We have made it to the midpoint of October together and we are proud of our URI students, faculty, and staff for their flexibility, perseverance, and commitment to education. We fully understand there are still many challenges to address and that the COVID situation remains fluid and we all must continue to be adaptable during these changing times. We remain focused and determined to offer high-quality classes in all formats for the spring semester and take all precautions necessary to mitigate risk on campus.
Spring class registration has begun as it does every year at this time and COVID-19 is still dictating so much of what we can do as a community. Presently, we are offering a similar mix of in-person, blended, and fully online classes as was offered in the fall semester. We remain committed to the well-being and safety of our students, staff, and faculty as we have throughout fall semester.
With respect to class delivery, we will continue to provide faculty with flexibility to choose their teaching approach in light of their own circumstances, class learning objectives, and the status of the virus. Please understand that offering a proportion of online classes is essential to reducing the density of our classrooms and remaining in compliance with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Rhode Island Department of Health requirements. Spring class offerings posted for registration indicate the intended format in which they will be taught. At this time, we cannot predict what complications, if any, may emerge from COVID-19 later this fall and winter.
We want to be fully forthcoming about our intention to put forth a mix of classes, and also be clear that the proportion of in-person or blended classes in a student’s schedule could change somewhat as circumstances with COVID-19 change between now and when classes begin in late January. If some classes must be delivered differently after the registration period, students will be informed. Students should know their schedule and class modalities in advance of the semester, and they will again be assisted with changes as needed or desired. We ask for your patience as we all navigate this rapidly changing world and strive to manage risk in our community. If you have further questions, please check the list of frequently asked questions below.
This fall, students had the option to register for a fully virtual class schedule. Any student who wishes to have an all virtual schedule this spring may again do so by choosing those courses when they register and working with their advisers if they need assistance in finding courses. There are resources available for students that provide tips and tools for online course success.
Because of the dynamic nature of the virus and as yet unknown challenges that may emerge, we all have to be prepared to continue to respond to changes that may become necessary as we move forward. Please know that we have the best intentions and continue to strive for the highest quality student experience that supports the preferences and needs for learning along with our responsibilities to protect the health of our Rhody community.
Getting Ready To Register For Spring Classes
The following video from Enrollment Services provides helpful tips for registering for the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is planned for spring course offerings?
Spring class registration has begun, even though spring semester is more than 3 months away. COVID-19 is still dictating so much of what we can do as a community. Presently, our best intentions are to offer a similar mix of in-person, blended, and fully online classes as was offered in the Fall semester. We remain committed to the well-being and safety of our students, staff, and faculty as we have throughout Fall semester. With respect to class delivery, we will continue to provide faculty with flexibility to choose their teaching approach in light of their own circumstances, class learning objectives, and the status of the virus. Please understand that offering a proportion of online classes is essential to reducing the density of our classrooms and remaining in compliance with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Rhode Island Department of Health requirements. Spring class offerings posted for registration indicate the intended format in which they will be taught. At this time, we cannot predict what complications, if any, may emerge from COVID-19 later this fall and winter.
Will courses change once they are posted?
We want to be fully forthcoming about our intention to put forth a mix of classes, and also clear about the proportion of in-person or blended classes in a student’s schedule that could change somewhat as circumstances with COVID-19 change between now and when classes begin in three months. If some classes must be delivered differently after the registration period, students will be informed. Students should know their schedule and class modalities in advance of the semester, and they will again be assisted with changes as needed or desired. We ask for your patience as we all navigate this rapidly changing world and strive to manage risk in our community.
Can I choose an all virtual schedule?
Yes. Any student who wishes to be have an all virtual schedule may again do so by choosing those courses when they register and working with their advisor if they need assistance in finding courses. As with fall semester, we are aware that some students may choose to do this for personal health concerns, a desire to reduce commuting, a preference for the flexibility afforded by virtual teaching and learning, and/or because are more engaged in learning in a contemporary interactive technology-enriched platform. There are resources available for students that provide tips and tools for online course success.
Questioning the quality of virtual and technology enriched learning?
We also want to reassure you about the quality and efficacy of virtual teaching and learning at URI. We know from the voices of our students and faculty that well-developed technology-enriched teaching and learning is innovative, interactive, engaging, and actually leads to greater learning and retention. It is proven pedagogy in higher education. Watch videos to hear the voices of our faculty and students describe their experiences teaching and learning in a virtual world.
Will tuition be adjusted?
The University is not adjusting tuition based on the learning modality or number of courses or proportion of a course a student may have that is online or includes technology-enriched learning. We have the same superb faculty teaching in these various modalities, and we have made substantial investments to enhance and enrich our technology applications and “best practices” in course design and delivery.
We are committed to our students learning and well-being and that of our entire community
Because of the dynamic nature of the virus and as yet unknown challenges that may emerge, we will have to continue to adapt to changes that may become necessary as we move forward. Please know that we have the best intentions and continue to strive for the highest quality student experience that supports the preferences and needs for learning with our responsibilities to protect the health of our Rhody community.