From the Assistant Director:
Welcome to Transfer Student Success
Each of us transfers at some point in our lives — from major to major, from one institution to another, and from here at URI to career and throughout life. While these transitions are part of our dynamic and unique story, together they create the vibrant community at the University of Rhode Island. Beyond academics, we’re constantly transferring — from one experience to the next, one goal to another, and one version of ourselves to what comes next. Change and growth are part of the journey, and I’m glad yours has brought you to Rhody.
My name is John Rooney, and I serve as the Assistant Director for Transfer Student Success. I’m a proud double URI alumnus, a part-time faculty member, and a lifelong Rhode Islander. I’ve been at URI, in some capacity, for nearly twenty years, and I’ve transferred and transitioned through different roles for different reasons — just as many of you will. My goal is to help make your path to and through URI feel clear, connected, and purposeful.
At URI, we believe transfer is part of life — not just an admissions category. I work with students at all stages of their journey, including those transferring from another institution, continuing students bringing in outside credits, adult learners, military-affiliated students, first-generation and international students, and those returning after time away. No matter your background or how you arrived here, you belong — and your experiences matter.
In my role, I work closely with academic departments, advising teams, and the Office of Admission to ensure your credits are evaluated fairly and applied correctly toward your degree. Whether you’re reviewing the Transfer credit evaluation, re-evaluation process, or following the Incoming Transfer Student Checklist, we’ll help you plan, register, and settle in with confidence. I also encourage students to start with the URI Gateway Page, your one-stop hub for most academic and student resources.
Your success at URI is a shared responsibility. You bring your goals, effort, and questions, and we’ll support you with guidance, advocacy, and clear information along the way. It’s my expectation you will take a shared responsibility for your success. You’ll always be encouraged to take ownership of your learning – but remember, Transfer Student Success is here to help you navigate challenges and connect to the right resources when you need them.
Advising & Registration – Right now my top priorities are helping you meet with your advisor, become fully registered, and complete other URI requirements for a successful start at URI. The best way to do that is to connect with your academic advisor as soon as possible. Please follow the steps listed here to find your advisor and book an appointment through Starfish. If you need assistance scheduling your advising appointment, you should call 401-874-2993, and a member of the advising team will be happy to help with scheduling. Advising lays the foundation for everything that follows — your course plan, housing eligibility, financial aid, use of resources like DAI, parking passes, and confidence moving into the semester. Once you’ve met with your advisor and registered, you’ll be in great shape to complete the checklist.
I look forward to meeting you at our optional Winter Orientation, where you must register to come and finalize your schedule. Orientation is a great opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and start building your at home at URI. Beyond academics, I hope you’ll find ways to get involved and build community. Involvement looks different for everyone, but transfer students consistently tell us that getting connected makes a difference. For students enrolled in Transfer URI 101, we intentionally build this connection into your academic planning.
I also advise two organizations created specifically for transfer students. The Transfer Student Association (TSA) is a Student Senate-recognized organization that connects transfer students socially and academically through programs, events, and leadership opportunities. Tau Sigma, the national transfer student honor society, recognizing transfer students who earn a 3.5 GPA or higher in their first 12 earned credits at URI. I hope you become involved with both organizations.
Transitions can bring challenges — academic, personal, or institutional — and you don’t have to navigate them alone. No matter where you’re coming from, I’ll do my very best to be a resource for you. We’ll be strategic together, and as challenges arise, let’s work to make this transition not just a change, but a transformation.
Get excited for your Rhode ahead. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Contact & Scheduling Information:
John Rooney, Assistant Director, Transfer Student Success
Retention and Academic Success Center, Fannon Institute for Student Success
President, URI Professional Staff Association , University of Rhode Island
018A Roosevelt Hall, 90 Lower College Rd., Kingston, RI 02881
rooney@uri.edu . 401.874.2473 . uri.edu/transfer
When applicable, please always include your 9-digit URI ID.