November begins the holiday season with a time honored and food-filled tradition: Thanksgiving. Unlike many of the holidays to follow, Thanksgiving is a secular holiday traditionally celebrated only in the U.S. and Canada. Although Thanksgiving is not associated with any particular religion, it is considered a time for meditative reflection and giving thanks.
The origins of Thanksgiving vary depending upon which historian you ask. However, in the history of North America the one we are most familiar with involves the sharing of a harvest between the Wampanoag Native American tribe and the English settlers (or Pilgrims). The Wampanoag tribe taught the unprepared settlers how to grow corn and catch eel, thus assuring the Pilgrim’s survival for the first year in their colony. This colony would eventually become Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Traditionally, both the Wampanoags and the Pilgrims each had their own established harvest celebrations. However, the unique fact that they sat down and shared a meal together, setting cultural, religious and ethnic differences aside, is what truly stands out about this event. It is this sentiment that is at the heart of the American Thanksgiving.
The Intercultural Center at Roger Williams University offers its own kind of Thanksgiving. Last year the Intercultural Center hosted an International Student Thanksgiving Luncheon. They provided a traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey, bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and tons of pies. Maria Adkins, the Assistant Director of the Intercultural Center, also invited Kitty Hendricks, a member of the Wampanoag tribe, to speak about the Native American perspective on Thanksgiving. This year RWU’s International Students will have a similar experience to look forward to.
We look forward to seeing you around the table!
- As the new Dean of the School of Business, kindly provide a brief introduction. Also, please outline your academic background and areas of expertise.
I joined the Gabelli School of Business on August 1 as dean and professor of economics. Prior to moving to Rhode Island I was the interim dean of the College of Business at Loyola University New Orleans. I previously held the positions of associate dean, chairman of economics and finance, and MBA director at Loyola. I earned my Ph.D. in economics from Texas Tech University.
- How long have you been teaching? What about RWU attracted you to the school?
I have been teaching economics for approximately 30 years. I was attracted to RWU by the quality of the school, the size of the institution, programs offered and the beautiful location. I was also impressed by the recent growth, in size and quality, of the university.
- Please provide a general description/overview of your department and your plans for the department in the future.
The Gabelli School of Business (GSB) is one of five professional schools within Roger Williams University that offer students the opportunity to receive an outstanding professional education within the structure of a liberal arts university. The School offers seven business majors, each leading to a Bachelor of Science degree: accounting, business law (3+3), economics, finance, international business, management and marketing. The GSB is accredited by AACBS International, and its 30 full-time faculty members bring an outstanding combination of prestigious academic credentials and achievements, real-world professional experiences and international perspectives to the nearly 700 full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the school.
- What type of services does your department offer to international students? Are there any new services, plans or ideas that we can look forward to?
All students are advised by full-time faculty members, international students participate in the School's study abroad and internship programs, and they have the opportunity to become leaders in the the numerous business student organizations.
- What do you feel your department offers to international students that other colleges do not?
Small class sizes insure that international students will work closely with faculty members in the school, and the facilities and programs provide a superior learning environment for international students.
- What advice would you offer to an international student who is applying to RWU for a major in Gabelli School of Business?
Students should consider the variety of majors and the programs offered in the School of Business. Anyone seeking additional information should feel free to contact the Dean's Office of the Gabelli School of Business.
In the fall, days start to get shorter, the weather is colder and exams are just around the corner. However, Roger Williams University has some fun options to keep the fall going!
One of the wonderful things about the fall season is colorful foliage. Whether you like touring around apple orchards, walking in the woods, or just getting a glimpse of the turning season from campus, RWU has it all!
With New York City a little less than four hours away, the Intercultural Center is taking its annual trip to the Big Apple. As in previous years, RWU will be making a stop to visit the bright lights of Broadway for a fall musical. If you have never been to NYC or have been a few times before, it is always a fun, exciting place and there is always something new to see.
These are just a few of the events that are taking place this fall. We hope you can join us for all or some of these great activities. As always, the Intercultural Center is eager to hear ideas and suggestions for plays, musicals or concerts in Providence, Boston or New York City.
See you there!
Roger Williams University does not require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). International students may be admitted to RWU regardless of their English ability.
However, students with a TOEFL score of 550/213/79 or above may be admitted directly into their undergraduate program. Students with an IELTS score of greater or equal to 6.0 may also be admitted directly into their undergraduate program.
Students with a TOEFL score of 500-547 may be admitted through the RWU ELS Bridge Program. Students with an IELTS score greater than or equal to 5.0 and less than 6.0 also may be admitted through the RWU ELS Bridge Program.
Students with a TOEFL score below 500/173/61, an IELTS score less than 5.0 AND students who do not submit a TOEFL or IELTS score may be admitted conditionally and directed to the ELS Language Center at RWU.
We strongly recommend that students who have taken the TOEFL or IELTS submit their scores for review in order to receive the best placement for their English level.
Please contact us with any questions concerning the TOEFL or IELTS.