During freshman orientation, Jayne Richmond, dean of University College and Special Academic Programs, gives parents the scoop about what today’s freshmen at URI and around the nation are like. Here’s a sampling of what the dean shares:

◊ These digital natives are tech savvy—being connected is essential through IM, texting, blogging, pod casting, Facebook, and YouTube.

◊ They are also connected to their parents and struggle more than previous generations with taking responsibility for themselves.

◊ Cheating is more rampant than ever but hard to define as “collective knowledge” and group work is highly prized.

◊ They spend little time studying, 35 percent indicating that they spend about six hours per week on homework—the lowest percentage since this question was asked 25 years ago.

◊While nationally 50 percent of incoming students plan to work to help pay for college, the percentage is less at URI.

◊ These members of the millennial generation show increased interest in social and civic responsibilities.

◊ More than 70 percent socialize with someone of a different racial or ethnic background.

“This type of information helps us to know this ever changing population,” says Dean Richmond. “With it, we can better plan a curriculum and a support network that will facilitate our students’ success.”