Yes, it’s September. And in most of America, including Kingston, R.I., it’s also the start of a whole new year. Whether you’re a freshman, an upperclassman, a grad student, professor or even a parent, September marks a fresh start.
So clear away the boxes, stow the luggage, fill your drawers, puff up your pillows and plug yourself into the University’s big network of people, places and programs for the new year.
Don’t get too comfy in your new space. Dare to step outside the door and meet your fellow students from 49 different U.S. states, D.C., Puerto Rico and 58 countries.
This network includes about 3,650 new students, a total of more than 13,000 undergraduates and about 3,000 graduate students. So don’t get too comfy in your new space. Dare to step outside the door and meet your fellow students from 49 different U.S. states, D.C., Puerto Rico and 58 countries.
The network also includes about 700 faculty and researchers on campuses in Kingston, Providence, Narragansett Bay and at Alton Jones in West Greenwich. These are the mentors who will inspire you to dig deeper with hands-on research, writing, creative endeavors and more to help you shape your own big ideas.
In terms of learning from and about other big thinkers, plan to attend the Honors Colloquium, “Great Public Schools,” a series that will explore the issues shaping the future of public schools and higher education in America. But of course, before that you’ll also want to know where your first class will be held on Sept. 4, and to check bus.apps.uri.edu on your computer or phone to catch a quick ride there.
After class, there are big stars on campus this fall like Amy Schumer (Sept. 3), pop-star Ke$ha (Sept. 25), and comedian Jim Gaffigan (Oct. 19) who arrives for Family Weekend, and Bo Burnham (Oct. 26) will bring more big laughs. Keep posted about all events—big and small—and share your plans with friends at URI Events.
Over the summer, the University worked to prepare the living and learning environments for its new big thinkers. Returning students may notice some of the changes made inside the Roger Williams complex residence halls, the new basketball and volleyball courts at Wiley Hall, and everyone will notice the new card access system that will improve security in all 24 residence halls.
But wait. There’s more. The new Student-Athlete Development Center in the Tootell Physical Education Center and the Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center located in the heart of the residential life area will open this fall. The vibrant Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center will have quality recreation and fitness-focused programs to encourage healthy lifestyles and to build community.
Later this fall, the University will break ground on its new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Center. The first of its kind at an American university, this center will be located in an independent new building on Upper College Road. Now located in Adams Hall, the Center helps to create and maintain an open, safe, and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community members and friends. This center is welcomed by all. As URI President David M. Dooley has said to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and even to visitors: “Building a community in which every member is welcomed, supported, and valued is essential to our University’s identity and our mission. It is who we are.”
So you’re in, you are now a member of the URI family. Welcome home and happy new year!