RWU to Offer Remote Experiential Opportunities for Students

At a time when many young people are more motivated than ever by a desire to create positive change and help their communities, Roger Williams University (RWU) is instituting a bold, innovative academic plan that allows undergraduate students to work in and serve their communities, whether learning on campus or remotely, while earning college credit.

While other school's plans focus on in-person and online instruction, RWU's "Learn, Work, and Serve" opportunities add a new element in this post-COVID higher education environment: the opportunity for remote students to conduct meaningful, community-engaged work, research and internships in service to their communities, wherever they are. This initiative mobilizes students' passion to make a difference and deploys their knowledge and skills into communities that need help rebuilding from the pandemic. This alternative and expanded model is open to all students, not just those currently registered at RWU.

"At RWU, experiential learning and community-engaged work is in our DNA. We've taken our model and built a new platform for remote students to create a semester beyond just online courses, where they can do a faculty-guided internship, or volunteer, do research toward a solution, or project-based work in their communities," said Roger Williams University President Ioannis Miaoulis. "For students who need to stay remote, our experiential opportunities allow any undergraduate to have the complete Roger Williams educational experience when they aren't able to choose the traditional, on-campus college experience."

Undergraduate students will work directly with advisors to match their interests and customize a semester that works for them. They'll determine how they'd like to earn credit – through courses, community engagement, volunteer service, research, internships, independent study, professional certification or a combination of any of these. With more than 45 majors and 75 minors available, RWU is expanding its online course offerings to also provide all students a wider selection of remote learning opportunities.

This new program capitalizes on RWU's dedicated focus on faculty-guided community-engaged work while harnessing students' desire to give back and drive positive change within their own communities, even when those aren't near the university's Bristol or Providence campuses.

"Our 'Learn, Work, and Serve' program answers the question, 'What can I do to make a difference in my community?' Given the desire of this generation to get involved, allowing students to work on a social justice or environmental issue through community-engaged work fulfills their passion for making a meaningful impact on their communities," said Associate Provost of Community Engaged Learning Allen Hance. "Our students can make a difference while gaining real-world experience – and credit toward their degrees."

"We understand that not all students can get back to campus, due to health concerns, financial issues, or a desire to stay home and help their community," said Miaoulis. "By offering a customized approach that allows students to build their own semester, we're meeting students and their families where they are, allowing them to determine the best way to continue their education."

Plans for Reopening Roger

RWU submitted its reopening plan, Reopening Roger, on June 12 to the Rhode Island Department of Health; the plan outlines the school's testing and tracing protocols to ensure the safety of its 7,000 students and campus community. There will be changes to campus functions including how students live and learn, and how they engage with each other.

We are planning every aspect of how to operate a healthy campus with health and safety in mind, including testing and tracing procedures and quarantine/isolation protocols. Among the changes to be implemented:

• COVID testing and screening procedures for students when they arrive, when a student exhibits symptoms, and on a routine basis to monitor for the virus
• Face masks will be worn on campus and during class, if this remains a requirement by state public health officials
• RWU never taught classes of more than 50 students. Some classes will be able to meet as normal based on their total enrollment. When a classroom size is too small, students will alternate learning in the classroom and logging in from their dorms in order to limit the density in classrooms
• Disinfectant stations will be set up across campus and in each classroom
• All classrooms will be sanitized between each session and each building will receive a "deep clean" weekly
• To start the semester, dining halls will not utilize buffet options and will offer take-out to eliminate crowds; time assignment for students to eat are also being considered
• Residence halls will eliminate triples to ensure enough physical distance between students

Academic Calendar

• Fall semester begins Aug. 26 and ends Dec. 10
  • RWU will end in-person course delivery at Thanksgiving so that students are off campus when the U.S. typically enters peak flu season.
• Spring semester begins February 1 and ends May 17th

To accommodate the condensed schedule, classes will be held during certain holidays and breaks, including Labor Day and Columbus Day in the fall, and President's Day and Spring Break week next spring.

About RWU: With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I., Roger Williams University is a forward-thinking private university committed to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning. At RWU, small classes, direct access to faculty and guaranteed opportunity for real-world projects ensure that its nearly 4,000 undergraduates – along with hundreds of law students, graduate students and adult learners – graduate with the ability to think critically along with the practical skills that today's employers demand. Roger Williams is leading the way in American higher education, confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families – increasing costs, rising debt and job readiness.