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, you will be asked to upload the following program-specific materials:
- 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
- Current resume
- Personal statement
Does the CSP program require the GREs or MATs?
No, submission of GRE or MAT scores is not a requirement for admission. Since GRE and MAT scores are not required, emphasis is placed on an applicant's transcript, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and resume.
Is there a minimum required undergraduate cumulative GPA?
The University’s Graduate School expects that applicants maintained an average of B (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in their undergraduate work. Applicants with undergraduate averages below the expected 3.0, but not less than 2.00, may make an appeal to be considered for admission; this appeal must provide a rationale for the undergraduate GPA and evidence for the likelihood of an applicant’s ability to be successful at the graduate level (e.g., satisfactory performance in post-baccalaureate work, high scores on the GRE or MAT).
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.
Are applications for the CSP program reviewed as they are received by the URI Graduate Scool and the program?
No, completed applications for the CSP program are not reviewed until after January 15, the first admission deadline. Application packets completed between January 16 and April 1 are reviewed only if space becomes available.
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.
Current URI undergraduates are encouraged to consider a minor in Leadership Studies.
How competitive is the application process?
The program is highly competitive. Approximately 10-15 applicants are accepted each year from the 90-100 that apply.
Can I interview at any time?
There is an interview day 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 this day as well. Phone interviews for applicants not within a reasonable driving distance also may be conducted.
Can I enroll in the program in the spring or summer?
Typically, the program 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 the globe, with the highest concentration from the Northeast region of the United States.
Academics
Does every student have an advisor?
Yes, each new student has a faculty advisor and a second-year student transition coach. The coach serves as a student resource as well as a possible mentor. Continuing students all have a faculty advisor.
Is there a thesis requirement?
No, but there is a capstone requirement for the final year in 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 include:
- American Institute for Foreign Study, CT
- Boston College, MA
- Boston University, MA
- Brown University, RI
- Bryant University, RI
- Christopher Newport University, VA
- Community College of Rhode Island, RI
- Cornell University, NY
- Curry College, MA
- Davidson College, NC
- Emmanuel College, MA
- Johnson & Wales University, RI
- Palm Beach State College, FL
- 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
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA
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 or Counselor
- Admission Officer or Advisor
- 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
- Hall Director, Residence Life
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
