Excellence, Support, and Belonging: Be a part of something big
URI recognizes that transfer students have a unique and valuable experience, for which they deserve recognition, and support. In our efforts to improve the services we provide to our transfer student population, URI joins the over 175 Universities nationally by establishing a Tau Sigma chapter.
Tau Sigma, a National Honor Society exclusive to transfer students, provides its members opportunities to earn scholarships, attend leadership conferences, take leadership positions in the university, serve others at the university and in the community, all while developing friendships and becoming a more integral part of the University of Rhode Island!
Membership Criteria
- Lifetime membership is by one-time invitation only.
- You must transfer to the University of Rhode Island from another academic institution with at least one full years’ academic credits satisfied at the prior institution(s).
- You must be registered in a course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree and have completed a number of hours equal to an average full load for one term (minimum 12 hours).
- The minimum academic average required for membership is a 3.5 in the first full term semester at URI.
Dues
Lifetime membership dues are $55. Of this, $40 supports the national society, with the remaining portion going to support transfer students through URI’s chapter and the cost of the membership mailing.
Objectives of URI’s Tau Sigma Chapter
1. Provide a common bond among URI’s transfer students.
2. Provide motivation for the academic excellence of URI’s incoming transfer students.
3. Enhance the reputation of URI’s transfer students.
4. Promote the involvement of transfer students in URI.
5. Form a group of students who can help URI address and meet the needs of incoming transfer students.
6. Address the current lack of recognition of outstanding academic achievement of transfer students.
Chapter Leadership
John Rooney
Chapter Advisor
I serves as the institutional and faculty/staff liaison between the Tau Sigma chapter, the university, and the national organization. Their role ensures the chapter operates in alignment with Tau Sigma’s mission – to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students. I oversee member eligibility, collaborate with and guide the officers, and make available graduation cords and stoles amongst other things to support the organization. I am available multiple ways but you can schedule appointments with me through Starfish or use any of my contact information.
Degrees: Double Alum of Rhody!
Paul Everton II
President
Currently pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees with plans to continue into a Master’s in Political Science. I also enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s the beach, camping, or traveling—and I value spending much quality time with my girlfriend Michaela and my family. I’m also learning Spanish and Italian. Recently I just started a weight loss/fitness journey!
Transferred From: Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
Degree(s) Pursued: Political Science & History
Haleigh Jacobs
Vice President
Transferred From: University of Kentucky
Degree(s) Pursued: BS in kinesiology
Hi my name is Haleigh and I’m a senior kinesiology student. I am currently applying to grad school to get my doctorate of physical therapy. I enjoy going to the gym, watching greys anatomy and dancing with the stars. I am a part of URI EMS and pre pt club.
Max Richardson
Treasurer
Transferred From: Three Rivers Community College, Norwich CT
Degree(s) Pursued: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Minors of Nuclear Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics
FIRST Robotics Alumni and Mentor, University Nuclear Leadership Program Scholar
Nirali Trek-Najera
Secretary
Transferred From: UMass Amherst
Degree(s) Pursued: B.S. in Kinesiology
HEY! My name is Nirali. I’m a senior kin student applying to DPT programs this fall. A little about me, I love being active, reading, writing and spending time with family and friends. Here at URI I am a part of club softball and Exercise is Medicine.
Maeve Sharkey
Social and Public Relations Officer
Transferred From: Roger Williams University
Degree(s) Pursued: Communicative Disorders
Hi! My name is Maeve, and I am a junior communicative disorders student. I would like to become a speech pathologist after graduating from the University of Rhode Island. My favorite food is pasta, and my favorite city is Boston.