Welcome Letter from the Associate 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 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 Associate Dean of Students/Director Student Programs, Leadership and Orientation
MEET YOUR STUDENT ORIENTATION COORDINATORS
Hello Class of 2029!
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.
The two of us are your Student Orientation Coordinators (SOCs) for RWU’s New Student and Family Orientation program. Both 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 us to be challenged and grow in countless ways.
As a double major in Graphic Design and Marketing, Brandon has been able to explore the wide range of opportunities that Roger has to offer. In addition to his work in Student Programs, Leadership, and Orientation as a Student Orientation Coordinator, Brandon has been a tour guide in admissions since freshman year and a part of several clubs on campus. Brandon also serves on the E-board of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity on campus. Being engaged in the RWU community through these roles has allowed him to feel more a part of the university and make connections with more and more members of the Roger community.
As a Public Relations major, Dominic has dove right into being an engaged member of the RWU community. Even as he took the leap into college as an undeclared student, he has grown passionate about his major and minors in Marketing, Graphic Design, and Communications, taking advantage of RWU’s powerful combinations. Outside of his work in Student Programs, Leadership and Orientation as a Student Orientation Coordinator, Dominic has worked for the Event Operations team, participated in clubs such as the Public Relations Student Society of America, and will take on the role of Lead Admission Ambassador this fall in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Our experiences at Roger Williams University have given us new and exciting outlets to propel us forward on our college journeys. We have had so many fantastic opportunities here and we know that you will as well. We cannot wait to see you on campus for your Orientation session!
Best, Brandon
Nelson & Dominic Monti
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 getting involved and leadership opportunities on campus, such as our clubs and organizations, athletic opportunities, student events and programming, and campus employment
Meet your fellow Hawks and start making connections!
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
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.
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.
