The Rhode to Success: A new resource book helps guide the way for incoming freshmen to start strong and be successful
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of URI 101,” shared Dr. Jayne Richmond, Dean of University College for Academic Success. The first-year seminar, meant to introduce incoming students to the University and help prepare them for a successful academic experience, has evolved over these twenty-five years from a “one-size fits all” introductory course, to one now focused on academic planning and strategies for supporting the learning process itself. “URI 101 has always included peer mentors who are trained to help new students to successfully move through their transition to college in social, personal, and academic ways,” continued Dean Richmond. “Mentors and instructors talk with students about everything from how a student’s personality will impact how they manage their social relationships, to how to have better time management, how to best use the outstanding array of services that the University offers, how to consider social justice in today’s world, and how to be prepared for their academic and eventual career plans. I don’t think anyone could have imagined twenty five years ago that URI 101 today would be a reflection of what faculty and administrators now need to know and understand about students to genuinely support their success. But that is exactly what it does.”
URI 101 faculty, staff, and student mentors have been preparing all summer to celebrate and welcome a new class of URI Rhody Rams to campus. Current times have presented us all with opportunities to reimagine how we deliver services to meet the needs of our new students. For URI 101, this means the creation of a new and exciting URI 101 guide book tailored specifically to this entering class.
“The new guide book mirrors the content of the URI 101 course,” shared Dr. Kim Stack, Director of the URI Center for Career & Experiential Education, “but also includes several new resources. New students come to college without knowing the language of higher education. The new book includes a glossary of terms that helps break down the barriers that terminology can create, and provides students the language and resources to be successful in the transition from high school.”
“The URI 101 book is like your quick-start guide to the university,” says Aidan Votaw. “Everything an incoming student needs to know is in there somewhere and I know it will be a big help to students.” Votaw, a former URI 101 Mentor and Orientation Leader, and current graduate student in the URI College Student Personnel program, worked with CCEE staff to design the book and prepare the content. “This semester is definitely unlike any other, but there are so many great resources at URI to help students succeed. My advice to incoming students is to really take advantage of everything that URI has to offer, whether that’s by reading the book, meeting with their advisor, making a study group with peers, or joining a club, etc, there really is something for everyone here and I know that they’ll do great.”
Although usually always taught in a face-to-face format, this year the 148 themed major, and 14 undeclared, sections will be taught in a variety of virtual, face-to-face, and blended formats. Course content includes a mix of self-paced learning modules, personality and interests assessments, major to career advising, opportunities to engage with peers, health and study habits, learning from diverse perspectives, reflections on the transition, and one-on-one connections with the instructor.
Due to social distance requirements, many students and families are depending on online resources and social media to stay informed and prepared. In response to this, the book creators added a section called URI Departments and, when applicable, provided the instagram/social media information for the departments. “It is our recommendation that students should follow as many campus departments as possible so they can stay up to date with what is happening,” said Stack.
“One thing I love about the book is that in each section we include advice from prior students on how they were able to succeed in college. There are so many things you learn during your time at college, these little “tips and tricks” will really benefit them,” said Votaw.
“Our work with students is informed by the science of learning and by a deeper understanding of the stress in the life of new students,” shared Dean Richmond. “And more than anything else, we have learned and relearned, that caring about students, meeting them where they are, and taking the time to know them, is the greatest foundation for academic success that we can create.” University College for Academic Success staff and the URI 101 team of instructors and peer mentors are excited and prepared to make sure this Fall is memorable for all the right reasons – enrolling in engaging classes, meeting talented faculty, developing new friendships, deciding on a major, choosing a club (or two) to join, and starting the journey of self exploration toward academic and future career success. The Rhode to Success is looking promising!