From the Assistant Director:
We are in this together!
Each of us transfers at some point in our lives – from major-to-major. one institution-to-another, and from here(URI)-to-career. While these transitions are part of each student’s unique story, together we create the vibrant, diverse community that makes URI so special. Even beyond academics, we’re constantly transferring – from one experience to the next, one goal to another, one version of ourselves to what comes next. Change and growth are part of the journey and I am glad yours has brought you to Rhody.
I’m John Rooney, Assistant Director for Transfer Student Success, a proud double URI alumnus, part-time faculty member, and lifelong Rhode Islander. I have been at URI, in some capacity, for nearly twenty years. I’ve transferred and transitioned through different roles and for various reasons – just as I hope many of you once do too- especially once you become a proud URI alumni.
We all have different levels of comfort when it comes to change, and that’s okay. It can be both exciting and a little overwhelming at times. My goal is to help make your path to and while at URI feel clear, connected, and purposeful. 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 checking the Transfer Credit Evaluation process or following the Incoming Transfer Student Checklist, we’ll help you plan, register, and settle in with confidence.
My hope and goal is for you to be as successful as possible while at URI, both in-and-out of the classroom. From time-management to new friends the benefits reach far and wide. My words of advice, involvement really does matter – direct feedback from many transfer students too. Involvement will look and feel different for each of us but it’s my sincere wish you become quickly connected with something or someone! For those who enroll in transfer URI101, we will systematically include this in our academic planning.
Two organizations, specific to transfer students, I advise are the Transfer Student Association (TSA)– a Student Senate recognized club that connects transfer students socially and academically through self-directed programs, events, and leadership opportunities. It’s one of the best and easiest ways to get involved and strengthen your URI network. Tau Sigma, the national transfer student honor society, recognizing transfer students earning a 3.5 GPA or higher in their first earned 12 credits.
No matter where you’re coming from, I’m going to try best to be here for you – truly. We’ll be resourceful together. And remember, through whatever ups-and-downs come, let’s make this transition not just a change, but a transformation. Get excited for your Rhode ahead. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Regards,
John Rooney
Contact Information:
John Rooney, Assistant Director, Transfer Student Success
Retention and Academic Success Center
Fannon Institute for Student Success, 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.