Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICenter?

The Robert Morris University ICenter is the next step in the University's effort to provide meaningful experiential opportunities to its students. ICenter projects are not case studies or simulations, they are actual projects where teams of students drawn from multiple majors work with real clients--both internal and external--on actual projects with tangible outcomes and professional expectations. Students must take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for results while working with their clients, teammates, and professors.

Do I get a grade for working on an ICenter Project?

Yes, an ICenter Project is a class on your schedule and you receive midterm and final letter grades (A, B, C, D, F).

What else am I evaluated on if I do an ICenter Project?

When you enroll in an ICenter Project, you are also evaluated based on RMU's Credential System. The ICenter was created to help students get to the Integration Level of both Universal and Programmatic Competencies, which document the work experience you've earned while working on an ICenter Project.

Are ICenter Projects a lot of work?

Just like any other class you take at Robert Morris University, each ICenter Project requires time and dedication in order for you to get anything out of it. You are a part of a dynamic academic community where learning extends beyond the four walls of a classroom. In order to get the most out of the ICenter, yes, you must dedicate time to team and client meetings, project work, written and oral presentations and possible project revision. The amount of work is specific to each project and the projects are created to challenge and push you to greater achievement and experience; things that will set you apart from other job seekers after you graduate.Check out some testimonials from students, clients and faculty here.

If I work on an ICenter Project is it considered a "class" or a "project"?

It is both. It is a project that is a class on your schedule for which you will earn grades, credentials and course credit.

Does an ICenter Project replace a class on my audit?

It may. ICenter Projects are 4 credit hour courses and are in the academic bulletin as:

• ICP 250, ICenter Project
• ICP 350, Intermediate ICenter Project
• ICP 450, Advanced ICenter Project, and
• ICP 550, Graduate ICenter Project

If you participate in an ICP 350 or ICP 450 class/project, it may replace CMT 440. ICenter Courses may also count as a free elective or can replace another class or internship with the approval of your Dean. You must have Dean approval to replace a course before you enroll in an ICenter Project.

Do I have to pay extra to take an ICenter course?

If you are a full time undergraduate student the tuition for 3, 4 or 5 classes is the same, so you do not pay extra tuition to take an ICenter Course. If you are a part-time student and you enroll in an ICenter Course, it may put you into Full Time Status and may affect your tuition and/or financial aid. If you are a Graduate student, you pay per course so, yes, you must pay for an ICenter Course. However, the ICenter Course may replace another course for you so, overall, your tuition remains the same.  

Also, anyone may participate in an ICenter Project as a volunteer and not enroll in the course. You will not receive course credit for it but you can still earn credentials and work experience.

Is there a Professor for each ICenter Project? If so, when will the Professor contact me?

Just like any class at RMU, each ICenter Course has a Professor who oversees the project, evaluates student performance, assigns grades earned by each student, and conducts and reports credential evaluations for each student. You will be contacted by your Professor no later than Monday of Week 1 of the quarter you are enrolled in the ICenter Course.

How is an ICenter Project different from an internship? Can I do an ICenter Project instead of my required Internship?

All ICenter Projects are considered internships, but not all internships are ICenter Projects. In the ICenter students are actually creating a real product or service for a real client as student-consultants; as opposed to a traditional internship where you go to a company to work for a site supervisor. Both are valuable experiences and students should strive to do both their required internship and an ICenter Project. Some ICenter projects may count as a student's required internship, but that is rare and must be approved by the Dean.

When and where do ICenter Courses meet?

The ICenter Course (ICP 250, ICP 350, ICP 450 or ICP 550) will be on your schedule just like a regular course with the day and meeting time of T/TH at 4:00 p.m. Your Professor may require additional or different meeting days/times but will give you plenty of notice if anything differs from what is on your schedule. Your Professor will contact you before Tuesday of Week 1 with the location of your first meeting. Be sure to check your RMU email and Blackboard for information!

Will working on an ICenter Project require travel, or can the work be done remotely?

Some projects may require travel to different campuses or to client locations. Depending on the project, much of the work may be done remotely. If a project is housed at a certain campus, you should expect to travel to that campus at least a couple of times.

Can I take 4 regular classes and an ICenter Project?

Possibly. You need to work that out with your advisor to ensure that it fits into your overall course schedule.

How often do ICenter Courses meet?

That depends on the project. You should plan to meet every week just like a regular RMU Course. During Week 1, you will meet on the first day of class just like a regular class and your professor will give you more details on meeting times and dates. All ICenter Courses have a T/TH meeting day and 4:00 p.m. meeting time.

Who will I work with on an ICenter Project?

You will work with your Professor, other RMU students (possibly from other majors or other campuses), clients and their staff, possibly vendors, board members, and/or RMU staff.

How do I sign up for an ICenter Project?

You can sign up online on the ICenter Project Board. You can also look at a list of past projects on the Project Board.

Can I apply after the deadline?

The online application process will be removed from the web site by Week 8 of the quarter. However, you can enroll in an ICenter Project if you are approved up through Week 10. It is best to apply online though and make the deadline in order to avoid any confusion. If you want to apply after the deadline, you should email the ICenter at icenter@robertmorris.edu and talk to your advisor.

Can I continue working on a project that is longer than 10 weeks?  If so, am I eligible to earn additional credit in that next quarter? 

Each ICenter course can be repeated up to three times, so yes, you may earn credit for multiple quarters of an ICenter Project. Some projects will continue into another quarter but only for a couple of weeks, so you'd earn credit for the one course.

Do I have to keep working on the same ICenter Project if it extends over multiple quarters?

You do if it is continuing for a couple of weeks and you are earning credit once. If it is a whole new quarter and you would re-enroll in the course again, you do not have to continue the project. Each quarter is graded and evaluated separately. If you can, you should try to see a project through from beginning to end.

I have an idea for an ICenter Project. What should I do?

You can submit an ICenter Project Request from the ICenter web site. Click on the Project Request link and be as detailed as possible about your project idea. The ICenter staff will follow up with you, then your request will be reviewed by the ICenter Oversight Committee and either approved and scheduled or not.

Who can I contact if I have a question that is not answered here?

Email the ICenter at icenter@robertmorris.edu or call 312-935-4860.