Life at Roger Williams University

At Roger Williams University, undergraduate students participate in a vibrant educational community in which the exchange of ideas occurs both inside and outside the classroom. Our students are engaged in service learning initiatives, peer education programs, residence hall life, Civil Discourse presentations, athletics competitions (varsity, club and intramural) as well as more than 70 student clubs and organizations.

Students create new clubs each year, building leadership and involvement opportunities for everyone who wants to participate. Our goal is to help each Roger Williams University student develop skills in leadership, group dynamics and critical thinking as well as the self-confidence needed to achieve success at the University and beyond.

The following pages provide the essentials on many of the programs, initiatives, and facilities that undergraduates will encounter during their days on the Roger Williams campus.

Residential Living

The University offers student housing to suit a variety of preferences and lifestyles, including co-ed, substance-free, special interest units, single and multiple occupancy rooms, and apartments. Several University residence halls overlook the gentle, protected waters of Mt. Hope Bay, a popular haven for local boaters and a relaxing diversion for students who live here.

Roger Williams University requires all first- and second-year students to reside in University housing. Those students commuting from home and transfer students with 48 or more credits are excluded from this requirement.

The University’s Residence Life Program is based upon mutual respect and mutual concern. Students living in University housing are expected to accept responsibility; to respect University and personal property; to maintain cleanliness; to cooperate with neighbors and to preserve a harmonious living environment. Students should refer to the Student Handbook and the Housing Contract for details.

Approximately 90 trained paraprofessional resident assistants (RAs) and seven professional Coordinators of Residence Education, assisted by the Residence Life and Housing central staff, work to create a living-learning environment. Our approach promotes and facilitates self-government, self-discipline and the acceptance of adult responsibility. In addition, peers and professionals from Health Education work as a team to create a humane learning community.

Student Senate

The Student Senate of Roger Williams University involves all full-time undergraduates. The Student Senate carries out the executive and legislative functions of the Association. The Student Senate consists of 21 senators and the Student Body President. An executive board, composed of a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary, leads the Senate. Students are elected to the Student Senate in the Spring Semester and the Fall Semester for first year students. The mission of the Student Government Association is to facilitate responsible and effective student participation in University governance; to represent the interests of the student body; and to enhance educational, social and cultural opportunities. To achieve this, the Student Senate collects an activity fee from all undergraduates. Students interested in Student Senate should attend the Club Fair during Welcome Week.

Undergraduate Student Conduct System

Roger Williams University is a community dedicated to learning. We assume that students come to the University for serious purposes. Students live and work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect. They join faculty and administrators to create a living/learning environment conducive to both personal and academic growth. Students are empowered by the University with considerable responsibility. In return, the University assumes that students exercise maturity and conduct that affirm human values.

Student Conduct intervention is intended to increase students’ awareness of the effect of their actions on others in the community. Our system strives to educate and encourage self-responsibility. Self-control, a vital component in an orderly society, is consistent with our educational mission. Enforcement of the Code of Student Conduct is the process by which the University community rules maintains standards of student behavior. A detailed description of the Student Conduct System and The Code of Student Conduct are published in the Student Handbook.

University Libraries

The University Libraries lead in the development, organization, and sharing of resource collections, ensuring users optimal access to information, instruction, and services responsive to their needs through the Learning Commons. The Learning Commons provides academic support through its first-floor integrated Information and MediaTech service desks, and includes the University Library, Media Services, Instructional Design, the Teaching and Learning Center, the Center for Academic Development, Student Accessibility Services, Academic Advising, and Student Advocacy, all providing a seamless, one-stop experience for student academic support. The Architecture Library resides in the School of Architecture Art and Historic Preservation, located directly across the quad from the Main Library. Both libraries strive to promote the values and capacities associated with intellectual inquiry, knowledge management and lifelong learning.

The University Library system represents a rich academic resource, offering students information, research tools and instructional services as they pursue their education. The book collection exceeds 250,000 volumes and is increasing annually by more than 6,000 titles in both print and electronic (e-book) formats. An integrated library system and an online web-based catalog facilitate research that also identifies library holdings in academic library collections throughout Rhode Island. The collection includes approximately 2,700 print periodical titles, including an extensive back file in bound volumes and on microfilm, and over 70,000 online titles with access to thousands more. More than 140 computers are available throughout the library as well as public printing and scanning services.

The Libraries’ website (http://library.rwu.edu) further expands research capabilities by providing instant access to a wide variety of specialized information databases, as well as research and course guides prepared by the librarians. The Libraries’ consortial partners, with whom borrowing privileges are shared, include Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island, Bryant University, Providence College, Salve Regina University, Johnson & Wales University, and Wheaton College. The Libraries also partner with the Affinity Group Libraries - a national organization of academic libraries from independent colleges and universities - conducting annual planning and assessment activities. Requests for materials from the other institutions can be made electronically and are usually delivered within two days. Reference and research consultation services are provided during most hours; online reference service is also available through chat, text and e-mail. The Main Library, open 112 hours a week, and the Architecture Library, open 83 hours a week, ensure full services in both facilities for students and faculty, and for distance learners, as well.

The Libraries supplement resources by affiliating with statewide and national professional and academic groups and associations. These include the American Library Association, the Consortium of Rhode Island Academic and Research Libraries, the Association of Rhode Island Health Sciences Libraries, the Rhode Island Interrelated Library System, the Consortium of College and University Media Centers, OCLC, and the Higher Education Library Information Network (HELIN Consortium).

Center for Scholarship, Assessment, Learning, Teaching and Technology

The Center for Scholarship, Assessment, Learning, Teaching and Technology (CSALT₂ ) is a unit of Academic Affairs and is located on the first floor of the University Library .

CSALT_² provides all members of the RWU academic community with research-based programs, resources, and support which honor the diversity of learning, teaching, and disciplinary styles. CSALT₂ staff offer expert advice and support in the areas of learning outcomes assessment, instructional design, instructional technologies, and scholarship development, with special emphasis on the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Services include: individual and program consultation; faculty professional development workshops and seminars; Faculty Learning Communities; Faculty Fellows programs. Consultation and support are provided for integration of instructional technologies into curriculum, instructional design, learning-outcomes assessment, and scholarship development. Resources provided by CSALT₂ include a Teaching & Learning Library collection as well as a Faculty Innovation and Learning Lab.

The Instructional Design & Technologies unit within CSALT₂ provides support for students and faculty on all enterprise-level applications, including delivery of in-class technology instruction for students.

The department’s website is at http://csalt.rwu.edu for more information.

University students have access to over 18 computer labs, consisting of state-of-the-art computers, printers, and scanners. These labs are located in the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business (GSB), School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation (SAAHP), School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management (SECCM), Global Heritage Hall (GHH), Marine and Natural Sciences (MNS), Stonewall, and the University Library. For those who bring their own laptops or tablet computers we also offer ubiquitous wireless Internet and printing in these buildings.

The main public computers are located within the Learning Commons area of the University Library. The Learning Commons contains Intel-based personal computers, Macintosh computers and thin clients. All students have access to virtual desktops that contain all the software applications they will need for their courses that are available anytime, anywhere. The Library offers high-speed laser printers, copiers and scanners.

Academic Advisement

Matriculating freshmen and transfer students are assigned a faculty advisor by their School/College. Students who are exploring their major choice are also advised by professional advisors in the Center for Student Academic Success Advising Office. All undergraduate University faculty serve as academic advisors. Although students are responsible for knowing and complying with academic regulations, faculty advisors are available on a regular basis to review academic regulations and requirements, career planning resources, counseling and tutorial services. Questions concerning advisement should be addressed to the student’s dean.

The Center for Student Academic Success

Overview

The Center for Student Academic Success is committed to supporting student success by providing and integrated hub of academic support programs, serving as the primary resource for academic success, and facilitating retention initiatives campus wide. Located on the first and second floors of the Learning Commons, the Center is comprised of the Advising and Peer Mentorship Office, Tutorial Support Services and Student Accessibility Services.

Services Offered Through the Center for Student Academic Success

Advising and Peer Mentorship Office

The Advising and Peer Mentorship Office offers a team of three professional staff advisors and 60 trained Peer Mentors who will work with students to choose a major, achieve academic goals and assist with the transition to college life. The office offers academic advising for student exploring major choices, a comprehensive peer mentorship program for all new RWU students, and a variety of tailored retention programs that aim to assist students in making academic progress.

Peer Mentor Program

New and returning students making the transition from high school to college, from home to residence hall or from another college to RWU, can rely on accurate answers to questions, sensitive and appropriate referrals to other campus agencies as well as support and guidance throughout the school year from an assigned Peer Mentor. Peer Mentors are highly trained and make it their mission to help their peers succeed.

Peer Mentors will:

• Familiarize students with academic requirements and regulations.
• Explain the Academic Advising system and the Academic Expectations at RWU.
• Provide assistance with adjustments to campus life.
• Introduce and encourage students to use available campus resources.
• Make referrals to other campus offices and departments.
• Help students connect with clubs and activities on campus.

Professional Academic Advising

Professional advisors in the office provide general guidance to students, information about resources offered at Roger Williams. Additionally, the professional staff will trouble shoot common issues encountered by students, and will assist students on getting back on track after experiencing academic challenges or setbacks.

Students who are exploring their academic major choice receive a professional advisor in addition to a faculty advisor who is helpful in reaching an informed and confident decision about a program of study. The advisors can help you to explore your interests, values, passions and goals and the 42 different majors offered at Roger Williams University.

Students who are exploring major options are encouraged to meet several times each semester with a professional advisor by appointment or walk-ins. For students declared in a major, you may schedule an appointment to meet with your assigned faculty advisor whenever you want. Your faculty advisor is required to meet with you once each semester during the advisement/pre-registration period (November and March). See the Academic Calendar at the Registrar website for these dates. Contact your advisor at least two weeks in advance to schedule your appointment.

Telephone: (401) 254-3456
E-mail: csas@rwu.edu

Tutorial Support Services

The Writing, Math, Science, and Foreign Language Tutoring Centers offer curriculum-based peer tutoring on a walk-in basis. All peer tutors must maintain a B average and participate in training throughout the academic year. Students can go to http://rwu.edu/go/tss to check the peer and faculty tutoring schedules for all of the centers.

The Math, Science and Writing Centers also provide faculty tutoring. Students may make appointments with faculty tutors by coming to TSS and using our TutorTrac system. Students can make appointments for one session or for regular meetings for the duration of the semester.

All of the services provided through Tutorial Support Services are at no charge to students.

Programmatic Tutorial Support

The Tutor in the Classroom Program places a team of tutors in all Math sections up through Differential Equations. The tutors attend class, take notes, and are available in the Math Center so that students can meet with tutors who are familiar with their assignments and class discussions. Math tutors schedule and conduct group review sessions prior to tests.

In addition to in-center tutoring for the introductory Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses, Science Center tutors conduct review sessions for Physics and Chemistry tests. Tutors are also available several evenings per week to hold workshops in Chemistry. During these sessions, tutors provide curriculum-based assistance designed to reinforce classroom instruction. The Center also offers tutoring for a number of higher-level Science courses.

The Writing Center provides tutoring for any writing-related assignment. During the fall semester, the Writing Center sponsors Grammar with Karen, a weekly workshop series covering a range of sentence and mechanical skills. The Writing Center also posts a “Tutors by Majors” chart, which lists all of the tutors, their majors, year in school, and hours in the tutoring center. Students can then access a tutor for major-specific writing assistance.

Student Accessibility Services

Roger Williams University is mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to provide equal access to facilities, educational and co-curricular programs, campus activities and employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at Roger Williams University is a strategy- based service. SAS supports approximately 10% of the total undergraduate population at the University. Students registered with SAS are expected to adhere to the same academic and behavioral standards as the rest of the University. A student’s initial connection and ongoing interaction with SAS is self-propelled.

• SAS is a service-based offering and is available to all students with documented disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity, such as learning, hearing, seeing, reading, walking, and speaking.
• SAS is not a comprehensive special education program. Students’ coursework and assignments are not shared with or linked to the SAS office.
• SAS does not contain content-based, special education tutors or life coach managers for social skills and acclimation.
• The most successful students are self-advocates who identify their own needs and take personal initiative in problem-solving and decision-making.
• The most commonly requested accommodations are: extended time for test-taking, testing in the SAS Testing Center, note-taking assistance and requests for alternate/ electronic texts and student/SAS staff meetings.
• Accommodations are not intended to guarantee success; they are intended to provide equal access to the educational experience so that students can display their level of learning.
• SAS offers a strategy-based learning skills service provided by SAS professional and peer staff.
• Students make their own appointments, which are recommended, but never required.
• There is no separate application process or fee to receive SAS assistance.
• Documentation of a disability is not required when applying to the University and is submitted to SAS after the student accepts their acceptance.
• Students are eligible to receive services / accommodations only after documentation is received, reviewed and approved by the SAS office.
• Outreach to faculty and parents is generated ONLY by a student via written request.
• Disability-related information is confidential and is not shared outside the SAS office without a student’s permission.
• SAS is a self-generated service for students to utilize as a support tool to assist in their educational process.
• SAS does not mandate alterations in course work, waivers of class absences or extensions to class assignments.

Student Accessibility Services
Website: http://rwu.edu/go/sas
Jeremy Warnick Center for Student Accessibility
Phone: (401) 254-3841
E-Mail: sas@rwu.edu
Roger Williams University One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809

Feinstein Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement

The Feinstein Center is a part of a larger network of campus departments and programs that foster engagement with the community on both the individual and organizational levels. The mission of the Feinstein Center is to support the University’s core purpose of strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning by meeting the needs of the community through fostering partnerships, encouraging and supporting service learning initiatives, and offering resources and opportunities for civic engagement.

Under the auspices of the philanthropy of Alan Shawn Feinstein, Roger Williams University in 1998 created a campus program, now known as the Feinstein Center, to support faculty and students as they engage in curricular and co-curricular community based learning. All undergraduate day students are required to record at least one of these service experiences on their transcript (as FSL.999) and is part of the degree audit. This is done through the Feinstein Center, who communicates completion of the requirement to the University Registrar.

A majority of incoming students complete this requirement through the annual Community Connections program, a special day of service involving the entire incoming class as well as 200 faculty, staff, and student group leaders. Roger Williams University community members serve with approximately 50 non-profit agencies and municipalities in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Projects address myriad community issues including sustainability, hunger, youth development, homelessness, housing, community development, and historic preservation.

The Feinstein Center facilitates several year-long programs and projects that encourage and enable student involvement in community problem-solving, including the Community Service Work Study program, Hassenfeld Student Leadership Fellowship program, and volunteer clearinghouse. Annual programs such as Feinstein Community Connections, “Stay Break” Alternative Spring Break, and 5th Grade Day further engage students in service with the community. The Feinstein Center is also the campus headquarters for nationwide voter registration information and blood drives. Students record more than 100,000 hours of community service (co-curricular) and service learning (curricular) annually.

Community Partnerships Center

The Community Partnerships Center (CPC) provides project-based assistance to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, government agencies and low and moderate income communities in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Our mission is to undertake and complete projects that will benefit the local community, while providing RWU students with experience in real-world projects that deepen their academic experiences. The CPC is a centralized home to an array of RWU resources, connecting RWU’s liberal arts and professional degree programs to the surrounding community through strong relationships with external organizations. Through the CPC, these resources are organized and made available to a wide spectrum of nonprofit, municipal, and community groups to carry out projects throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

The CPC provides RWU students at the undergraduate and graduate levels with meaningful, project-based educational experiences which address real community needs through coursework, team projects, graduate assistantships, work study positions, internships, and volunteer experiences. These projects provide real world experience that is integrated with their growth as scholars and future practitioners. These community partnerships broaden and deepen the academic experiences of RWU students by allowing them to work on real-world projects, through curriculum-based and service learning opportunities, collaborating with nonprofit and community leaders as they seek to achieve their missions. The services provided by the CPC would normally not be available to these organizations due to their cost and specialized skills needed for completion. Over the past six years, over 250 CPC-supported projects have been completed by RWU student and faculty teams in almost every academic discipline at RWU.

Educational Events and Activities

Programs and services are designed to complement classroom learning and promote intellectual growth. Current programs include:

Socrates Café, a co-curricular, participatory discussion where attendees collectively formulate and evaluate answers to philosophical questions relevant to current events. Socrates Café meetings occur approximately once a month and are open to all members of the RWU community and the general public. Questions from past meetings have included ‘What is the nature of courage?’, ‘What are the characteristics of a good leader?’, ‘How does one distinguish one’s prejudice from one’s knowledge?’, and ‘What is the real distinction between war and terrorism?’

The Alive! Arts Series, consisting of five programs throughout the academic year in coordination with the faculty in the following areas: creative writing, dance, graphic design, music, and theater. The series is open to the campus and regional community. All performances are free.

The Civil Discourse Lecture Series, “Discussing the Great Issues of Our Time with Reason & Respect,” annually bringing an impressive array of nationally renowned speakers to the University to lecture on the divisive issues facing America today.

Small Seminar Academic Field Trips support faculty efforts to present out-of-classroom activities designed to enhance their courses.

New Student Orientation

So that all new students enter the University fully prepared to meet the academic, personal and social challenges of college, Roger Williams University requires all new students to participate in the Orientation program. Freshman orientations are offered throughout the summer and in January. There are also special Orientations for international students and upper-class transfer students. The orientation program continues into the Fall semester with specially designed programs that assist in the new student’s acclimation to university life. Roger Williams University requires all new students to attend and participate in our New Student Orientation. As part of the Orientation program, students will have an opportunity to meet with an academic advisor and register for semester courses. In addition, it is our goal for you to be acquainted with campus learning traditions, policies, and academic requirements as well as being introduces to campus life and all the resources that Roger Williams has to offer.

Division of Student Life

University Health Services

Health care is available to all full-time undergraduate students through the University Health Service. The University Health Service is open five days a week, and students can be seen by appointment. A team of nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians and a health educator provides care, which is focused both on primary prevention and treatment during illness. Emergency care is accessible during hours when Health Service is closed and can be accessed through Public Safety. Health education and health promotion are an integral part of the University Health Service. Upon entry, all students are required to submit report of a physical exam, proof of immunization and screening for tuberculosis.

Center for Counseling and Student Development

The Center for Counseling and Student Development provides short-term, solution-focused counseling for personal and interpersonal problems. The Center also conducts workshops in areas such as stress management, assertiveness training, and procrastination. The Center subscribes to legal and professional guidelines of the State of Rhode Island. All full-time undergraduates are eligible for all services free of charge.

The Intercultural Center

Located on the north end of Maple Hall, the Roger Williams University (RWU) Intercultural Center (IC) champions the charge of “Welcoming every one of all nationalities, faiths and personal identities.” Civil discourse and global perspectives are two of RWU’s Core Values. With these values in mind, the department has developed a multifaceted operation that works to enrich the University community through student support, programming, and campus involvement around issues of personal identity, diversity and inclusion.

Our Mission

The mission of the Intercultural Center (IC) is to develop world citizens capable of critical thinking, compassion, and respect for differences. It does this through student support and outreach, programming and intercultural learning. The IC provides the Roger Williams University community with opportunities and an environment that encourage relationships, leadership, and community building. It provides forums that enhance the personal exploration and development of its community members regarding social identity, academic excellence, and exemplary citizenship. The IC challenges community members to be life-long learners and active members of our global society.

Who We Are

The IC serves as a community hub, often referred to as a “home away from home.” Containing a kitchen, lounge, prayer corner, meeting space, computer resources and professional staff, the IC is utilized by members of our community as a place to host informal socials, educational programs and cultural events, as well as group meetings. The IC is open to all members of the University community 7 days a week. We encourage all to take advantage of our resources.

International Student Services

International Student Services works in concert with Student Life, Enrollment Management & Retention and academic departments on-campus to support the successful matriculation and graduation of undergraduate and graduate international students. From immigration assistance to interpersonal help, the International Student Services staff works to inform international students of their responsibilities as well as to expose them to cultural opportunities both on- and off-campus. In addition, programs are designed to foster a higher level of interest and understanding of various cultures and backgrounds.

Multicultural Student Affairs

The IC reaches out to traditionally underrepresented students to assist them in their transition to the RWU community as well as to encourage them to take advantage of available opportunities. The IC also supports the Multicultural Student Union (MSU) with intercultural programming including cultural heritage months, Lunar New Year and more. The IC works to create an environment that responds to the needs of students while promoting academic and personal development. The IC also works to support campus initiatives that proactively seek to critically examine issues of personal identity, diversity and inclusion.

Spiritual Life Office

The Spiritual Life Office welcomes students, faculty, and staff from all religious traditions, as well as those who are in exploration. RWU has in residence a University Multifaith Chaplain and affiliated chaplains from the Jewish, Catholic, Protestant and Islamic traditions. These religious professionals offer pastoral care to all members of the University community. Moreover, the office supports specific faith group programming on campus and encourages interfaith dialogue throughout the University. In nearby Bristol and surrounding towns, many houses of worship have welcomed RWU students to their sanctuaries for religious services.

Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQQ) Community Support

The IC is a resource area for allies and members of the LGBTQQ community. As a partner in RWU’s examination of our global society, our office works to raise issues related to the LGBTQQ community. We are a practical resource and support for the Sexuality Advocacy for Everyone (SAFE) student club, individual LGBTQQ students, faculty and staff through recognition, programming and referral. In addition to the IC, the LGBTQQ community has the support of the Gender Resource Center, located adjacent to Maple Hall.

The Diversity Leadership Program

The Diversity Leadership Program is a unique leadership development opportunity open to students of color, first generation college students of any racial identity, students who identify as LGBTQQ, international students and other underrepresented first year students (freshman or transfer) at RWU. The program is committed to fostering an inclusive learning community that emphasizes the connection and support that can positively impact underrepresented students’ success in college. The Diversity Leadership Program will focus on strengthening the diversity community at RWU through mentorship, relationship-building, ally development, and extensive leadership development.

Center for Career & Professional Development

The Roger Williams University Center for Career & Professional Development supports the mission of the University and contributes to the University’s Core Value of “Preparation for a Career or Future Study” by providing on-going educational opportunities for students and alumni to learn to manage their careers successfully. The Center for Career & Professional Development also provides opportunities for students to meet with employers and graduate school recruiters through a variety of activities, events, and venues.

Mirroring the central reflection questions of the University’s Core Curriculum, we challenge students to answer the following questions: Who Are You? What Do You Want to Do? How Will You Get There? We challenge ourselves to provide students a variety of traditional and innovative means through which they can discover the answers to these questions.

Center for Career & Professional Development Outcomes

By utilizing the Center for Career & Professional Development, our students and alumni will be able to:

• Assess their values, interests, personality and skills to determine potential career paths
• Understand the importance of incorporating experiential learning into their education and careers
• Evaluate the necessity of further education, and to understand how to select and apply to educational institutions
• Successfully source, apply, interview, obtain professional work, and manage their careers

Center for Career & Professional Development Services Include:

• Individual career advising
• Résumé and cover letter development & Critiques
• Internship/Practicum preparation via Career Planning Seminars
• Job search assistance and interview preparation including mock interviews
• On-campus interviewing program and résumé matching program
• HAWK’S HUNT: searchable databases (full-time, part-time, summer and co-op/intern positions); and event information and registration
• Graduate school information and application assistance
• Assessment of occupational interests, personality preferences, skills, values and leisure pursuits and how they all relate to possible career choices

Contact us: careers@rwu.edu, http://ccpd.rwu.edu;
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWUCareers
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RWUCCPD/?fref=ts

Student Programs and Leadership

The Student Senate, working closely with the University administration, oversees chartered clubs and organizations, voices student concerns and allocates funding from the Student Activities Fee. Each year, an abundance of exciting and diverse co-curricular activities is available at Roger Williams University. Social, cultural, education and recreational activities are open to every student. These activities include trips, special events, films, membership in clubs, creating publications, performances and lectures. There is a wide variety of student clubs and organizations, ranging from career oriented to exploring current interests with the student body.

The Student Senate works with the other 6 major organizations to promote outside the classroom opportunities.

Student Organizations

Campus Entertainment Network (CEN): The Campus Entertainment Network is responsible for creating, programming, overseeing, and co-sponsoring social, cultural, recreational, and educational events to benefit the Roger Williams University community. Our efforts are concentrated on offering a wide variety of diverse programs that will entertain and benefit the RWU student body.

The Hawks’ Herald: is the student run newspaper which publishes weekly through the academic year. The Herald educates and informs the campus community of the important and relevant information that affects the lives of students.

Inter Class Council (ICC): is comprised of elected representatives of all 4 classes and the organization’s Executive Board. Their mission is to support system to unify the voices within and amongst the classes by gathering feedback to address class concerns to the Student Senate, Administration and other campus Organizations, resulting in effective programming that fosters school spirit while upholding and creating new traditions that will provide memorable college experiences.

Inter Residence Hall Association (IRHA): acts as a liaison among Residence Life and Housing, Student Senate and the Residence Halls. This organization strives to provide a variety of educational and social programming for the residence life community.

Multi-Cultural Student Union: provides leadership development for cultural minorities as well as social, educational, and recreational programming for the RWU campus. The organization serves as the voice of multicultural student opinion on matters directly affecting students and/ or their rights and to provide leadership development for multiculturalism on campus.

WQRI 88.3 FM: is a volunteer based, student-operated station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that operates daily at 650 watts. WQRI provides diverse programming consisting of eclectic music, news, sports, and talk radio while serving as a vehicle for promoting new and emerging artists. WQRI strives to provide diverse programming and events for the entertainment and education of students and staff.

Student Clubs

• Active Minds
• Add Nothing
• African Coalition
• Alternative Entertainment
• American Chemical Society
• American Institute of Architecture Students
• American Society of Bio Chemistry and Molecular Biology
• American Society of Chemical Engineers
• Ballroom Dance Club
• RWU Chorus
• Colleges Against Cancer
• College Democrats at RWU
• College Republicans at RWU
• Commuters in Action
• Construction Management Club
• Dance Club
• Dance Team - Hawkettes
• Drastic Measurers - a Capella
• Engineering Club
• Engineers without Borders
• FIMRC - Foundation of International Medical Relief for Children
• Film Production Club
• Financial Management Association
• Future Teachers of America
• Graphic Design Club
• Habitat for Humanity
• Hawks for Haiti
• Hawks for St. Jude
• Health and Fitness
• Helping Hawks
• Historic Preservation Society
• Hollerin’ Hawks
• International Relations Organization
• Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship
• Mock Trial
• Musician’s Guild
• Muslim Student Association
• Ocean Guardians
• Outing Club
• Paintball Club
• Peer Pals
• Photography Club
• Pre-Health Club
• Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
• Sexual Advocacy for Everyone (SAFE)
• Scuba Club
• Ski and Snowboard Club
• Society of Professional Journalists
• Society of Women Engineers
• Stage Company
• Sustained Dialogue
• Technical Entrepreneurs
• USGBG
• Values of Sisterhood
• Water Polo
• Women’s Golf

Athletics

Roger Williams University adheres to the policies, philosophies, and guidelines for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III athletic programs. The University is also a member of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), the Rhode Island Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (RIAIAW), and the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC).

Within the mission statement of the Athletic Intramural and Recreation Department, the premise is that properly administered athletic intramural and recreation programs contribute greatly to the total educational mission of the University. This philosophy supports the University’s mission for the development of the total person - mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically - in a learning environment where students set goals for themselves and work, with the support of the University community, to achieve those goals.

Varsity Sports

The department offers 24 intercollegiate varsity sports and eight club activities. For men, varsity sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, polo, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field and wrestling. Women’s varsity teams compete in basketball, cross-country, field hockey, polo, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field and lacrosse. Co-ed varsity sports include equestrian, and sailing. The University also sponsors cheerleading, men’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s rugby, co-ed crew, men’s lacrosse, men’s volleyball and ultimate Frisbee as club sports.

Intramural and Recreation Programs

Teamwork and fun are at the core of our expanding intramural and recreation programs. We offer a variety of individual and team tournaments and leagues, including flag football, volleyball, basketball, softball, floor hockey, soccer and tennis. The walk-in recreation program provides aerobics classes on campus, weight training, cybex, rowing and exercise equipment, plus indoor tennis, soccer, basketball, volleyball, racquetball/squash, and swimming opportunities in the Campus Recreation Center. Special events throughout the year offer competitive opportunities based on demonstrated student interests.

Sports Facilities

The Campus Recreation Center, which celebrated its grand opening in the Fall of 2003, is the focal point of the University’s athletic, intramural and recreational programming. This air-conditioned facility seats 1,200 and includes an eight-lane pool with diving well, basketball courts, volleyball courts, state-of-the-art fitness center and aerobics/dance room, as well as racquetball courts.

The University also provides a variety of outdoor athletic facilities, including a synthetic turf field for soccer and lacrosse built in 2011. Fields for softball, baseball, and rugby are all located on campus. Six tennis courts are available for varsity and University community use. All six courts are lighted for evening play.