August 2024 Orientation Newsletter

ORIENTATION NEWSLETTER Welcome Letter from the Assistant Dean of Students

August Orientation Session Hello and welcome to Roger Williams University, on behalf of our staff, I am excited to meet you during our Orientation. This newsletter will provide new students and family members with important information regarding New Student and Family Orientation. My goal with our program is provide both new students and family members with the information that will assist in your transition to the Roger Williams University community. Our New Student and Family Orientation program is designed to help ease your transition to campus, introduce you to campus resources for both academic and outside of the classroom life and to provide you opportunities to meet your peers as you begin to build your social connections. The Orientation program is a 2 day (overnight component) for students and a 1 day program for families that runs concurrently.

My hope is that you leave our Orientation program with an excitement of what you will be able to accomplish as a Hawk. Should you have questions regarding our program, please reach out to us at orientation@rwu.edu or (401) 254-3385.

It’s a great day to be a Hawk, Carol Sacchetti Assistant Dean of Students/Director Student Programs, Leadership and Orientation

@RWU_SPLO

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MEET YOUR STUDENT ORIENTATION COORDINATORS Hello Class of 2028! The New Student and Family Orientation team is thrilled to welcome you to Roger Williams University! Our team of Orientation Advisors is looking forward to meeting and guiding you during your transition to life here at Roger. While at Orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet some of your classmates, spend time with staff members, and learn about the variety of resources available that will help you to succeed throughout your time at RWU. We are your Student Orientation Coordinators (SOCs) for RWU’s New Student and Family Orientation program. Each of us have been a part of the Orientation program since our freshman year and we are ecstatic to take on this role so we may expand upon the program even further. Our involvement with this program has allowed for us to be challenged and grow in countless ways.

As a double major in Marketing and Graphic Design, Riley has been able to be an active and engaged student at RWU. In addition to working in Student Programs, Leadership, and Orientation, Riley serves as a Peer Mentor to first year students.

Riley also serves as the President of the Asian American Alliance (A^3) and is involved in the Multicultural Student Union and SPLO’s Social Media and Marketing team.

As a double major in English Literature and Cultural Studies, Matthew is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students at Roger Williams University. In addition to working in SPLO as a Student Orientation Coordinator, Matthew serves as an Resident Assistant and for the past two years has been the RA of the Queer and Trans Living and Learning Community. Matthew also served on the E-board of WQRI, our radio station on campus, and is a general member of the Hispanic and Latinx Student Association to learn about different cultures and identities.

As a Biology major with a French minor, Caroline has been able to explore the wide range of opportunities that Roger has to offer. In addition to her work in Student Programs, Leadership, and Orientation, Caroline has been a peer tutor for Biology and French as well as working in Admissions as a tour guide since freshman year where she is now one of the Lead Admissions Ambassadors. Being engaged in the RWU community through these roles has allowed her to feel more a part of the university and make connections with more and more members of the Roger community.

Roger Williams University has provided each of us with new and amazing opportunities, thus propelling us forward on our college journeys. We have had so many fantastic experiences here and we know that you will as well. We cannot wait to see you on campus for your Orientation session!

Regards, Riley Gilliland, Matthew Milotakis, Caroline Thorn - 2024 Student Orientation Coordinators

@RWU_SPLO

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THE STUDENT ORIENTATION EXPERIENCE

Some things that students will do at their Orientation session include: Learn more about the academic programs and courses of study Meetings with Academic Deans and academic resources to prepare for your fall classes.

Participate in small and large group activities facilitated by Orientation Advisors (OAs) Learn about academic and campus resources that serve as a full-time support system Learn about involvement and leadership opportunities on campus, such as our clubs and organizations, athletic opportunities, student events and programming, and campus employment Meet other new students and build connections with your fellow classmates

@RWU_SPLO

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THE FAMILY ORIENTATION EXPERIENCE Our Family Orientation is a 1-day program that runs concurrent to the student program. Although it is not mandatory, the separate program offers families to learn about resources their students will have access to, as well as get a glimpse into academic and campus life. Our sessions are tailored for the needs of both first time and seasoned families sending their students off to college. Although some parents may have experienced orientation programs for other students, RWU takes pride in our unique and specially tailored experience. Throughout our program, there is time to mingle with each other, share tips, fears, and excitement for your students’ upcoming journey. Our Family Orientation program provides those the opportunity to speak with current students, staff, and faculty of RWU to gain insight into their experiences and the inner workings of our university.

During our program you will: Meet University staff who will serve as campus resources Learn about academic courses of study from the Dean of your student’s school Learn about campus policies, departments and services Attend sessions hosted by a variety of Student Life offices and departments Get insight from current RWU students on helping your student make a smooth transition into college life Attend our Orientation Welcome Reception

@RWU_SPLO

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WHAT IS AN ORIENTATION ADVISOR?

Our staff of Orientation Advisors (OAs) are excited to welcome you to campus! OAs are upper-class students who are trained to lead students and families through the Orientation Program, introduce you to the campus community, and provide insight into their personal RWU experience. Our OAs are engaged in many aspects of campus life, have outstanding campus spirit and want to assist your transition to Roger.

@RWU_SPLO

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NEED TO CHANGE YOUR ORIENTATION SESSION? We realize that after you register for Orientation, you might need to change your session. If you need to change into another session, we ask that you reach out to us at orientation@rwu.edu. Please make sure to include the student’s name, your request for the change and what session you would like to request a change to. An Orientation staff member will respond to each request.

RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS! Residential students will be moving into their assigned residence hall rooms.

Information on this will come from Residence Life & Housing. Commuters will check in and will drive to campus for each days session.

Orientation Contact Info: One Old Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809 New Student & Family Orientation (401)- 254-3385 I orientation@rwu.edu

@RWU_SPLO

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