ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
LATE FALL 2014
FAMILY Connections GETTING INVOLVED AT RMU The fall semester is already in full swing. The leaves on campus are beginning to change colors and students are beginning to choose their warm RMU sweatshirts and apparel for class. Some of our traditional fall events are beginning to take place such as Homecoming Weekend, OktoberFest, Sorority recruitment, and the Career Expo. The Office of Student Life has been promoting the opportunities for students to get involved on campus since they arrived in August. Whether a new or returning student, there are numerous opportunities for students to complement their academic studies, build their leadership skills, gain new experiences, connect with classmates, staff, and faculty, and frankly just have fun! The RMU Student Government Association has already approved new student organization charters this semester including Gamma Sigma Sigma service sorority, the Mechatronics Engineering Club,
Hillel, and a chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. This issue of Family Connections highlights some of the co-curricular opportunities available on campus. We encourage you to review this issue with your student and have them share more with you about the student groups and campus opportunities that have become involved in and engaged with so far this semester.
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.
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY FAMILY CONNECTIONS
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RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION The Residence Hall Association (RHA) is a student run organization that allows resident students to be more involved in the decisions that affect their residence hall experience. Members of this organization work with Residence Life to make policy recommendations, propose hall improvements, make dining improvements, and provide additional programming throughout the year. The residential community annually elects the Executive Committee, and each hall elects Hall Officers that serve to implement the mission of
the organization. All residence hall students are encouraged to apply for these leadership positions. All students are also invited to become part RHA’s Dining committee or Programming committee. Encourage your student to contact Charles Forrester, RHA’s advisor at forrester@rmu.edu to get involved.
RESIDENCE HALL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS Throughout September and October the department of Residence Life and Civic Engagement Office is partnering to offer students opportunities to serve the surrounding community with their Residence Hall. If students are looking for a way to connect to RMU, establish new friendships, and serve the community, this program is perfect for them.
Service partners will be assigned to each residence hall allowing students to sign up for their preferred event. Have your student contact Charles Forrester at forrester@rmu.edu for more information.
REC-BY-STUDENTS INITIATIVE Robert Morris University offers a wide array of intramural programs, club sports teams and fitness programming. There is an opportunity for everyone to participate in intramural and club sports at RMU through the Recreation by Students Initiative. Through Rec-by-Students,
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residential students can plan intramural events, create teams, and participate in a wide variety of events put on by students and staff members. Tell your student to contact Desmond McCoy at mccoy@rmu.edu for more information.
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COMMUNITY ADVISOR (CA) LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY Becoming a member of the para-professional staff in the Office of Residence Life can be an outstanding leadership experience! The Community Advisor position is an important position at the university. Residents base much of their perception of the university on their residence hall experience and the Community Advisor is crucial for setting the tone in the appropriate residence hall. A Community Advisor is expected to implement the policies
and procedures of Residence Life. They will also need to be a thinker and doer, and will be actively involved in decisions and activities that will contribute to a strong living-learning community at Robert Morris University. Encourage your student to find more information about becoming a CA on our website at http://studentlife.rmu.edu/residencelife/community-advisor-selection.
NATIONAL RESIDENCE HALL HONORARY (NRHH) NRHH is looking for new members for the Fall 2014 semester. The RMU Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) annually accepts into membership the top one percent of the total number of students who live in our residence halls. The pillars of NRHH include recognition, service, leadership and scholarship.
Students are asked to attend meetings every other Monday at 8 P.M. NRHH has regional and national opportunities for student leaders to serve. Once an active NRHH member, students can serve on the regional board of directors and even seek and hold a position in the national organization.
This group has recently moved to be a more active organization on campus and this semester will be working on recognizing exceptional students, groups and staff on campus. We will also be involved in community service projects with area organizations, including Animal Friends.
The application and reference form can also be found at studentlife.rmu.edu/residencelife/national-residence-hall-honor-society. For more information like our page on Facebook at RMU National Residence Hall Honorary or please contact their advisor, Liz Holt, at holt@rmu.edu. Tell your student about this wonderful opportunity.
This year, a large number of our members will be graduating, so we are in need of new members both in the fall and spring semester. Requirements for membership include a grade point average of at least a 3.25 on the RMU 4.00 grade scale; students must have lived in the residence halls at RMU for two consecutive semesters, including the present semester.
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FLU/INFLUENZA FACTS !
It’s that time of year! Influenza is a virus that infects the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs. It is highly contagious and is spread from one person to another by coughing, sneezing or even talking.Symptoms occur suddenly such as fever, chills, muscle aches, congestion, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing. Because influenza is a virus, it can't be successfully treated with antibiotics. Individuals who have the following medical conditions should consider receiving the influenza vaccine:
Students and families are encouraged to contact your insurance company by way of the 1-800 number on the back of the card to determine if your insurance is accepted by these providers. Remind your student to wash his/her hands frequently, cover his/her coughs, eat a well balanced diet with adequate fluid intake and get at least eight hours of sleep per night to assist the body in maintaining good health.
Asthma, Chronic lung diseases (COPD and Cystic Fibrosis), Cardiac disease, Blood disorders (sickle cell disease), endocrine disorders such as diabetes, Kidney disorders, Liver disorders, Metabolic disorders, Weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS or cancer. The following locations near campus offer the vaccine:
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Kmart 825 Beaver Grade Road, Moon Twp., PA 15108 412-262-1570
Walgreens Take care clinic 6906 University Blvd. Moon Twp., PA 15108 412-269-2501
Rite Aid 5990 University Blvd. Moon Twp., PA 15108 412-262-2161
Giant Eagle 5990 University Blvd. Moon Twp., PA 15108 412-269-0254
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BAND FRATERNITY STARTS A YEAR OF SERVICE The Nu Gamma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, national honorary band service fraternity, is gearing up for a great year in service and music. The mission of Kappa Kappa Psi is to promote college bands, create well rounded leaders, and to provide service to college bands. In 2012, this chapter was formed under the guidance of 11 students who wanted to serve the Robert Morris Show Band. And they did just that, whether it was setting up rehearsal spaces, providing snacks, or being there for a fellow band member, Nu Gamma stepped up to the plate. Since its conception, the Robert Morris chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi has grown in numbers and these brothers participate in many activities throughout the university. This year alone the chapter is planning service for the band, university, and community. The Robert Morris Show Band is an important part for Nu Gamma because it is where the members got their start. The chapter has a “pep bin” this year that includes face paint, beads, hair spray, and signs to enhance the atmosphere at football, basketball, and hockey games and create more spirit overall. They also provide water and snacks and hold social activities for the band. A big project this year for the chapter will be the Month of Music which takes place in November.
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This month is dedicated to raising awareness about music and promoting its existence. The brothers of Kappa will be hosting a radio show that focuses on the teaching of music. Nu Gamma also helps recruit new students to come to Robert Morris through working with high schools or working during registration days. Service to the community is also very important. This year, the Nu Gamma chapter adopted a highway in Coraopolis that they will clean several times a year. This keeps the community looking great, and also provides service opportunities for band members. The chapter also helps with the annual Hair Cut-A-Thon which raises money to support muscular dystrophy. Every year, brothers go to Coraopolis Days to make crafts with the kids. They also perform in small ensembles there. Through this service, brothers learn how to be good leaders, how to plan events, or to communicate with others, and how to be the best they can be. Whether it’s out in the community, around campus, or right in their own band, the Nu Gamma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi is always ready to help.
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WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM RMU launched the Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program (WLMP) this fall. The WLMP seeks to attract, retain and empower women students so they can achieve leadership roles both at RMU and in their lives after graduation. Through a four-year enriched experience for 20-25 women undergraduates each year, the WLMP teaches leadership skills and provides opportunities that foster young women’s ability to contribute, lead, and engage in mutually beneficial mentoring relationships. Each cohort member is partnered with an upper-class peer mentor and faculty mentor for her four years at Robert Morris University; when they reach their junior year, cohort members will have the opportunity to partner with an RMU staff mentor and RMU alumnae.
Labrador retrievers; three students play the flute; and another student built wells in Niger, Africa. They represent each of the schools at RMU and are paired with 22 bright and supportive peer mentors. Each cohort member and her peer mentor attended an orientation at the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management in August to kick off the 2014/15 academic year and to begin dialogue about leadership and gender. The WLMP is committed to all women at RMU and serves the larger campus community of women through a series of leadership, mentoring, and networking events throughout the year. Mark your calendar now for the Celebration of Women Luncheon, to be held at noon on Friday, November 7th in the Sewall Center. This event is sponsored by the Women’s Leadership Advisory Council and is open to faculty, staff, and students.
The WLMP welcomed 22 first-year students to its inaugural cohort this fall. These young women have outstanding academic records, work in their communities, and are interesting! One student has her own nonprofit organization; another trains
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT The Office of Engaged Learning is a great place for your student to learn about opportunities for campus involvement. The objective of engaged learning is to provide a more holistic learning experience for your student, encouraging an active connection between classroom and extracurricular activities. It is our goal to enrich your student’s undergraduate experience with engaged learning opportunities that support personal growth, community engagement, and professional development. Your student’s engaged learning activities are documented on the Student Engagement Transcript (SET), a companion to your student’s academic transcript and a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students.
the Office of Engaged Learning to explore his/her options for completing the SET requirements and learn about the new online submission process for SET activities.
Oftentimes, the SET documents activities your student is already involved with. Does your student enjoy volunteering in the community? Is your student planning to study abroad, write a thesis, or complete an internship? Does your student hold a leadership role in any clubs or organizations? All of these activities – and more – are recorded on the SET.
Samantha Moik Engaged Learning Specialist Patrick Henry 302 412-397-5973 moik@rmu.edu
As you see the many opportunities for involvement across campus detailed in this issue of Family Connections, remember that many of them can also help your student complete the SET graduation requirements. Whether your student is already very involved on campus, or just starting to seek out opportunities, we are here to help! Encourage your student to stop by
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY FAMILY CONNECTIONS
Anthony Moretti, Ph.D. Director, CITADEL Patrick Henry 303 412-397-6467 moretti@rmu.edu Terri Byrnes Assistant Director, Engaged Learning Patrick Henry 301 412-397-6430 byrnes@rmu.edu
Renee Lyles Secretary Patrick Henry 302 412-397-5956 lyles@rmu.edu
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ROOMMATE CONFLICTS: THE COLLEGE YEARS Every resident will go through a bumpy patch with their roommate sometime this year. We know as a parent you on the on frontline, fielding that call from an upset student or getting a text that concerns you. As a parent, you have an important role in providing your student with support but also letting your student work through their own situations so they can develop their own coping strategies and find their own resolution. Here are some tools that can help you deal with this phone call/text/facebook message from your student: • Has your student talked to his or her roommate about his/her concern? If so, how did your student approach their roommate(s)? Did they have a calm demeanor? • The roommate(s) is/are not going to know what is upsetting your student unless the roommate(s) are told of the issue. Stress your son/daughter’s communication with their roommate. Suggestion they calm down before talking to his/her roommate(s) so the conversation can be productive.
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• What does their roommate contract state about the issue? Can the student make changes to the roommate contract so the roommate(s) and your student are on the same page? • Is there a compromise that can be made? Focusing on one concern at a time is best. If there is a way for both students to give a little so they can resolve it together? • Each resident has both a Community Advisor and Area Coordinator that are always willing to work with them to help them resolve a roommate conflict. They can reach out to these advisors for help. This is an exciting time and a stressful time. It is also a great time to let your student know they have their own voice and power and can make good decisions on their own. Try to support your student making their own resolution.
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GETTING INVOLVED: THE KEY TO CAREER SUCCESS Employers seek well rounded employees. In addition to considering a candidate’s academic major, GPA and relevant work experience, employers also look for a variety of skills and traits including communication skills, leadership, strong work ethic, ability to work in teams, problem-solving skills, initiative, attention to detail, etc. Robert Morris University provides students with countless opportunities across campus to develop these skills, including participation in over 100 clubs and organizations, leadership roles such as being a mentor or community advisor, and involvement in community service projects, just to name a few.
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY FAMILY CONNECTIONS
The Career Center offers a variety of educational workshops to help students navigate the job search process and market their campus experiences. We also encourage your student to participate in Career Center-sponsored events, where they have the opportunity to develop their skills and connect with employers through job fairs and networking programs. A calendar of our Fall semester events is provided here. Any questions may be directed to the Career Center at careers@rmu.edu or 412-397-6333.
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FAMILY WEEKEND 2014 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 FAMILY WEEKEND REGISTRATION 4–6 p.m., Sewall Center, 3rd WELCOME RECEPTION WITH PRESIDENT DELL’OMO 5 - 7 p.m., Sewall Center (Executive Dining Room) LEGACY FAMILY GET TOGETHER 1921 Club (Invitation only. For more information – rmu.edu/legacy) MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. LAFAYETTE 7 p.m., Sewall Center Arena * MEN’S ICE HOCKEY VS. AIR FORCE 7:05 p.m., RMU ISC * COLONIAL THEATER PRESENTS TITANIC THE MUSICAL 8 p.m., Massey Theater **
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 FAMILY WEEKEND REGISTRATION 8–11 a.m., Sewall Center, 3rd SERVICE WITH YOUR STUDENT 9 a.m.–Noon, World Vision Transportation provided from campus will depart the Nicholson Center lot at 8:30 a.m. No longer accepting reservations. Limited space available. Hosted by the Office of Student Civic Engagement FAMILY GROUP FITNESS CLASS 10–11 a.m., Gus Krop Gym Hosted by Campus Recreation TRANSITIONING FROM COLLEGE TO CAREERS: A PARENT’S GUIDE TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT 10–11:30 a.m., Rogal Family Chapel. Hosted by the Career Center FAMILY FUN TENT 10 a.m.–Noon, Joe Walton Stadium Plaza FOOTBALL VS. ST. FRANCIS Noon, Joe Walton Stadium * POST-GAME REFRESHMENTS 4–5 p.m., Nicholson Center 3rd Floor Rotunda. Hosted by the Counseling Center DINNER 5 – 7 p.m., PNC Colonial Café. Hosted by Student Life EVENING ENTERTAINMENT 7 – 9 p.m. PNC Colonial Café. Hosted by the Student Program Board COLONIAL THEATER PRESENTS TITANIC THE MUSICAL – 8 p.m. Massey Theater ** MEN’S ICE HOCKEY VS. AIR FORCE 7:05 p.m., RMU ISC * * Game tickets can be purchased from the Athletic Ticket Office. ** Tickets for the Colonial Theater production can be purchasedthrough the Office of Student Life at a cost of $10 each. No charge for events. Reservations recommended. Visit RMU.EDU/FAMILYWEEKEND for more information and to register, or contact the Office of Student Life at 412-397-6489.
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FALL SEMESTER EVENTS Internship Seminar Wednesday, October 29 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. – Sewall Center
Veterans Networking Reception Monday, November 10 9:30 a.m. – Noon – Sewall Center
Your Online Image and Your Job Search: How Scary Is it? Thursday, October 30 Noon- 1:30 p.m. Sewall Center
Law & Order: How Your Conduct Can Affect Your Career Wednesday, November 12 4 – 6 p.m. – Sewall Center
Jump-Start Your Job Search Tuesday, November 4 4 – 6 p.m. – Sewall Center
Pathways to Federal Employment Thursday, November 13 1 – 3 p.m. – Sewall Center
Alternatives to Classroom Teaching Thursday, November 6 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. – Sewall Center
Job Search Tips for International Students Thursday, November 20 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Sewall Center
SENIOR CLASS GIFT Each year, the graduating class comes together to raise money for a gift to the university. This gift is a special way for seniors to leave behind a bit of their personality and begin their legacy of philanthropic giving to the institution. It shows students, faculty, and staff the gratitude and appreciation the new graduates have for Robert Morris University. Those interested in serving on the Senior Class Gift Committee will have an opportunity to be involved in coordinating fundraising efforts for their class as they take their first steps toward becoming a proud alumni. Famous Robert Morris landmarks, like the RMU Book Fund, Memorial Garden, revolutionary war cannon, Bronze Bob, and International Nursing Scholarship were all generated from past senior class gift efforts.
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STUDENT LIFE 6001 University Boulevard Moon Township, PA 15108 rmu.edu
FAMILY Connections UPCOMING EVENTS Visit rmu.edu for the university’s full calendar of events. OCTOBER 20-25
Alcohol Awareness Week (various events)
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Internship Seminar – 3:45 p.m. – Sewall Center
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Halloween Dance – 10 p.m. – John Jay Gym Hosted by the Student Program Board
NOVEMBER
Pittsburgh Speakers Series presents Robert S. Mueller, III 4:30 p.m. – Sewall Center
Pittsburgh Speaker Series presents Julia Gillard – 8 p.m. – Heinz Hall 31
Student Leader Dinner with President Dell’Omo – 4:30 p.m. Sewall Center – Hosted by RMU Student Government Association
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Diversity Speaker Series – 4:30 p.m. – Sewall Center
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RMU administrative offices close at 3 p.m.
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RMU administrative offices closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER
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Jump Start Your Job Search – 4 p.m. – Sewall Center
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Native American History Month Celebration – 4 p.m.
DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH ITALIAN HERITAGE MONTH
Nicholson Center Fire Pit
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Winterfest (various events)
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Etiquette Dinner – 4:30 p.m. – Sewall Center
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Final Exams/Quiet Study
Reservations Required
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Study Break – 8 p.m. – PNC Colonial Café
Contact Student Life
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Almost Midnight Breakfast – 10 p.m. – PNC Colonial Café
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Pathways to Federal Employment – 1 p.m. – Sewall Center
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Family Weekend (various events) – Visit www.rmu.edu/familyweekend