ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
NOVEMBER 2016
FAMILY Connections WELCOME TO THE RMU FAMILY What a great time to be a member of the RMU family! I am proud to have been recently inaugurated as the eighth President of Robert Morris University, and I am grateful that you have entrusted RMU with the education of your daughters and sons. I’m also the parent of a college student (and another who recently graduated) and I know how much our students need the support of their families -- even though college students don’t always like to admit it! I often say that RMU is big enough to matter, but small enough to care. Our parents, and our students’ families are connected to RMU. You are members of the community. You encourage and support your student to pursue their dreams. You support the fundraisers and activities of their clubs and organizations. You are in the stands cheering on the Colonials. You’ll be there at Commencement, a little misty-eyed no doubt. And you demonstrate your belief in RMU with your generous financial support. I can’t say it enough: Thank you.
The RMU story is a great one, and we are writing the next chapter together. For the first time we have been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a national university, putting us among the top 200 institutions nationwide -- and that includes august institutions like Harvard and Stanford, and local powerhouses like Pitt and Carnegie Mellon. The rankings are flawed but popular, yet they do measure some things that we need to care about, like retention and graduation rates. We are doing well, and with your help we are going to do better. My wife Barbara and I have been fortunate to meet many of you already and you have been so gracious. We look forward to more opportunities to meet and get to know all of you and your students. Our best wishes to you as the fall semester draws to a close. We look forward to great things to come in the months and years ahead, and we are glad you are with us on this journey.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher B. Howard President
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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REVOLUTION: STAY CONNECTED. GET INVOLVED. The RMU Student Life Office, Center for Innovative Teaching and Directed Engaged Learning (CITADEL), and the Student Government Association are proud to announce the launch of a new online community for RMU students. REVOLUTION, Powered by OrgSync, is a Campus Engagement Network that connects students to their organizations, programs and departments on campus in a private online community. With over 120 student clubs, organizations, teams and special interest groups at RMU, there are numerous opportunities for every student to engage with the campus community. While each group has its own unique mission, they are all
focused on providing a rewarding experience for its members. REVOLUTION provides each organization with an online environment which is as user-friendly as Facebook, with the analytic power of Google. REVOLUTION was successfully launched during New Student Orientation in August 2016. In the near future, this platform will be the home of the Student Engagement Transcript, a graduation requirement for all students. Students can join clubs, request rooms, track involvement, and keep updated on campus happenings at rmu.edu/revolution.
RMU PARENT FUND This special fund is supported by dedicated parents and family members of RMU students. When you choose to give to this all-encompassing fund you directly contribute to your student’s success and show that you support the core values of Robert Morris. Your gift contributes to scholarships, strengthens financial aid, puts
technology in classrooms across campus, provides support for programming and a multitude of other causes. Each and every student has been touched by these contributions. The RMU Parent Fund gives every student the opportunity to experience all that RMU has to offer. Visit rmu.edu/parents to learn more.
PARENT AND SIBLING DISCOUNT Parents and siblings of full-time traditional undergraduate students at RMU now qualify for a 20% discount on 20 master’s and graduate certificate programs. This is a first-of-its-kind discount program for colleges and universities the area. The discount applies to both online and on-ground degree programs. Parents and
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siblings who enroll in an eligible graduate program will continue to enjoy the discount until they complete their degree – as long as they remain continuously enrolled – even after their family member has graduated. Families can learn more about the discount program at rmu.edu/family or call 412-397-5200.
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NAVIGATING THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Whether your student is deciding upon a major, exploring internships, searching for a full-time job, or applying to graduate school, navigating the career development process can add new challenges to an often already busy schedule. The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) is available to work with students beginning their first semester on campus. The CPDC is committed to assisting students and alumni in the successful realization of challenging, meaningful and rewarding careers. Therefore, we share an important goal with you: the success of your student. Parents and family members can help students in many ways throughout the career development process. Three strategies to assist students and partner with the CPDC are outlined below. BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT CPDC RESOURCES The CPDC provides a wide array of services and resources to help students, including career coaching, rĂŠsumĂŠ and cover letter reviews, practice interviews, job postings and fairs, workshops and networking events, academic internship programs, and an on-campus student employment program. A calendar of events, as well as more information about CPDC services, can be found at rmu.edu/careercenter. In addition, the CPDC offers two one-credit courses: FYSP1010 Career Exploration & Decision-Making, targeted toward first and second year students who are exploring options and clarifying career goals.
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FYSP1011 Transitioning from College to Career, targeted toward upperclass students who are preparing for the job search and life after college. The CPDC reaches out to students in a number of ways throughout their four years. However, we recognize that students are presented with a lot of information and demands on their time. When students are feeling overwhelmed and trying to navigate their career development journey, it can be helpful for parents and family members to be aware of our services and resources as well, in order to provide reminders that the CPDC is here to help. HELP FACILITATE NETWORKING CONTACTS Talking to professionals in their field of interest is very helpful to students as they explore career options and clarify their goals. Networking also remains one of the most effective job search strategies. In addition to sponsoring several job fairs and networking events throughout the year, the CPDC also maintains the Robert Morris University Career Network, an online LinkedIn networking group consisting of over 1,100 alumni, employers and members of the campus community. Parents and family members can also provide valuable connections through their own friends, relatives, co-workers and community members. Regardless of whether a student is just beginning their college experience or is nearing graduation, networking is extremely beneficial. First-year students may appreciate their parents and family members setting up shadowing experiences
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or informational interviews while upperclass students may benefit from your help with initial contact information. JOIN OUR “HIRE A COLONIAL” CAMPAIGN Part of the CPDC’s role is to market RMU students to employers. If your place of employment has a need to fill a part-time, internship or full-time position, please let us know. We would be happy to post positions for your company or organization in our ColonialTRAK system and/or arrange on-campus interviews. The CPDC also sponsors two large job fairs each year, the Career Expo held in early fall and the Spring Career Fair, which will be held on March 23, 2017. Please
consider encouraging your company or organization to register and attend one of our job fairs. In addition, the CPDC provides opportunities for local employers who would like to conduct practice interviews or speak to students through a variety of networking events and workshops. Like parents and family members, the CPDC is committed to the professional success of RMU students. If you have any questions about our services or resources or would like our assistance in posting a position, please contact us at 412-397-6333 or careers@rmu.edu.
FAMILY WEEKEND 2016 At the end of October we welcomed families back to campus for our annual Family Weekend festivities. We are excited that so many families, from both near and far, came to spend time on campus. We enjoyed our annual RMU Oktoberfest festivities on Friday evening. A packed-house turned out for our Pre-Game Brunch hosted by President and Mrs. Howard. It was a beautiful Saturday on campus. Over one hundred new sophomore inductees and their families attended the National Society of Collegiate Scholars annual Fall Induction Ceremony on Sunday afternoon. RMU President, Dr. Christopher Howard, who was inducted as a Distinguished Member this year, provided the
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keynote address. Other 2016 Distinguished Members inducted at the ceremony included David G. Hudak, Ph.D., RMU department head of mathematics, Karen L. Larrimer, executive vice president and chief customer officer of PNC Financial Services Group, Robert M. Connolly, former president of the RMU Alumni Association and executive director of the Massey Charitable Trust, and Amy Martello, therapets program coordinator of Animal Friends. We are glad that so many of you had the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful fall weekend on campus with your student. We look forward to seeing you on campus again soon.
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UPMC MYHEALTH@SCHOOL FOR RMU RMU is proud to launch a partnership with UPMC to provide student health services on campus. The new UPMC MyHealth@School center is now open in our existing student health center facility in Jefferson Center. MyHealth@School is free for all currently enrolled students. Students never need an appointment and there is no insurance requirement to visit the center. The nursing staff is available Monday Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Students can be seen by an Advance Practice Provider weekdays between 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Our providers see students remotely utilizing state-of-the-art telemedicine technology located in the center. The staff will assist students with minor health issues and injuries and provide referrals to community resources for laboratory testing, emergency services or specialized care. Families are advised that referrals for care may incur additional costs. Families are encouraged to talk with their student about how to handle such matters, should the need arise. Students also have access to wellness services and resources to stay healthy. MyHealth@School will help a student to coordinate the care he/she may receive with his/her Primary Care Physician as needed.
In the event of an emergency, students are advised to contact RMU Police at 412-397-2424 for assistance. Residential students may also contact their Community Advisor, or the on-call Professional Staff Member, for assistance particularly during evening and weekend hours. Our focus for the upcoming months is educating students about the symptoms of a viral cold and self-care for a quick recovery. During a MyHealth@School visit the students are recommended “Sick Day Food” items (soup/broth, crackers, fruit, pudding cups, caffeine free drinks/juices, and herbal teas) and over-the-counter products that will help them get better. Again these items incur extra costs for the students and might make a nice “CARE” package for families to send to their student. UPMC MyHealth@School also aims to help students understand the recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - that all individuals over the age of six months obtain a flu shot this season. The Center can provide your student with resources in close proximity to campus if he/she wishes to obtain this immunization during the semester.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: MORE FAMILY ACTIVITIES NEXT SEMESTER! Winter Blast and Little Sibs Weekend: Friday – Sunday, February 24 – 26, 2017 Details to be announced in January 2017.
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PREVENTING MENINGITIS College students are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. In fact, freshmen living in residence halls are found to have a six-fold increased risk for the disease. At least 70% of all cases of meningococcal disease in college students are vaccine preventable. Two years ago Robert Morris University required that all residential students be immunized against meningitis in the aftermath of recent cases occurring on college campuses. It is required that all students must have at least one dose of the vaccine on or after the 16th birthday covering serogroups A, C, Y and W-135. The Centers for
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Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College Health Association recommend this vaccine. Please check your student's immunization status for this vaccine to assure he/she has adequate protection. Immunization requires no lifestyle changes, the vaccine and the body do all the work. Immunization is one of the easiest ways of preventing illness. If you have any questions, contact the MyHealth@School center at 412-397-6221.
COMMUNITY ADVISOR SELECTION FOR 2017-18 Recruitment for Community Advisors for the 2017-2018 academic year is right around the corner! Serving as a Community Advisor is a unique leadership opportunity that allows students to positively impact the living experience of both new and returning residents through programming and mentorship. By working with the Office of Residence Life and campus partners, Community Advisors build personal and professional leadership skills while creating fun and engaging programs that connect their residents to the campus community.
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Encourage your student to consider this opportunity for next year. Informational meetings about the application process began in October, and applications will be due in the last week of November. Additional information is available at rmu.edu/residencelife.
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MENTAL HEALTH AND YOUR STUDENT Sending your student to college can be a time of transition for both of you. Know how you can play a role in helping your student be mentally and emotionally healthy as they navigate RMU. Tips for parents to support a student in need of mental health care: • Let your student know that the transition to college life can be a difficult time for many students. Normalize stress related to life changes and starting college. Seeking counseling is a sign of strength and independence, not weakness. Let them know that support during difficult times can be extremely helpful and they will not be labeled as ill or crazy. • Give your explicit permission and support for them to seek counseling services. Many students worry what their parents might think of them if they receive help. • Be honest about the mental health issues and history within the family. Your student might be more willing to talk about what they are feeling if they know that they aren’t “the only one.” • Be proactive with your student’s mental health treatment. If your student has been in treatment prior to coming to RMU, then make a point to seek out and introduce them to the Counseling Center staff and arrange for records to be shared. • If your student is on psychiatric medications, make sure to have a plan in place to ensure they will continue to have their medications (either via the Counseling Center, or a private provider). Be aware that it may take time to meet with a new provider and continue medications. Know the numbers of the local pharmacies.
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• Have an honest conversation about drug and alcohol use. Talk about your concerns and dangers they might face and encourage them to always be honest with you. • Know the signs of depression and anxiety. The easiest way to spot a concern with your student is when you see a change from their normal personality/behavior. For example, a student that was formerly outgoing and gregarious becomes quiet and withdrawn; a student that was positive and hopeful becomes negative and pessimistic; or a student that was previously very open with you becomes secretive and withdrawn. • Help your student to problem solve. When a student is in distress, it is common for them to have difficulty making basic decisions or to think through options and resources. Help them to brainstorm support people (both academic and personal supports) and options. Reassure them of their problem-solving skills. • Know the campus and local emergency resources. This includes the Counseling Center (412-397-5900), University Police (412-397-2424) and Residence Life Emergency Number (412-397-5242) as well as re:solve Crisis Network (1-888-796-8226). • Encourage your student to get involved with clubs and organizations on campus. There are many different organizations tailored to various interests on campus. The college experience is about learning and growth. Much of this learning occurs outside of the classroom. Encourage your student to check them out!
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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 14-20
Transgender Awareness Week (various events)
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Pittsburgh Speakers Series presents
24-25
Thanksgiving Holiday, administrative offices closed
Panel Discussion: Racism in America, 8 p.m., Heinz Hall
DECEMBER 8
Cram Jam, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Center for Student Success
9-10
WinterFest (various events)
12-17
Final Exams / Quiet Study
13
Almost Midnight Breakfast, 10 p.m. – Midnight, PNC Colonial Café
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University administrative offices close until January 3, 2017
JANUARY 7
Spring 2017 semester begins
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First day of 15-week classes
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day., administrative offices closed
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK We invite to you to join our RMU Parents and Families online community. We hope to provide a new way to connect with you on social media. Search RMU Parents and Families on Facebook and you will find us!