URI prepares for an action-packed fall semester with record-breaking enrollment and new events

Anticipation is high at the University of Rhode Island as thousands of freshmen and returning students prepare for the start of the 2024-25 academic year. Classes officially begin on September 4, but the action starts long before then with a variety of events and activities.

Beginning Friday, August 30, students will begin moving into their residence halls, with move-in periods spanning Labor Day weekend through September 2. URI President Marc Parlange will be on the front lines personally welcoming new students and their families and rolling out the red carpet for the official New Ram Welcome event on September 3.

Numerous events and activities on campus

URI is wasting no time getting the party started. On September 1, RhodyFest will take over the URI Quadrangle and Memorial Union, promising a day of fun, games and campus spirit. For those looking for something to laugh at, the Student Entertainment Committee has booked SNL’s Chloe Fineman for a comedy show on September 3 in Edwards Hall. Not to be outdone, the Ryan Center will host a star-studded chat with “New Girl” stars Max Greenfield and Jake Johnson on September 16.

The URI Multicultural Student Services Center is also joining in with a “Welcome Back” gathering on September 3, and the popular Quad Fest returns on October 1 with everything from lawn games to a petting zoo.

Record-breaking interest in URI

URI’s popularity is at an all-time high. A record 26,900 applications were submitted for the fall 2024 semester and interest in graduate programs has soared. This fall, the student body will swell to over 17,000, including more than 3,100 freshmen, 500 transfer students and a growing number of graduate students.

The Graduate School experienced a massive 25% increase in applications and a whopping 50% increase in inquiries last year. President Parlange will address this unprecedented growth in his annual State of the University address on September 25 in Edwards Auditorium.

Diverse student body and opportunities

URI welcomes a diverse group of students this fall, representing 47 states and over 65 countries. More than 30% of the new students will be the first in their family to attend college, and 311 students are participating in the Talent Development program, adding to a strong “TD Nation” that boasts over 4,700 alumni.

The university is home to more than 200 student organizations, all vying for attention at RhodyFest. The new URInvolved platform has already seen an increase in event submissions, and the popular Project Connect program returns this fall to help new students connect.

A packed autumn programme

The fall semester promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Greek Life students will volunteer to help with move-in after raising $170,000 last spring. The annual Free Farmers Market begins on September 5, providing students with fresh produce, and the Honors Colloquium on “Democracy at Risk” begins on September 17, featuring a number of national experts.

URI’s annual 5K mental health awareness run/march is scheduled for Oct. 19, and the Sea Services Symposium on Sept. 27 will highlight opportunities for maritime careers. Meanwhile, URI’s theater season kicks off in October with “Machinal,” and the forensic science seminar series returns with public lectures every Friday.

With all this action, it’s no wonder URI is gearing up for one of its biggest and best years yet. Whether you’re a new Ram or a seasoned pro, there are countless ways to get involved and make the most of fall semester at URI.

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