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.
Administration
Gena Bianco, J.D., Dean
Transfer Credit
University College awards transfer credits for eligible courses completed successfully at regionally and programmatically accredited institutions. Official transcripts from all institutions should be sent directly to the University College Office of Admissions at the time of application.
Credits earned at institutions outside the United States are considered for transferability on a case-by-case basis. Students should submit an official English evaluation completed by an approved credential evaluator.
Once a new student has been accepted into a program, a major has been declared, and all official transcripts and/or exam results have been received, University College conducts an official transfer credit evaluation. University College reserves the right to revise transfer credit awards due to course duplication, a student’s change in program of study, or other reasons deemed necessary by the college.
Students who wish to transfer credits earned at University College to another institution need to consult with that institution to determine eligibility.
University College awards transfer credits for eligible courses completed successfully at regionally and programmatically accredited institutions. Official transcripts from all institutions should be sent directly to the University College Office of Admissions at the time of application.
Credits earned at institutions outside the United States are considered for transferability on a case-by-case basis. Students should submit an official English evaluation completed by an approved credential evaluator.
Once a new student has been accepted into a program, a major has been declared, and all official transcripts and/or exam results have been received, University College conducts an official transfer credit evaluation. University College reserves the right to revise transfer credit awards due to course duplication, a student’s change in program of study, or other reasons deemed necessary by the college.
Students who wish to transfer credits earned at University College to another institution need to consult with that institution to determine eligibility.
Undergraduate students who wish to have transfer credits assessed must provide an official academic transcript for credits earned at another institution and an official report of exam results for credits earned through college-level proficiency examinations.
The guidelines for granting of undergraduate transfer credit awards are as follows:
- The minimum course grade acceptable for transfer credit is C, or 2.0
- Courses completed on a pass/fail scale are not eligible for transfer.
- Transfer credits also may be earned through:
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).
- DANTES Examination Program of the Educational Testing Service.
- Advanced Placement (AP) Examination
- Up to 90 combined credits can be transferred
- 00 on a 4.000 scale. into University College for a bachelor’s degree
- Up to six credits may be transferred into University College for a masters, but the courses may have been applied to a previous bachelor’s degree.
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.
Prior Learning Credit
Students may be eligible for PLA credit if they have accrued a foundation of knowledge and skills equivalent to the content of courses offered by the University College.
Awarded credits are incorporated into a student’s degree plan as transfer credits and are subject to the university’s residency requirement. All transfer credit from all sources may not exceed 90 credits for a bachelor’s degree and 45 credits for a associates.
Potential PLA credits should be considered and discussed as part of a student’s transfer credits at the time of enrollment. Interested students should contact their career and academic coach for more information
Standardized Prior Learning
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 using this link: RWU Approved PLA. All approved programs and trainings are evaluated on a 5 year rotation.
Evaluation of Lifetime Learning
If the program or training students successfully completed is not found on the Standardized Credit Database, the student can submit their documentation for an assessment of the experience for 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 10 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
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.
A portfolio, in terms of prior learning, is an extensive written presentation of evidence assembled by the student and reviewed by a subject matter expert. 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 a resume, a personal narrative summary, a narrative that demonstrates and verifies your knowledge of the course material, and evidence documenting your proficiency in each published course objective. A certificate or training that has been granted credit through the PLA process may not be used as evidence in a portfolio application.
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 (Minimum 2.5 GPA).
The Educational Process
Enrollment takes place within the University’s regular Fall and Spring semesters, as well as 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 main campus, at University satellite locations, or online.
Steps in the Educational Process
- Submission of the University College application
- Submission of transcripts, both High School/GED and other post secondary
- Meet/Communicate with a Career Pathway Specialist
- Confirm program of study
- Develop a degree evaluation
- Course registration
- Assignment to an Academic Advisor
- Complete courses as outlines on degree evaluation
- Submit degree request form
Academic Advisor & Advisement Process
Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor and must meet with (or communicate with) his or her Academic Advisor to complete a variety of activites as they relate to registration, enrollment and degree/certificate conferal. Students are urged to meet with their Academic Advisor to discuss their educational and career interests and goals.
- Academic Advisors review and explain the requirements for a degree or certificate; determine how much eligible credit may be granted through programs options such as transfer credit, CLEP examinations, military training and experience, standardized and prior learning assessment.
- An Academic Advisor completes an assessment of the student’s degree evaluation including a listing of requirements already completed and those that need to be completed.
- An Acadeemic Advisor is responsible for guiding the student through the stages of the academic program and identifying the appropriate courses and learning experiences.
Meeting with an Academic Advisor can take place on any of the University campuses, at an appropriate off-capus location, or by telephone or electronic communication. University College offers continuous advisement throughout the year.
Registration
In order to register for classes, it is necessary for students to contact their Academic Advisor. Although online registration options exist, it is essential to contact your Academic Advisor to have your hold lifted to process your registration registration.
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.
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.
University College General Education Requirements
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; 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.
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 their advisor. Students wishing to change the certificate in which they are enrolled must consult with their advisor.
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.
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.
General Requirements for the Associate Degree
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 Professional Legal Studies Degree
General Requirements for the Baccalaureate 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 Professional Legal Studies degree
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.
Adult Education Scholarships
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.
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