Working at RMC, your next career step!

Overview of Robert Morris College

Robert Morris College, often abbreviated as RMC, was a private, non-profit institution located primarily in the Chicago area, with a notable campus in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Founded in 1965, it specialized in career-oriented education, offering associate and bachelor's degrees in fields like business, design, culinary arts, and health professions. The Arlington Heights campus served as a key location for programs in graphic design and animation, providing students with hands-on training in modern facilities. Although the university ceased operations in May 2020 due to financial challenges amid declining enrollment and the COVID-19 pandemic, its legacy continues to inform prospective educators about roles in similar applied higher education settings. Jobs at Robert Morris College typically emphasized practical teaching and industry relevance over traditional research, making it attractive for professionals with real-world experience.

🎓 History and Evolution of Robert Morris College

Beginning as the Midwest Business College, Robert Morris College evolved into a university focused on preparing students for immediate workforce entry. By the 2000s, it expanded to multiple campuses, including Arlington Heights, which opened to support growing demand for design and technology programs. The institution prided itself on small class sizes and strong employer partnerships, which influenced hiring practices for faculty who brought professional credentials to the classroom. Understanding this history helps contextualize jobs at Robert Morris College, where positions often required blending academic instruction with vocational training. Prior to closure, RMC employed hundreds in teaching, administrative, and support roles across its Illinois locations.

Academic Programs and Departments

Robert Morris College's curriculum centered on applied disciplines. Key departments included:

• School of Business and Entrepreneurship: Offering degrees in accounting, marketing, and management.
• School of Design and Media Arts: Specializing in graphic design, animation, and web development at the Arlington Heights campus.
• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts: Focused on hotel management and chef training.
• College of Nursing and Health Professions: Preparing students for healthcare careers.

Types of Jobs at Robert Morris College

Career opportunities spanned faculty, administration, and support staff. Faculty jobs at Robert Morris College included full-time professors, adjunct instructors, and program directors. Administrative positions covered admissions, student services, and career advising. Support roles involved lab technicians for design studios and clinical coordinators. Tenure-track positions were rare; most were non-tenured with multi-year contracts emphasizing teaching excellence. Salaries varied, with faculty averaging $50,000-$70,000 annually based on experience, competitive for Illinois career colleges. Positions often aligned with higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs.

Definitions

To aid understanding of jobs at Robert Morris College, here are key terms:

• Adjunct Faculty: Part-time instructors hired per course, typically with industry experience rather than full-time commitment.
• Program Director: Oversees a specific academic program, managing curriculum, faculty, and accreditation.
• Career Services Advisor: Supports students in job placement, resume building, and internships.
• Lab Instructor: Leads hands-on training in facilities like design labs or culinary kitchens.
• Accreditation: Official recognition of educational quality, such as from the Higher Learning Commission, which RMC held.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, and Skills

Jobs at Robert Morris College demanded practical credentials:

• Required Academic Qualifications: Master's degree minimum for faculty (e.g., Master of Science in Nursing for health roles); PhD preferred for department chairs. Teaching certification or licensure for specialized fields like nursing.
• Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Applied research, such as industry case studies in business or portfolio-based projects in design. Publications in trade journals valued over peer-reviewed academic papers.
• Preferred Experience: 3-5 years industry work, prior teaching, grants for program development. For example, graphic design faculty needed Adobe Suite proficiency and client portfolios.
• Skills and Competencies: Strong communication, student mentoring, curriculum design, technology integration (e.g., Canvas LMS), and cultural competency for diverse student bodies.

Application Process and Tips

Prior applications for jobs at Robert Morris College used an online portal on their website, requiring:

1. Resume/CV highlighting practical experience.
2. Cover letter tailored to the role and campus (e.g., Arlington Heights design focus).
3. Transcripts, references, and portfolio for creative positions.
4. Interview stages: Phone screen, teaching demo, panel.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Robert Morris College prioritized diversity through targeted recruitment for underrepresented faculty and staff, partnerships with Chicago-area minority organizations, and inclusive policies. Examples include scholarships for first-generation students and training on bias in hiring. The Arlington Heights campus hosted cultural events celebrating Illinois' diverse population. These efforts mirrored broader employer branding secrets in higher ed.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

The Arlington Heights campus, in a quiet suburb near Chicago, offered a welcoming environment with green spaces, fitness centers, and cafes. Faculty enjoyed flexible schedules, professional development funds, and tuition remission for dependents. Work-life balance featured 10-month contracts for some roles, wellness programs, and team-building events. Campus life included student showcases, where staff collaborated on real projects, fostering community. Proximity to O'Hare Airport aided commuting. Though demanding, roles provided fulfillment in student success stories.

Summary

While Robert Morris College no longer operates, insights into its jobs inform careers in similar Illinois institutions. Check higher ed jobs, university jobs, and higher ed career advice for current openings. Employers can post a job or explore recruitment strategies. Visit faculty jobs or community college jobs for alternatives.