As returning students and families consider the affordability and access to higher education, URI students may recognize that this year’s tuition costs are the same as they were last year. In March, the University announced 2013-14 tuition was frozen for both Rhode Islanders and non-resident students and financial aid was increased to record levels.
In fact, the interdisciplinary fall honors colloquium “Great Public Schools” will explore how education still matters and debate key issues central to understanding the future of public schools and higher education — including cost and funding.
The series will begin on Sept. 10 with an address by Richard Rothstein, leading author and research associate of the Economic Policy Institute and senior fellow of the Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy at the University of California Berkeley School of Law.
Big stars on campus for the fall include: comedian Amy Schumer (Sept. 3), pop-star Ke$ha (Sept. 25), and family man, comedian Jim Gaffigan (Oct. 19) who arrives for Family Weekend at the Ryan Center.
Here’s a preview of enrollment and a few of the activities and events that will be happening this fall.
• The University’s Office of Undergraduate Admission received and reviewed more than 20,875 applications for new freshmen, which is the largest number of applications ever considered. In addition, more than 1,360 applications were considered for students wishing to transfer to the University, compared to last year’s 1,300 applicants.
• The University anticipates enrolling its largest class of 3,650 new students this fall – 3,100 freshmen and 550 transfer students.
• Consistent with trends nationwide, 56 percent of the new students are women and 44 percent are men.
• Together, the incoming group of freshman and transfer students includes about 22 percent (800) self-identified students of color. Last year, students of color represented about 20 percent (749) of the new URI undergraduates.
• About 50 percent of the new students are from Rhode Island and 50 percent are from out of state or foreign countries.
• After Rhode Island, the top states represented in the freshman class are respectively, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey. Combined, the incoming freshman class and transfers represent 49 U.S states and 27 nations.
• Top 10 majors in terms of numbers of undergraduates enrolled are: Nursing, Psychology, Communication Studies, Kinesiology, Human Development and Family Studies, Biological Sciences, Accounting, Political Science, English, and Mechanical Engineering. More students are now choosing to major in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields like biological sciences and mechanical engineering than in earlier years.
• URI will award more than $80 million in financial aid. An estimated 75 percent of undergraduate students are expected to receive financial aid and institutional support.
• Admitted student profile for 2013 freshmen shows overall score increases: Average GPA 3.42; SAT total 1,667; ACT score 25.
• About 5,548 undergraduate students, including 2,875 freshmen live in the University’s 24 on campus residence halls, suites and apartments. An additional 645 students live in the 17 sororities, fraternities and specialty houses on campus; 44 students in the International Engineering Program houses and 30 students in the Women’s Center.
• Overall the University expects more than 13,000 undergraduates and more than 3,000 part- and full-time graduate students at URI this year*. The student body will include students from 49 U.S. states, D.C., Puerto Rico and 58 nations.
• About 60 percent of the total student body is from Rhode Island.
*Student enrollment information is projected as of August 2013. Final enrollment numbers will be available in late October.
Fall Activities
• Move-In Days, Aug. 31-Sept. 1: To provide the best service to incoming students the freshman class will move in on Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. At that time a resident assistant will escort each student to his or her new room. Upperclassmen move in Sept. 2-3. A series of Welcome Week activities for students (www.mu.uri.edu/involvement/firstnight) include the Psychic Madman Jim Karol, the student organization fair, a movie night on the Quad, Comedy Central’s Amy Schumer, and more.
• Common Reading: To introduce first-year students to a campus culture focused on academic engagement and learning, URI’s Summer Common Reading project selected the book, Caleb’s Crossing by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks. Brooks will speak about “The Search for Knowledge” at the Honors Colloquium on Sept. 24.
• Football Home Kickoff, Sept. 7: With head Coach Joe Trainer, the 2013 season kicks off at Fordham on Aug. 29 and the first home game for the Rams is Sept. 7 against Stony Brook. To order tickets for the upcoming season, call the Ryan Center Box Office at 401.874.RAMS.
• Honors Colloquium, Sept. 10: Starting with the keynote address mentioned above by Rothstein, other local, national, and international speakers will address how education still matters and debate key issues central to understanding the future of public schools and higher education. A complete schedule and a link for online live viewing can found at www.uri.edu/hc.
• Annual Diversity Week, Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Events will be held to celebrate the importance of diversity and identity in higher education, the workplace, the community and the world. The week includes dozens of workshops, events, and seminars. Most events are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule visit www.uri.edu/mcc.
• On Stage, Oct. 10-20: URI Theatre begins its fall season with Be Aggressive, a drama by Annie Weisman that was published in Smith and Kraus’ Best Plays of 2001 and by Dramatists Play Service. It is the offbeat telling of a classic tale of journey and catharsis in the complicated life of a teenage girl. View details at www.uri.edu/theatre.
• Family Weekend, Oct. 18-19: This annual program brings thousands to South County. This year, family man and comedian Jim Gaffigan will entertain at the event for families and community members. Families of undergraduate students may participate in numerous activities including attending classes with their students, learning about programs on the Kingston and Narragansett Bay campuses, attending a football game and more. For more information visit www.uri.edu/familyweekend.
• 8th Annual Distinguished Achievement Awards, Oct. 25: URI’s annual event at which President David M. Dooley, Provost Donald H. DeHayes, and the college deans honor alumni and others who personify URI’s tradition of excellence in achievement, leadership, and service. The event is a formal celebration to launch Homecoming weekend.
• Homecoming 2013, Oct. 25-27: Homecoming on the Kingston Campus includes reunions, college and department-based gatherings, music, food, entertainment and more. The URI vs. University of Delaware game starts at noon on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Meade Stadium.
• URI’s Open House, Oct. 27, Nov. 2: Thousands of high school seniors and their families will attend one of the University’s Open Houses that will be held Oct. 27, and Nov. 2. The programs provide potential students with a chance to learn about the admission process, financial aid, scholarships and more. Visitors may register for the program at www.uri.edu/admissions.
Construction Zone
After opening many big new buildings each year during the past several years, this year the University’s capital projects are focused on making big improvements to existing facilities that will have greatest impact on the living and learning environments for students. Here are a few of the projects now under way or recently completed:
• Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center: The new wellness center located in the heart of the residential life area, across from Hope Dining Hall will open this fall. Funded through private donations and Student Affairs, the $11.2 million facility will have quality recreation and fitness-focused programs to serve more than 3,000 students a day. The vibrant facility was designed by KITE Architects of Providence to foster development of healthy lifestyles and build community. Leading business executive Michael Fascitelli (URI ’78) and his wife, Beth, donated $1 million for the project in honor of his mother, Anna. Fascitelli is a member of the Vornado Realty Trust board of trustees, and was formerly president and CEO of the company before stepping down on February 26, 2013.
• LGBTQ Center: This fall the University will break ground on its new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Center. The Center will be located at the present site of the Ruggles House at 19 Upper College Road. Designed by LLB Architects of Pawtucket, the new building is in keeping with the road’s residential style. Now located in Adams Hall, the Center provides a range of programs and services to create and maintain an open, safe, and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community members and friends.
• Center for Chemical and Forensic Sciences: The design work by William Wilson Architects of Boston is complete for the $70 million facility to be built in a portion of the Chafee parking lot between the Chafee Social Science Center and White Hall. Of the total project cost, $61 million is being funded through a bond issue approved by Rhode Island voters. This project is in the bidding process.
• Student-Athlete Development Center: This $4.5 million facility is being built in a renovated and expanded area of the East Gym of the Tootell Physical Education Center. It will be a comprehensive athletic performance and student-athlete enhancement center with classrooms and meeting rooms. Private donations and University resources funded the project, which is expected to be complete this fall.
• Roadways: Scheduled for completion just before school starts is the extension of Flagg/Plains Road area to enhance access to the athletic, residential, parking, and service sectors of the Kingston Campus. This extension, designed by GRA Engineers of Pawtucket, will provide better traffic flow to and from perimeter parking lots and campus destinations via the Plains Road entrance to the Kingston Campus.
• Housing: More than $7.3 million was invested this summer to improve many of the residential facilities, including the Roger Williams Complex. Improvements include installation of new basketball and volleyball courts at Wiley Hall. In addition, a new card access system was installed to improve security in all 24 URI residence halls.
• Butterfield Dining Hall: With about 6,000 students living on campus, there is a need for additional dining space. The design by Vision 3 Architects of Providence is nearly complete for the $8 million project to expand this dining facility that’s located in the heart of the Freshman Village. Project construction will be done in stages to accommodate dining demand.
• Other Capital Projects: There are several other projects under way to improve the teaching, research, learning and living spaces at URI. These include: $6 million of fire protection engineering work on the Kingston campus bringing the total fire protection work to $32 million expended over the past four years; planning for future renovations of the College of Engineering buildings and the Fine Arts Center and ongoing improvements to instructional labs and buildings across campus. In addition, the first floor renovations and utility upgrades of Ranger Hall for the Harrington School are in design by Durkee Brown, Viveiros & Werenfels Architects of Providence.
A Few More Simple Facts
As mentioned earlier, the 2013-14 tuition did not increase for Rhode Islanders and non-resident students. Below are current Tuition and Mandatory Fees (2013-14):
- Undergraduate Tuition and fees*:
- In-state $12,450
- Out-of-state $28,016
- Regional $20,610
- Graduate Tuition and fees:
- In-state $12,920
- Out-of-state $24,994
- Regional $18,686
- Undergraduate Room/Board, $11,160
*Without Accident/Sick Insurance