Decisions...Decisions...Decisions!
by The Office of International Admission Staff
It’s that time of year again that we’ve released our decisions for Fall 2008 admission. It’s an exciting time of year for many students and families! It’s also somewhat stressful as several students have to make their admissions decision about where to spend the next four years of their life studying and living.
For those of you accepted to RWU…congratulations! For those of you thinking about applying...you still can. We’re still accepting international applications on a rolling basis. However, we encourage applications as early as possible. We encourage students to deposit by May 1st, or two weeks after we have accepted you.
It’s also important to note that this year was our largest applicant pool on record! In addition that means this was the most competitive year in our admission history to be accepted to RWU!
With a notable increase in our international applications, we are excited that RWU was on your list of schools to apply to or will be next year when you apply. We are anticipating our largest incoming international class as well and we hope you’re part of it!
For those of you thinking about applying next year or the year after, we encourage you to meet one of our admissions representatives while their in your country or to email us at intadmit@rwu.edu with your questions. Check out when we’ll be in your country next on our international travel schedule page!
Also, if you have SKYPE we’re happy to have a digital video conference with you so you can learn more about RWU. Contact us for more details.
Please remember, the deposit deadline is May 1st. Contact us for more details.
Around the World
by Poroma Kanya, Junior
Major: Biology
Country of Origin: Bangladesh
The first in a series of profiles of the International Admissions staff through the eyes of the students with whom they work.
“Wes, you always make my day better!” is a phrase often heard around the International Admissions office quarters. The constant burst of energy that is Wesley Roy makes it very easy for one to make such remarks on a daily basis. He is vibrant, full of new ideas and always has a helpful attitude towards his work and the people working with him.
The first time I got curious about Wes was when one day I walked into the office and one side of the office was impeccably decorated with knickknacks from all over the world. There was an ornate globe, a batik scene from India, hieroglyphics from Egypt and the picture of a man in front of the Taj Mahal. I immediately knew that Wes would be a great addition to the Admissions family, which he proves to be over and over everyday he comes into work. His dedication at making the students he works with feel comfortable, is truly admirable. He is always knowledgeable and has no problems listening to all your worries. He also gives great advice.
A unique quality that Wes possesses is his ability to understand and evaluate situations from many different perspectives. He can look at things and consider the many possible facets of a story before making his own judgment call about it. At a very young age he has already traveled far into corners of the world doing outstanding work as an admissions counselor for respectable American universities. Traveling to many different countries has made Wes more receptive and sensitive towards many cultural issues when dealing with international students, and it is displayed in the confidence with which he handles even the most difficult circumstances. He answers all questions, be it in face to face conversations or on the phone, with calm eloquence and utmost respect.
There is another very interesting side to our Wesley Roy. He owns a cappuccino machine! On boring Monday mornings, Wes would gladly take half an hour to set up a cappuccino bar and entertain everyone with his jolly antics to liven up the office atmosphere, thus shooting up everyone’s morale. So just like in the Breathsaver Sours, for us at the office, a pop of Wes may cause an involuntary “Woh!”
Spiritual Life at RWU
The Spiritual Life Program strongly encourages interaction among people of different faiths. The Program promotes this by sponsoring two major events each year: a Thanksgiving Service and dinner in the fall and an Interfaith Breakfast in the spring. These annual events strengthen the members of the RWU community by bringing people together in fellowship.
The student groups and the University Chaplains also sponsor various campus programs throughout the year. Some of these are outreach to the larger RWU community; others are designed to bring together a smaller group of members of each specific faith. For example, each of the student groups celebrate treasured holidays together in a manner that follows the creed of each faith.
During Ramadan, followers of Islam gather daily in the Intercultural Center for breaking of the fast and prayer. Each Friday they join for congregational prayer. In the winter, Hillel meets with other Rhode Island universities to partake in a Hanukkah dinner and once a month the group meets on its own for a Shabbat dinner. Our Catholic chaplain leads services for the RWU community on Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of Lent.
The Spiritual Life Program is also committed to reaching out to the community during times of celebration or devastation. Unexpected events occur throughout the course of each year, and the Spiritual Life Program supports our community during such times, whether by assembling an appropriate service or just arranging time to meet and reflect. For example, after the 2004 tsunami, RWU held a service for those impacted by the tragedy. A year later, we held another service in continued remembrance of lives lost and those continuing to rebuild their communities.
Chaplains affiliated with Roger Williams University:
Muslim Chaplains
Imam Farid Ansari
Sister Naima Ansari
Muslim American Dawah Center of Rhode Island
68 Anthony Ave
Providence, RI 02909
Jewish Chaplain
Rabbi Marc Jagolinzer
Temple Shalom
223 Valley Rd
Middletown, RI 02842
Catholic Chaplain
Rev. Dean Perri
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
141 State St.
Bristol, RI 02809
Protestant Chaplain
Rev. Dan Randall
First Congregational Church of Bristol
281 High St
Bristol, RI 02809
Tel: 401 253-7288
Middle Eastern BLOG:
Hello guys and girls,
As an international student from Roger Williams University, I would like to greet and welcome you to our campus in the future.
My name is Faten, 19 years old, from Bahrain, so I should know at least some of you, or maybe your friends. I met Wes through one of the educational fairs too and that's how I ended up here at Roger Williams.
I am a freshman, majoring Journalism and minor in political science (for those who are interested in this program I can help you).
The university has a very good program in every department, and the faculty are amazing and very helpful. The good thing about this school is it's not too big and not too small. Big enough to not get bored and small enough to get to know everyone and easily make friends.
It is a quiet area, good for studying, BUT the city (Providence) is 20 minutes away and it is really easy to get there. ALSO Boston is so close that we go every weekend, not to forget New York too.
The campus has a lot of facilities, gym, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, billiard tables, sport teams and so many clubs and organizations. There also so many activities everyday that you'll have to choose where to go.
I would love it if each one of you email me back with any questions you have regarding the campus, programs, admission, students life. And please let me know what programs and majors you are interested in, and whether you are going to be graduates or undergraduate students.
Also tell me which school are you in, we might have common friends.
I really hope that you make Roger Williams your home, and don't hesitate if you needed any kind of help to apply, or have any concerns.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Faten Bushehri fatenhbu@hotmail.com
College Counselor Corner: Meet us this Summer at NAFSA and OACAC
The International Admission staff is going to NAFSA and OACAC this summer! Come and meet one of us for a one on one information session at either conference about Roger Williams University and get one free application waivers for one of your students. Email us at intadmit@rwu.edu to set up your appointment! See you this summer!
RWU International Spring Events 2008
- Jan 31 – Spamalot, Providence Performing Arts Center
- Feb 9 – Ski & Snowboard Trip, Mt. Wachusett
- Feb 21 – Interfaith Breakfast
- Feb 27 – An Hour With Vietnam, Luat Mai
- Mar 6 – BINGO for international students
- Mar 12 - International Careers speaker
- Mar 12 – An Hour With Islam, Nadia Sakhi
- Mar 27 – International Film from the Middle East: Paradise Now*
- Mar 30 – Riverdance, Providence Performing Arts Center
- April 5 – New York City, Sightseeing and Lion King
- April 9 - International Film from the Middle East: Children of Heaven*
- April 11 – MSU Fashion Show (including international students)
- April 16 - International Film from the Middle East: A Mighty Heart*
- April 16 – Speaker Josh Rushing - Al-Jazeera Correspondent*
- April 16/17-Middle East Colloquium: "Intellectual Freedom in the Middle East"
- May 6 – Barbeque
- May 15 – Graduation Brunch for International Students
Upcoming Admission Events
Stay up to date with international admission events in your area!
Spring Travel Schedule
April 2008
Emailathon-Current international students will be emailing you this month connecting with you about RWU!
Phonathon-Expect a phone call from one of our current international students answering any questions about RWU and their experiences here!
May 2008
May 1, 2008
Deposit Deadline-Please note that this date is flexible for international students. Please call us with any questions or concerns you might have.
May 25 – 30, 2008
NAFSA Conference:
National Association of International Educators
60th Annual Conference & Expo
Washington, D.C.
July 2008
July 10-12, 2008
OACAC Conference:
Overseas Association for College Admissions Counseling
East Lansing, Michigan
Dates and events are subject to change. Please check our International Travel Website for the most up to the minute information.
Stay Connected
Remember to stay connected with International Admission at Roger Williams University. Listed below are your regional contacts for Admission. Feel free to call or email at any point.
Email: Intadmit@rwu.edu Phone: 001-401-254-3500
Fax: 001-401-254-3557
Mr. Didier Bouvet
Executive Director
Undergraduate Admission
Turkey, Latin America, and Caribbean
Mr. Wesley Roy
Associate Director
International Admission
Middle East and Africa
Mr. Saad Sait
Assistant Director
International Admission
Asia