Living, Learning, and Working Together
URI students are an important part of the communities surrounding the University. Most students who live off campus are also neighbors, renters, employees, volunteers, and community members. The Commuter Affairs Office works with students, property owners, local officials, and community members to support respectful and constructive relationships beyond campus.
Have a concern, question, or idea? Start here.
🚨 I have an immediate concern!🚨
If there is an immediate threat to someone’s safety, a crime in progress, a fire, a medical emergency, or other situation requiring immediate assistance, call 911.
Do not use a URI reporting form or email for an emergency.
URI’s conduct reporting system is not monitored 24/7 and specifically advises that emergencies should be directed to local emergency services. For a non-emergency situation occurring in your community, contact the appropriate local police department, municipal department, or other local authority.
For example:
South Kingstown: The town’s 311 system handles many non-emergency municipal concerns, including parking, property maintenance, zoning, traffic safety, graffiti, and other community issues. For immediate safety or utility hazards, South Kingstown directs residents to Police Dispatch at 401-783-3321; call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
Narragansett: The Narragansett Police Department can be reached at 401-789-1091. The town also provides reporting and complaint pathways for various municipal, traffic, nuisance, and code-related concerns.
Live outside South Kingstown or Narragansett? Contact the police department or municipal office serving the location where the issue is occurring.
I have a concern involving URI students.
If the situation involves behavior by a URI student that may violate the University’s Student Code of Conduct, you may report the concern to URI’s Office of Community Standards.
Examples may include:
- significant or repeated disruptive behavior
- behavior that may violate the Student Code of Conduct
- harassment or threatening behavior
- hazing
- vandalism or other concerning conduct
- conduct occurring off campus that may fall within University jurisdiction
URI states that its conduct expectations apply to students’ off-campus activity as well as activity on campus.
The University’s reporting system allows community members to submit information about conduct concerns. Reports can be submitted online, and general conduct reports may be submitted anonymously; however, anonymous reports may limit the University’s ability to follow up or address the allegation.
Not sure whether something should be reported to URI?
You can contact the Office of Community Standards at studentconduct-group@uri.edu or 401-874-2101 to ask questions about the University conduct system.
You do not have to determine whether a situation violates University policy before contacting URI. If you believe a situation involving a URI student may be appropriate for University follow-up, you can submit a report.
Have an idea, partnership opportunity, or community initiative?
We welcome opportunities to build stronger connections between URI and the communities where our students live. Let’s work together to help students become responsible, engaged members of the communities they call home.
Who should I contact?
| If your concern is about… | Start with… |
|---|---|
| Immediate danger or emergency | 911 |
| Crime or serious disturbance occurring now | Local police |
| Noise or public disturbance | Local police / municipal authority |
| Parking or traffic issue | Local municipality / police |
| Property maintenance or code issue | Local municipality / code enforcement |
| Unsafe or unlawful rental conditions | Local municipality / appropriate housing authority |
| Behavior involving a URI student that may violate University conduct expectations | URI Office of Community Standards |
URI and local communities have different responsibilities. Local police and municipal agencies handle matters within their legal authority, while URI may address student conduct and educational or community-support matters that fall within University jurisdiction.
Helpful information to include
If you’re contacting URI about an off-campus concern, providing specific information can help us understand the situation and determine the appropriate next step.
When possible, include:
- What happened
- When it happened
- Where it happened
- Whether it is ongoing
- Whether you believe URI students were involved
- Any relevant documentation, such as photographs, videos, or written communication
- How you can be contacted, if you would like someone to follow up
Please describe what you observed as accurately and objectively as possible. Avoid assumptions about people’s intentions or circumstances.
We're part of the community, too.
URI students live, work, volunteer, and participate throughout the communities surrounding campus. Strong relationships between students, neighbors, property owners, municipalities, and the University benefit everyone.
Commuter Affairs
Dean of Students Office
University of Rhode Island
302 Memorial Union
Kingston, RI 02881
commuter-group@uri.edu