Campus Life - Undergraduate

Campus Police, Department of Security and Safety

The mission of the Campus Police, a component of the College's Department of Security and Safety, while multifaceted, is simplistic in nature and is centered upon a single goal: to provide for the safety of life, personal and institutional property, and to enhance the educational process. The achievement of this mission relies on community partnerships built upon trust and mutual respect.

The department, located at the Welcome Center, provides 24-hour service and security to the Rhode Island College campus community.  The department is responsible for the enforcement of all laws and regulations that apply to campus life, including those of the Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education and federal, state and certain municipal statutes. Information regarding security and safety, campus police, parking, traffic regulations, and vehicle registration is available at campus police headquarters or on the college website at www.ric.edu.

The department provides crime prevention support and assistance including 24-hour escort service for students, faculty and staff. This service is available by calling college extension 8888.  For added protection, the campus has fifty-three blue-light emergency phones – located along illuminated walkways and campus buildings – that are directly linked to campus police. Moreover, building entrances and parking lots are thoroughly lit, highly visible, and equipped with state-of-the-art security cameras. (For locations of these phones, see the on-line Campus Map).

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 Center for Health and Wellness

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. The center also offers groups and workshops on personal development matters, such as stress management, LGBTQ+, healthy relationships, 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. If you are in need of immediate support for a non-emergent issue and would like to speak with a licensed clinician, please call the RIC HOPE line at (401) 456-4673. The HOPE line is available 24/7/365 for Rhode Island College students.

Dining Services

 Dining Services Website: https://www.ric.edu/department-directory/college-dining-services

College Dining Services provides a wide variety of food, beverage, and snack options available seven days per week during the Academic Year for Commuters, Residents, Faculty, and Staff.  Food services are available in Donovan Dining Center (DDC), at the Café in the Student Union, and through vending machines located across campus. DDC and the Café offer clean, comfortable and engaging dining areas, perfect for meeting friends and/or enjoying a great meal.

Dining Services is an environmentally friendly operation, offering a range of amenities including dietary and nutrition support services, cashless payment options, and much more. 

Donovan Dining Center: https://www.ric.edu/department-directory/college-dining-services/donovan-dining-center

The Café: https://www.ric.edu/department-directory/college-dining-services/cafe

Nutritional Services: https://www.ric.edu/department-directory/college-dining-services/nutrition-and-allergy-information

Meal Plans:  https://www.ric.edu/department-directory/college-dining-services/meal-plans

Health Services, The Center for Health & Wellness

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 are available which include blood and urine tests, throat cultures, COVID-19 testsand pregnancy tests. Health Services is open year-round and is staffed by nurse practitioners, registered nurses and a part-time physician. Visits are available by appointment.

Tele-health as well as in-office visits are available by appointment.  COVID-19 precautions are in place according to guidelines set by the Rhode Island Department of Health and the CDC.  Please call health services  (401-456-8055) prior to your arrival  at Health Services. Visits by appointment only.

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 as well as other NCAA and institutional requirements.

The college’s intercollegiate athletic facility, The Murray Center, features practice and competition sites for basketball, gymnastics and volleyball. In addition, there are home and visiting team locker rooms, a fully equipped training/rehabilitation room, an equipment area, a weight training facility, offices and classrooms, team meeting rooms and the Athletic Hall of Fame. Additional intercollegiate athletic 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; two indoor  conditioning/hitting facilities and the Ann and Vin Cullen Student-Athlete Success Center. All RIC intercollegiate home contests are webcasted live through the Anchormen network.  Included in the college’s recreation center is a wing dedicated to the Olympic sport student-athlete at RIC. 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, golf, soccer, tennis and track; and in women’s basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and volleyball. The nine member 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.    The conference also has several affiliate members. 

Interfaith Services Center

Rhode Island College Interfaith Services is a component of the Unity Center that endeavors to support the spiritual growth of the Rhode Island College community regardless of religious history/affiliation, cultural background or personal circumstance. Interfaith Services strives 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. Interfaith services maintains a meditation room located in the Unity Center that can be reserved for members of the RIC community. Contact us at the Unity Center at (401) 456-8168.

International, Immigrant, Undocumented, DACAmented and Refugee Students, Office for

The Office for International, Immigrant, Undocumented, DACAmented and Refugee Students (IIUDRS) is a physical space within The Unity Center dedicated to students that identify with the international, immigrant, undocumented, DACAmented, and refugee student experience. It embraces all students, regardless of their citizenship status in the United States, and views education equity for all as a fundamental human right.

One of its main goals is to help students develop a global citizenship mindset that helps them better understand their positionality in this world in order to better navigate it. We provide one-on-one advising, connect students to immigration services, introduce them to scholarship, internship, and fellowship opportunities, and most importantly, provide them with a caring learning community dedicated to engaging in thought-provoking conversations, no matter how uncomfortable or controversial they might be.

LGBTQ+ Office

The LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning) Office is a component of the Unity Center in the division for Community, Equity and Diversity at Rhode Island College. The office advocates for the various concerns, both academic and personal, of the LGBTQ+ campus community and its allies. Its mission is to integrate the best practices for inclusion of gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation into all appropriate aspects of campus life. The LGBTQ+ staff assists students with processes relevant to preferred names and documentation, and engages campus constituents in understanding and implementing practices that promote safety and affirmation. In collaboration with other LGBTQ organizations within Providence and greater Rhode Island, this office works to ensure that state and federal protections provided to students, faculty, and staff including but not limited to: Title IX, hate crime and non-discrimination ordinances, are upheld to the highest level. The LGBTQ+ Office is located in the Unity Center (lower level of the Donovan Dining Center. Visit the website at www.ric.edu/lgbtq.

Military Resource Center - Undergraduate

The Military 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.

Recreational and 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 competitive pool which was completely updated in 2020; 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 with "fitness on demand" available during all operating hours; 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, women's 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.

Office of Residential Life and Housing

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 approximately 1,100 students. 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 fees given below are for the 202019–20210 academic year. Because of rising costs, the Rhode Island Board of Education reserves the right to change fees without notice as conditions necessitate.

Residents are expected to secure alternate housing accommodations during scheduled breaks.

Room Fees

Board Fees

Students choosing to live on campus are required to purchase one of three available Meal Plans. Each Meal Plan includes a set number of meals per week, as well as Flex Meal Points that can be used throughout the semester. All meals are redeemable at Donovan Dining Center. Flex Meal Points may be used at Donovan Dining Center, in the Café, or in campus vending machines.

Room Refunds

1. 1. Cancellation Prior to Cancellation Deadline- Enrolled Students: Matriculated students who paid a housing deposit, signed the housing contract, and chose a housing assignment for the following academic year during the College’s official Housing Selection Process may cancel their housing through written request at no additional fee, if written request is received by May 15^th. Cancellation will result in forfeiture of $200 housing deposit.
   2. Cancellation Prior to Cancellation Deadline- Non-Enrolled Students: Students who have yet to matriculate to the College (i.e. New First Year students and New Transfer Students) who paid a housing deposit, signed the housing contract, and were given a housing assignment for the following academic year from the Residential Life & Housing Office may cancel their housing through written request at no additional fee, as long as written request is received by August 1st for the fall semester or January 1^st for the spring semester. Cancellation will result in forfeiture of $200 housing deposit.
   3. Cancellation After Cancellation Deadline: Students who paid a housing deposit, signed the housing contract, and have a housing assignment, must submit a Contract Release Request Form to the Office of Residential Life & Housing for consideration. The College may exercise its discretion to grant or deny the request.If the College denies the request for cancellation, the student shall owe the full fee period of the housing contract (academic year), any charges for damages, cleaning, and any non-refundable housing fees. If the College accepts the cancellation request, the student shall owe the full period of occupancy used, plus a release of contract fee equivalent to a four (4) week rent fee at the student’s current housing rate, any charges for damages, cleaning, and any non-refundable housing fees.
   4. Contract Release Request Form: Students who wish to cancel their housing after the cancellation deadline, and have circumstances that meet the criteria below, may submit a Contract Release Request Form for review.
      1. Withdrawal from the College
      2. Graduation from the College
      3. Military Deployment
      4. Attendance to an official College approved program (i.e. study abroad, national student exchange, or the equivalent)
      5. Financial Hardship (Must include verification appropriate to the circumstance and must demonstrate a loss of income that has occurred since the cancellation deadline. Petitions for release will be reviewed with the Financial Aid and Bursar Offices.)
      6. Medical Hardship (Must include medical documentation from a licensed physician on official letterhead, stating medical diagnosis, as well as a statement of how living on campus is related to the illness and the student’s treatment. Petitions for release will be reviewed by the Health & Wellness Office (Health Services and Counseling.))
   5. Students who are released from their housing contract will be charged a release of contract fee equivalent to a four (4) week rent fee at the student’s current housing rate except in the following situations:
      1. Withdrawal from the College
      2. Graduation from the College
      3. Military deployment
      4. Attendance to an official College approved program (i.e. study abroad, national student exchange, or the equivalent)
   6. Any student who fails to occupy their assigned space one week after the contract start date shall be considered a “no-show” cancellation. Students considered “no-show” cancellations shall owe the full fee period of the housing contract (academic year) for enrolled students, or the four (4) week rent fee for non-enrolled students, plus any charges for damages, cleaning, and any non-refundable housing fees.

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.

Student Activities

The Rhode Island College Office of Student Activities provides involvement opportunities for students. There is a wide array of possibilities for all students to make the most of their college investment beyond the classroom, including campus events, student organizations, Greek Life, student organizations, and community service. Students who are engaged meet more people, learn new things, and develop a sense of belonging at RIC. Visit our website for more information and a list of events we are hosting at ric.edu/student-activities/.

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 non-parliament members, allocates funds from the student activity fee to support various student organizations and activities on campus.

Student ID Card

The student ID is more than your official Rhode Island College photo identification card. It is a great way to pay for everything including food, beverages, photocopies, laundry, printing, and textbooks at the Bookstore. You can add value to your campus points account at the Student ID office with a credit card. You can also add value using cash at either of the two Value Port stations; located at Adams Library behind the reference desk and at the lower entrance of Browne Hall. Your student ID accounts can be managed using GET Funds. Point your browser to https://get.cbord.com/ric and register your account. Additionally, your ID card has some important non-debit uses as well. It serves as your meal card when you sign up for a meal plan, your door key for entrance to your residence halls, your Adams Library card, and your ID for entrance into the Recreation Center.
The ID card consists of 3 accounts:

1. The meal plan account for Donovan Dining Center and the café, (Board, Guest Passes, and Bonus Dollars).

2. The Campus Points account for use at all locations where points are accepted (DDC, café, Bookstore, Student Union game room, many copiers, laundry facilities in the Residence Halls, and pay-for-print stations in the café and Adams Library).

3. DDC commuter points (DDC points). This account is useful if you would like to designate funds for food only.

Your first ID card is free and can be obtained by coming to the Student ID office located on the second floor of the Student Union. Call 401.456.8394, email studentid@ric.edu, or visit www.ric.edu/student-ID for more information.

Student Involvement Programs

Students can participate in a wide variety of cultural activities, leadership programs, and events at Rhode Island College. These opportunities include open mic performances at the Café, Diversity Week presentations, student plays and concerts in the Nazarian Center, art exhibits at the Bannister and Chazan Family Galleries, lectures from world renown public figures, performances by comedians and musicians, and an array of cultural celebrations. There are academic-based exhibition and performance opportunities and a host of student groups in which students participate in ways best suited to their interests, from audience members to directors. Many of these activities and events are free or discounted for students. Whatever your interest or passion, there is a way for you to participate.

Student Life, Office of

The office of student life addresses disagreements between students. For disagreements between students and faculty they are referred to the department chair or academic dean. For disagreements between students and staff they are referred to the supervisor of the staff member.

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, Greek Life and the Student Life office, departments and services include Student ID office, Student Information Center/Mail Room, Bookstore, Military Resource Center, the Café, Student Community Government and a variety of other student organization offices. The Student Union further includes groups located in the Ducey Media Center: The Anchor (student newspaper), Anchor TV and WXIN Radio.

Unity Center

The Unity Center is a Rhode Island College intercultural services center and a department of the division for Community, Equity and Diversity (CED). The Unity Center is comprised of the leadership and activities of the Women’s Center, the LGBTQ+ Office, the International Student Office and Interfaith Services. Its mission is to promote educational equity, academic excellence and involvement in campus life to all students through collaborative programming and fostering connections among its student affiliates, faculty, staff and the wider community. The center seeks to increase inter-group connections and dialogue by providing a safe forum for exploring issues pertaining to diversity, inclusion and social justice. The Unity Center offers information and referrals, a computer work stations, a student lounge, conference room, lending library and student employment opportunities. The International Student Office and the LGBTQ+ Offices are both located in the Unity Center and adjacent to the Women’s Center on the lower level of the Donovan Dining Center easily accessible from the campus quad.  Visit our web page at www.ric.edu/unitycenter and like Rhode Island College Unity Center on Facebook.

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. We are located in the lower level of the dining center.