Sept. 6, 2024

Dear Rams,

On behalf of the University of Rhode Island’s Student Affairs staff, I extend a warm and heartfelt Welcome Back! I hope your summer was restful and enriching, filled with experiences that have enhanced both your personal and academic journeys and your first week of classes have been enriching. Whether you are an incoming first-year student, transfer, or returning student, we are thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant URI community.

The last few days have been a whirlwind. We’ve had a terrific start to the semester, welcoming many of our newest Rams to campus and catching up with our returning students both on and off-campus.

The Division of Student Affairs, in collaboration with many partners from across the campus, is dedicated to supporting your success and ensuring you have an incredible campus experience. I encourage you to take full advantage of all that URI has to offer. Here are a few suggestions:

• Get Involved: Join a club or organization, find a campus job, volunteer for community service, join the Rhody Ruckus. There are so many ways to get involved and challenge yourself during your time here. These experiences will provide valuable connections and enrich your URI experience. Be sure to check out URInvolved to stay up to date on events and opportunities around campus.
• Make Time for Wellness: Make time in your schedule for self-care. Your mental, physical, emotional well-being are essential to your success at URI. Remember support is always available — we have a variety of resources on campus, including Health Services, the Counseling Center, and the Dean of Students Office, all ready to help you thrive.
• Form Connections: Reach out to your professors, advisors, fellow students, and members of the Student Affairs team. Developing a strong support network will be valuable throughout your journey at URI.

As we approach the first weekend of the semester, I want to make sure that you are aware of a few important items:

If you live “down the line” or are planning to visit there this weekend, please be aware that the Narragansett and South Kingstown police departments, in partnership with other local and state law enforcement agencies, are planning for strict enforcement of laws and ordinances to prevent potentially dangerous situations for the community.

For students living off campus, you are joining a broader community and have a responsibility to be good neighbors and community members. Please be mindful of the impact your behavior has on the residential neighborhoods you are now living in, and always remember that you represent the University of Rhode Island.

Members of the Rhody Ram Family look out for each other — on campus and off.  If you go together, leave together. Friends don’t leave friends behind.

Once again, welcome back! Everyone in the Division of Student Affairs is here to support your success, and we are excited to help you make this year a memorable and successful one.

Go Rhody!

Dr. Ellen M. Reynolds

Vice President Student Affairs