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.
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 [email protected]. The 2014–18 Robert Morris University Strategic Plan provides a comprehensive framework for building upon RMU’s considerable existing strengths in order to focus attention upon its opportunities, weaknesses, and threats. The university realizes that it faces many significant challenges in the next five years and that it must proactively shape its future. It will do so via a university-wide strategic plan that is supported by coordinated unit-level plans and by an integrated budgeting process that addresses the strategic plan’s major priorities. All of the six major initiatives in the strategic plan, together with their respective goals, are directed towards fulfilling the university’s mission in accordance with its core values and promoting its value proposition. At the center of the plan is the concept of RMU providing transformational experiences for its students. This is highlighted by all students participating in engaged, active learning, both inside and outside of the classroom. Such a holistic educational approach directly supports RMU's mission of preparing students for leadership in a rapidly changing world. Initiative 1 contains goals that seek to improve the quality of RMU’s schools, majors, and degree programs. This will be accomplished by continuing to maintain and promote its accreditations and engaged learning, strengthening outcomes assessment, quality assurance, and the teacher-scholar model, along with accentuating the importance of online education, general education, and library resources. The goals associated with Initiative 2 seek to build a distinct, quality identity for the university that will attract prospective students, provide a high quality college experience to current students and establish enrollment size targets for RMU. Student Life will continue to build on the great expansion of student programs and services carried out in the last strategic plan and is planning on 60% of traditional undergraduates being residential. By 2018 RMU plans to enroll 4,000 traditional undergraduates and a total enrollment of 7,000 students, with increased diversity in many aspects of its student body. Increasing undergraduate selectivity and quality will be a key driver of taking RMU to the next level of institutional quality and online enrollment will provide a large share of the incremental students called for under this plan. A focused, well-supported and successful athletic program will be a key part of the RMU value proposition. RMU MOVES FORWARD WITH 2014–18 STRATEGIC PLAN FAMILY Connections ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY SPRING 2014 ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY FAMILY CONNECTIONS RMU.EDU S T U D E N T L I F E
Transcript
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
The 2014–18 Robert Morris University StrategicPlan provides a comprehensive framework forbuilding upon RMU’s considerable existingstrengths in order to focus attention upon itsopportunities, weaknesses, and threats. Theuniversity realizes that it faces many significantchallenges in the next five years and that it mustproactively shape its future. It will do so via auniversity-wide strategic plan that is supported bycoordinated unit-level plans and by an integratedbudgeting process that addresses the strategicplan’s major priorities. All of the six majorinitiatives in the strategic plan, together with theirrespective goals, are directed towards fulfilling theuniversity’s mission in accordance with its corevalues and promoting its value proposition.
At the center of the plan is the concept of RMUproviding transformational experiences for itsstudents. This is highlighted by all studentsparticipating in engaged, active learning, bothinside and outside of the classroom. Such a holisticeducational approach directly supports RMU'smission of preparing students for leadership in arapidly changing world.
Initiative 1 contains goals that seek toimprove the quality of RMU’s schools,
majors, and degree programs. This will beaccomplished by continuing to maintain andpromote its accreditations and engaged learning,strengthening outcomes assessment, qualityassurance, and the teacher-scholar model, alongwith accentuating the importance of onlineeducation, general education, and library resources.
The goals associated with Initiative 2 seek to builda distinct, quality identity for the university thatwill attract prospective students, provide a highquality college experience to current students andestablish enrollment size targets for RMU. StudentLife will continue to build on the great expansionof student programs and services carried out in thelast strategic plan and is planning on 60% oftraditional undergraduates being residential. By2018 RMU plans to enroll 4,000 traditionalundergraduates and a total enrollment of 7,000students, with increased diversity in many aspectsof its student body. Increasing undergraduateselectivity and quality will be a key driver oftaking RMU to the next level of institutionalquality and online enrollment will provide a largeshare of the incremental students called for underthis plan. A focused, well-supported and successfulathletic program will be a key part of the RMUvalue proposition.
RMU MOVES FORWARD WITH 2014–18 STRATEGIC PLAN
FAMILYConnections
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY SPRING 2014
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY FAMILY CONNECTIONS RMU.EDU
STUDENT LIFE
For the first time the strategic plan includes a human capital component. Initiative 3 specifically recognizes the critical role that RMU’s staff plays in student success and theuniversity’s intent to support those employees’development and fulfillment.
Initiative 4 seeks to raise RMU’s facilities andinformation technology to the level of a competitive advantage via selective investments in renovations, new construction, remediation ofdeferred maintenance, and technologyinfrastructure and applications.
Initiative 5 addresses the need to bring focus andrecognition to RMU’s stature and presence in bothexisting and new markets via more and bettermarketing and promotion of its value proposition.
Initiative 6 proposes a new capital campaign toincrease the durability of RMU’s financial positionand to provide funds for pressing university needs.
Gaining better insights into unit-level financialcontributions is an important aspect of the ongoingprocess of finding ways to provide good services atthe highest efficiency and lowest cost possible. Allof these measures seek to make RMU an excellentvalue in support of its value proposition.
Phase I of the 2014–18 RMU Strategic Plan (mission,vision, core values, value proposition, initiatives,and goals) was developed in the fall of 2013 by asteering committee comprised of 31 faculty, staff,students, and administrators. Additional input intothe plan was received from RMU Trustees andexecutive management. The plan was approved bythe RMU Board on January 13, 2014.Implementation of the strategic plan will be carriedout via strategies in unit-level plans that will bedeveloped during spring 2014.
As part of the university’s on-going efforts to assessour programs and services, we are pleased to sharewith you the summary results from our Spring 2013On-Line Parent Satisfaction Inventory. The surveyhelps us to learn how satisfied you – the parents ofour students – are and what's most important to you.
The survey was offered in April 2013 to the parents of current, traditional undergraduate students whowere signed up to receive the Family Connections e-newsletter. During the same period, currenttraditional undergraduates were provided theopportunity to complete the counterpart survey, the Student Satisfaction Inventory. By utilizing both instruments, we were able to see where parents and students agree and disagree.
In all, 231 parents completed the on-line survey.Comprehensive reporting data and individualcomments were provided to us by our surveypartner, Noel-Levitz.
According to the survey, the top five items inimportance to parents were: 1. The campus is safe and secure. 2. The content of classes within my child’s major is valuable. 3. Security staff respond quickly in emergencies. 4. The quality of instruction my child receives in most of his/her classes is excellent. 5. I am confident my child will be well-prepared for his/her chose field.
The bottom five items of importance to parents were: 1. The amount of student parking space on campus is adequate. 2. Student activity fees are put to good use. 3. There is a strong commitment to racial harmony at this campus. 4. My child can easily get involved in campus organizations. 5. Our family is made to feel welcome on this campus.
The top five items of satisfaction to parents were: 1. This institution has a good reputation within the community. 2. The campus is well-maintained. 3. The campus is safe and secure. 4. Up-to-date technology is used in my child’s classroom. 5. Our family is made to feel welcome on this campus.
The bottom five items of satisfaction to parents were: 1. The amount of student parking spaces on campus is adequate. 2. Adequate financial aid is available for my child. 3. Academic internships and practical work experiences are readily available to my child. 4. Channels for expressing complaints are readily available. 5. Living conditions in the residence halls are comfortable for my child.
The Parent Satisfaction Inventory is offered every twoyears and will be made available again in the springof 2015. To learn more about the university’s ongoingoutcomes assessments efforts, visitrmu.edu/accreditions.
For eight years the Career Center has offered theCareer Exploration & Decision-Making course,which is targeted toward first- and second-yearstudents. Beginning in Fall 2014, the Career Centerwill offer a new course, Transitioning from Collegeto Career (FYSP1011). The one-credit course isdesigned for juniors and seniors who are preparingfor their job search and life after college. The coursewill be offered during the second eight-week termof the Fall 2014 semester. Registration for Fall 2014classes begins April 15.
College can be a stressful time for students who arejuggling academics, athletics, clubs andorganizations, leadership roles and/or part-timejobs. Adding the search for an internship or job tothe equation can lead to more stress, and sometimesinaction. Transitioning from College to Career willguide students through the job search process andprovide feedback from experienced careercounselors and regional employers. The course willalso include an overview of the graduate school
application process. In addition, it will provideinformation and resources to help students make wise decisions as they embark on theirprofessional career.
Course topics will include the following: • Resumes • Employment letters • Portfolios • Interviewing • Tools for researching careers, employers and salary ranges • Job search strategies • Financial wellness • Graduate school planning • First job success strategies
Students who have questions about the new coursemay contact the Career Center at 412-397-6333 orvia email at [email protected].
CAREER CENTER OFFERS NEW COURSE
The Center for Student Success welcomed two new counselors this year: Elise Michaux andStephen Lukens. Both Elise and Stephen have thetitle of Counselor/Retention for SpecializedStudent Populations. Together, with the rest of thestaff in the Center for Student Success, they workto help students maximize their potential whilepursuing their academic degree.
The Counselors in the Center for Student Success,under the direction of Cassandra Oden, offer RMU students academic assistance throughtutoring, one-on-one planning sessions (mappingout their course of study), and study-skill building, as well as helping students to adapt to the university environment.
In addition to the tutoring services that are offeredthrough the center, other programs include theEarly Success Program, First-Year Seminar Programand its corresponding mentoring program, Act 101,and accommodating students with disabilities.
The Center for Student Success staff members workyear-round to help students. Therefore, any studentwho has questions/concerns during the summermonths is able to contact their counselor for a one-on-one meeting, or if the student lives a distanceaway, a phone meeting. We are also available toassist you with course selection for the summerand fall terms. The summer hours for the Centerfor Student Success are Monday through Friday,8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can contact a counselor byemailing [email protected] or by calling412-397-6862.
CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS STAFF ADDS NEW COUNSELORS
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS IN RESIDENCE LIFEAmerica is suffering a crisis of leadership. In theweeks leading up to the midterm elections in 2010,many expressed concern over the loss of politicalvisionaries. Many in the corporate world are notseeing candidates with strong leadership skillscoming from four year institutions. Studies showthat students, who are currently in four yearprograms, will have multiple jobs even multiplecareers during their lifetimes. Many will work forsmall firms, and a growing percentage will beconsultants and freelancers for most of theirworking lives.
How can we set our students up to be successfulleaders? They will need to be equipped to maketheir own opportunities. They need the skills,knowledge, and qualities that leadership programscultivate: self-reliance, social and cultural capital,appreciation for lifelong learning, creativity, conflictresolution team-building skills, ethics,understanding of economics, and more.
The idea is that leadership – like scientificdisciplines, for example – consists of a set of skills,methodologies, and ideas that can be taught.Leadership programs teach important life skills,such as introspection, cultural sensitivity, moralacuity, people skills, and positive decision-makingskills. These are skills to lead tomorrow’sgeneration and to thrive in the new economy.
There is a growing recognition that this task is theresponsibility of all members of the campuscommunity, not just those teaching leadershipcourses or those working with co-curricularleadership programs.
Our office strives to provide many leadershipopportunities for the students of Robert Morris
University. These leadership opportunities includebeing a Community Advisor, participating in the National Residence Hall Honorary, and alsobeing a campus representative in the Residence Hall Association.
Our office currently employs 50 students to beleaders in our residence halls, called CommunityAdvisors (CAs). Our Community Advisors developand produce social and educational programmingin their halls, advise students of residence hallprocedures, policies, campus resources and campuswide programs, provide guidance on navigating thecampus, and are a friend to their students. TheCommunity Advisor selection process begins in lateNovember for the following year.
The National Residence Hall Honorary is a group ofstudents who are of the top 1% of residentialstudents on campus. This organization is comprisedof approximately 20 members. The governingprinciples for this organization are excellence inacademics, leadership, service and recognition. Thisorganization is comprised of general members anda four student executive board. Students volunteerfor and/or are nominated for this organization.
The Residence Hall Association is a group ofstudents elected by their fellow building mates torepresent their building. RHA representatives servea liaison between residential students and RMUStaff and Faculty. The Residence Hall Association isgoverned by a six-student executive board.Elections for executive board positions will be heldApril 7 and 8. Elections for building representativeswill occur in early September. Residence HallAssociation is also open to any residential studentwho is interested in participating.
Yorktown Hall is home to 500 students. The buildingconsists of double rooms with a full bathroom andwireless and traditional Internet. Each room includes2 desks, 2 dressers, 2 chairs, 1 armoire, 1 closet, 2double beds, and 2 lamps. Students have theconvenience of 24/7 shuttle service to and from
campus. During weekday classes there is an expressshuttle that brings Yorktown residents directly to andfrom campus. Yorktown has many amenities such asthe Yorktown Cafe, fitness center, group studylounges, and a game room for students.
YORKTOWN HALL: A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE AND HANG WITH FRIENDS
One of the biggest concerns for students is toremember to bring all the essentials to campus onmove-in day. One of those essential is bedding. Wecan help make that process one step easier. All you
need to do is order your bedding early and it can behere for you upon your arrival. If you have anyquestions, you can call us at 412-397-5252 or reviewthis offer at stockton.ocm.com/linens.
LINEN PROGRAMS
Fall 2014 is just around the corner! Upperclassstudents will be permitted to return on campusAugust 22–24. Fifteen-week fall classes begin onMonday, August 25. Specific move-in times will beavailable on our website atwww.rmu.edu/residencelife. If you would like torequest to move-in early please call our office at412-397-5252 or e-mail at [email protected]. Students
may not arrival earlier than Wednesday, August 20.Freshman and Transfer students will arrive onThursday, August 21, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in theSewall Center (3rd floor). Additional informationregarding our arrival procedures and New StudentOrientation program will be sent this summer to allnew students.
FALL 2014 MOVE-IN
UPCOMING EVENTSVisit rmu.edu for the university’s full calendar of events.
APRIL 21–26 Spirit Week (various events scheduled)28 Last day of classes
Cram Jam, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Center for Student Success29–3 Final Exams29 Almost Midnight Breakfast, 10 p.m.–Midnight, PNC Colonial Café30 Campus Ministry Study Break, 8–10 p.m., PNC Colonial Café
MAY5–8 Senior Week (various events scheduled)9 Graduate Commencement, 4 p.m., Sewall Center Arena10 Undergraduate Commencement, 9:30 a.m., Sewall Center Arena12 Summer Five Week Session begins (May 12–June 13)
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE REMINDER FOR 2014–15Please be sure that your student has provided theuniversity with current insurance information. Theuniversity requires that all traditionalundergraduate students, both full- and part-time,carry health insurance that is comparable to theestablished RMU health insurance plan that isprovided by Highmark.
Your student can visit rmu.edu/studentinsurance.Choose the “student insurance” option and log in toSentry Secured Services. In Sentry Secured Servicesselect the “add” option and complete the onlineform to provide his/her insurance information. Thisinformation is automatically sent to the RMUStudent Health Services Office. This task must be
completed by July 31. Students who do not provideproof of comparable insurance coverage by therequired deadline will automatically be enrolled inthe Highmark plan and the annual cost of $1,836will be charged to their RMU student account.
If you would like to enroll your son/daughter inthe RMU plan, visit the website listed above andcomplete the appropriate online form. Studentsenrolled in the plan will receive their insurancecards directly from Highmark once the universityhas provided the carrier with the information. Theinsurance card that will be sent will be printed withthe RMU logo on it. Contact Student HealthServices at 412-397-6221 for more information.
REC BY STUDENTS Rec by Students is a weekend program initiativethat was developed by the Office of Residence Lifeand the Campus Recreation department. Thesediverse recreational programs provide students theopportunity for recreational participation, eventplanning, and program management. This initiative
was created to enhance the quality of life for theRobert Morris University students. Programs thissemester included, Hantis, Knee Hockey, and aMarch Madness basketball tournament.
