Child Care—Cooperative Preschool
The Cooperative Preschool is a campus organization sponsored by Student Community Government. Through the cooperative involvement of parents, the co-op provides an affordable, reliable, high-quality preschool program for children ages three to five. To participate in the co-op, children must be toilet trained and be three years of age by August 31. Students, staff and faculty of Rhode Island College are eligible to enroll their children. Children of students are given first priority.
Children are enrolled full-time, regardless of the number of hours they attend. The school is DCYF licensed and employs a certified teacher and work-study students. The co-op also participates in Brightstars, a preschool quality-rating and improvement system. The curriculum is aligned with the Rhode Island Early Learning domains.
In addition to paying monthly tuition, parents work designated hours, attend monthly meetings and participate in the running of the co-op.
The co-op is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the academic year. Use of the co-op is limited to those hours in which the parent is performing college related activities, such as attending
class, doing research, student teaching, etc.
For more information, stop by the co-op during hours of operation or access information and registration forms at: www.ric.edu/cooperativepreschool/.
Counseling Center
The principal aim of the Counseling Center is to help students grow, develop and succeed during their college years. A professional staff of psychologists, counselors and doctoral students in counseling or clinical psychology provide individual and group counseling to students who seek help with emotional or social challenges, academic difficulties or educational and career planning. Assessment of vocational interest and personal characteristics is available as needed. The center also offers groups and workshops on personal development matters, such as stress management and procrastination. Although friends or faculty may encourage individual students to utilize counseling, it is entirely voluntary, and most students make the decision on their own initiative. Counseling Center services are strictly confidential and are provided to any current Rhode Island College students without charge.
Cultural Activities
Students can participate in a wide variety of cultural activities and events at Rhode Island College. For example, students can attend a concert at the Recreation Center, an open mic performance at the Café, participate in Diversity Week programs, listen to a speaker at Adams Library, see a student play or concert in the Nazarian Center, find a dance partner in the Student Union Ballroom, attend an art gallery opening, write an article for "The Anchor" newspaper, make a t-shirt in the quad or watch Chinese acrobats tumble in the Auditorium in Roberts Hall. There are academic-based exhibition and performance opportunities and a whole host of student groups in which students participate in ways best suited to their interests, from audience members to directors. In addition, several on-campus groups bring nationally and internationally renowned fine and performing artists to RIC to enhance the cultural learning of our students and the community at large. Many of these cultural activities and events are free or discounted for students. Whatever your interest or passion, there is a way for you to participate. To find information about attending cultural events or getting involved in cultural activities on campus, visit www.ric.edu and click on the Performing & Fine Arts or Campus Life tabs.
Dining Services
Rhode Island College's Dining Services is dedicated to exceeding the food, beverage and service expectations of our diverse community. Dining Services provides a variety of quality products expertly prepared, professionally served and enjoyed in comfortable, relaxing settings.
Commuters, residents, faculty and staff are welcome at all dining locations. These include the Donovan Dining Center, The Café and The Galley Café, which is located on the east campus. All guests can purchase their favorite food or drinks using cash or debit/credit cards. Resident students will select one of four meal plan options and use it to make purchases from the three locations. Meal plans are also available for commuter students as well as faculty and staff.
Additionally, we are able to offer Nutrition Services to the campus community. Our registered, licensed dietician is available to meet with students to address dietary needs, discuss healthy eating habits and answer any related questions.
The full Dining Services website is available at www.ric.edu/collegedining.
Health Services
Health Services, located on the ground floor of Browne Hall, provides confidential, primary health care to all students. Care includes physical examinations, immunizations, treatment of acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, gynecological exams, health education and, if necessary, specialty referral. On-site laboratory services include blood and urine tests, throat cultures and pregnancy testing. Health Services is open year-round and is staffed by nurse practitioners, registered nurses and a part-time physician. Visits are available by appointment.
Rhode Island College offers Student Health and Accident Insurance to any student taking a minimum of 6 credit hours. Information about this policy is available at www.universityhealthplans.com.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Rhode Island College sponsors 21 varsity sports through the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Seven team sports are offered in the fall, seven team sports during the winter and seven during the spring.
Men’s teams compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, indoor track, outdoor track, soccer, tennis and wrestling. Women’s teams compete in basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, indoor track, lacrosse, outdoor track, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball. Participation is open to qualified undergraduate degree candidates who are enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses.
The college’s intercollegiate athletic facility, The Murray Center, features practice and competition sites for basketball, gymnastics and volleyball. In addition, there are team and general locker rooms, a fully equipped training/rehabilitation room, an equipment area, a weighttraining facility, offices and classrooms, team meeting rooms and the Athletic Hall of Fame. Additional facilities include Pontarelli Field (baseball); the Bazar softball complex; competitive tennis courts; the Black Track complex, including a 4,000-seat outdoor competitive venue; a five-acre practice complex; and the Student-Athlete Success Center. For additional and the most up-to-date information on the intercollegiate athletic program, visit www.goanchormen.com.
Rhode Island College is a proud member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association, and is a charter member of the Little East Conference, which sponsors conference championships in men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis and track; and in women’s basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track and volleyball. The Little East Conference includes Plymouth State University, University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth), University of Massachusetts (Boston), Eastern Connecticut State University, University of Southern Maine, Western Connecticut State University, Keene State College and Castleton University (2018).
Interfaith Services Center
The Rhode Island College Interfaith Services Center (IFC) endeavors to support the spiritual growth of the Rhode Island College community regardless of religious history/affiliation, cultural background or personal circumstance. The IFC strives to educate the RIC community about various faiths and to foster appreciation, understanding and respect for religious choice; provide opportunities for prayer, worship and meditation; support faith-based student groups; encourage spiritual exploration and promote volunteerism both on- and off-campus. The meditation room is available to members of the RIC community and can be reserved. The IFC is adjacent to the Unity Center. Contact us at RICInterfaithcenter@ric.edu.
International Students Office
The Office of International Students serves many undergraduate and graduate students from around the world by providing information about U.S. government forms, the process of entering and leaving the country, employment, financial needs, taxes, health, housing and academic and personal problems. The office also hosts social activities, such as coffee hours, parties, picnics and field trips. The office website is www.ric.edu/internationalstudents.
Recreation Club Sports
A completely renovated recreation center opened in the fall semester of 2012. The complex is home to all recreational programming, including intramurals and club sports. The center and its programs are available to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. The facility is also available to faculty, staff, alumni and the community on a membership-fee basis. For a complete list of activities and hours, which change each semester, visit www.goanchormen.com.
The 80,000-square-foot facility includes a five-lane, 25-yard, L-shaped swimming pool; a five-lane, 1/10-mile indoor track; three multi-use courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis; a fitness center, including cardio and strength areas; a student lounge complete with WiFi and cable television; new locker room facilities; a multimedia room; a wrestling facility adaptable for other events; a multi-use studio for aerobics and yoga; offices for coaches; and a suite to host fundraising-related initiatives. The Club Sport Program currently includes the following established club sport opportunities: men's ice hockey, equestrian, ultimate frisbee and men's volleyball. For more updated information, or if you are interested in starting a club sport, go to www.goanchormen.com.
Residential Life and Housing, Office of
On-campus housing is available for undergraduate students and graduate students. Six residence halls—Browne, Thorp, Weber, Willard, Sweet and Penfield Hall—provide accommodations for 1,196 men and women. Browne, Thorp and Weber Halls are designed with suites of eight to twelve single rooms adjacent to a study-lounge area. Sweet and Willard Halls feature double-occupancy rooms, with a select number of single rooms. Sweet Hall is built along more traditional lines, with rooms on either side of the corridors. Each hall has a common lounge area and laundry, and each room is furnished with a bed, desk and closet. Penfield Hall provides suite-style living for four, with either single or double bedrooms. A portion of Penfield Hall suites have apartment-style features, with breakfast counters and full-size refrigerators.
The Office of Residential Life and Housing also maintains a listing of off-campus housing; however, it does not guarantee the suitability or availability of such housing.
The fees given below are for the 2017–2018 academic year. Because of rising costs, the Rhode Island Board of Education reserves the right to change fees without notice as conditions necessitate.
Room Fees
| Hall |
Room Type |
Cost Per Year |
| Browne |
Single |
$6,582 |
| Thorp |
Single |
$6,582 |
| Weber |
Single |
$6,582 |
| Willard |
Single |
$6,767
|
| Willard |
Double |
$6,582 |
| Sweet |
Double and Triple |
$6,916 |
| Penfield Hall |
Single, Suite Style |
$7,238 |
| Penfield Hall |
Single, Apartment Style |
$7,697 |
| Penfield Hall |
Double, Suite Style |
$7,466 |
| Penfield Hall |
Double, Apartment Style |
$7,697 |
Rooms are contracted on a yearly basis. All students are required to pay a housing deposit of $220, which covers the room reservation deposit of $100, the damage deposit of $100 and $20 in hall dues. Since on-campus housing is limited, approximately 50 percent of the spaces are reserved for new students.
Residence halls open at the beginning of each semester and close at the end of each semester in December and May and during Spring Break. Residents are expected to secure alternate housing accommodations during scheduled breaks.
Board Fees
Students choosing to live on campus are required to purchase one of four available Meal Plans. Each Meal Plan includes a set number of meals per week, as well as, Guest Passes and Bonus Dollars that can be used throughout the semester. All meals and Guest Passes are redeemable at Donovan Dining Center. Bonus Dollars may be used at Donovan Dining Center, the Café, or the Galley at any time.
|
Meal Plan
|
Meals Per Week
|
Guest Passes Per Semester
|
Bonus Per Semester Dollars
|
Cost Per Semester
|
|
A
|
19
|
4
|
$125
|
$2,376.50
|
|
B
|
14
|
6
|
$175
|
$2,376.50
|
|
C
|
12
|
8
|
$200
|
$2,376.50
|
|
D
|
10
|
10
|
$250
|
$2,376.50
|
Room Refunds
Withdrawal prior to the “contractually publicized” July 15 date will cancel all room charges minus the room reservation of $100. Otherwise, the room contract will remain binding on the student until the end of the academic year. However, proration of the charges may be made by the Office of Residential Life and Housing if the space created by the withdrawal is filled by a new resident.
A first semester freshman who withdraws from the college in their first semester will be released from the contract for the spring semester upon completion of proper withdrawal forms. All other students will need to submit an appeal letter for contract release consideration. In all cancellations, the room reservation deposit ($100) shall be forfeited.
Board Refunds
The board contract is binding upon the student until the end of the academic year during which the cancellation is effected. However, proration of the food-cost portion of the Meal Plan contract will result in a refund based on the week when dining services is officially notified of withdrawal.
Security and Safety, Office of
The Office of Security and Safety provides 24-hour service to the campus community in the areas of law enforcement, security and personal safety, fire safety and right-to-know laws. The office is also responsible for the enforcement of all laws and regulations that apply to campus life, including those of the Rhode Island Board of Education and federal and state statutes. Information regarding security and safety, campus police, parking, traffic regulations and vehicle registration is available in the security department or on the college website at www.ric.edu.
The Office of Security and Safety also provides a variety of crime prevention materials and a 24-hour escort service for students, faculty and staff. This service is available by calling extension 8201 or by pushing the escort button on the Blue Light Emergency Phones (for the location of these phones see Campus Map).
Student Community Government
As the official voice of the student body, Student Community Government is concerned with student rights and responsibilities and the enhancement of educational, cultural and social opportunities for students.
Although primarily undergraduate in membership, Student Parliament, the main body of Student Community government, includes representatives from almost all areas of the college. A Finance Commission, composed of parliament and nonparliament members, allocates funds from the student activity fee to support various student organizations and activities on campus.
Student Life, Office of
The Office of Student Life provides information and assistance to students regarding nonacademic issues, such as problems with a tuition charge or other bill, absences due to illness or family matters, adding or dropping a course, withdrawing from the college for a semester or permanently, disagreements with other students or college personnel and health and safety concerns. The Office of Student Life also publishes the Student Handbook (see www.ric.edu/studentlife/handbook.php), which provides specific policies and procedures related to behavioral conduct.
Student Union
The Student Union facility consists of the Student Union and Ducey Media Center. As its mission states, it is “more than a building, but also an organization and a program which complements the academic experience and contributes to student success.” In addition to Student Activities and events, departments and services include Campus Card (student ID), Campus Store, Welcome & Information Center, the Café, student mailboxes, Student Community Government and a variety of other student organization offices. The Ducey Media Center includes "The Anchor" (student newspaper), Anchor TV and WXIN Radio.
Unity Center
The Unity Center is a multicultural center for Rhode Island College. Its mission is to promote educational equity, opportunity and growth for all students through collaborative programming among its student affiliates, faculty, staff and the wider community. The center seeks to increase intergroup connections by providing a safe forum for exploring issues pertaining to diversity and inclusion. Located in the lower level of the Donovan Dining Center, the Unity Center offers information and referrals, a study room, student lounge, conference room, lending library, support for LGBTQ issues and employment opportunities. The Unity Center is adjacent to the Interfaith Services Center. Visit our web page at www.ric.edu/unitycenter and like Rhode Island College Unity Center on Facebook.
Veterans Resource Center
The Veterans Resource Center serves as a bridge between off-campus services and on-campus services for military service members, veterans and their families. The VetSuccess on Campus program is located in the center. Students receive information and assistance in accessing educational benefits, exploring career options and locating other important services at Rhode Island College.
Women’s Center
The mission of the Women’s Center is to cultivate a campus culture that fosters the advancement of women and inspires RIC students to discover and embrace their full potential. The Center collaborates with related campus and community organizations on various projects to promote campus awareness and understanding through advocacy and education. It also provides a clearinghouse of information related to women's history, health and progress. The Women’s Center connects and supports RIC students through confidential referrals to existing campus and local resources.