or not enough?

I texted several times a week – called on the weekends.

In hindsight, probably too much in the very beginning; however, once I understood his academic and work schedule (which I keep on the back of my phone) I resorted to more texts during his “breaks.”

JANET AND TIM MENZIE: The Menzies love sports – watching sports, participating in sports, and listening to ESPN Radio during road trips! They make a point to come from Columbus to support their daughter, Madeline, a senior, during her Track and Field events. The humor isn’t lost on them, as Janet and Tim bundle up during inclement weather to watch the athletes run in their uniforms – sleeveless tops and small shorts.

THE MENZIE JOURNEY Why do you love RMU? We see strong connections that the faculty have with the students. RMU has a sense of family.

JANET AND TIM’S ADVICE TO PARENTS What piece of advice would you give incoming families?

Allow your child the college years to find out what they like – and don’t like – in potential careers. Encourage them to do an internship.

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THERE IS NO GOOD TIME TO BE SICK Who has time to be sick? Not college students! As the fall semester comes to a close and the season changes, classes intensify, friendships form and social lives soar, students share not only campus experiences, but unknowingly also share germs.

At the MyHealth@School Clinic we not only treat students for their acute illness, but want to help them stay well and teach them to prevent illness.

Assuring compliance with immunizations is particularly important, as we share the responsibility to ensure the well-being of all students. The American College Health Association (ACHA) “strongly supports the use of vaccines to protect the health of our individual students and our campus community.” Everyday

preventive actions should also be taken to stop the spread of germs. This includes frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying away from others who are sick, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

It’s not too late! There is still time for your student to receive his/her annual seasonal flu shot. The “Flu Season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone six months and older be vaccinated. Students are welcome to visit the Student Health Center for listings of local Flu Clinics.

CARE PACKAGES FROM HOME! College is an exciting time in your student’s life that will be full of positive experiences and provide numerous rewards for his/her future. It also presents new challenges that will help your student grow. As a parent, you play an important role in supporting your child and helping their campus experience feel as comfortable as home.

To help bridge the distance between home and campus, The Office of Residence Life provides the Care Package Program. Through this program parents are able to give their student a gift box filled with a variety of RMU personalized items

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and several treats that your child is sure to love.

As an added surprise, your personal handwritten note comes with each care package.

If parents are interested in participating in this program, please contact Ashley Haney in the Office of Residence Life at haneya@rmu.edu.

You can also learn more about the care package program at rmu.edu/reslife.

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REMINDER FOR PARENTS OF RESIDENT STUDENTS: INCOMPLETE HEALTH FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED All resident students are REQUIRED to have a COMPLETED Health Form on file at the UPMC-MyHealth@School Clinic. This includes a physical assessment (signed by an Advanced Practice Provider: physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner) and documentation of immunizations/vaccinations. Students must have received at least one dose of a Meningitis vaccine

with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) on or after their 16th birthday.

Students who have not met these requirements will have a hold placed on their student account until documentation is provided. If assistance is needed, contact the staff at 412-397-6220.

RESIDENCE LIFE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Students gain a sense of fulfillment from their community when they are active and involved.

Taking on a student leadership opportunity will give them the means to get to know others in their halls and across campus. Holding a formal student leadership position on campus also allows students to practice their leadership skills, gain valuable work experience, and learn a great deal about themselves. There are a number of student leadership opportunities available at RMU through the Office of Residence Life.

autonomy and invited to test his or her leadership skills by turning a collection of individuals into a tight-knit community within the course of a single academic year. The role of a Community Advisor is to create opportunities for residents to be involved and integrated into the floor, residence hall, and campus community. The CA position requires students to roll up their sleeves and acquire the kind of substantial work experience that employers are seeking, but have a hard time finding, in college graduates.

The Community Advisor Position: One of the best ways to gain leadership skills and impact future professional goals is through the opportunity for students to become Community Advisors (CA). In fact, the Office of Residence Life sees the Community Advisor position as a yearlong internship in leadership. Community Advisors are undergraduate students entrusted to live alongside his or her peers with unprecedented

It is already time to begin the Community Advisor recruitment process for next year.

Information sessions for CA applications began on October 19. Students will receive an email with application instructions. We hope students take this opportunity to develop real-world and real-life skills in this leadership opportunity.

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The Global Village LLC Visa Program: The Office of Residence Life and the Center for Global Engagement offer the Global Village Visa SET Experience to all RMU students. The Global Village Visa experience allows both domestic and international students the opportunity to interact and connect while completing a portion of their Student Engagement Transcript. This experience fulfills the Transcultural/Global Experience portion of the SET. As a member of the Global Visa students will have to complete the following: ● Participation in the Conversation Exchange Program OR Arabic classes ● Attend one culture workshop ● Attend one campus wide event with an international focus ● Attend three Global Village events This experience is a great résumé booster and opportunity to gain valuable insight into today's globally connected world! If you have any questions please email Charles Forrester in the Office of Residence Life at forrester@rmu.edu.

Residence Hall Association: The Residence Hall Association (RHA) is pleased to offer students access to some of the largest programs on campus. RHA also offers students multiple leadership positions, even for first-year students. Our organization meets weekly and we welcome all resident students to attend. In the upcoming weeks, RHA will host a variety of programs across campus.

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We also offer regularly scheduled service trips that allow students to earn SET credit while offering assistance to our local community. Students receive an email prior to the service opportunity with more details and instructions on how to register.

Please encourage your student to stop by an upcoming Residence Hall Association meeting. Weekly meetings are held on Wednesdays at 9:15 p.m. in the Salem Hall Lower Lobby. Questions regarding RHA can be directed to the organization’s advisor Holly Nedley, nedley@rmu.edu.

The National Residence Hall Honorary: The National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) is pleased to provide leadership opportunities for first-year students as well as upperclassmen.

This is a group that focuses on providing service projects and recognizing amazing events/programs, academic excellence, and the exceptional staff and faculty that we have at RMU. The National Residence Hall Honorary meets on Tuesdays from 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. in the Salem Lower Lobby Activity Room. Questions about NRHH can be directed to Liz Holt at holt@rmu.edu.

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STAY ON TRACK WITH MEAL PLAN DOLLARS We are getting into the home stretch of the semester. Students should check their Meal Plan Balances to see if their spending is on track.

Balance sheets are available at the registers in all dining locations, and on digital monitors in PNC Colonial Cafe.

In preparation for the holidays, RoMo's Cafe, Hale Cafe and Wheatley Cafe will be offering various gift baskets to purchase with meal plan dollars for family and friends. Gift sets include, Starbucks mug with hot cocoa mix; winter essentials Baskets; snack attack gift basket; Starbucks tumblers and travel mugs, and much more.

If your student has a higher balance we have the following options to help: We offer a bulk buy plan in which selected food and beverage items available at Romo's, the Bakery, and PNC Cafe (including whole meats) can be ordered in Costco sized portions. Find the 2017 Bulk Order Forms on-line at http://busops.rmu.edu/dining. Simply fill out the forms and drop them off at the corresponding location, and pick up your order on the date specified. If your student is looking for something specific to purchase, just ask any dining manager and they will be happy to assist.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT RMU The Big Elf himself will be at Yorktown Hall on Dec. 9 for this family-friendly alumni event. Register for a morning of crafts, games, and a personal visit with Santa. Bring those Christmas lists!

Cost: $15 per person (includes $5 gift to the RMU Student Fund) $5 - children 5-12 years old Free - children 4 years and younger Seating is limited, RSVP at rmu.edu/rsvp.

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Robert Morris University 6001 University Boulevard Moon Township, PA 15108

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FAMILY Connections CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit rmu.edu for the university’s full calendar of events.

NOVEMBER

JANUARY

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Holiday Mural Decorating – 3 – 7 p.m. – John Jay Gym

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13–17

Transgender Awareness Week (various events scheduled)

15

Pittsburgh Speakers Series presents Jane Pauley – 8 p.m. – Heinz Hall

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First day for 15-week classes meeting January 8 – April 29

23–24

Thanksgiving Holiday. University Administrative Offices Closed.

15

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

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Holiday Decorating – 5 - 8 p.m. – Gazebo

No classes.

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Wisdom Wednesday Workshop – 4 -5 p.m. – Counseling Center

Administrative Offices Closed.

University Administrative Offices Closed.

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DECEMBER 3

Holiday Concert – 7:30 p.m. – Massey Theater

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Wisdom Wednesday Workshop – 3 – 7 p.m. – Counseling Center

8–9

Winterfest (various events scheduled)

11–16

Final Exams

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Almost Midnight Breakfast – 10 p.m. – Midnight – PNC Colonial Café

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Campus Ministry Study Break – 8 – 10 p.m. – PNC Colonial Café

22–31

Holiday Break. University Administrative Offices Closed.

Holiday Break.

Pittsburgh Speakers Series presents Robin Wright 8 p.m. – Heinz Hall

View the complete academic calendar at rmu.edu/academics.