College Student Personnel
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying
Graduate Assistantships
Life in CSP
Academics
Jobs and Careers
Contact Information
Applying
How do I apply? What do I need to submit?
To apply to the graduate program in College Student Personnel, candidates should submit an application online through the Graduate School web site. Along with the online application, send the following materials to the program office:
- At least two letters of recommendation: one academic, preferably a faculty member from your undergraduate major; and one student affairs professional
- official transcripts of all previous college work
- a current resume
Does the CSP program require the GREs?
No, submission of GRE scores is not a requirement for admission.
What references/recommendations should I use?
It is required to have a letter from one faculty member and one student affairs profesional to show your background in academics as well as student affairs or other related experience.
What is the deadline to apply?
The completed application package, including supporting materials, is due for Fall admission by January 15. Materials received after this date and prior to April 1 are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does the CSP program require or prefer any particular major?
While no specific undergraduate preparation is required, candidates should have a clear understanding of the field of College Student Personnel. They should also be willing to focus on personal and professional development as part of their preparation for this field.
How competitive is the application process?
The program is highly competitive. Approximately 10-15 applicants are accepted each year.
Can I interview at any time?
There are specific interview days in the spring that will be scheduled for applicants who have passed an initial screening of all materials in their completed admission files. There may be opportunities to interview for graduate assistantships on these days as well.
Can I enroll in the program in the spring or summer?
No, the program only accepts students for the fall semester.
Can I be a part time student?
Yes, students can choose to be part-time or full-time. Part-time students typically are employed in full-time positions in higher education settings.
Is this program part of the New England Regional Program?
No.
Graduate Assistantships
Does everyone in the program have a graduate assistantship?
No, but all students have a direct link to practice in college student affairs. Most full-time students have this link through a graduate assistantship. Graduate assistantships permit students to integrate theory with practice and to receive financial assistance in the form of a tuition waiver and stipend.
How do I apply for a graduate assistantship?
If an applicant is selected to interview for the program, he or she will be provided with information about assistantship openings for the following fall. It is then the responsibility of applicants to set up interviews for assistantships that are of interest to them.
Life at URI
What is life in Kingston, Rhode Island like?
The University of Rhode Island is located in the southern part of Rhode Island in the historic village of Kingston. The spacious, rural campus is located 30 miles south of Providence in the northeast metropolitan corridor between New York City and Boston. One of its most attractive assets is its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay which provide the area with some of the most beautiful beaches in the nation.
There are approximately 13,000 undergraduate students and 3,000 graduate students enrolled at URI.
Is graduate housing available?
Housing is available both on and off campus. Applications and information may be obtained by contacting the Office of Housing and Residential Life at 401-874-5390 or the Commuter Housing Office at 401-874-2828.
Where do the students come from?
Students come from all over, with the highest concentration from the Northeast region of the United States.
Academics
Does every student have an advisor?
Yes, each student will have a faculty advisor and a second-year student coach. The coach serves as a student resource as well as a possible mentor.
Is there a thesis requirement?
No, but there is a capstone requirement for the second year of the program. Students have the option of choosing from an internship, action research project, or a thesis.
Is there field experience involved?
Yes, field experiences may be completed as a one-semester practicum and/or as a year-long capstone internship experience. Placements have been offered at other institutions in the area including Brown University, Bryant University, the Community College of Rhode Island, Connecticut College, Johnson & Wales University, Providence College, Rhode Island College, Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Williams University, and Salve Regina University.
Jobs and Careers
Where are CSP students employed after graduation?
A sample of higher education institutions where our new graduates have been employed since 2003 include:
- American Institute for Foreign Study, CT
- Boston College, MA
- Boston University, MA
- Brown University, RI
- Bryant University, RI
- Christopher Newport University, VA
- Curry College, MA
- Davidson College, NC
- Emmanuel College, MA
- Johnson & Wales University, RI
- Oakton Community College, IL
- Pepperdine University, CA
- Rhode Island College, RI
- Roger Williams University, RI
- Salve Regina University, RI
- Santa Monica Community College, CA
- Shippensburg University, PA
- Stonehill College, MA
- Texas Christian University, TX
- University of Arizona, AZ
- University of District of Columbia, DC
- Vassar College, NY
What kind of positions do CSP students have following graduation?
Some of the positions our recent graduates have been hired for include the following titles:
- Academic Advisor, College of Liberal Arts
- Academic Counselor
- Admissions Officer
- Assistant Director, Residential Life
- Assistant Director, Career Services
- Advisor, Student Support Services
- Assistant Director, Student Activities
- Assistant Director, Leadership Programs
- Assistant Director of Orientation and Off-Campus Services
- Coordinator of Leadership Programs
- Financial Aid Counselor
- Greek Affairs Advisor
Contact Information
Quinn Hall, Room 220
Lower College Road
Kingston, RI 02881
Phone: 401-874-2260
Fax: 401-874-4035
email: cspinfo@etal.uri.edu
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
CURRENT STUDENTS & ALUMNI
CONTACT US
Quinn Hall, Room 220
Lower College Road
Kingston, RI 02881
Phone: (401) 874-2260 or 874-4917
Fax: (401) 874-4035
Email: cspinfo@etal.uri.edu
