Campus Life - Undergraduate

Intercollegiate Athletics

Rhode Island College sponsors twenty-one varsity sports through the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Seven team sports are offered in the fall, seven team sports during the winter, and seven during the spring.

Men’s teams compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, indoor track, outdoor track, soccer, tennis, and wrestling. Women’s teams compete in basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, indoor track, lacrosse, outdoor track, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Participation is open to qualified undergraduate degree candidates who are taking a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses.

The college’s intercollegiate athletic facility, The Murray Center, features practice and competition sites for basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, and wrestling. In addition, there are team and general locker rooms, a fully equipped training/rehabilitation room, an equipment area, a weighttraining facility, offices and classrooms, team meeting rooms, and the Athletic Hall of Fame. Additional facilities include Anchormen Field (baseball); the Bazar softball complex; competitive tennis courts; the Black Track complex, including a 3,000-seat outdoor competitive venue; a five-acre practice complex; and the newly dedicated Student-Athlete Success Center. For additional, and the most up-to-date, information on the intercollegiate athletic program, visit www.goanchormen.com.

In men’s athletics, Rhode Island College holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, and the Pilgrim League for wrestling. In women’s athletics, the college is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, the National Collegiate Gymnastic Association, and the Rhode Island Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. Rhode Island College is a charter member of the Little East Conference, which sponsors conference championships in men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, and track; and in women’s basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track, and volleyball. The Little East Conference includes Plymouth State University, University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth), University of Massachusetts (Boston), Eastern Connecticut State University, University of Southern Maine, Western Connecticut State University, and Keene State College.

Child Care—Cooperative Preschool

The Cooperative Preschool is a campus organization sponsored by Student Community Government. Through the cooperative involvement of parents, the co-op provides an affordable, reliable, high-quality preschool program for children ages three to five. To participate in the co-op, children must be toilet trained and be three years of age by August 31. Students, staff, and faculty of Rhode Island College are eligible to enroll their children. Children of students are given first priority.

Children are enrolled full time, regardless of the number of hours they attend. The school is DCYF licensed and employs a certified teacher and workstudy students. The co-op also participates in Brightstars, a preschool quality-rating and improvement system. The curriculum is aligned with the Rhode Island Early Learning Standards.

In addition to paying monthly tuition, parents work designated hours, attend monthly meetings, and participate in the running of the co-op.

The co-op is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the academic year. Use of the co-op is limited to those hours in which the parent is performing collegerelated activities, such as attending class, doing research, student teaching, etc.

For more information, stop by the co-op during hours of operation or access information and registration forms at www.riccoop.org.

College Health Services

College Health Services, located on the ground floor of Browne Hall, provides confidential, primary health care to all students. Care includes physical examinations, immunizations, treatment of acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, gynecological exams, health education, and, if necessary, specialty referral. On-site laboratory services include blood and urine tests, throat cultures, and pregnancy testing. Health Services is open year round and is staffed by a full-time nurse practitioner, registered nurses, and a part-time physician. Visits are available by appointment.

Rhode Island College offers Student Health and Accident Insurance to any student taking a minimum of 6 credit hours. This policy may be purchased online at www.universityhealthplans.com.

Counseling Center

The principal aim of the Counseling Center is to help students grow, develop, and succeed during their college years. A professional staff of psychologists and counselors provides individual counseling to students who seek help with emotional or social problems, academic difficulties, or educational and career planning. Assessment of vocational interest and personal characteristics is available as needed. The center also conducts groups and workshops on personal development matters, such as stress management and procrastination. Although friends or faculty may encourage individual students to utilize counseling, it is entirely voluntary, and most students make the decision on their own initiative. Counseling Center services are strictly confidential and are provided to all Rhode Island College students, regardless of age, without charge.

Cultural Activities

Events in the performing and fine arts are sponsored by student organizations, academic departments, and other Rhode Island College groups.

Visual arts opportunities are available through the Art Club, the Artist Co-op, and the local branch of the National Art Education Association.

Opportunities in dance are available through the Rhode Island College Dance Company.

Avenues in theatre can be found through the Rhode Island College Theatre and Growing Stage (a student-directed performance group).

Music performance opportunities are provided by the Rhode Island College Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Singers, Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Concert Jazz Band, and the regional branch of the National Association for Music Education.

And literary arts opportunities are available through Shoreline, which annually publishes student short stories, art work, and poems and sponsors readings.

In addition to a wide range of academic-based performances and activities, the college also attracts professional artists to campus. For example, the Bannister Gallery (site of fine art exhibitions) features the work of visiting artists and craftspeople. The Performing Arts Series and the Wednesday Chamber Music Series also bring prominent performing artists to campus. And the College Lectures Committee sponsors presentations in all the humanities, including guest lecturers and readings by prominent authors.

Disability Services Center

The Disability Services Center (DSC) is the central location on campus for disability-related services for students and is committed to providing accommodations for students with disabilities and supporting them in achieving their academic goals. Students who self-identify and provide appropriate documentation of their condition to the DSC may be eligible to receive reasonable accommodations in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and analogous state laws. Support services may include classroom and testing accommodations, advisement, referrals, and use of assistive technology.

The DSC serves students with all types of disabilities: mobility, hearing, vision, motor, psychological, learning (including attention disorders), speech, medical, developmental, and other conditions. In addition, the DSC shall seek to assist students with temporary impairments, who are in need of short-term accommodations. The DSC is also available to advise any student who needs information about how yo obtain proper documentation of a disability.

The DSC promotes the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of college life, and endeavors to make students aware of the many opportunities and resources available to them at Rhode Island College. The DSC recognizes disability as a form of diversity and is the primary resource to educate, train, and guide the college community in understanding disability access, rights, and responsibilities. The DSC not only serves as an advocate for students with disabilities, but also encourages students toward self-advocacy and self-determination.

Clarification of policies and procedures for disability-related services is available in the Policies and Procedures Manual for Students with Disabilities. Copies of the manual are available at the Disability Services Center or on its Web site at www.ric.edu/disabilityservices. Persons using TTY/TDD devices may contact the Disabilities Services Center via the Rhode Island Relay Services by dialing 711.

Health Promotion, Office of

The Office of Health Promotion provides health information to all Rhode Island College students, faculty, and staff. A caring and knowledgeable staff is ready to answer informal and confidential questions, including questions about nutrition, exercise, AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, rape prevention, CPR, birth control, alcohol and other substance abuse issues, smoking cessation, and other health concerns. Referrals to campus and community resources are provided. The office Web site is www.ric.edu/health-promotion.

Housing, Office of Residential Life and

On-campus housing is available for undergraduate students and graduate students. Six residence halls—Browne, Thorp, Weber, Willard, Sweet, and New Hall—provide accommodations for 1,197 men and women. Browne, Thorp, and Weber Halls are designed with suites of eight to twelve single rooms adjacent to a study-lounge area. Sweet and Willard Halls feature double-occupancy rooms, with a select number of single rooms. Sweet Hall is built along more traditional lines, with rooms on either side of the corridors. Each hall has a common lounge area and laundry, and each room is furnished with a bed, desk, and closet. New Hall provides suite-style living for four, with either single or double bedrooms. A portion of New Hall suites have apartment-style features, with breakfast counters and full-size refrigerators.

The Office of Residential Life and Housing also maintains a listing of of-fcampus housing; however, it does not guarantee the suitability or availability of such housing.

The fees given below are for the 2013–2014 academic year. Because of rising costs, the Rhode Island Board of Education reserves the right to change fees without notice as conditions necessitate.

Room Fees

(per year)

Rooms are contracted on a yearly basis. All students are required to pay a housing deposit of $220, which covers the room reservation deposit of one hundred dollars, the damage deposit of one hundred dollars, and twenty dollars in hall dues. Since on-campus housing is limited, approximately fifty percent of the spaces are reserved for new students.

Residence halls open at the beginning of each semester and close at the end of each semester in December and May and during Spring Break. Residents are expected to secure alternate housing accommodations during scheduled breaks.

Board Fees

(per semester)

Students choosing to live on campus are required to purchase one of four available Meal Plans. Each Meal Plan includes a set number of meals per week, Guest Passes, and Bonus Dollars that can be used throughout the year. All meals and Guest Passes are redeemable at Donovan Dining Center. Bonus Dollars may be used at Donovan Dining Center, the Café, or the Galley at any time.

Room Refunds

Withdrawal prior to the “contractually publicized” July 15 date will cancel all room charges minus the room reservation of one hundred dollars. Otherwise, the room contract will remain binding on the student until the end of the academic year. However, proration of the charges may be made by the Office of Residential Life and Housing, if the space created by the withdrawal is filled by a new resident.

A first semester freshman who withdraws from the college in their first semester will be released from the contract for the spring semester upon completion of proper withdrawal forms. All other students will need to submit an appeal letter for contract release consideration. In all cancellations, the room reservation deposit (one hundred dollars) shall be forfeited.

Board Refunds

The board contract is binding upon the student until the end of the academic year during which the cancellation is effected. However, proration of the foodcost portion of the Meal Plan contract will result in a refund based on the week when dining services is officially notified of withdrawal.

Interfaith Center

Welcome to Rhode Island College Interfaith Center! Celebrating diversity in all faith traditions, the Interfaith Center endeavors to provide for the spiritual needs of all the members of the Rhode Island College community–regardless of religious history/affiliation, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other factor. Primarily for the students, these opportunities are open for all, to involve as many members of our community as possible.

RIC Interfaith Center strives to: educate the RIC community about various faiths and to foster appreciation, understanding, and respect; provide opportunities to members of RIC who desire to deepen or renew their faith with prayer and worship venues; support faith-based student groups and assist in the development of other student faith-based organizations; encourage community activism both on and off the campus.

Spiritual guidance and counseling can also be arranged for members of the community.

Please explore our webpage and stop in for a visit during the school year, Monday through Friday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

International Students, Office of

The Office of International Students serves many undergraduate and graduate students from around the world by providing information about U.S. government forms, the process of entering and leaving the country, employment, financial needs, taxes, health, housing, and academic and personal problems. The office also hosts social activities, such as coffee hours, parties, picnics, and field trips. The office Web site is www.ric.edu/internationalstudents.

Recreation Center

A completely renovated recreation center will open in the fall semester of 2012. The complex is home to all recreational programming, including intramurals and club sports. The center and its programs are available to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. The facility is also available to faculty, staff, alumni, and the community on a membership-fee basis. For a complete list of activities and hours, which change each semester, visit www.goanchormen.com.

The 80,000-square-foot facility includes a five-lane, twenty-five-yard, L-shaped swimming pool; a five-lane, 1/10-mile, indoor track; three multi-use courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis; a fitness center, including cardio and strength areas; a student lounge complete with WiFi and cable television; new locker room facilities; a multimedia room; a wrestling facility adaptable for other events; a multi-use studio for aerobics and yoga; offices for coaches; and a suite to host fundraising-related events.

Security and Safety, Office of

The Office of Security and Safety provides twenty-four-hour service to the campus community in the areas of law enforcement, security and personal safety, fire safety, and right-to-know laws. The office is also responsible for the enforcement of all laws and regulations that apply to campus life, including those of the Rhode Island Board of Education and federal and state statutes. Information regarding security and safety, campus police, parking, traffic regulations, and vehicle registration is available in the security department or on the college Web site at www.ric.edu.

The Office of Security and Safety also provides a variety of crime prevention materials and a twenty-four-hour escort service for students, faculty, and staff. This service is available by calling extension 8201 or by pushing the escort button on the Blue Light Emergency Phones (for the location of these phones see Campus Map).

Student Community Government

As the official voice of the student body, Student Community Government is concerned with student rights and responsibilities and the enhancement of educational, cultural, and social opportunities for students.

Although primarily undergraduate in membership, Student Parliament, the main body of Student Community government, includes representatives from almost all areas of the college. A Finance Commission, composed of parliament and nonparliament members, allocates funds from the student activity fee to support various student organizations and activities on campus.

Student Life, Office of

The Office of Student Life provides information and assistance to students regarding nonacademic issues, such as problems with a tuition charge or other bill, absences due to illness or family matters, adding or dropping a course, withdrawing from the college for a semester or permanently, disagreements with other students or college personnel, and health and safety concerns. The Office of Student Life also publishes the Student Handbook (see www.ric.edu/studentlife/handbook.php), which provides specific policies and procedures related to academic and behavioral conduct.

Student Union

The Student Union facility consists of the Student Union and Ducey Media Center. As its mission states, it is “more than a building, it is also an organization and a program which complements the academic experience and contributes to student success.” In addition to Student Activities and events, departments and services include Campus Card (student ID), Campus Store, Welcome & Information Center, the Café, student mailboxes, Student Community Government, and a variety of other student organization offices. The Ducey Media Center includes the Anchor (student newspaper), Anchor TV, and WXIN Radio.

Unity Center, The

The Unity Center is a multicultural center for Rhode Island College. Its mission is to promote educational equity, opportunity and growth for all students through collaborative programming among its student affiliates, faculty, staff, and the wider community. The center seeks to increase intergroup connections by providing a safe forum for exploring issues pertaining to diversity. Located in the lower level of the Donovan Dining Center, The Unity Center has study rooms, a student lounge, and a conference room. Another affiliated Student Resource Center can be found in Gaige Hall room B9. Visit our webpage at www.ric.edu/unitycenter/ or find Rhode Island College Unity Center on Facebook.

Veterans Resource Center

The Veterans Resource Center serves as a bridge between off-campus services and on-campus services for military service members, veterans, and their families. The VetSuccess on Campus program is located in the center. Students receive information and assistance in accessing educational benefits, exploring career options, and locating other important services at Rhode Island College.

Women’s Center

The Women’s Center is a resource and growth center for all members of the Rhode Island College community. Services offered include information and referrals to agencies within the state and southeastern Massachusetts; a pamphlet/booklet display; a lending library with books on women’s issues; the sale of condoms and feminine sanitary supplies; and information on workshops, in-state seminars, and other resources. The Women’s Center is located in the lower level of Donovan Dining Center. The Web site is www.ric.edu/womens-center.