News

• Yesterday RMU and four western PA community colleges signed a sweeping agreement to allow community college students to be admitted and enroll simultaneously at RMU. This new initiative, called RMU Gateway, will make earning a four-year college degree more affordable and accessible to students living in the Pittsburgh region. Watch the recording of the signing agreement, where all five presidents spoke, and read more here.

• As a reminder, all students, faculty and staff are encouraged to utilize CampusClear each morning before journeying to campus or leaving their dorm room. The app is a way for users to self screen themselves for COVID-19 symptoms. Users simply need to check off whether they’re feeling certain symptoms, or feeling healthy. The app will then prompt them with a message depending on their symptoms, such as, “Welcome to campus,” “Please stay at home,” or “Please seek medical attention.” 

Personal Mention

• Peter Draus, university professor of computer and information systems, won a special Innovation in Education Award at the Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference in January. Draus was nominated by his former student, Danielle Wicklund, who cited his dedication to making online learning relevant and enjoyable for students under difficult conditions. 

Upcoming Events

• Join Multicultural Student Services in celebrating Black History Month, "Connected Together." Events like "Black Girls Still Rock", R&Bingo, Netflix movies, "Daughter of the Boycott" book discussion, and Kahoot Game Night occur almost every day in February. Additional program details can be found here.
   
• You are invited to the first RMU Honors Roundtable of the semester hosted by Soren Fanning, associate professor of history. The roundtable will be held virtually Tuesday, February 16, from 3-4pm. You can join the roundtable on 2/16 by clicking here. 
   
• The Center for Global Engagement is hosting a new Virtual World Series, an opportunity to complete the entire Global SET category by participating in events virtually in the spring 2021 semester. RSVP for the next event, The Rooney Program - Reunion Panel, where three former Rooney Scholars and RMU professor Anthony Moretti discuss "The Political Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives from Germany, Russia, Scotland and the U.S." The event takes place February 17 at noon.

• The Massey Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovations presents A Massey Masterclass with pro football athlete and former Steeler Marcelis Branch and CEO Kenny Davis. The two RMU SBUS alumni are co-founders of The No Days Off Society, a fitness and lifestyle company. The event takes place Wednesday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. Access the Google Meet here

Weekend Sports

• Friday, February 12
  • Men's basketball vs. Oakland - 7 p.m. at the UPMC Events Center - Watch and listen on the RMU Gameday App
• Saturday, February 13
  • Men's basketball vs. Oakland - 5 p.m. at the UPMC Events Center - Watch and listen on the RMU Gameday App