{"id":14931,"date":"2026-02-20T17:24:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T22:24:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/?page_id=14931"},"modified":"2026-04-01T00:53:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T04:53:13","slug":"p12","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/started\/webinar\/p12\/","title":{"rendered":"DAI Information Session for 2026-2027 (12)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Belonging at URI<\/h1><\/div><\/div>
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Building Connection & Community<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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Starting college is an exciting yet overwhelming experience. For many first-year students, especially those navigating disability accommodations, the transition to college can feel uncertain. Research consistently shows that students who feel connected to their campus community are more likely to persist, succeed academically, and graduate.1<\/sup> A sense of belonging is not simply social; it is directly connected to retention and long-term success. Belonging does not happen automatically. It is an active process<\/em> that begins when students take the first step toward connection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At URI, there are many structured and informal ways for students to build community, both within DAI and across campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campus Traditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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RhodyFest<\/h2>

An exciting welcome for all incoming first-year students, complete with plenty of free food and activities. Meet with Student Organizations to learn more about student groups and activities.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Family Weekend<\/h2>

A fall weekend with activities on campus for URI students and families to enjoy with Rhody football, a post-game reception, and a featured entertainment event Saturday night.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Beats & Eats<\/h2>

Every month, come enjoy music played by WRIU and our Food Truck for the month. Enjoy a free voucher to use at the Food Truck and the giveaway item for the month while supplies last!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Fall Fest<\/h2>

A week-long series of events held in early December with a variety of daytime and evening programs, including a major concert featuring a comedian or musical performance.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Connection creates a safety net. When students know where they fit, they are more likely to stay engaged, even when coursework becomes demanding or circumstances feel overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

URInvolved – URI\u2019s central engagement platform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Students can browse and register for campus events, search for student organizations, explore clubs aligned with their interests, track involvement and leadership opportunities<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participation in even one organization significantly increases a student\u2019s sense of connection to campus.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Organization Match<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Through the Office of Student Involvement, students can complete an interest form and receive personalized recommendations for student organizations that align with their passions, goals, and identities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This resource reduces the barrier of \u201cnot knowing where to start\u201d and supports intentional engagement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Identity & Support Centers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

URI offers identity-based and cultural centers that foster inclusion, leadership development, and community. For many students, these spaces provide immediate connection and affirmation, both of which are powerful contributors to persistence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Multicultural Student Services Center<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Women\u2019s Center<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Gender & Sexuality Center<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Center for Military and Veteran Education<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Faith Groups<\/h4>\n\n\n
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Community Through Housing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Housing & Residential Life plays an essential role in retention efforts, particularly for first-year students. Residence halls provide structured community-building events, social and educational programming, Resident Assistant (RA) support, and opportunities for daily peer interaction. Living in a communal environment helps students build informal support networks that often sustain them through their first academic year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Connection Within DAI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Belonging also exists within the disability community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n