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Undergraduate Program Requirements
This section deals with academic requirements, regulations, and opportunities for undergraduates which are University-wide rather than college-related.
Consistent with its policy of allowing the greatest latitude possible in course selection, the University offers a wide choice to fill its general education requirements and encourages students to select free electives that cross departmental and college lines.
NOTE: The University administration may alter, abridge, or eliminate courses and programs of study. While every effort is made to keep this catalog current, not all courses and programs of study listed may be available at the time of student matriculation. Similarly, course and program requirements may be changed from time to time. In all cases, every effort will be made to accommodate individual students whose exceptional circumstances may make it difficult or impossible to meet the changed requirements. Changes in the academic calendar may also be made when deemed in the best interests of the University.
General Education Requirements
The University believes that all undergraduate students, regardless of their degree programs, need experience in the study of fundamentals that builds on the student’s previous education and continues through the undergraduate years and beyond. All bachelor’s degree students follow the same University-wide general education requirements. While general education requirements for all students are selected from the same list of approved courses, there are possible variations based on the student’s major. Students should consult specific college and departmental requirements and discuss the requirements with an advisor. In their first semester, all entering freshmen and new transfer students with less than 24 credits are required to take URI 101 Traditions and Transformations: A Freshman Seminar, including community service provided by the Feinstein Enriching America Program (see “Courses of Instruction,” page 294).
The purpose of general education at the University of Rhode Island is to lay a foundation for the lifelong enrichment of the human experience and for a thoughtful and active engagement with the world. This foundation is built on recognition of the complexity of nature, society, and the individual. The objective of general education is to introduce students to the fundamental dimensions of this complexity and to develop an appreciation of different ways of understanding it and different cultural responses to it.
Corresponding with these goals, the general education program is divided into the following core areas:
English Communication. Six credits in English communication, at least three of which must be in a course designed specifically to improve written communication skills.
Fine Arts and Literature. Six credits in courses on artistic and literary expression and interpretation.
Foreign Language/Cross-cultural Competence. Six credits or the equivalent in course work related to communicating across cultures.
Letters. Six credits in courses that address the wisdom and traditions of the past and present in a global setting.
Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning. Three credits in a course on mathematical or quantitative skills and their application.
Natural Sciences. Six credits in courses on the interrelationships of the natural world.
Social Sciences. Six credits in courses related to the study of human behavior in social, economic, cultural, and political contexts.
Because particular skills are essential to a thoughtful engagement with the world, each general education course incorporates opportunities to practice three (3) or more of the following skills: reading complex texts, writing effectively, speaking effectively, examining human differences, using quantitative data, using qualitative data, using information technology, and engaging artistic activity.
In addition, the University has a commitment to providing students with the opportunity to examine diversity within and across national boundaries and requires that at least two of the courses taken as part of a student’s general education program must be designated as diversity [D] courses. Only one course in a foreign language may be applied to the diversity requirement. Since these diversity courses may be selected from any of the general education core areas, this requirement does not increase the total number of credits in the general education program.
Specific courses that may be used to meet these requirements are listed in the following groups:
English Communication: Writing (ECw) BGS 100, WRT 104, 105, 106, 201, 227, 235, 302, 303, 304 [D], 305 [D], 333; General (EC) COM 100 [D], LIB 120, PHL 101.
Fine Arts and Literature (A): AAF 247 [D], 248 [D]; ART 101, 207; ARH 120 [D], 251 [D], 252 [D]; CLA 391 [D], 395 [D], 396 [D], 397 [D]; CLS 160 [D]; ENG 110 [D], 160 [D], 241 [D], 242 [D], 243 [D], 247 [D], 248 [D], 251 [D], 252 [D], 260 [D], 263 [D], 280 [D]; 300 [D], 302 [D], 303 [D], 304 [D], 355 [D], 357 [D], 358 [D]; FLM 101 [D], 203 [D], 204 [D], 205 [D]; FRN 309 [D], 310 [D], 320 [D]; HPR 105; LAR 201; MUS 101 [D], 106 [D], 111; 292 [D], 293 [D]; PLS 233, 335 [D]; RUS 391[D], 392 [D]; THE 100, 181, 351[D], 352 [D], 381, 382, 383.
Foreign Language/Cross-cultural Competence (FC): This requirement shall be fulfilled in one of the following ways: 1) demonstration of competence through the intermediate level by a proficiency examination or by successfully completing the 104 level in a living language or the 302 level in a classical language (students who fulfill this requirement through an examination cannot earn course credit for graduation; students who earn less than six credits in fulfilling the requirement should apply credits to the elective or major areas); 2) a two-course sequence in a language previously studied for two or more years in high school through at least the 103 level in a living language or 301 in a classical language appropriate to a student’s level of competence (e.g., 102 and 103, 102 and 301; 131 and 103; 103 and 104; 301 and 302); 3) course work in a language not previously studied (or studied for less than two years in high school) through the beginning level. All modern and classical language courses used to fulfill these options carry the [D] designation; 4) study abroad in an approved academic program for one semester; 5) majoring in a foreign language; 6) two courses in cross-cultural competence selected from the following list: CPL 300 [D]; FRN 309 [D], 310 [D], 320 [D]; HIS 132 [D], 171 [D], 172 [D], 180 [D], 311 [D], 327 [D], 374 [D], 375 [D]; PHL 331 [D]; RLS 131 [D]; TMD 224 [D]. Six credits of a full-semester approved Intercultural Internship in a foreign country through the Office of Internships and Experiential Education may be substituted for cross-cultural competence courses. Formally registered international students, students with a recognized immigrant status and students who are naturalized citizens may be exempt from the foreign language or cross-cultural competence requirement at the discretion of the dean of the student’s academic college.
Letters (L): AAF 150 [D], 201 [D], 355 [D], 356 [D]; APG 327; BGS 392 [D]; CLS 160 [D], 235; EGR 316 [D]; ENG 110 [D], 160 [D], 243 [D], 251 [D], 252 [D], 280 [D], 355 [D], 356 [D]; HIS 111, 112, 113 [D], 114 [D], 116, 117, 118 [D], 130 [D], 132 [D], 141 [D], 142 [D], 145 [D], 146 [D], 150 [D], 160 [D], 171 [D], 172 [D], 180 [D], 304, 305, 310 [D], 311 [D], 314, 323 [D], 327 [D], 332 [D], 333 [D], 340 [D], 346 [D], 351 [D], 355 [D], 356 [D]; JOR 110 [D]; LAR 202 [D]; LET 151L, 151Q; NUR 360 [D]; PHL 103, 204, 210 [D], 212 [D], 215, 217 [D], 235, 314, 316 [D], 321, 322, 323 [D], 325 [D], 328 [D], 331 [D], 346, 355; PSC 341, 342; PSY 310; RLS 111 [D], 125, 126, 131 [D]; WMS 220 [D].
Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (MQ): BAC 120; CSC 101, 201; HPR 108; MTH 107, 108, 109, 111, 131, 141; PSC 109; STA 220.
Natural Sciences (N): AFS 190, 210, 211; APG 201 [D]; AST 108; AVS 101 [D]; BGS 391; BCH 190; BIO 101, 105, 106, 286 [D]; CHM 100, 101, 103, 112; GEO 100, 102, 103, 110, 120; HPR 109; MIC 190; NRS 190; NFS 207; OCG 110, 123, 131; PHY 109, 111, 112, 140, 185, 186, 203, 204, 205, 273, 274, 275; PLS 150, 190, 233; TMD 113.
Social Sciences (S): APG 200 [D], 202, 203 [D], 301 [D]; BGS 390 [D]; CPL 200 [D]; ECN 100 [D], 201, 202, 306, 381 [D]; EDC 102 [D]; GEG 101 [D], 104 [D]; HDF 225; HPR 110 [D], 201 [D]; JOR 110 [D]; LIN 200 [D]; MAF 100; NUR 150 [D]; PEX 123 [D]; PSC 113 [D], 116 [D], 274 [D], 288; PSY 103 [D], 113 [D], 232 [D], 235 [D], 254 [D], 255 [D]; REN 105, 310, 356; SOC 100 [D], 212 [D], 230 [D], 240 [D], 242 [D], 274 [D]; TMD 224 [D]; WMS 150 [D].
Students in the Honors Program can receive general education credit for honors sections of courses that have been approved for general education credit.
Transfer students can receive general education credit for courses taken at other institutions as long as such credits are in courses equivalent to courses given general education credit at URI.
Students must meet the curricular requirements of the colleges in which they plan to earn their degrees. Some colleges require that students select specific courses from the lists given for the various general education components. Therefore, students must refer to the requirements specified for their programs (see “Undergraduate Programs,” page 47).
In the colleges of Arts and Sciences and Human Science and Services and for the Bachelor of General Studies, credits within a student’s own major may not be counted toward general education requirements in fine arts and literature, letters, natural sciences, or social sciences. In other colleges, credits within a student’s professional college may not be counted toward any general education requirements. However, courses that serve as prerequisites for a major can be used to fulfill the general education requirements.
Other Academic Requirements
Certain basic courses are required in many curriculums for transfer from University College into a degree-granting college in the junior year. These are listed in the curriculums of the individual colleges.
The responsibility for meeting all course and credit requirements for the degree rests with each individual student.
Students who desire to accelerate their programs and receive credit for courses taken at other institutions, during summer session, or in the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Continuing Education must have prior approval from their academic deans.
Capstone Experiences
A capstone experience integrates course work throughout the undergraduate major program. Capstone experiences include courses, internships, portfolios, senior theses, research/design projects, etc. They are scheduled for the senior year. Capstone experiences may either be required or simply recommended. See your program of study for more information.
Minor Fields of Study
Undergraduate students may declare a “minor” field of study. Requirements for a minor may be satisfied by completing 18 or more credits in: 1) any one of the University-approved minors; 2) a curriculum other than the student’s major; or 3) related studies from more than one department under the sponsorship of a qualified faculty member. Descriptions of approved interdepartmental minors follow. Descriptions of requirements for approved departmental minors may be found in the departmental sections.
To declare a minor, a student must have the approval of the department chairperson of the minor field of study and the dean. Faculty sponsorship is required for the third option listed above. Students in the College of Business Administration need the approval of the Scholastic Standing Committee for the third option. Non-business students wishing to obtain a departmental minor in the College of Business Administration should expect to take the six courses over a period of two years. Admission is on a space-available basis only, and therefore not guaranteed.
A minimum quality point average of 2.00 must be earned in the minor courses, and at least 12 of the 18 credits must be at the 200 level or above. At least half of the credits required for the minor must be earned at the University of Rhode Island. general education requirements may be used for the minor, but no course may be used for both the major and minor field of study. Minor courses may not be taken on a pass-fail basis.
Application for the minor must be filed in the academic dean’s office no later than the beginning of the student’s final semester or term.
Interdepartmental Study
Students are encouraged to develop interests across departmental lines. A number of such programs are available both as areas of interest or minors, and as degree programs. The interdepartmental minors are given in the following list. For interdepartmental majors in African and African-American studies, comparative literature studies, environmental plant biology, human science and services, public relations, textile marketing, and women’s studies, refer to the Index at the back of this catalog.
African and African-American Studies. Students who declare African and African-American studies as a minor are required to take two core courses: AAF 201 and 202 (six credits). In addition, students select four electives (12 credits) from the following: AAF 360, 390, 410; APG 313; COM 333; ECN 386; ENG 247, 248, 362, 363, 364, 474; HIS 150, 384, 388; and PSC 408. Students who want to use other courses that have as their central focus some aspect of the black experience may do so with permission from the program director.
Asian Studies. Students who declare a minor in Asian studies are required to complete 18 credits including at least two courses (6 credits) from the following: HIS 171, 172, 374, 375; PHL 331; PSC 377; RLS 131; THE 382. The remaining 12 credits may be selected from the preceding group or from the following: BUS/COM 354; CHN 101, 102, 103, 104; COM 337, 437, 491, 492; HIS 481, 495; JPN 101, 102, 103, 104; LAN 191, 192, 193, 194; PSC 303, 456, 457. At least 12 of the 18 credits must be taken at the 200 level or above. Students interested in the minor should contact Timothy George in the History Department; a member of the Asian Studies Advisory Committee will then be assigned as the advisor for the minor and will assist the student to fulfill its requirements.
Biological Sciences. Students who declare biology as a minor must take BIO 101; BIO 102; and MIC 211 or MIC 201. The remaining courses may be selected from BCH 311 and any BIO or MIC course. At least 18-20 credits are required, and at least 12 of the 20 credits must be taken at the 200 level or above.
Community Planning. The Department of Community Planning and Landscape Architecture offers a minor in community planning. Students who declare this minor must complete 18 credits including CPL 210, 410, and 498 (for 9 credits). In addition, students select three elective courses for 9 additional credits from the following: AAF/PSC 410, 466; CPL 391, 392, 397; CPL/MAF 434; CVE 446; ECN 402, 404; GEG 103; HDF 418, 424, 434, 440; MAF 484; PHL 318; PSC 221, 402; and SOC 214, 240. These elective courses cannot be simultaneously counted toward a major.
Comparative Literature Studies. Students who declare comparative literature studies as a minor must earn 18 credits distributed as follows: six credits in comparative literature studies at the 200 level or above; 12 credits from literature courses in comparative literature, English, or languages, of which six credits must be in one national literature either in the original language or in translation. Students majoring in English or languages may not count courses in their major toward this minor. For a description of the degree program in comparative literature studies, see page 55.
Film Media. Students who declare a minor in Film Media must complete 18 credit hours of courses in which film and film-related media provide the primary texts of study. FLM 101 Introduction to Film and Screen Studies or HPR 105F Honors Study: The Feature Film is required for the minor, plus a minimum of three credits in each of the following approaches to film and media study:
• Production. These courses focus on the practices of film/video/media production; how moving images are created, designed and used to serve a variety of functions: ART 204, 215, 304, 316; COM 341, 342, 445; JOR 331.
• Criticism. These courses address critical and theoretical approaches to film media and the broader contexts of history, genre and ideology in which they are situated: AAF 352; ARH 376, 377; COM 346, 414; ENG 300, 302, 304; FLM 203; JOR 110, 311, 313; WMS 350F.
• Global Film. These courses are concerned with questions of national identity and with issues of multiculturalism and globalization in world film media. ARH 374; CLS 450N; ENG 303; FRN 320*; FLM 204, 205; HIS 358; HPR 311H, 311J; ITL 315*. (*Taught in English.)
Family Financial Counseling and Planning. Students outside the Department of Human Development and Family Studies may declare a minor in family financial counseling and planning by completing 18 credits as follows: HDF 418, 424, 426, 450, 451, and one of the following courses HDF 205, 210, 225, or 428.
Forensic Science. Students who declare a minor in forensic science must complete 18 credits including two credits of CHM 391, three credits of CHM 392 (Introduction to Criminalistics), and three credits of research or a practicum related to forensic science. The practicum can be in the form of participating in a Forensic Science Partnership research project or internship on or off campus. The remaining 13 credits may be selected from the following: APG 300*, 317, 350*; APG/PSY 405*; BCH/BIO/ASP/PLS 352*; BCH/MIC 403; BCH/BIO 437*, 451*; BCH 481*, 482*, 484*; BIO 242*, 244*; BIO 381/ENT 385*, BIO 382/ENT 386*; BMS 225*, 313, 322, 325, 326, 416, 525, 530*, 535*, 544, 546; CHE 332*, 333, 438*, 491, 539*, 576; CHM 226*, 228*, 412*, 414*, 425*; COM 215; DHY/CMD/PHT 440*; ENT 411 or 511*; GEO 103, 320*, 321*, 554*; PHP 316, 318, 324; PLS/ASP 355*; PLS 361*; PSC 472*; PSY 254*, 335*, 460, 466, 479; SOC 216, 230, 370, 420*; SOC/PSC 274*; TMD 303*, 313* (asterisked courses have prerequisites not included in this program; students are responsible for completing these prior to enrolling in the course). Courses required for a student’s major cannot also be used to satisfy the minor requirements. It is suggested that no more than two courses in the minor be from any one department and that all students take at least one chemistry course in addition to CHM 391. Students interested in this minor should contact Dr. Jimmie Oxley, Department of Chemistry.
General Business. Students who wish to gain some business career skills may declare general business as a minor. This minor requires 21 credit hours and completion of ACC 201 and ECN 201. A maximum of three courses must be selected from the following: ACC 202; BAC 110, 201, 202; ECN 202; MGT 110. A minimum of six credits must be at the 300 or 400 level.
Gerontology. The program in gerontology is a University-wide program that promotes study, teaching, and research in aging. It also maintains relationships with state and local agencies serving Rhode Island’s older population. This affords opportunities for research, internships, and field experiences to students interested in the problems of aging.
The Bachelor of Science program in human development and family studies is the recommended major for gerontology. There is also the opportunity for students taking their major studies in a number of areas to do a less specialized study in aging by declaring a minor in gerontology. This must be done no later than the first semester of the senior year. It requires 18 or more credits in aging-related studies approved by the program in gerontology and the college in which the student is registered.
HDF 314 (Introduction to Gerontology) is required for either specialization. Undergraduate gerontology courses include: DHY 462; NFS 395; HDF 315, 431, 440; and SOC 438. Also relevant are HDF 421, 450, 480; NUR 349, 360; BIO 242; and the Office of Internships and Experiential Education.
It is important to take courses that fulfill degree requirements from the beginning. Students who wish to specialize in aging are advised to contact the program in gerontology early in their University studies.
Hunger Studies. This minor intends to prepare students for leadership roles in understanding and eradicating hunger. Requirements include 18 credits (at least 12 at the 200-level or above), nine of which will be core courses, including the introductory course HSS 130; up to three 1-3-credit internships; and a 3-credit capstone course which will include one credit for portfolio development. No course may be used for both the major and minor. Courses in general education may be used for the minor.
All courses must be taken for a grade, except for the internship and portfolio credits, and a grade of 2.00 or better must be earned in each graded course. To declare this minor, a student must have the approval of a program advisor and an academic advisor. For more information, contact Dr. Kathleen Gorman, Director, Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America, URI Providence Campus, or Dr. Lynn McKinney, Human Science and Services, Quinn Hall, Kingston.
Core courses: 9 credits; HSS 130 (3 credits), Internship (total of 3 credits), HDF 434 (3-credit capstone, 1 credit for portfolio development). Optional: URI 101 with a focus on hunger/social justice (1 credit).
Electives: 9 credits; may be focused on a particular theme. Approved electives include CPL 210; NFS 276, 394, 395; HDF 357, 489G; HSS 120; PHL 217; PLS 305; PSC 221, 485.
International Development. The international development minor is available to undergraduates interested in employment overseas or in domestic enterprises with international operations.
Students choosing this minor must complete 18 credits, with a maximum of six credits at the 100 or 200 level. Students must complete the following: 1) CPL 300 (three credits); 2) language or culture (six to nine credits), to be met by the completion of at least six language credits through the intermediate level (103 or 104) or placement in the conversation and composition level (205 or 206) and completion of at least six credits in the same language or culture cluster (placement for course work is determined by the Educational Testing Service exam as administered by the University’s Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures in the following languages: French, Spanish, German, and Russian; the University also offers Portuguese and selected other languages that, with permission, could satisfy the requirement; six credits are allowed in the general education requirements for language and culture); 3) an approved internship (three to six credits) providing international development experience during the junior or senior year (CPL 487); and CPL 495 (three credits) of an advanced-level seminar. See “Courses of Instruction” for descriptions of CPL 300, 487, and 495.
The College of the Environment and Life Sciences administers this program;interested students should contact Professor David Abedon in Natural Resources Sciences, Coastal Institute, Kingston, Room 113, 401-874-4655.
Justice, Law, and Society. Students declaring a minor in justice, law, and society must complete a minimum of 18 credits from among the courses listed below. At least three credits must be completed in each of the three groups. Several of the courses have prerequisites not included in this program; students are responsible for completing these prerequisites prior to enrolling in the course. Other courses, such as topics courses, may be approved for credit by the program coordinator. Interested students should contact Professor Leo Carroll in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Criminal Justice: HDF/SOC 437; PSC/SOC 274; PSY 254, 261, 335, 460, 465, 466; SOC 230, 330, 370, 331, 420; SOC/PSC 426 and 476. Law: ECN 337, 415; ENG 356; PHL 430; PSC 288, 369, 471, 472. Social Justice: AAF 201; APG 311, 322; ECN 305, 381, 386; HIS/AAF 150; HIS 328, 344, 346, 349, 352,, 366, 367; PHL 210, 217, 314, 318; PSC 441, 485; PSY 480; SOC 240, 242, 413, 428, 438; WMS 150, 310.
Labor Studies. The labor studies minor is available to students interested in employment issues and the problems faced by working people in the United States and abroad. Students declaring this minor are required to complete 18 credits including LRS 480, Seminar in Labor Studies. The remaining 15 credits can be selected from HIS 349, MGT 300, 321, 422 and 423; SOC 241, 336, 320, 350, and 432; PSC 369, 471, 472, and 498; ECN 338, 368, 381, and 386; and COM 460 or other courses approved in consultation with SLRC faculty. The labor studies minor is administered by the Schmidt Labor Research Center. Information can be obtained from Professor Richard Scholl in the center, Hart House, 36 Upper College Road, 401-874-2239.
Leadership Studies. The minor in leadership studies is based on a broad cross-disciplinary philosophy of leadership. The goal is to prepare students for leadership roles and responsibilities. The minor will provide students with opportunities to develop and enhance a personal philosophy of leadership that includes understanding of self, others, and community as well as the acceptance of responsibility inherent in community membership. The curriculum is focused on expanding students’ knowledge, skills, and understanding of specific leadership theories, concepts, and models in applied settings.
The minor includes the following three areas: education which consists of exposure to leadership theories, concepts, and models; leadership training which is directed at skill areas in leadership; and developmental aspects which require academic and co-academic experiences and reflection intended to empower students to mature and develop greater levels of leadership complexity, integration, and proficiency.
To declare a minor in leadership studies, a student must first visit the Center for Student Leadership Development (CSLD) in the Memorial Union to begin the enrollment process, and then inform their major academic advisor. A member of the program’s advisory committee will then be assigned to work with the student and academic advisor as a “program advisor.” This program advisor will facilitate the student’s process through the minor, and help assure that class, internship, and portfolio requirements are completed.
Sponsored by a program advisor from the Leadership Advisory Committee, a student must complete 18 or more credits related to leadership offered by more than one department. Requirements include: a core of nine credits as follows: 1) a choice of an introductory course (HDF 190 or HDF 290); 2) a choice of a capstone course (MGT 402 or HDF 498C; 3) a two-credit internship with specific requirements including conceptual understanding; skill development through experience and feedback; and personal awareness, assessment, and growth; each internship requires 80 hours of fieldwork; the specific internship course will depend on the student’s particular major or depend on the specific supervisor and/or advisor for the internship site; 4) a one-credit portfolio course, which will be directed by the instructor(s) of the capstone course. The portfolios are multidimensional collections of work that reflect the students’ experiences in and out of the classroom as they relate to leadership knowledge, training, and experiences. The goals of the portfolios will be discussed when a student decides to choose the leadership studies minor and will be assessed as part of the capstone experience. Each student’s program advisor will work with the student on the development of the portfolio as an on-going project. All entries should be directly related to the student’s goals regarding individually desired knowledge, skill development, and experiences. Reflection is an important part of the portfolio as well. Therefore students will consider the strengths and weaknesses of their particular accumulation of skills and knowledge in each area and their assessment of how to improve their overall learning.
Students will also choose nine elective credits from the following approved courses. Other courses may be appropriate and may be added to this list with the approval of the Leadership Advisory Committee: AAF 300L; COM 100, 202, 210, 220, 221, 302, 322, 361, 383, 411, 415, 421, 422, 450, 451, 461; CSV 302; HDF 290, 498; MGT 300, 301, 302, 303, 306, 401, 407, 408; PEX 375; PSC 304, 369, 504; PHL 212; ROTC; SOC 300P/WMS 350U; THE 221, 341; WMS 150, 310, 350, 350Y.
For more information on this minor, contact Christine Wilson in the Center for Student Leadership Development, Memorial Union, room 210, 401-874-5282.
New England Studies. Students who declare New England studies as a minor must take either NES 200 or 300 and elect at least one course from each of the following four categories. Aesthetic Dimensions: ENG 347. Cultural Patterns: APG 317; ENG 337; PSC 221. Historical Dimensions: HIS 335, 346, 362. Physical Dimensions: BIO 323, BIO 418; GEO 101; NRS 301, 302. Permission can be obtained from the Committee for New England Studies to use any rotating topics course, seminar, etc., whose focus is on some aspect of New England as a substitute for any of the above courses. The minor in New England Studies is coordinated by the English Department. Interested students should contact Professor Cook at 401-874-4664 or ncook@uri.edu.
Public Relations. Students can minor in public relations by completing one statistics course and 18 course credits from communication studies, journalism, and marketing, as specified. Applicable statistics courses are STA 220, 308, 409 and BAC 201. Communication studies majors take JOR 220, 345, JOR/PRS 340, MKT 301, and two additional MKT courses. Journalism majors take COM 210, 302, 320, MKT 301, and two additional MKT courses. Marketing majors take JOR 220, 345 and COM 210, 302, 320. Other majors take two applicable courses in communication studies, journalism, and marketing. The minor in public relations is coordinated by the Department of Journalism. Interested students should contact Professor Levin (401-874-4287).
Special Populations. This interdepartmental minor gives students the opportunity to explore theory and gain practical experience through working with people who have special needs. This includes people who have disabilities (physical, emotional, mental, or educational) or are different socioeconomically, behaviorally, culturally. A minimum of 18 credits may be earned by taking the required courses (HDF 200 or PSY 232; PSY 442), a minimum of three credits in supervised field experience, and a minimum of nine credits of selected electives.
Courses are chosen in consultation with an advisor from one of the participating departments: Communication Studies; Education; Nutrition and Food Sciences; Human Development and Family Studies; Nursing; Kinesiology; Psychology; Sociology and Anthropology; Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, and Design; or Theatre. The College of Human Science and Services administers the program.
Interested students should contact HSS Associate Dean Susan Roush for information.
Thanatology. The interdisciplinary minor in thanatology provides a basic understanding of loss, death, and grief.
Core courses are from thanatology; communications or counseling; and ethics, philosophy, or religion. While 12 of the 18 credits must be from the core areas, efforts have been made to keep the requirements as flexible as possible.
Students are required to take two courses in thanatology (6 credits); one course in communications or counseling (3 credits); and one course in ethics, philosophy, or religion (3 credits). The remaining courses (6 credits) may be selected from these and other related areas. Courses may be selected from the following list. Other courses may be approved by Professor Jean Miller in the College of Nursing. Contact her for additional information. Thanatology: HDF 421; 471; HPR 119, 319; NUR 360, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 529; PHP 460; PSC 440; PSY 554Q. Communications or Counseling: COM 103, 337; HDF 450. Ethics, Philosophy, or Religion: PHL 103, 212, 314, 328, 346, 401; RLS 111, 131. Other Related Courses: Independent study when related to death and/or grief; i.e., NUR 390, HDF 498 (check with faculty advisor).
Underwater Archaeology. To obtain a minor in underwater archaeology, students must take 18 credits in history, historical archaeology, anthropology, classical archaeology, oceanography, and marine policy, at least 12 of which must be at the 200 level or above. The required courses and options are outlined below.
Students must take HIS/APG 490, and either APG 417 or ARH 475 (six credits). Students are encouraged to take these required 400-level courses toward the end of their program of studies. In addition, students must take one course from each of the following four groups: classical archaeology/material culture (ARH 251, 354, 475; ARH/APG 465); anthropology (APG 202, 203, 302, 303, 319, 417; APG/MAF 413); history (HIS 130, 389, 390, 396); oceanography/marine policy (OCE 110, 123, 401, 451; MAF 100, 220).
Women’s Studies. Students who declare a minor in Women’s Studies are required to complete 18 credits including WMS 150 and WMS 315, and three credits from the following: WMS 300, 301, 310, 330, 333, 350, 351, 450, 490. The remaining nine credits may be selected from the preceding group or from the following: AAF 290, 300C; ARH 285; COM 310S, ECN 386; ENG 260, 385; HDF 230, 298, 430, 432, 433, 437, 505, 559; HIS 118, 146, 308, 352, 391; MGT 401; NUR 150, 459; PEX 375; PHL 210; PSY 430, 466, 480; SOC 212, 242, 413, 420, 430. There may be additional courses offered by various departments each year that may be selected with prior approval of the Women’s Studies Advisory Committee.
Writing. Students who declare a minor in writing must complete 18 credits from among two clusters of courses: three courses from WRT 201, 235; ENG 205A, 205B, 205C (students who major in Business may include WRT 227 among this first cluster of courses), and three courses from WRT 302, 303, 304, 305, 333, 353; ENG 305, 330.
Marine and Environment-Related Programs
Interest in marine science and oceanography at the University dates back to the mid-1930s. Over the past three decades, this strong emphasis on marine studies has extended to environmental topics, developing into an array of undergraduate programs in the natural, physical, and social sciences.
There are more than two dozen majors with a marine or environmental focus offered by three of URI’s colleges. In the College of Arts and Sciences, the majors are chemistry and chemical oceanography, and physics and physical oceanography. In the College of Engineering, URI offers chemical engineering, chemical and ocean engineering, ocean engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering. In the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, the majors are aquaculture and fishery technology, biological sciences, biology, environmental economics and management, environmental plant biology, environmental science and management, marine biology, nutrition and dietetics, geosciences, geology and geological oceanography, landscape architecture, coastal and marine policy, microbiology, resource economics and commerce, urban horticulture and turfgrass management, water and soil science, and wildlife conservation and biology. Several of the majors are offered jointly with the Graduate School of Oceanography.
Working with academic advisors, students can identify their majors and select the courses best suited to their individual academic objectives and career goals. A list of relevant courses appears under “Marine and Environmental Topics” in the course section (page 239).
Preprofessional Preparation
Competition for seats in graduate professional schools is keen, and a superior academic record throughout college is necessary for admission to these schools. Since requirements for the professional schools vary in their “essential” and “recommended” subjects, students should consult the catalog of the professional school and then plan their undergraduate programs accordingly.
Those seeking careers as social workers can enroll as majors in sociology, including in their curriculum the social welfare courses. A basic foundation for graduate study, whether directed toward college teaching or research careers, can be provided through any of the liberal arts or science majors. The Bachelor of Arts curriculum provides specific majors for those planning to become journalists or public school teachers.
Prelaw Studies. For students who plan professional study of law, guidance and program advice are provided by departmental advisors assigned in University College and by major advisors within various departments and colleges.
Students interested in law school should consult the Prelaw Handbook, prepared by the Association of American Law Schools and the Law School Admissions Council. The association finds it inappropriate, given the wide range of a lawyer’s tasks, to prescribe either a set of prerequisite courses for prelaw students or preferred major departments. Rather, it recommends that students choose their majors according to their own individual intellectual interests and “the quality of undergraduate education” provided by various departments and colleges. “Shortly stated, what the law schools seek in their entering students is... accomplishment in understanding, the capacity to think for themselves, and the ability to express their thoughts with clarity and force.” The association emphasizes that “the development of these fundamental capacities is not the monopoly of any one subject-matter area, department, or division.”
Plan for Early Contingent Admission to the Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Program in Physical Therapy. This plan incorporates the prerequisites for admission to the Physical Therapy Program in anatomy, chemistry, mathematics, physics, physiology, and psychology with bachelor’s degree requirements in a related discipline during the first three years of study. With proper use of electives, students can complete all physical therapy prerequisites and first-year physical therapy courses as part of a participating B.A. or B.S. degree program.
According to this plan, application for admission to the Physical Therapy Program may occur in the third undergraduate year. Successful applicants are selected for contingent admission to the physical therapy program at the beginning of the fourth undergraduate year, with course work taken in the fourth year applied to the B.A. or B.S. degree. A bachelor’s degree and a 3.00 quality point average in physical therapy courses are required to attain full graduate status and continue in the physical therapy program. Admission to the physical therapy program is competitive, and students are advised to maintain close contact with a pre-physical therapy advisor. Students interested in physical therapy programs at other institutions should consult with those institutions regarding admission requirements. Additional information concerning admission requirements for the program in physical therapy is available in the “Graduate Programs” section. For more information, see the Physical Therapy Program Web site at www.ptp.uri.edu.
Communicative Disorders. Students who are interested in applying to the graduate program in communicative disorders, and who have not taken the undergraduate requirements, may wish to enroll as post-baccalaureate (non-matriculating) students to fulfill or begin to fulfill these requirements. The undergraduate requirements—courses needed prior to taking graduate courses—include CMD 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, and 465. Completion of these courses does not, however, assure admission into the graduate program, nor is completion of all the requirements essential for application to the program. Any required undergraduate courses not completed prior to graduate admission will be added to the graduate program.
Teacher Education Programs. The University of Rhode Island offers a variety of academic programs leading to teacher certification at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels. Undergraduate teacher education programs are offered by departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, and the College of Human Science and Services. The School of Education and Office of Teacher Education provide the coordination, planning, evaluation, and promotion of all teacher education programs at the University. The following programs are offered at the undergraduate level: early childhood education, elementary education, physical education, music education, and secondary education. The University also allows students enrolled in the elementary or secondary education program to complete course work for a middle level endorsement. To find specific program descriptions and information, refer to the index at the back of this catalog.
Admission. Students interested in undergraduate teacher education programs are required to apply for admission to the Office of Teacher Education. Applications for admission to teacher education programs are normally submitted during the sophomore year. For early childhood, elementary, secondary, music and physical education, students develop an application portfolio. Applications will be reviewed by a departmental screening committee based on the following criteria: 1) recommendations from faculty and others who have knowledge of the candidate’s experience or interest in working in education; 2) a writing sample expressing career goals, experience in working with children, and expectations as a teacher; 3) passing scores on the PPST: Reading 172, Writing 171, Math 171; or a score of 1100 on the SAT; 4) the student’s academic record, including a cumulative quality point average of 2.50 or better and grades in the academic major or specialization averaging 2.50 or better. Individual departments or programs may also require an interview.
Transfer students should be advised that academic work completed at URI is a primary factor in the admission decision. Therefore, students must complete one semester of work at the University before they can be considered for admission to the teacher education programs. This may extend the time required for degree completion.
Admission to all programs is competitive, and applicants meeting the minimum criteria described above may not be admitted because of limited space. For additional information, students should consult as early as possible with the specific department in which they wish to enroll or their University College advisor.
Students denied admission can petition for a review of the decision. In such cases, the departmental screening committee meets to consider the appeal. Only exceptional circumstances will lead the appeal committee to override the academic record criteria (2.50 cumulative quality point average and 2.50 in the academic major or specialization).
Applicants who fail to gain admission should seek counsel from an appropriate advisor. Students may reapply for admission to a teacher education program but should understand that this may delay their anticipated graduation date.
Admissions to teacher education programs at the graduate level are governed by the Graduate School in consultation with academic departments. Students with a bachelor’s degree should consult this catalog’s “Graduate Programs” section and departments regarding individual program requirements.
Certification. A teaching certificate is, for all practical purposes, a license to teach in a given state, at a specific level, and in a certain type of job. Rhode Island, like other states, requires its public elementary and secondary teachers to hold certificates to ensure that students are taught only by persons who meet specified standards of preparation, health, citizenship, and moral character. Students in the School of Education, graduate and undergraduate certification and licensure programs, will be required to take and pass a content area exam(s) in their area(s) of certification and any other exam required for state licensure prior to student teaching or final internship. Contact the Office of Teacher Education for the “passing” scores required for each discipline.
Graduates of a state-approved teacher education program at the University are eligible to receive an initial teaching certificate in Rhode Island and in over 40 other states through the Interstate Certification Compact (ICC). However, states will grant certification through the ICC only for certifications offered by the state. For example, a state that does not have a certification program in early childhood education (nursery school through Grade 2) will not grant a certificate in that area to a graduate of the University’s program in early childhood education without reviewing the student’s transcript to see if it meets that state’s guidelines for elementary education. Therefore, students interested in applying for certification in states other than Rhode Island should always contact the department of education in that state and ask: 1) if the state has the area of certification the student is interested in pursuing at URI; and 2) if the state grants initial teacher certification under the ICC to students who have graduated from a Rhode Island state-approved teacher education program. Also, the student should ask the department to mail the state’s application materials for certification. If the state is a member of the ICC, graduates of URI are generally entitled to initial certification for a period of five years following their date of graduation. After receiving another state’s certification application, the applicant should read the directions for certification carefully and submit all required documentation.
If the state in which you are requesting certification is not a member of the ICC or does not have certification for your area of study, you should ask that state’s office of teacher certification to evaluate your transcript and indicate any courses or experiences you would need for certification in that state.
Health Professions—Premedical, Predental, and Preveterinary Programs. The URI Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) helps students preparing for medical school, dental school, veterinary school, or physician assistant programs. URI’s Health Professions Advisory Committee offers students academic counseling and information on the admissions process.
Students should select their undergraduate major based on their own interests and abilities, choosing one carefully with appropriate advice from the HPAC. They should also make sure that their major provides a foundation of knowledge necessary for the pursuit of several career alternatives. It is not advisable for students to select their undergraduate majors solely or primarily to enhance their chances of being accepted by a professional school.
Students interested in completing required course work for entrance to postgraduate colleges of medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine or physician assistant programs must register with the HPAC secretary in the Biological Sciences Building, Room A-129; 401-874-2670.
General Requirements. For students preparing to apply to postgraduate programs of medicine, dentistry, physician assistantship, or veterinary medicine, the program of study includes courses in humanities, English and literature, basic sciences, mathematics, social sciences, and communication. These courses will fulfill basic admissions requirements. It is strongly recommended that students complete the required course work at the same time they meet undergraduate degree requirements. Any major or concentration is acceptable, provided that the minimum requirements for admission into a professional school are fulfilled. Ideally, these requirements should be substantially completed before a student takes the national admission test (MCAT, DAT, VAT, or GRE) in the spring semester of junior year. Recommended courses for fulfilling the basic admissions requirements follow, with the minimum required number of credits shown: Biology, 8 credits from the following (or their equivalents)—BIO 101, 201, 302, 304, 327, 329, 341, 352, 437, 453; MIC 211; Chemistry, 16 credits, including general inorganic chemistry (CHM 101 with Lab 102 and CHM 112 with Lab 114) and organic chemistry (CHM 227, 228, 226 [lab]); Physics, 8 credits, including PHY 111, 185, 112, 186, or PHY 203, 273, 204, 274, or their equivalents; and Mathematics, 6 credits through calculus, MTH 131 and 132, or MTH 141 and 142.
Applying to Professional Schools. Prior to submitting an application to a professional school, each candidate’s credentials are evaluated by the Health Professions Advisory Committee. By the second semester of junior year, each applicant must provide the HPAC with the following items in writing: a request from the applicant to the HPAC for a letter of evaluation in support of their application to a medical, dental, physician assistant program, or veterinary school; an official report of their SAT scores from the testing agency, high school or secondary school; official, recent academic transcripts of all college courses taken at URI and elsewhere; official reports of scores on the appropriate admission test (MCAT, DAT, VAT, or GRE) sent directly to the HPAC from the testing agency; an autobiography with a commentary on the way the applicant’s career goals have developed; a description of all extracurricular activities; a description of all honors bestowed on the student; a description of volunteer hospital, dental, veterinary, or other health-related work; and a minimum of five letters of evaluation written by persons who can evaluate candidly the applicant’s experience and ability to engage in professional and scientific study. A series of personal interviews with HPAC members are also held in the spring semester of junior year and included in the candidate’s final evaluation. As a result of this evaluation, the HPAC determines the level at which the candidate will be recommended for admission to professional school.
Premedical Studies. Candidates should become familiar with their prospective medical schools’ admission requirements. These are listed in “Medical School Admission Requirements,” published annually by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Copies of this reference and the requirements of certain medical schools are available from the HPAC secretary. Medical schools generally require at least a 3.50 quality point average and high scores on the required Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), taken preferably in the spring semester of the third undergraduate year.
The URI-Brown Early Identification Program for Sophomores: This plan early identifies and accepts URI students into Brown University’s School of Medicine. To be eligible, you must be a Rhode Island resident who is highly motivated, exceptionally qualified, and a sophomore with a cumulative quality point average of at least 3.50 after completing at least three semesters of academic work at URI. In December of each year, eligible students must apply in writing to the URI Health Professions Advisory Committee for nomination to this program. In early February, the HPAC conducts a careful evaluation of each applicant’s academic and personal qualifications. A completed application and the committee’s letter of evaluation for each nominated student are forwarded to Brown’s dean of medicine. Final decisions to accept applications are made by the admissions committee at Brown. Two URI students per year are usually accepted into the program. When these candidates are accepted, they assume the same status as their Brown counterparts, and continue their studies at URI. They can major in any field of study, so long as they continue to show academic excellence while completing the required premedical courses. They are also invited to take one or two of their premed courses at Brown with their future classmates, and are included in various events sponsored by the Brown Medical Student Society.
URI Postbaccalaureate Preprofessional Programs. Potential premedical, predental, or preveterinary candidates who already have degrees from URI or other colleges must first consult with the URI health professions advisor. The HPAC secretary will arrange for an appointment and candidates must register in writing at the secretary’s office. They will be advised on completing the basic admission requirements prior to submitting an application. These students must be evaluated by the HPAC in the spring semester in order to be recommended to professional schools.
Special Academic Opportunities
English as a Second or Foreign Language. English as a Second or Foreign Language is not remedial at URI. Non-native-speaking students who want to continue to perfect their English so as to enhance their chances of success in their studies may do so by taking English Language Studies 112 and 122, two regularly offered courses that count toward the written communication requirement in the general education program. Students who need these courses are strongly urged to take them in their freshman year. Call 401-874-4686 for more information.
Feinstein Center for Service Learning. Established by a generous endowment from Rhode Island Philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein in 1995, the Feinstein Center for Service Learning promotes the integration of service with academic study in order to enhance student learning and involvement with communities and their agencies. We believe that student involvement in meaningful activities will deepen civic responsibility and allow students to implement what they are learning in the classroom. Active involvement with community issues and concerns builds critical thinking and interpersonal skills and fosters an appreciation of larger social implications. Programs include: Feinstein Enriching America Program, Feinstein Engaged Department Program, Service Learning Courses, Raise Your Voice: Student Action for Change, Scholarships for Service, Clearinghouse for Volunteers, and Jumpstart at URI. For more information contact the Feinstein Center for Service Learning at 401-874-7422 or online at www.uri.edu/volunteer/.
Office of Internships and Experiential Education (OIEE). The OIEE is an academic program that provides undergraduate students with opportunities for semester-long internships (Fall, Spring, and Summer). The internship program is designed for motivated students who wish to apply classroom learning to field experiences in career related settings. Student interns are supervised by a qualified professional at their placement site and by a faculty advisor from their academic major. Students from most undergraduate curriculums may apply for part-time or full-time internships and may earn from 6-15 free-elective credits. In order to apply to the program, a student must have a minimum QPA of 2.5 and junior or senior standing.
Students enrolled in internships are also required to participate in a seminar provided by the OIEE. The seminar is the graded portion of the internship experience based upon a portfolio project, a successful learning contract, a career/graduate school project, and other assignments used to help students connect their experience with their academic foundation. For more information, call the office at 401-874-2160.
Honors Program. The University Honors Program offers motivated students opportunities to broaden their intellectual development and strengthen their preparation in major fields of study. The program consists of courses in analytical thinking skills which prepare academically talented students to get the most from classes throughout their undergraduate years, a colloquium that brings distinguished authorities to campus from across the nation, special tutorials in major concentrations of study, and independent research projects under the guidance of a faculty sponsor. Honors courses at the 100 and 200 levels treat general topics and usually count for general education credit in particular divisions. Those at the 300 and 400 levels are more specialized and often are used to fulfill the requirements of a major.
Students may take honors work if they meet the following standards: freshmen must have graduated in the upper 10 percent of their high school class or must submit a letter of recommendation from their high school principal or guidance counselor; sophomores, juniors, and seniors must have earned at least a 3.20 cumulative quality point average. (Under special circumstances, these eligibility requirements may be modified with the permission of the Honors Program director.)
Eligible students may participate in the Honors Program in one of two ways: they may take honors courses on an occasional basis, registering for any number or pattern of courses that interest them; or they may do honors work on a regular basis, meeting the specific requirements to receive the transcript notation “Completed the University Honors Program.” In the latter case, a student must begin honors work no later than the beginning of the sophomore year and must complete a minimum of 15 honors course credits that meet the following requirements: 1) three credits at the 100 level; 2) three Honors Colloquium credits (HPR 201 or 202); 3) three credits at the 300 level (tutorial); 4) six credits at the 400 level, which may be either six credits of the Senior Honors Project (HPR 401, 402) or three credits of the Senior Honors Project (HPR 401) and three credits of the Senior Honors Seminar (HPR 411); and 5) a 3.20 quality point average for honors courses and a 3.20 cumulative quality point average.
See “Courses of Instruction” for a list of HPR courses.
National Student Exchange Program. The National Student Exchange (NSE) program offers URI students the opportunity to study at more than 180 participating colleges and universities in 55 states, U.S. territories, and Canadian provinces, paying in-state rates or URI tuition while maintaining their status as URI students. NSE offers the opportunity to explore new geographical areas, experience academic diversity, and study under different educational and social circumstances in various parts of North America. Financial aid is available to participants. For further information, contact the Office of International Education and National Student Exchange in Taft Hall.
New England Land-Grant Student Exchange Program. Students with special academic interests can take advantage of the talent and resources available at the region’s state universities without having to become a degree candidate at another institution. Under a cooperative agreement, URI students can study for one or two semesters at the other New England land-grant institutions if they wish to take a course, a sequence of courses, or part of a program not available at URI. Students participating in this program pay their normal URI tuition and fees and maintain their status as URI students. Advisors and members of the University College staff have more information about this program and its requirements.
Ocean Studies. Undergraduates are encouraged to explore opportunities at the Narragansett Bay Campus for active participation in the oceanographic sciences. Juniors and seniors may spend an entire semester at the University’s Bay Campus pursuing their individual marine interests, for which they receive full academic credit. They work as part of a research team in the laboratory and in the field under the direct guidance of the Graduate School of Oceanography faculty.
Rhode Island Interinstitutional Exchange. Full-time students matriculated at one of the public institutions of higher education in Rhode Island may enroll for a maximum of seven credits of their full-time schedule per semester for study at one of the other public institutions at no additional expense. Each institution will determine and maintain the integrity of the degree to be awarded. Students will be subject to the course selection process applicable at the receiving institution. Summer Session and Continuing Education registrants are not covered under this program. Students interested in this arrangement should contact Enrollment Services.
Study Abroad. The Office of International Education and National Student Exchange sponsors University programs abroad, helps students make arrangements for foreign study, and maintains information about overseas study programs. The office also assists in the evaluation of credits from study abroad. The University sponsors exchange programs with universities in Denmark, England, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Norway, and Spain, and URI is a member of several consortiums that enable URI students to participate in programs throughout the world. URI also participates in the New England-Quebec and New England-Nova Scotia exchange programs, making study available on an exchange basis at any of 21 English- and French-speaking universities in these Canadian provinces.
Many of these exchange programs make study abroad available to URI students at a modest cost. The study abroad director and advisors help students who wish to participate in these or other approved academic programs in choosing the appropriate programs, obtaining prior approval for courses to be taken abroad, and retaining matriculated status at URI during their absence from campus. Most forms of financial aid are applicable to study abroad. For further information, contact the Office of International Education and National Student Exchange, Taft Hall.
Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) is offered by the University and is available to all students. Physically qualified U.S. citizens who complete the entire four-year program are eligible to be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Delayed entry into active service for the purpose of graduate study is available. Military science is designed to complement other instruction offered at the University. Emphasis throughout is on the development of individual leadership abilities and preparation of the student for future important leadership roles in the Army. Professional military education skills in written communication, human behavior, military history, mathematical reasoning, and computer literacy are fulfilled through required University general education courses and the military science curriculum. Three variations of ROTC are available.
During the four-year program, students participate in required military science courses and activities. Attendance at a five-week advanced training camp is required between the third and fourth year.
The two-year ROTC program begins with a five-week paid summer leadership internship called Leaders Training Course (six credits). After successful completion of LTC, the student enters the third year of ROTC and attends advanced camp during the next summer. As an alternative, an enlisted member of the Army National Guard or Army Reserve who has completed basic training can qualify for the two-year ROTC Simultaneous Membership Program.
The third variation consists of a three-year program for students who wish to enter ROTC in their sophomore year or who intend to complete their academic studies in their three remaining years. This program compresses the Basic Course requirements into one year.
All Basic Course (freshman and sophomore) military science courses are an excellent medium for personal enrichment. Significant scholarship opportunities are available for freshmen and sophomores.
Completion of the four-year military science program qualifies students to petition their college for a minor in military science.
Enrollment in any military science course allows a student to compete for off-campus training at the following U.S. Army schools: Airborne, Air Assault, Northern Warfare School, and Nurse Summer Training.
Grades
Grades and Points. Student grades are reported as A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, and F. The unqualified letter grades represent the following standing: A, superior; B, good; C, fair; D, low grade, passing; F, failure; S, satisfactory; U, unsatisfactory; NW, enrolled—no work submitted.
Grades are given quality point values as follows: A, 4.00 points; A-, 3.70 points; B+, 3.30 points; B, 3.00 points; B-, 2.70 points; C+, 2.30 points; C, 2.00 points; C-, 1.70 points; D+, 1.30 points; D, 1.00 points; F and U, 0 points. P, S, and NW are not calculated in the quality point average.
Grade reports are mailed to all students at their home addresses at the end of each semester. Midsemester grade reports are mailed to all freshmen at their local addresses at the midpoint of each semester. These midterm reports are intended to alert freshmen to their academic status and to aid in advising. Midterm grades are not recorded on permanent academic records nor are they figured into quality point averages.
A grade may be reported as “incomplete” only when course work has been passing but not completed due to illness or another reason that in the opinion of the instructor justifies the report of incomplete. Undergraduate students must make arrangements with the instructor to remove the incomplete by the following midsemester. Incomplete grades not removed from an undergraduate student’s record by the end of two years will remain on the student’s permanent record.
Students are required to make up failures in required courses. The course should be repeated when next offered. No limit is placed on the number of times a course may be repeated, but the credit requirement for graduation is increased by the number of credits repeated. Students are not required to make up failures in elective courses.
Certain courses do not lend themselves to precise grading, and for these courses only S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory) will be given to all students enrolled. S/U courses are labeled as such in the course descriptions in this catalog. S/U courses are not counted as courses taken under the Pass-Fail option.
Pass-Fail Grading Option. This plan encourages undergraduate matriculated students to increase their intellectual breadth and discover aptitudes in new areas of knowledge. A student above the freshman level who is not on probation may register under this plan for courses considered to be free, unattached electives by the college in which he or she is enrolled. Courses designated in the student’s curriculum as degree requirements, general education requirements, and military science courses may not be included.
A student choosing to take a course under this plan must notify his or her advisor, academic dean, and the Office of Registration and Records, in writing, prior to the end of the add period of each semester. The instructor is not informed.
Grades will be P (pass) or F (fail). The P grade is credited toward degree requirements but not included in the quality point average. The F grade is calculated in the same manner as any other failure. A student may change from the P-F option to grade by notifying Registration and Records in writing before mid-semester.
A student may elect no more than three P-F courses a semester and no more than two P-F courses during a summer.
Second Grade Option. Students may exercise a second grade option by repeating a course in which the student earned a C- or lower. Only courses that fall within the student’s first 30 attempted credits taken at the University may be selected for this option. Students must exercise this option no later than the next two semesters for which the student registers after completing 30 credits. Transfer students may exercise the second grade option for courses taken during their initial semester at the University. This option must be exercised during the next two semesters for which they register after their initial semester. Only the grade earned when the course was repeated will be used in the calculation of a student’s quality point average and only the credits earned for the repeated course will apply toward the graduation requirements. All grades earned for a given course shall remain on a student’s permanent academic record. To take advantage of this option, students must obtain approval from their academic deans and submit the appropriate form to Enrollment Services prior to midterm of the semester in which the course is being repeated. The second grade option may be used only once per course.
Dean’s List
Undergraduate matriculated students who have achieved certain levels of academic excellence are honored at the end of each semester by inclusion on the Dean’s List. The Office of Registration and Records will publish lists of students who have attained the required quality point average.
A full-time student may qualify for the Dean’s List if he or she has completed 12 or more credits for letter grades and achieved a 3.30 quality point average.
A part-time student may qualify for Dean’s List if he or she has accumulated 12 or more credits for letter grades and achieved a 3.30 quality point average.
Probation and Dismissal
A student will be placed on scholastic probation if their overall cumulative quality point average falls below 2.00. For purposes of determining dismissal of part-time students, scholastic standing committees will consider an accumulation of 12 credits as the minimum standard for one semester’s work.
A student will be dismissed for scholastic reasons when he or she has a deficiency of eight or more quality points below a 2.00 average after being on probation for the previous semester. A student on probation for the second successive semester who has a deficiency of eight or fewer quality points below a 2.00 average will continue on probation. At the end of the third semester of probation, a student will be dismissed. Students who obtain less than a 1.00 average in their first semester will be dismissed automatically.
A student subject to dismissal will be so notified by the dean, after which he or she will have five days to file a written appeal with the dean.
Students are expected to be honest in all academic work. Instructors have the explicit duty to take action in known cases of cheating or plagiarism. For details, consult the University Manual (www.uri.edu/facsen/MANUAL).
Leave of Absence
Occasionally, students are forced to take a semester or two off because of circumstances beyond their control. Others find they simply need a break from studying. For these students, taking a leave of absence might be wise. Students who have an approved leave of absence for a semester or a year may register for the semester in which they plan to return without applying for readmission. Undergraduate students can apply for a leave of absence through Enrollment Services.
Withdrawal from the University
A student who wishes to withdraw from the University prior to the end of the semester or summer session shall do so according to procedures established by Enrollment Services. If the withdrawal process is completed satisfactorily and the student has cleared all financial obligations to the University, the date of withdrawal will be noted on the student’s permanent academic record. No grades for the current semester will be recorded.
Students who withdraw from the University after the last day of classes but before a semester ends will be graded in all courses for which they are officially registered. If a student withdraws from the University after midsemester, grades will be recorded for any course that has an officially specified completion date prior to the date of withdrawal.
A student who withdraws from the University after midsemester and who seeks readmission for the next semester will be readmitted only with approval of the Scholastic Standing Committee for the college or school in which registration is desired.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate, a student must have completed the work for, and must have achieved the minimum quality point average established by, the curriculum in which he or she is enrolled and earned at least a 2.00 quality point average. In addition, students must abide by community standards as defined in the University Manual and Student Handbook.
The work of the senior year has to be completed at the University of Rhode Island. Exceptions must be approved by the faculty of the college in which the student is enrolled.
Any student who has met the requirements for a second bachelor’s degree may be granted two bachelor’s degrees and issued two diplomas.
Any student who has met the requirements for two separate majors within any single bachelor’s curriculum has earned a double major and may have both fields listed on his or her permanent record.
Each undergraduate college has specific procedures for student requests for exceptions to courses of study or to other degree requirements or academic rules. Undergraduate students who seek exceptions to any University rule pertaining to their academic circumstances, including degree requirements and courses of study, may contact the offices of their respective college deans.
Students who complete at least 60 credits of their work at the University are eligible to graduate with distinction. Grades in all courses attempted at the University will be included in the calculation of the quality point average. Those who attain a cumulative quality point average at the time of graduation of at least 3.30 are recognized as graduating cum laude. Those who achieve a cumulative quality point average of at least 3.50 graduate magna cum laude, and those who attain a cumulative quality point average of at least 3.70 graduate summa cum laude.
University Manual
University regulations governing matters such as conduct, grading, probation and dismissal, academic integrity, withdrawal from the University, and graduation requirements are fully explained in the University Manual, which is available for reference in the library and in the deans’ offices or on the Web at www.uri.edu/facsen/MANUAL.
Such rights and responsibilities are also described in the Student Handbook, which is available from the Office of Student Life and on the Web at www.uri.edu/judicial/studenthandbook.
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