Our staff offers special sections of the required freshman URI 101 course geared towards the interests and special needs of student athletes. Students may select a major-specific section of URI 101 or one of the Student-Athlete Special Interest sections.

The purpose of URI101 is to help students explore issues relevant to new students at URI.  When completed, students should have a better understanding of the University of Rhode Island, its resources, the various opportunities available, issues important to the URI community, and students' own academic goals.  Most importantly, students will have experienced working collaboratively in a group, and will have developed some important skills for academic success.

Many of the topics covered in this class will be in response to what the students determine their needs and interests to be.  However, they will typically fall within three main categories that provide a basic structure for the course:

 1)      Planning academic goals. Includes topics that will help students think about and plan courses, internships, and extra-curricular activities for the next few years. Students will discuss major and career choices, and set personal and academic goals for success. A presentation on University College and academic advising is a part of this category.

2)      Enhancing academic skills. Focuses on learning more about each student as a learner. This includes assessing learning style, improving time management, and working on critical thinking and analysis skills. There is a presentation on experiential learning in this category.

3)      Adjusting to college life. Includes many topics students deal with in the transition from high school to college. It includes guidance on how to use the many resources available to students at the University of Rhode Island, information on getting involved and coping with residential life and using the library. It also covers issues of diversity, alcohol and drug usage, and concerns for personal safety. A presentation on health and safety is included in this category.