For those of you entering the Roger Williams University campus for the first time this fall, you might notice a bit of hustle and bustle going on—not to mention a lot of hardhats and orange cones. Do not be deterred by the yellow tape or the multitude of dump trucks and backhoes that travel the roads of RWU.
Yes, it is true—RWU is under construction. However, every shovel breaking ground, jack hammer hitting cement and truck dumping dirt puts us one step closer to creating a campus that will meet the future needs of the University, its students, faculty and staff members.
To date, a number of significant capital projects are underway:
The New Academic Building will take the forefront as the centerpiece academic building on RWU’s campus. Construction started last month after Commencement, and the building is scheduled for occupancy by Fall 2009. The 52,000-square-foot facility will house the humanities, communications and foreign language departments and serve as the new home for the Spiegel Center for Global and International Programs. Even more exciting is the fact that the New Academic Building will be eco-friendly—RWU is pursuing LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as a part of its commitment to sustainability.
Another major change to campus will be the addition of a new housing complex. At present, there are a number of RWU undergraduate students living in leased off-campus housing. However, the 120, 000-square-foot North Campus Residence Village (scheduled to be completed in August 2009) promises the convenience of on-campus housing, highlighted by the 350 new beds, study areas and retail/café and lounge space.
The new Marine and Natural Science Aquaculture Research Facility boasts 10,000 square feet and is being constructed adjacent to the Bayside Residence Complex. The building will provide space for the Center for Economic and Environmental Development. The anticipated completion date for the research facility is Summer 2009.
Additionally, the University is building a new Admissions House. The 10,900-square-foot building will serve as a welcome center to campus visitors and a home for all of the admissions staff. The new building will be constructed adjacent to the architecture building, campus quad and main entrance road. Construction began just days ago and is scheduled for completion in Spring 2009.
Finally, some infrastructure updates will be required to accommodate the new buildings. The North Parking Garage Expansion will create 272 additional parking spots. The vertical expansion will be added on to the existing parking garage. This project is scheduled for completion by the Fall 2008 semester. And the North Campus Infrastructure Development project includes extensive improvements to electrical, water, sewer, data and phone infrastructure as well as the construction of new tennis courts. The first phase of this project was completed in May 2008; the second will follow with the opening of the new residence hall.
With all the new improvements going on, RWU is a pretty exciting place to be. Enjoy the sights and sounds of progress and remember not to cross the yellow tape!
The girl wakes up to the call of seagulls and the fresh ocean air coming off the bay. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, wiggling her toes under cool sheets. This is summer at Roger Williams University.
Stretching her arms above her head, she pulls on a t-shirt and shorts, shuffling her feet into a pair of worn sandals. Grabbing her keys off of the bureau and slinging a bag over her shoulder, she heads out the door.
The sun flushes her face as she looks out at the blue water between long lines of green trees; a white trail of crushed seashells weaving its way through warm grass. She looks up at the cloudless sky, smiles and makes her way to the Commons for some breakfast.
Her stomach full, she begins to weigh what she might do with this beautiful day. With Newport a hop, skip and jump away, the long stretch of beach, the busy Cliff Walk full of families and hand-holding couples, the shop-filled streets and ocean view restaurants call to her. Then again, she could stay local. With the East Bay Bike Path, nature trails and the boardwalk at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, there is always something to do on a clear summer day in Bristol.
Looking away from the ocean and picturesque natural surroundings, her mind drifts to the city of Providence. With regularly running buses, this beautiful city is just a short ride away. Although this city might be considered small by some, she knows that Providence has plenty of activities and exciting events. A weekly Farmers’ Market offers fresh produce from local farms, cooking demonstrations and live music. The famous WaterFire Providence, filled with gently gliding gondolas, glowing bonfires, delicious foods and international music, makes for a fun nighttime option. The RISD museum, the music venue Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, The Cable Car Cinema and Café and shopping on Thayer Street swirl through her head as other viable options.
Pulling sunglasses out of her bag and pulling back her hair, she takes another deep breath of ocean air. Casually shrugging her shoulders, she knows that any choice will be a good one. A big grin appears on her face as she looks ahead, her feet moving quickly toward her next adventure.
Do you ever wish you could directly connect to other international students? Would you like to ask those hard-hitting questions about international admissions and get real answers from real people? Or perhaps you’d like to be recruited by colleges and universities?
Then Roger Williams University has some exciting news for you! RWU has recently partnered with the newest website to assist international students in studying abroad: goSwoop.com.
What is goSwoop? Essentially, it’s a networking website (much like Facebook) that was created specifically for international students. goSwoop lets you communicate with other international students (prospective, current and past) who are part of the Roger Williams community—and it also offers the opportunity for prospective students to connect with college counselors.
By creating a personal university profile you can be viewed by other members of goSwoop, including colleges and universities. Also look for goSwoop’s suggestions on products and services offered to international students, as well as helpful tips on how to find student loans and scholarships.
So… goSwoop! Post your questions, make new friends and learn about potential schools that might be the perfect fit for you.
Watch out! RWU is under construction. There are five projects currently underway, all of which are scheduled for completion during 2009. Orange cones, yellow tape, moving trucks and workers in hardhats and large gaping holes should be carefully avoided. Although most construction work does not start before 8 a.m., we suggest that students who particularly like to sleep late pack a pair of earplugs! For further information or questions please contact us or refer to Capital Projects.