KINGSTON, R.I. – March 1, 2007 – One student-driven group at the University of Rhode Island is supporting intercultural awareness and academic success for multi-cultural students.

The Intercultural Community for Academic Success, a two-year old program, is working within the university’s Academic Enhancement Center to support the academic growth and development of students from under-represented racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. They are hoping to improve retention and ensure that all URI students have equal opportunities to achieve academic success.

The group has created and facilitated programs aimed at engaging URI students in reflecting on their cultural experience at the university. These programs include movie-showings, study breaks, workshops, and activities in residence halls that often provide food and entertainment.

Graduate project assistant Curtis Ferguson and his undergraduate staff are measuring the impact of their efforts on intercultural communication as a whole and their use of Academic Enhancement Center services by students of color.

The URI Academic Enhancement Center is composed of student tutors, academic skills counselors and writing instructors who combine subject area expertise with an understanding of the demands of university life to provide support for academic learning.

Pictured above

Left to right promoting academic success: Freshman Tarik Zawia; David Hayes, director of the Academic Enhancement Center; Jayne Richmond, Dean of University College; and grad student Curtis Ferguson at a workshop held last semester. URI News Bureau Photo by Michael Salerno Photography