ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
FALL 2016
FAMILY Connections WELCOME HOME! Welcome to a new year at Robert Morris University. We are excited to welcome the Class of 2020, as well as our new transfer students, to campus; it is also great to see our upperclassman making their way back to Moon Township. Please take an opportunity to review this issue of Family Connections as you gear up for your arrival on campus and the start of the academic year. This issue contains valuable information to help your student get off to a good start. Encourage your son or daughter to be active on campus this year. There are over 170 opportunities on campus for students to be active and involved in student organizations, club sports teams, as campus leaders, as contributors to campus publications, and as members of performance groups.
Advise your student to get the most out of his or her college experience – both inside the classroom and out. The faculty and staff at RMU look forward to providing support along the way. In closing, I look forward to welcoming you as you arrive on campus over the next couple of weeks. It is an exciting time to be a part of the Colonial family.
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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GREETINGS FROM MULTICULTURAL STUDENT SERVICES Welcome students and families. The purpose of the office 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. 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.
opportunity to hear varied opinions and thoughts on diversity-related issues. Students can also participate in all the activities within the Ambassador of Equality program as well. (http://studentlife.rmu.edu/multicultural-studentservices/ambassador-of-equality-Program) 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 10 at the gazebo and volleyball courts. Festivities begin at noon and will be open to the whole community. Come join the activities, meet some amazing students, and enjoy music and food from across the world. For more information, follow us on Twitter @RMUlticultural.
There are numerous opportunities for student to get involved and to participate in activities that promote and encourage inclusivity. The office sponsors the Diversity Speaker Series for an
ARE YOU AN RMU LEGACY? Is your father, mother, or grandparent an RMU alum? 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 our 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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APPLYING FOR WORK–STUDY JOBS Did you know that work-study jobs provide not only an excellent way to earn money, but also an opportunity to gain experience and develop professionalism? Through these positions, students can gain new skills, develop time management strategies, learn about employer expectations in the world of work, and meet networking contacts and potential references. Work-study jobs are not guaranteed, and the process can be competitive. Typically, over 600 students work on campus in a variety of offices and departments each year. HOW TO FIND POSITIONS The Student Employment Program (SEP) includes on-campus and off-campus work-study opportunities as well as graduate assistantships. SEP positions are posted in ColonialTRAK. After logging in, students should click on “Job Search” and then “Position Type > Work-Study/Student Employment Program.”
If hired through the Student Employment Program, students must complete required paperwork before they can begin working. Regulations require students to present original documents that establish both identity and employment authorization. To learn which document(s) will satisfy the requirement, please contact the Career Center at 412-397-6333. If a student plans to work through the SEP, it is important to have acceptable documents with them when they return to campus. For more information visit the Student Employment Program Section of the Career Center website at rmu.edu/careercenter.
HOW TO PREPARE BEFORE APPLYING Students are encouraged to develop a detailed SEP application and/or professional résumé. The SEP application is located in the “My Account > My Documents” section of ColonialTRAK. Both documents can be uploaded into ColonialTRAK through the same section. To stand out during the interview process, students should be prepared with business casual or professional attire.
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“LIFE IS FOR SERVICE” - FRED ROGERS The Office of Student Civic Engagement (OSCE) offers Robert Morris University students many ways to become actively engaged in life beyond campus in Moon Township, 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 week. The OSCE also facilitates nonpartisan 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 community service projects in Moon Township, 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. Students’ volunteer service projects will appear on their Student Engagement Transcripts.
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Through its Alternative Spring Break program, RMU offers students the opportunity to travel to different parts of the United States for a full 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 this 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. Additionally, the OSCE partners with faculty who seek to incorporate service-learning into their courses. A service-learning trip to the Navajo Nation (Arizona & New Mexico) is being planned for May 2017. Interested students must register for ELIT 1310 Literature at Home and Abroad with Dr. Edward Karshner, associate professor of English. The trip will immerse students in Navajo culture by living and volunteering among the Navajo, and visiting sacred/ historic sites. The trip will be led by Dr. Karshner and professional staff from the Engaged Learning Office and the Office of Student Civic Engagement. A trip fee (TBD) will be charged. Informational meetings for students will begin in the early fall.
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The Nonprofit Leadership Association (NLA) certificate program provides students of diverse majors with the opportunity to learn about career and leadership opportunities in the not-for-profit sector. Students work at their own pace to complete three noncredit 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.
The OSCE is also responsible for nonpartisan voter registration, education and engagement. Voter registration drives will be held on campus throughout the fall leading up to the national election. Students can register to vote using their home or RMU address, and cast their votes by absentee ballot or at the polls in Moon Township. Detailed information about the ins and outs of getting properly registered to vote will be available on the OSCE website. Students are invited to stop by the Office of Student Civic Engagement in Nicholson Center, Room 267, in the Student Life suite near the student mailboxes. Office hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Be sure to visit our webpages: rmu.edu/osce. Students may email Donna Anderson, director at andersond@rmu.edu or call 412-397-6492.
RMU BOOKSTORE The RMU Barnes & Noble Bookstore is the oncampus one-stop shop for all of your school needs. Located on the first floor of the Nicholson Center, The RMU Bookstore offers textbooks, merchandise, spirit-wear, and gifts for your whole Robert Morris journey. With a variety of options for all textbook needs, including new, used, rental, and digital textbooks, as well as an all-new price match program, our staff is here to help you find the best option for each class.
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The bookstore also appears at various events on campus, from athletic events to graduation, and hosts special events throughout the year. Visit the bookstore at robert-morris.bncollege.com STORE HOURS: Monday - Tuesday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday - Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday - Sunday Closed
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RMU FAMILY WEEKEND FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 Women’s Soccer vs. Wagner 2 p.m., North Athletic Complex
Legacy Family Event 1921 Club at Joe Walton Stadium (by invitation only)
Women’s Ice Hockey vs. Mercyhurst * 3 p.m., RMU Island Sports Center
Career Center Open House 3 – 5 p.m., Benjamin Rush Center
Oktoberfest ** 7 – 10 p.m., Sewall Center Hosted by the Office of Student Life
Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Army West Point * 7:05 p.m., RMU Island Sports Center
Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Army West Point * 7:05 p.m., RMU Island Sports Center SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Campus Tours Departs 10 a.m. from the Admissions Office
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 Women’s Soccer vs. Central Connecticut State Noon, North Athletic Complex National Society of Collegiate Scholars Induction Ceremony 11 a.m., Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport (by invitation only)
Pregame Brunch with President and Mrs. Howard ** 9 – 11:30 a.m., Sewall Center
Men’s Soccer vs. Central Connecticut State 2:30 p.m., North Athletic Complex
Campus Opportunities Fair 11 a.m. – Noon Joe Walton Stadium Plaza
Women’s Volleyball vs. Sacred Heart 3 p.m. Sewall Center Arena
Football vs. Central Connecticut St. University * Noon, Joe Walton Stadium
* Game tickets can be purchased from the Athletic Ticket Office: 412-397-4949, by email to athleticticketing@rmu.edu, or by visiting rmucolonials.com
Women’s Ice Hockey vs. Mercyhurst * 2 p.m., RMU Island Sports Center Women’s Volleyball vs. Fairleigh Dickinson University 3 p.m., Sewall Center Arena
** No charge for event. Reservations recommended. Visit rmu.edu/familyweekend for more information and to register or contact the Office of Student Life at 412-397-6489. Schedule subject to change.
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STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE REMINDER FOR 2016–17 !
Please be sure that your student has provided the university with current insurance information for the 2016 – 2017 academic year. The university requires that all traditional undergraduate students, both full- and part-time, carry health insurance 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.
Students who do not provide proof of comparable insurance coverage by the required deadline will be automatically enrolled in the Highmark plan and the annual cost of $2,496 will be charged to their RMU Student Account. Students enrolled in the plan will receive their insurance card directly from Highmark once the university has provided the carrier with the enrollment information. The insurance card will be printed with the RMU logo on it. Contact Student Health Services at 412-397-6221 with any questions.
SELF CARE SUPPLIES We suggest that there are some things your student should not leave home without. Please supply your son/daughter with a small first aid kit. This kit should include band-aids, Tylenol and/or Advil, reusable ice pack, thermometer, a flashlight with batteries, and a three day supply of food items and water, as well as a supply of daily prescribed medications. Do not forget to include
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some items for sick days such as a canned soup, crackers, and Gatorade. One of the most important items to bring is self-care knowledge. Be sure to talk with your student about how to handle sickness, medical issues, and emergency situations should they arise.
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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 sixteen 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 training just as other local law enforcement officer would 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 lock outs, 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 RMU to be both pleasant and safe.
CONNECTING WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL SIDE The RMU Campus Ministry Association (CMA) welcomes all new and returning students and their families to campus. The mission of CMA is to assist and enhance the spiritual development of the RMU community. The association is blessed with many religious leaders and volunteers who generously serve students, faculty, and staff throughout the year by listening to their needs while providing diverse programming. Transitioning into college life can
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be challenging and sometimes faith can get lost along the way. All students are encouraged to take a couple minutes to complete our religious survey that will be sent early in the fall semester. The purpose of the survey is to connect students with our Campus Ministry Association members at the start of the year. You can find a link to this survey now and more information at studentlife.rmu.edu/campus-ministry-association.
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CENTER FOR INNOVATIVE TEACHING AND DIRECTED ENGAGED LEARNING The Center for Innovative Teaching and Directed Engaged Learning (CITADEL) welcomes your student to another academic year full of opportunities to get engaged at RMU. As your student continues to get involved in enriching experiences at RMU, the CITADEL can be a part of this journey. We are continuing our efforts in innovative teaching with our faculty, and have extended sessions to students and staff as well. Some recent sessions co-hosted by the CITADEL include discussions on mental health, the influence of smartphones in our daily lives, and how getting involved can enhance a student’s university career. As part of directed engaged learning, students’ participation in these and similar sessions can be recorded on the Student Engagement Transcript (SET). The SET is an official university record of a student’s various university-endorsed experiences aimed to further expand his or her horizons and improve marketability upon graduation. Some of the experiences recorded include leadership roles, internship experiences, community service activities, study abroad trips, and many other accomplishments. While participating in the engaged learning program is a great benefit for your student, it is also a graduation requirement for all incoming undergraduate students. Whether your student needs assistance with getting started on the SET,
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or would like to complete all seven categories, the Engaged Learning Office is here to help. This past academic year, a record-breaking 84 students earned the Renaissance Award for completing every SET category! 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 satisfy one or two categories. Your student may need a few hours of service to get to the required thirty hours for inclusion on the SET, or perhaps your student has forgotten to report an engaged learning activity. Please encourage your student to 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 412-397-6467 moretti@rmu.edu TERRI BYRNES Asst. Director, Engaged Learning 412-397-6430 byrnes@rmu.edu SAMANTHA MOIK Engaged Learning Specialist 412-397-5973 moik@rmu.edu DEBBIE GRANT Secretary 412-397-5956 grant@rmu.edu For more information, please visit citadel.rmu.edu.
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SERVICES AND RESOURCES IN THE CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS STAFF MEMBERS Paul Spradley Director Tracy Frazier Associate Director Lauren Speerhaas Assistant Director Michelene Cain Secretary Nicole Law Athletic Academic Support Counselor Andrea Shultz Act 101 Counselor Desmond McCoy Tutor Coordinator Ellen Hitchins Disability Services Coordinator
HOURS OF OPERATION Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
CONTACT INFORMATION center4success@rmu.edu rmututor@rmu.edu Phone: 412-397-6862 Fax: 412-397-6316
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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 assist 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 that 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, firstcome, 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.
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 26 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, call Ellen Hitchins at 412-397-6884. 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.
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CENTER FOR GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT SUPPORTS GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) supports RMU’s core value of a GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE by providing diverse opportunities for students, on and off campus, to develop the global skills necessary to succeed in today’s ever-shrinking world. The CGE offers programs throughout the year to increase global awareness and provide opportunities for American students to get to know our international students, who make up over 10% of the RMU student population. RMU strives to make study abroad as accessible and customizable as possible for our students. Short-term FACULTY LEAD EDUCATION ABROAD PROGRAMS (FLEAP) provide opportunities for students in any major to study abroad with an RMU faculty member, engaging in topics like photography in Ireland, health care in Nicaragua, marketing in Switzerland and France, or design in Italy. SEMESTER ABROAD opportunities on six continents are available to students from every school and offer unique internship and research opportunities, in addition to traditional classes. Last year, RMU students studied in Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, France, Italy, Taiwan, and Switzerland. It’s never too early to start planning. Students are encouraged to make an appointment to talk to one of our well-traveled study abroad advisers. They can help find the right program, and help him/her apply for scholarships, too.
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On campus, incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to live in the GLOBAL VILLAGE LIVING/LEARNING COMMUNITY, a residence hall of like-minded students who are interested in developing a deeper knowledge of the world we live in. Students will take part in globally focused programs and activities sponsored by the CGE, live in halls with our international students, and have leadership opportunities to further RMU’s core value of Global Perspective. Students are encouraged to engage, befriend, and support RMU’s international students by becoming a GLOBAL AMBASSADOR. Help introduce our international students to the RMU campus community and to American culture through programming and activities. Campus location: Teetz Alumni House Email: cge@rmu.edu Call us: 412-397-4CGE (243) Want to learn more? Visit rmu.edu/global.
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IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION ABOUT COLLEGE BEHAVIOR “I want you to always drive like I’m in the car with you.” Those were the same words of advice my father gave to me the day I received my driver’s license. Just a few months later, I had wrecked his car after making some poor decisions while driving. What changed? My father wasn’t there to remind me of his expectations for the decisions I made while behind the wheel of a car. Just like teaching a teen how to drive, parents are challenged with a limited amount of time to raise a child to their expectations before sending them off into the world to make decisions for themselves. We all hope they make the decisions we would want them to make. Just as if they were driving around in the family car with their friends, your student, while on campus, is challenged with making decisions on their own without parental supervision. When left to their natural devices, sometimes even the most well-behaved and responsible 18-year-old high school students can, just a few months later, make illogical or dangerous decisions as an 18-year-old college student. Being a college student can be a very different experience than the previous 18 years in your home. Within the first six weeks your student will have already encountered several situations they never encountered while in high school. These could involve decisions regarding alcohol, drugs, relationships, and sex. Many behaviors students believe to be common or socially acceptable in college can actually jeopardize their status with the university. Robert Morris University has a transparent student conduct process, meaning our standards
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for conduct and the process to enforce those standards are available online without password access. A quick review of the 24 categories of behavior deemed to be violations show that most would result in citations or arrests if caught by a police officer. Robert Morris University takes pride in providing a safe campus and holding students accountable for actions detrimental to the campus community. It should also be noted that RMU’s student conduct process is mutually exclusive of the criminal process. Students may be found responsible for violations without facing similar criminal charges. For legal enthusiasts, the relationship is very much similar to criminal guilt vs. civil liability. Our student conduct process is adjudicated by a trained professional rather than a judge in a court of law and the process determines whether a student is found “responsible” based on “a preponderance of evidence” showing it’s more likely than not that the student committed the violation. This differs from common American criminal court that looks for evidence “beyond a reasonable doubt” that a person is “guilty” of a crime. Students are permitted to have parents attend conduct hearings, but because conduct meetings are not legal hearings attorneys are not permitted to be present. The most frequent student conduct violation on most campuses is underage drinking. Pennsylvania like every other state has a minimum drinking age of 21 years that must be enforced. Additionally, the university has a reasonable policy for the legal use of alcohol on campus – particularly in residence halls. Students who are found responsible for drinking alcohol
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while under the legal drinking age are given educational sanctions to help them make appropriate decisions in the future. These can include disciplinary probation, alcohol education, and community service. When a student is found responsible for a third alcohol violation, it is possible they could be suspended from the residence halls or attending the university for one year. Robert Morris University takes student narcotics and drug use seriously. Despite growing public social support for legalization, marijuana is still illegal in Pennsylvania and against university policy. Students found responsible for marijuana possession or use can face suspension from the residence halls for one year. Repeated drug violations can result in suspension from the
university. RMU has zero tolerance for weapons or threats to the safety of the campus. Either violation could result in suspension from the university for at least one year. How will your student act when they encounter situations involving illegal conduct (such as alcohol or drugs) or those involving conduct incongruent to your family’s values? With this in mind, please remember it’s never too late to have that conversation about your expectations for your student’s behavior while attending RMU. For more information on RMU’s student conduct process, visit rmu.edu/conduct.
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 right on campus and gas and insurance
are included with every reservation. So, when your student needs to make a trip to the store 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, visit zipcar.com/how.
FILE 2017-18 FAFSA EARLY Did you know you can file the 2017-18 FAFSA as early as October 1, 2016?
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Visit rmu.edu/finaid for more details.
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INDIVIDUALS MATTER AT RMU RMU recognizes its obligation to its students, employees, partners, and the general public to maintain the highest ethical standards. Students are strongly encouraged to report instances where they feel unsafe, see something wrong, or have a concern about unethical or inappropriate behavior. Please direct your student to report issues and concerns to the appropriate university department or official immediately. Students can always receive assistance from an RMU Police Officer at 412-397-2424 or direction from the Office of Student Life at 412-397-6483.
unethical or otherwise inappropriate activity or behavior in violation of university policies. Students are encouraged to report issues directly to university officials, but when that is not feasible or appropriate, reports submitted through EthicsPoint will be forwarded to university personnel for prompt and appropriate investigation, follow-up and response. Individuals may file a report with the university through the RMU website at rmu.edu/EthicsPolicy or by calling EthicsPoint at 800-963-5593.
RMU has partnered with EthicsPoint to provide a simple, risk-free way to anonymously and confidentially report activities that may involve
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 DINING SERVICES PNC COLONIAL CAFÉ Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
RMU understands that dining is an integral part of the university experience. That 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 for varying tastes while keeping in mind the busy lifestyle of today’s students.
ROMO’S CAFÉ Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – Midnight Saturday 7:30 a.m. – Midnight Sunday 2 p.m. – Midnight
HALE CAFÉ Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHEATLEY CAFÉ Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Chef’s Table will be available 11:00am – 2:00pm
YORKTOWN CAFÉ Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – Midnight Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m. – Midnight
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. 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. 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 or a 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. 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. New to the bistro this year, RMU Dining will be adding Starbucks selections including coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and frappuccino. 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. Visit us at rmu.edu/dining for more information.
ISLAND SPORTS ICE HOUSE BISTRO Monday – Friday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday – Sunday 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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COLONIAL CASH Colonial Cash is a safe and convenient alternative to carrying cash or credit cards, and is available to all university students. Colonial Cash can be loaded onto your Freedom Card (personal I.D. card) and used for purchases both on campus, at our dining locations, RMU Campus Barnes & Noble Bookstore and vending machines, and off campus, at the Moon Twp. locations of Giant Eagle, Get Go, Pizza Roma, Eat’n Park, Fox’s Pizza, and Buford’s Kitchen. Colonial Cash can also be used to make copies at the copiers located in the library, Wheatley Center, Hale Center and the School of Business.
BENEFITS OF COLONIAL CASH • Unlike regular meal plan dollars, Colonial Cash does not expire at end of each semester. • Users only need their Freedom Card to make purchases at participating off campus stores. No need to carry cash, a debit, or credit card. • No sales tax when making purchases at on campus locations. • Account balance can be reloaded at any time at no cost. • Students can purchase their textbooks and RMU apparel at the RMU Barnes & Noble Bookstore using Colonial Cash To load Colonial Cash onto your Freedom Card, or to learn more, visit rmu.edu/colonialcash.
RESIDENCE LIFE’S NEW LOCK OUT POLICY Beginning in the fall of 2016, the Office of Residence Life will be implementing a new lock out policy. A lock out is defined as a student who is unable to get back into their room because they do not have their keys, they have left their keys in their room, lost their key(s), etc. Lock outs happen very frequently and this new policy aims to reduce this frequency as well as reduce the number of keys that are lost throughout the
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school year. All resident students will be provided with a copy of the new lock out policy when they arrive on campus for move-in. In addition, the new policy will be published in our Guide to Residence Living which can be found on our website here: http://studentlife.rmu.edu/residence-life/guideto-residence-living.
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TOOLS/TIPS TO BECOME A RESIDENTIAL STUDENT Welcome to Residence Life at RMU! We can’t wait for move-in day and your arrival on campus! We know waiting for the housing assignment, learning about roommates, figuring out meal plans, and packing for the move away from home is an exciting but stressful time. We want to make your family’s transition into having a student living on campus as easy as possible. Our website, rmu.edu/reslife, is a great tool for learning about everything that comes with having a residential student. By using our webpage you will be able to answer many of the questions your family has about living on campus, see pictures of rooms, change your meal plan, learn about our staff, and answer your important questions. Below we have included helpful tips about utilizing the links to the left of our rmu.edu/reslife home page. RESIDENCE LIFE HOMEPAGE Use the homepage for move-in dates and important announcements from our office. TIP First Year & Transfer Students move-in is August 25 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Sewall Center 3rd Floor. Yorktown Hall residents should report directly to Yorktown for check-in. RESIDENCE HALLS Utilize the Residence Halls link to learn about your building, see floor plans, room measurements, and pictures of different types of rooms. TIP Yorktown Hall has double beds in the rooms while all other rooms on campus have twin XL beds. HOUSING CONTRACT Use the Housing Contract link to change your meal plan, see your housing assignment, and complete your future housing contracts. TIP You can change your meal plan in the housing contract until 09/02/2016.
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GUIDE TO RESIDENCE LIVING The Guide to Residence Living link can be used to learn about policies from our office, services we offer, and everything else you need to know about residence life. TIP Always check the guide for any questions about your residential experience. The guide will have all the answers! PROFESSIONAL STAFF Use the Professional Staff link to learn about the residence life staff. Our staff plans hundreds of events throughout the year, helps keep the halls safe, and is there for anything your student may need. TIP Always feel free to come to the Office of Residence Life to meet us. COMMUNITY ADVISOR (CA) STAFF Use this link to learn about our CA staff. The CAs are a group of 50 student leaders that live in the residence halls. CAs are our office’s direct connection to all oncampus students. TIP If your student is interested in becoming a CA they can start applying in October 2016 for the 2017-18 academic year. ROOM AND BOARD FEES Utilize this link to learn about the cost of living on campus. TIP On this page you can compare meal plan and housing prices and find the best option for your student. CARE PACKAGES Care packages are an opportunity for parents to surprise their student with helpful gifts to remind them of home. Utilize this page to learn about our different care packages and to register your student for the program. Feel free to contact the Office of Residence Life at 412-397-5252 or through email at reslife@rmu.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!
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ENHANCE YOUR RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE CARE PACKAGE PROGRAM: REMIND YOUR STUDENT OF HOME Each year the Office of Residence Life provides parents, guardians, and loved ones the opportunity to send their student a care package once, twice, or even a few times throughout the academic year. Being away from home for extended periods of time can be tough, so sending a care package is a great way to let them know you are thinking about them! We offer several different package options; there is sure to be something for everyone. A favorite among our students and parents is the Colonial Pride Plan. Purchasing this plan gives your student all 6 packages that we offer perfectly timed throughout the year and saves you $30! Packages may also be purchased individually. This year we are excited to announce that we are expanding our care package program to include "Practical Packages". These packages include a "Get Well" package for the inevitable cold or flu, a "Happy Birthday" package for those students who have to celebrate at their home away from home, and a "Cleaning" package to help your student spruce up their living space. Unlike our traditional care package program which must be purchased before the start of school, our Practical Packages can be purchased at any time throughout the school year! To order any of our care packages, visit our website: http://studentlife.rmu.edu/residencelife/care-packages RESIDENCE LIFE LINEN PROGRAM: MAKE YOUR MOVE CONVENIENT Looking for the perfect bedding and accents for your residence hall
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room this fall? Look no further than the RMU Linens Program! By ordering your linens through our website, you can pick the patterns and colors that will make your room feel like home. The best part about purchasing your linens through RMU is that a portion of the revenue from the sale goes back to residents through educational programs offered in the residence halls. Check out the awesome linen designs on the website and place your order today! Visit rms.ocm.com. RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION: A CHANCE TO BE A LEADER RMU's Residence Hall Association (RHA) is the leading residential student organization on campus. The RHA was created to provide communication, education, leadership and community development opportunities for students in the residence hall community. Advised by the Office of Residence Life, RHA works to promote the university mission and values while serving the needs of the campus student population and overall student community. If your student is looking to become a leader on campus, help plan and execute awesome campus-wide programs, help to make his/her residence hall a better place to live and learn, and meet tons of new people, then RHA is the perfect organization! During Orientation we are hosting our annual Lawn Party on Nicholson Lawn! We hope to see all students there! If your student is interested in RHA please have them email rmurha@mail.rmu.edu.
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LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES: A UNIQUE LIVING EXPERIENCE Living Learning Communities, or LLCs, offer RMU students the opportunity to enhance their path towards achieving their personal and professional goals. Through the LLC enhanced residential experience, RMU students elect to live in a themed community of fellow students. LLC students will be immersed in opportunities to better themselves, connect with peers, participate in intentional events and programs, and interact with dedicated student and staff members working to make the community a success. This year the Office of Residence Life will continue to provide enriching experiences through the Honors Program LLC, Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program LLC, Nursing and Health Sciences LLC, and our newest living learning community, the Global Village LLC. While there are certain benefits to joining each community, every LLC student will have the opportunity to work on a yearlong project with fellow members of their community, participate in specialized LLC events, and connect with peers in a unique way.
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The Office of Residence Life is excited to announce the addition of the Global Village Living Learning Community (GVLLC) to our Living Learning Community Program. The GVLLC is an initiative of the Center for Global Engagement, Residence Life Office, and Multicultural Student Services Office. The GVLLC is a residence hall program dedicated to providing intentional global/intercultural experiential learning. The Global Village will contribute to the global perspective of students, faculty, and staff by being a space where multiculturalism is encouraged and valued and different perspectives are shared and celebrated. It will serve as the epicenter of intercultural residential community building where students can explore the challenges and opportunities of living in a global community and function as a space for the exploration of intercultural and globally themed curricular and co-curricular programs. This community will create and engage in intercultural events on campus, make connections between the different cultural communities, and provide support to international students acclimating to the RMU community. This opportunity is open to all residential students.
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES STAY CONNECTED 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 @RMU_Counseling Counseling Center @RMUDining @RMUGreekLife Fraternities and Sororities @RMUGlobal Center for Global Engagement @RMU_IT @RMUlticultural @RMU_Life Residence Life @RMU_OSCE @RMUnow Office of Student Life @RMULibrary @RMUBookstore
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RMU IT RESOURCES RMU.EDU/IT Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/RMUInformationTechnology Follow us on Twitter: @RMU_IT View RMU classrooms: rmu.edu/classrooms HELP DESK RMU.EDU/HELP Our professionally staffed Information Technology Help Desk is available 24/7 to assist students, faculty, and staff with technology questions related to coursework. Call us at 412-397-2211. FASTER INTERNET RMU.EDU/RESTECH We've upgraded! RMU has added wireless access points in Residence Halls and completed a major network upgrade to increase internet speeds for ResNet, wireless, and campus networks. LEVEL-UP RMU.EDU/LEVELUP RMU is committed to a secure information technology environment. Keep your online accounts safe by using a strong password, 2-step verification, and unique passwords for each site/service. RMU MOBILE APP RMU.EDU/MOBILEAPP This app will highlight the academic calendar, library, fitness, dining, lab and shuttle hours; and faculty directory. Download the app for secure mobile access to your checksheet, class schedule, grades, and more! PASSWORD CHANGE RMU.EDU/PASSWORDS To better protect your RMU accounts, you are required to change your password every 60 days.
REMOTE ACCESS RMU.EDU/VIEW VMware Horizon (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. Download the App to connect to View from your mobile device or use a browser on your PC or Mac. 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. GOOGLE APPS GOOGLE.COM/2STEP Students have access to Google Apps for Education, which includes Gmail, Drive (spreadsheets, documents, presentations), Calendar, Sites, Chat and Hangouts. IT strongly recommends further securing your account with 2Step Verification. Learn more and enroll today. RMU WIRELESS RMU.EDU/WIRELESS Wireless networks are available in all residence halls and RMU buildings. 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.
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CAMPUS COMPUTER LABS RMU.EDU/LABS The computer lab in Jefferson has been upgraded and 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 Use Policy. Students are required to agree to terms and conditions of RMU's Acceptable Use Policy for access to technology resources. CABLE TV RMU.EDU/CABLETV RMU has partnered with Comcast to provide cable television service to all residence hall rooms.
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
OTHER WAYS TO GET AROUND ZTRIP Black Car and Taxi Service: A new option for students that works much like Uber and Lyft. Students can download the app and register for an account. RMU Students can get a $5.00 credit toward their next ride by adding the code: RMU16 to the zTrip credit section when making their first reservation. Due to our location students are encouraged to book in advance using the ‘later’ tab on the app, this will ensure a timely pick up. There is no surge pricing; zTrip offers the same low price every time. zTrip offers professional, licensed, drives that are fully insured and have undergone background checks.
COMPLIMENTARY ROBINSON SHOPPING SHUTTLE RMU offers a complimentary shuttle that will take students to and from the Robinson Township shopping district. The shuttle runs every other weekend and is a great way to experience other areas close to campus. This fall the shuttle will run during the following weekends. September 2nd, 16th and 30th, October 24th and 28th, November 11th, and December 2nd. Drop off and pick up locations are at the Ikea in Robinson Town Center, the Mall at Robinson, and the Panera Bread in Settler’s Ridge. Schedules are available on-line at www.rmu.edu/shuttle-schedules.
SUPER SHUTTLE Super Shuttle is Pittsburgh’s door-to-door Airport shuttle service. Students are offered a 10% University Discount when reserving a shuttle. The RMU discount code is: SAXRU. Call in or make a reservation on line or through the Super Shuttle App.
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COUNSELING CENTER WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBER The RMU Counseling Center is pleased to welcome Diane Dahm to campus. Diane joined the RMU community in May as the Crisis Counselor/Outreach Specialist in the Counseling Center. Diane comes from a background in victim services for high schools in the Pittsburgh area with experience helping develop student leadership teams focused on preventing violence. Diane also brings professional experience working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and community violence to address trauma symptoms and provide the options and support necessary for victims of crime. Diane will work with the Counseling Center’s THRIVE leaders, a group of student leaders who are focused on educating their peers about mental health and reducing the stigma around getting help. The Counseling Center also provides education on campus about alcohol and drug abuse, sexual assault, suicide prevention and emotional wellness. THRIVE will work to promote these messages to students. Diane is available to also meet with students who need immediate support for a variety of concerns. Our door is always open!
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Additional information and resources for parents, families and students can be found at studentlife.rmu.edu/rmu-counseling-center. CONTACT INFORMATION Patrick Henry, Lower Level 6001 University Boulevard Moon Township, PA 15108 counseling@rmu.edu Phone: 412.397.5900 Fax: 412.397.5920 Hours: Monday - Friday / 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Follow Us! Twitter: @RMU_Counseling Instagram: @RMU_THRIVE Facebook: RMU Counseling
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HOMECOMING 2016 WELCOME PARTY FRIDAY 7 P.M.Buford’s Kitchen, Moon Township is the official RMU destination spot to meet up with your friends to kick off Homecoming 2016. Get your weekend started here with appetizer and drink specials. Or try one of the grill's big, juicy burgers. You'll probably need the energy! CAMPUS TOURS SATURDAY NOON Take a shuttle ride with us and see how RMU has grown — or see it for the first time! Free tours are led by a student Colonial Ambassador. See the latest additions to the campus landscape, including new buildings for the schools of Nursing and Health Sciences, Communications and Information Systems, and Business. We'll also stop for a selfie with Bronze Bob. TAILGATE ALLEY SATURDAY OPENS AT NOON Reconnect with old friends and faculty in a festive atmosphere as we count down to the big game. Host your own tailgate party or join one of the groups. Each year more tailgaters set up their grills for the biggest Colonials pregame party of the season. Crack a few cold ones and get the bratwurst started while your pals set up the beanbag toss.
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ALL ALUMNI RECEPTION SATURDAY 1 P.M. Homecoming is a time for all alumni to reconnect and celebrate being Robert Morris Colonials. The All-Alumni Reception gives you the chance to catch up with your old friends and professors and get to meet President Chris Howard and his wife, Barbara Noble Howard. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. $10 per person. Special recognition for the Classes of: '66 – 50 Year '76 – 40 Year '91 – 25 Year '06 – 10 Year ALUMNI ZONE SATURDAY 2:30 P.M. See the game from up close, with reserved bleacher seating right on the brand new field. Catered festival tent with hot sandwiches and snacks, plus beer, wine, and pop. The Alumni Zone also includes The Kids Zone with face-painting, games, and balloon art. ALUMNI ZONE TICKET PACKAGE $25 Alumni Zone & Kids Zone access Game Day Ticket Must RSVP before Sept. 30 ALUMNI ZONE ACCESS $15 Game Day Price GAME DAY TICKET $20 at rmucolonials.com RMU VS. SFU SATURDAY 3 P.M. Saint Francis Red Flash come to town to take on our Colonials!
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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. AUGUST
OCTOBER
25–28
New Student Orientation
1–31
28
Bobbymania, 7 - 10 p.m., Nicholson Center lawn
29–3
Welcome Week (various events)
Disabilities Awareness Month (various activities) National Bullying Prevention Month (various activities)
3–7
Tutor Appreciation Week
5
Pittsburgh Speakers Series presents Rita Moreno
SEPTEMBER
8 p.m. – Heinz Hall
5
Labor Day Holiday. No classes. Administrative Offices Closed
7–9
Homecoming Weekend
7
Activities Fair, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Nicholson Center Patio
7
Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, TBD, Sewall Center Arena
8
Robert’s Rebates Fair, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Nicholson Center Fire Pit
7
Student Homecoming Dance, 9 p.m. – Midnight
10
De La Gente, Noon – 4 p.m., Gazebo
15
Accounting Career and Networking Day, 3 – 6 p.m., Sewall Center
17–22
National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (various activities)
19–23
National Hazing Prevention Week (various activities)
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Meet The Colonials, 9 p.m., Sewall Center Arena
22–24
Panhellenic Sorority Formal Recruitment, Yorktown Hall
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Grove City Outlets Trip, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Career Expo, Noon – 3 p.m., Sewall Center Arena
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Pittsburgh Speakers Series presents Euhd Barak, 8 p.m., Heinz Hall
28
Fall Blood Drive, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., John Jay Gym
28–30
Family Weekend (various activities)
Sewall Center Arena