Oct. 29, 2026
Dear Students,
Fall has officially arrived at URI. This is a great time of year—you’ve settled into your routines, successfully made it through midterms, and hopefully have some time to enjoy all that fall at URI has to offer.
And, of course, fall means Halloween. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, we know there will be a little extra excitement throughout the weekend.
Whether you’re celebrating on campus, heading “down the line,” or spending time with friends, we want you to have fun, be safe, and take care of one another. If you haven’t made your plans yet, be sure to check out our calendar of events for the many activities happening right here at URI. Being part of the Rhody community means looking out for your friends, making good choices, and stepping in when someone may need a little help.
Here are a few reminders to help make Halloween weekend safe and enjoyable for everyone:
Be aware and responsible
URI, Narragansett, and South Kingstown police will have an increased presence this weekend. If you’re hosting or attending an off-campus gathering, please be respectful of neighbors, keep noise at reasonable levels, dispose of trash appropriately, park responsibly, and follow local laws and ordinances.
Remember, our Rhody community extends beyond the boundaries of campus. Whether you live off campus or are simply visiting friends, your actions matter. Please review the URI Student Handbook for expectations regarding student conduct and represent URI with pride.
Be thoughtful
Halloween is a chance to have some fun and get creative. Just a quick reminder as you plan your costume to be mindful of how it might be received by others. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way in keeping Halloween fun and welcoming for everyone in our Rhody community.
Be safe—and look out for one another
Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, which means darker evenings are ahead. Drivers, please be especially alert for pedestrians and cyclists around campus and in our surrounding neighborhoods.
If you’re out with friends, stay together, have a plan for getting home safely, and check in on one another. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and ask for help.
If you ever feel unsafe walking alone, Transportation and Parking offers free after-hours SafeRide/SafeWalk services, with transportation to and from locations across campus provided by URI police officers or security personnel.
And remember: if you see or hear something that concerns you, Rhody Report It provides an easy way to share a concern. Looking out for one another is something we all have a role in.
Take care of yourself
We are well past the halfway point of the semester, with only six full weeks of classes remaining—hard to believe. This part of the semester can move quickly, and the combination of academics, activities, work, relationships, and the approaching holidays can sometimes feel like a lot.
Please remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. URI has many people and resources here to support you, including the Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office, and Health Services. You can also find academic and wellness supports through the Student Affairs Resources webpage or access 24/7 support through the TELUS Health Student Support app. And while you’re taking care of yourself and one another, please take less than two minutes to complete the 2026 SNAP Climate Survey. Your feedback matters and helps us better understand and support the student experience at URI. As an added bonus, you can be entered into a drawing for great prizes, including an Apple Watch, AirPods, and more.
Fall brings beautiful foliage, crisp days, URI traditions, and plenty of opportunities to spend time with friends. It’s a wonderful time to be a Rhody Ram.
Have fun this Halloween weekend, make good choices, look out for your friends, and take care of yourselves and one another. Let’s finish this semester strong.
Go Rhody!
Warm regards,
Ellen M. Reynolds
Vice President for Student Affairs