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Mission Statement
University College (UC) strives to make education accessible, affordable, attainable, and beneficial to all students with the desire, passion and motivation to achieve academic and career goals.
Overview
University College (UC) is committed to providing educational opportunities for commuter, dual enrollment, part-time and continuing education students interested in pursuing a degree or certifcate, degree completion, career enhancement, and personal enrichment. UC seeks to meet the diverse educational needs of its students and ensure that its offerings reflect the high quality and learning outcomes promoted by the University.
Our goal is to meet students where they are and help build a path to their success. Whatever age, whatever demands and challenges you face, whatever education and career paths you have or haven’t taken, we will work with you to break barriers and find opportunity. Whether you are looking to earn a degree or just get some job training, University College ensures that all learners and communities are supported with pathways, programs, supports, and services that meet their educational needs.
University College offers a wide variety of degree programs and certificates to meet the educational needs of all learners including Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Post-Baccalaurate, and Graduate Programs. Academic advisement is available throughout the year, regardless of the modalty of your coursework. University College’s advisement process establishes a working relationship between each student and an assigned Resource Specialist.
Through our ‘TriFlex’ Schedule and Convenient Scheduling of Classes, University College’s course delivery options allow students to choose from 3 different types of course offerings through the Providence Campus and online.
TriFlex Course Options
- Classroom courses
- Classes are scheduled on a regular weekly basis in either late afternoons, evenings, or Saturdays and locations at: the Providence Campus, the Newport Naval Base, and the main campus in Bristol.
- Directed Seminars/Hybrid
- Meet 4-6 times per semester and normally use online instruction between classroom meetings.
- Online courses
- These options serve students who are geographically removed from the campus and who are unable to spend long periods in residential study. They have no class meetings and provide comprehensive online instruction.
Online and hybrid instruction use the University’s online learning management system, Bridges. On occasion and when warranted, class presentations may be delivered to students via DVD or by other electronic methods.
Resource Specialist and the Advisement Process
Each student is assigned a Resource Specialist and must meet with (or communicate with) his or her Resource Specialist to complete a variety of activities, as they relate to registration, enrollment and degree conferral. Students are urged to meet with their Resource Specialist to discuss their educational and career interests and goals.
- Resource Specialists review and explain the requirements for a degree or certificate; determine how much eligible credit may be granted through such program options as transfer credit, CLEP exams, military training and experience, stardardized and prior learning.
- The Resource Specialist completes an assessment of the student’s degree audit including a listing of requirements already completed and those that need to be completed.
- The Resource Specialist is responsible for guiding the student through the stages of the academic program and identifying the appropriate courses and learning experiences.
Meetings with Resource Specialists take place on any of the University’s campus or at appropriate off-campus sites and/or by telephone or electronic communication. University College offers continuous advisement throughout the year.
Prior Learning Assessment
University College works to meet you where you are in your educational and career journey and it committed to providing pathways for students to proceed along smooth transitions without delays, duplication of courses, or loss of credit. We know students come to us with a wide variety of life experiences, therefore, we instituted a procedure for granting undergraduate and graduate credit for prior college-level learning achieved through experience. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) provides an opportunity for students to document their college-level learning and pursue equivalent college credit toward courses in their program of study. Examples of such experience are employer-sponsored or armed service training, community service, volunteerism, self-taught knowledge or artistic developments. Such credit becomes a permanent part of a student’s record upon completion of at least 30 credits at Roger Williams University as a University College student.
All PLA credit, whether granted through institutional assessment or external examinations, are treated as transfer credit and cannot be applied towards residency requirements for graduation, renewal of scholarships or other requirements based on credit earned to the university. When assessment takes place prior to initial enrollment, credit will be assigned to the first term in which the student enrolls. Otherwise, credit for prior learning will be assigned to the term in which prior learning is assessed.
The College recognizes the three primary pathways by which students can document their college-level learning: standardized credit documentation, evaluation of non-collegiate instruction, and a portfolio assessment. Undergraduates students may receive as many as 90 credits towards their degree, while graduate students may be awarded up to six credits toward their degree.
Standardized Credits
Students can bring in prior learning credit based upon official documents from other accredited institutions (Transfer Credit), military training, college level examinations, challenge exams and language placement exams. These are standard credits at UC.
Transfer Credit
As much as three years of applicable college credit (90 credits) may be transferred from work completed previously at other accredited colleges or universities, with a grade of C or higher; up to 60 credits may be transferred from institutions that only offer associate degrees. Students transferring in with a conferred Associates degree may transfer in up to 66 credits. We do not charge your account for this process. This process is 100% free.
Credit for Military Personnel & Veterans
As much as three years of college credit (90 credits) may be granted for military training and/or experience. University College awards credit for educational experiences during military service according to the recommendations of the American Council on Education as published in “The Guide to the Evaluation of Military Experiences in the Armed Services. We do not charge your account for this process. This process is 100% free.
- Army, Navy, Coast Guard & Marine Corps: Submit an offical Joint Services Transcript.
- Airforce: Request an official transcript from the Community College of the Air Force for work taken as an undergraduate, or from the Air University for work taken as a graduate student.
College Level Examinations
The college accepts the results of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement Exams (AP), Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) and armed services testing programs (DANTES) and makes use of the guide prepared by the American Council on Education (ACE) and other sources that contain evaluations of a wide variety of training opportunities sponsored by the armed services, business, industry, and labor communities. Students need to achieve the scores recommended and published by the American Council on Education. Scores at or above the minimum will lead to equivalent credit for the associated RWU course, but no letter grade will be awarded. We do not charge your account for this process. This process is 100% free.
Internal Examinations
Additionally, University College provides Challenge Exams for mathematics and a Placement Exam With Credit for courses waived for modern languages.
Mathematic Challenge Exams: Incoming or enrolled students who feel they have knowledge in College Algebra or Statistics can choose to take a Mathematics Challenge Exam. Upon successful completion, the requirement for either will be met and the appropriate course will be added to the students’ academic transcript. Students must complete an exam request form, and directions and procedures will be sent to them via email.
Challenge examinations may not be repeated and may not be taken for a grade replacement for previously completed courses or if a similar course was granted credit through Prior Learning Assessment. Grading for Challenge Exams is pass/fail. Successful completion of a challenge examination results in the listing on the student’s permanent record of the course equivalent, and the amount of credit granted
Language Placement & Credit Exam: Incoming or enrolled students with language proficiencies beyond English can take a placement exam to determine what level of proficiency they have obtained. This exam is done online and is timed. Credit will be given for courses that they have shown proficiency in with a maximum of 12 credits available per language. Students are urged to continue their studies in the language based on their placement results. Languages available for testing include:
- French
- Spanish
- German
- Portuguese
- Italian
- Latin
Placement examinations may not be repeated and may not be taken for a grade replacement for previously completed courses or taken if any course in that language is granted credit through Prior Learning Assessment. Students must complete an exam request form, and directions for completing the online exam will be sent to them via email.
Policies for College Level Examinations/Challenge Exams & Language Placement & Credit Exams
- Students must consult with a resource specialist prior to applying for a Challenge Examination or Language Placement Exam.
- Prior Learning Assessments are for academic credit and may carry nonrefundable fee(s).
- CLEP exam credit will only be awarded for passing scores of 50 or higher, and when the RWU course is equivalent to the exam title.
- Official College Board transcripts are required for CLEP exam credit to be awarded.
- DSST exam credit will only be awarded for scores which meet the minimum ACE recommended score, and when the RWU course is equivalent to the exam title.
- Official Prometric transcripts are required for DSST exam credit to be awarded. CLEP and DSST exams, if failed, can be repeated three months after the initial testing date.
- Challenge Exams cannot be repeated if failed.
- College Level examination credits cannot be used to meet residency requirements.
- Students may not request to take a Challenge Exam for a course that is a prerequisite to a course for which they have already received credit or in which they are currently enrolled, or have received a W in.
- Students may not receive credit from the Language Placement & Credit Exam if they have language credits posted from alternate prior learning or past coursework in that same language.
- Grading for a Challenge Exam is Pass/Fail.
Prior Credit Recommendations
The College recognizes the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) two national bodies that evaluate non-collegiate instruction and training programs. If the program or training students successfully completed has been evaluated by one of these two bodies, the student can submit their documentation to earn the credit. Students can see the list of programs that can be accepted for credit on the RWU | UC website. In addition, The University awards credit for educational experiences provided by certain business, industrial and governmental agencies, that has been assessed previously and approved for credit. This list is continuously updated and can be found on the RWU | UC website.
- A certificate or training that has been granted credit through the PLA process may not be used as evidence in a portfolio application.
Evaluation of Non-Collegiate Instruction Pathway
If the program or training students successfully completed is not found on the Standardized Credit Database, the student can submit their documentation to earn the credit. Students will go through a process of systematic evaluation of such competencies against established course learning outcomes. Students should complete a Prior Learning Credit Request form (PLCR) for each certificate, training or license, with all relevant information. A credit determination will be made with in 7 Working days. You will receive one of three determinations:
1. Denied
2. Approved with credit recommendation
3. Need Additional Materials.
If the determination is that additional materials are needed, you can work with the Director of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to go through a portfolio review. The evaluation of non-collegiate instruction often results in Credit Recommendations and/or Articulation Agreements that are found under Prior Credit Recommendations on our website.
Portfolio Assessment Pathway
RWU | UC offers a portfolio review process by which prior learning through past work, independent reading and study, training programs or in-service courses, volunteer service or other experiences can be analyzed, articulated, documented, and assessed for credit. Prior to pursuing the Portfolio Review option, students should consider other options available to them, including transferring credit from other accredited institutions of higher education, credit through college level exams (CLEP, DSST, DANTES, AP, Challenge Exams & Language Placement and Credit Exam), as well as military or proficiency credits for non-accredited training presented above.
A portfolio, in terms of prior learning, is an extensive written presentation of evidence assembled by the student and reviewed by a faculty member, under the direction of the Academic Dean. The award of prior learning portfolio credit is dependent on relevancy to courses in the student’s degree program; including general education, major and elective courses. The portfolio includes several major sections including a resume, a personal narrative summary, and a narrative that demonstrates and verifies your knowledge of the course material. You will need to explain and document your proficiency in each published course objective, as though you had successfully completed the course. Examples of the types of documentation that you may submit include work samples to demonstrate competencies and reference letters from those who have observed you demonstrating the competencies.
- A certificate or training that has been granted credit through the PLA process may not be used as evidence in a portfolio application.
Your portfolio must reflect college-level ability and writing skills. It is strongly recommended that you successfully complete a 200-level writing course or a similar course with a major research paper requirement before attempting to challenge a course with a portfolio. The subject-matter expert who will evaluate your portfolio will be an RWU faculty member or outside consultant.
The work submitted must abide by the University rules concerning plagiarism and academic integrity. Civil discourse and the entire academic project depend on mutual trust among the community of scholars that is Roger Williams University. Any breech of academic integrity will result in the portfolio being eliminated from review and may, depending on severity, include:
- Academic probation for one semester;
- Suspension for one semester;
- Separation (dismissal) from the Roger Williams University community.
Portfolio Assessment Process
Step One: Submit Inquiry Form
To begin the process, students should complete the PLA Inquiry Form
Step Two: First Meeting
Once the student submits the PLA Inquiry Form, the PLA Director will reach out to the student via email or phone to set up a face to face meeting. Meetings can meet on campus, off campus, or via video conference, depending on the students’ individual need. You should expect the meeting to last about one hour. The meeting agenda includes:
- Discuss Experiences
- Narrow to specific disciplines
- Consider course choices
- Identity course syllabi
- Discuss process
- Discuss needs or portfolio
- Submitting through the PLA portal
Step Three: Planning & Preparation
After the first meeting, the Director of PLA will send you 1-3 syllabi based on the courses you discussed in the first meeting. You should evaluate the course objective/learning outcomes found in the syllabi and determine if you can meet those objectives/goals based on your prior learning. Once you determine if you can meet the objectives/goals, you should start identifying and collecting evidence to support that you meet the course objectives
Step Four: The PLA Grid Approach
You should Organize your PLA Grid by how specifically you learned the material, explaining how that happened and you learning process. You should then supply evidence or artifacts to support your learning. Each piece of evidence listed in the grid should be labeled and included in the portfolio submitted.
The PLA Grid you create should not just list the learning activities. You should explain your process of learning. Below you will find example of learning activities and evidence for proficiency in a course outcome. Make sure you add pieces of evidence supporting your learning to the portfolio. You must have evidence to support each way of learning.
Step Five: Build & Submit Your Portfolio
Once you have figured out you can show how you learned the content and can supply evidence of ability, you are ready to begin the portfolio.This process is straight forward, and the PLA Portal guides you step by step. Once a credit determination has been awarded, the credits will be added to your RWU transcript. You will receive a letter from the Director of Prior Learning Assessment for your records notating the decision, credit amount and course information.
Portfolio Eligibility Requirements
- To be eligible for prior learning by Portfolio Review at RWU | UC a student must;
- Be matriculated into a degree program at UC
- Be in good academic standing
Academic Requirements and General Requirements for a Degree
University Catalog. All students should read the University catalog carefully for additional information, requirements, and/or policies which may apply to them.
Matriculation. Students wishing to pursue a program leading to a degree offered by the University must follow application procedures to be considered by the University as a matriculating student admitted to a specific degree program.
Non-Matriculation. Students may enroll in courses offered by the University even though they are not pursuing a degree. Non-matriculating students may earn college credit if they have followed the proper application and registration procedures, but they cannot be considered for a degree unless they matriculate.
Declaration of a Major. All matriculating students are required to declare a major. Students wishing to change the major in which they are enrolled must consult with their Resource Specialist and file a Curriculum Declaration form.
Declaration of a Minor. Bachelor degree candidates may, at their option, declare a minor after consultation with their Resource Specialist . Students wishing to change the minor in which they are enrolled must consult with a Resource Specialist.
Declaration of a Certificate. Bachelor degree candidates may, at their option, declare their intent to complete a Certificate, after consultation with a Resource Specialist. Students wishing to change the certificate in which they are enrolled must consult with a Resource Specialist.
Rate of Progress. Students taking courses through University College must pass at least 50 percent of those courses taken during each academic year (September 1 through August 31). Students not meeting these requirements will be placed on probation following the first semester of unsatisfactory performance.
Semester Course Limit (Part-Time and Full-Time Study). Students should regulate their academic loads according to the amount of time available and required for class attendance, outside preparation, and successful course completion. Depending upon the program and the number of credits taken, students may be considered full-time and charged the appropriate tuition rates. Students who wish to enroll in 15 or more credits in a semester will be charged according to the Bristol cost per credit.
Transfer of Credits after Matriculation. Matriculating students wishing to take courses at other institutions and transfer credit to Roger Williams University must obtain permission from their Resource Specialist, file a “Request to Attend another College” form with University College, and submit an official transcript upon course completion. Credit for courses completed successfully with a grade of C or better will be posted to the student’s record. Grades earned will not be recorded and will not affect the student’s GPA.
Incomplete Grades. With faculty approval, students have up to 1-1/2 years (3 full semesters, not including summer) to complete a course for which a grade of an incomplete (I) was assigned.
All students should become familiar with the academic requirements that apply to them and their chosen program of study. Students should read the University catalog carefully and consult with their Resource Specialists regarding all of the requirements that may apply to them. All students seeking a degree should be given a degree plan listing requirements which have been satisfied as well as requirements which need to be complete.
The Educational Process
Enrollment takes place within the University’s regular Fall and Spring Semesters, as well as the Winter Intersession and Summer Sessions. Students in University College are eligible to enroll in many of the University’s day and evening classroom course offerings on the main campus, at other satellite or University locations, or online.
Steps in the Educational Process
- Submission of the University College application and application fee
- Submit transcripts both High School/GED and other post secondary
- Meet/Communicate with a Career Pathway Specialist
- Confirm program of study
- Develop of a degree evaluation
- Course registration
- Complete courses as outlined on the degree evaluation
- Submit Degree Request Form
All students seeking an associate degree must complete:
- A minimum of 60 credits* (through any combination of study and learning experiences, including credit for previous college work, credit documentation, CLEP or other exams, and military experience).
- A minimum enrollment requirement of 15 credits taken at the University.
- A major academic program or concentration.
- A 2.0 average in all courses carrying a letter grade.
- A 2.0 average in all required major courses.
- A 2.0 average in all required minor courses (if minor is included in a student’s program).
- UC general education requirements.*
- The last five remaining courses in your degree of study must be completed at RWU.
- All financial requirements must be met.
*61 for an Associate in Paralegal Degree
All students seeking a baccalaureate degree must complete:
- A minimum of 120* credits (through any combination of study and learning experiences, including credit for previous college work, credit documentation, CLEP or other exams, and military experience).
- A minimum enrollment requirement of 30 credits taken at the University.
- A major academic program or concentration.
- A 2.0 average in all courses carrying a letter grade.
- A 2.0 average in all required major courses.
- A 2.0 average in all required minor courses (if minor is included in a student’s program).
- UC general education requirements.*
- The last five remaining courses in your degree of study must be completed at RWU.
- All financial requirements must be met.
*121 for a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal
The general education requirements consist of courses from the arts, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and the social sciences. The University’s degree programs, including general education, provide students with communications skills; the ability for critical and logical analysis, scientific and quantitative reasoning; and the capability for continuing education. The general education requirements are designed to assure that all students have an awareness of and breadth of exposure to the disciplines and fields of study associated with communications skills, and the traditional liberal arts and general education areas and domains within higher education.
All University College students are required to complete a minimum of one-fourth of their degree requirements in general education (e.g., the equivalent of thirty semester hours in a bachelor degree program, or the equivalent of fifteen semester hours in an associate degree program). General Education requirements may be satisfied by credits granted for students’ prior college attendance, CLEP examinations, military training and experience (as recommended by the American Council on Education), and credit documentation. Students transferring with a baccalaureate degree shall be considered as having met the general education requirements.
Based on University guidelines, Resource Specialists determine which transfer courses may be considered equivalent to general education courses. After assessing the general education requirements which may be satisfied through their various sources of advanced standing, students who need general education courses are advised to enroll in courses designated as the University’s General Education courses (skills and interdisciplinary core courses) whenever they are scheduled or available in the University College as classroom or online course offerings. In addition to RWU’s skills and interdisciplinary core courses, courses may also be taken from the categories associated with the examinations of the College Board’s College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) to satisfy general education requirements. These categories include materials and subjects commonly taught during the first two years in many of the nation’s colleges and universities, and they include English Composition, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Science. These areas correspond to the University’s general education curricular categories as reflected in the skills and interdisciplinary core courses.
The general education requirements shall include the following: two writing courses (including Expository Writing and a second writing course, e.g. Critical Writing for the Professions); a Mathematics skills course; Effective Speaking Across Audiences; and at least one approved course from each of the following categories: Natural Science, Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Science, as well as two liberal art electives.
Students who have attended accredited institutions may transfer credits for successfully completed courses (C or better and courses with Pass or Satisfactory grades if such grades are equivalent to C or better). Resource Specialists determine the application of transfer credit to degree and program requirements. Such determinations may be based on comparability of depth and content to courses offered at the University, as well as other considerations. Transfer students must consult a University College Resource Specialist to determine how the transfer guidelines apply to the Skills and General Education requirements. Students who have not successfully completed college-level courses in expository writing or post-algebraic mathematics may be required to take placement tests in writing and/or mathematics prior to enrollment in such courses.
Graduation with Honors
Students should note that honorary distinctions at graduation are available only to qualified students who have successfully completed a minimum of 54 semester credit hours of study through residency or course enrollment at Roger Williams University. Accordingly, degrees with honors are as follows:
- Honors (cum laude), awarded to those students who have attained a GPA of not less than 3.4;
- High Honors (magna cum laude), awarded to those students who have attained a GPA of not less than 3.6;
- Highest Honors (summa cum laude), awarded to those students who have attained a GPA of not less than 3.8.
Financial Aid
Accepted students at University College who take a minimum of six (6) credits per semester are eligible for financial aid. In addition, various forms of military tuition assistance are usually available to service members.
Adult Education Scholarships
The University College makes several scholarships available each academic year to eligible students enrolled in the UC. The amount of each scholarship may vary from one year to another. This scholarship program is based on a combination of financial need and academic promise; however, prior academic experience and community service will be taken into consideration. Applications for these scholarships may be obtained through the UC Dean’s Office at times announced throughout the year.
Registration
In order to register for classes, it is necessary for students to contact their Resource Specialists. Although online registration options exist, Resource Specialist contact is essential to initiate a student’s online registration.
Campus Based Degrees Offered
University College offers the following undergraduate degrees.
Bachelor of Science:
Criminal Justice
Cyber Security and Networking
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Management
Paralegal Studies**
Public Administration
Healthy Communities
Community Development
Bachelor of General Studies:
Humanities
Individualized Concentration
Industrial Technology
Psychology
Social Science
Technology Leadership and Management
Bachelor of Art:
Applied Psychology
Online undergraduate degrees.
University College offers the following undergraduate degrees.
Bachelor of Science:
Criminal Justice
Cyber Security and Networking
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Paralegal Studies**
Public Administration
Healthy Communities
Community Development
Bachelor of General Studies:
Humanities
Individualized Concentration
Industrial Technology
Psychology
Social Science
Technology Leadership and Management
**A minimum of 10 semester credits of legal specialty courses must be taken in a traditional classroom setting (face-to-face).
Note: None of the Paralegal Studies offerings are affiliated with the Legal Studies Program offered by the University’s day division. Only the Paralegal Studies degree and certificate programs are ABA approved.
Online Certificate Programs
The following certificate programs are available for campus-based students.
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Case Management
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(undergraduate level)
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Community Development
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(undergraduate level)
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Corporate Communication
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(undergraduate level)
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| Community Policing |
(undergraduate level) |
| Corrections Agency Administration |
(undergraduate level) |
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Digital Forensics
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(undergraduate level)
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Environmental, Occupational Safety and Health
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(undergraduate level)
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Gerontology
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(undergraduate level)
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Health Services Administration
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(undergraduate level)
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Health Care Paralegal*
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(post baccalaureate level)
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| Homeland Security Certificate |
(undergraduate level) |
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Municipal Management
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(undergraduate level)
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Nursing Home Administrator
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(post baccalaureate level)
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Nurse Paralegal*
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(post baccalaureate level)
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Paralegal Studies*
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(post baccalaureate level)
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| Police Agency Administration |
(undergraduate level) |
| Public Safety |
(undergraduate level) |
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Technology, Design and Production
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(undergraduate level)
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*A minimum of 10 semester credits of legal specialty courses must be taken in a traditional classroom setting (face-to-face).
Campus Based Certificate Programs
The following certificate programs are available for campus-based students.
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Case Management
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(undergraduate level)
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Community Development
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(undergraduate level)
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Corporate Communication
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(undergraduate level)
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Environmental, Occupational Safety and Health
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(undergraduate level)
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Gerontology
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(undergraduate level)
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Health Care Paralegal
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(post-baccalaureate level)
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Health Services Administration
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(undergraduate level)
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Municipal Management
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(undergraduate level)
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Nursing Home Administrator
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(post-baccalaureate level)
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Nurse Paralegal*
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(post-baccalaureate level)
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Paralegal Studies*
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(post-baccalaureate level)
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Technology, Design and Production
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(undergraduate level)
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Campus Based Graduate Certificate Programs
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Sustainable Community and Economic Development
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(graduate level)
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*A minimum of 10 semester credits of legal specialty courses must be taken in a traditional classroom setting (face-to-face).
Associate Degrees
Associate degrees are normally available to eligible students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs within the University’s continuing education programs. Students interested in an associate degree option should speak with their Resource Specialists regarding specific requirements and eligibility. Associate degree recipients are not recognized at the May commencement, but they are recognized at a ceremony conducted by the UC.
Associate Degree Programs
Associate of Arts
Associate of Science
Associates in Science in Criminal Justice
Associates in Science in Paralegal Studies*
*A minimum of 10 semester credits of legal specialty courses must be taken in a traditional classroom setting (face-to-face).
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