Annual Events

Fall Semester

Involvement Fair (September)

See what happens after classes by exploring the 70+ student-run clubs and organizations. Make connections with fellow Hawks of like interests and chat with officers from the various groups. If you would like to start a club, feel free to talk with Student Programs, Leadership, & Orientation (SPLO) staff about the process.

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15)

A month-long celebration of Latinx/Hispanic culture on campus hosted by the Multicultural Student Union (MSU), along with events hosted by other student-run affinity groups, such as the Hispanic and Latinx Student Association (HALSA). Events range from celebratory to educational. 

A Pizza Bristol (October)

Hosted by the Inter-Class Council (ICC) during spirit week, sample slices a wide variety of Bristol’s finest pizza shops. Bring your appetite as you find and vote for your favorite slice. Which pizzeria will take home the title this year?

Trans Week of Remembrance

Each year between November 13 – 19, Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) around the country participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise the visibility about transgender people and address issues members of the community face.

Winter Illuminations (December)

As the holiday season approaches, Student Programs, Leadership, & Orientation partners with the student organizations and the Office of the President to host the lighting of the non-denominational holiday tree on the D’Angelo Common. The event also features live music from RWU’s performing groups. _________________________________________________________________________________________

Spring Semester

Jazz & Paint (February)

Part of the Multicultural Student Union's (MSU) celebration of Black History Month, students come together to paint beautiful works of art with the help of an instructor. While you paint, enjoy live jazz music from a performer.

Hawk the Block (April)

Join WQRI 88.3fm (campus radio station) in a fun springtime concert featuring a performing artist or band. Bring your friends and enjoy food trucks, exciting prizes, and fun crafts provided by various campus organizations.

Cake Off (April)

Are you RWU’s next great cake decorator? Find out at the Inter-Class Council’s (ICC) annual competition where teams have 30 minutes to decorate the best cake they can. Proceeds are donated to a charitable organization which coordinates with the decorating theme.

Commons Tap House (April)

21+ seniors are invited to a night to remember when Upper Commons transforms into RWU's very own tap house. Hosted by the Inter-Class Council (ICC) wine and Whaler beer is served while Bon Appetit caters during the evening of music, fun, and great food.

Queer Fest (April)

A staple of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance’s (SAGA) Pride Week programming, try your luck winning lots of prizes during the bingo rounds. Hosted by individuals in drag, the event is also a celebration of drag and queer culture. 

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Each Semester

Dance Showcase (November & April)

Join RWU’s performing groups including the Dance Club, Hawkettes Dance Team, and Ballroom Dance Club as they showcase their outstanding talent. Come with friends and show your support for their performances.

Late Night Breakfast (December & May)

Join the Inter-Residence Hall Association (IRHA) on the last day of classes each semester for a themed breakfast in Upper Commons served by RWU faculty and staff before studying for finals. No meal plan required.

Theme Weeks

Our student organizations host theme weeks throughout the academic year. A theme week is a weeklong series of programming where there is an event every day during the designated week, all tied together by a theme. Below is a list of each theme week our organizations host throughout the year:

• Campus Entertainment Network (CEN)

  • 1, 2, 3 Weekend (Labor Day Weekend)
    A weekend of events to kick off the school year, including a hypnotist or illusionist, an outdoor movie night, and the annual Fall Concert on the Rugby Field
  • Wicked Week (October)
    A Halloween-themed week of programming, including the Halloween Carnival
  • March Meltdown (March)
    A week of programming to melt away to cold of winter and usher the campus into the warmer spring months, including the Spring Concert and Final Comedian Release Party, where the artist(s) for the Spring Concert and Final Comedian are announced to the campus community.
  • Spring Week (April)

    A week of events to celebrate the end of the academic year, including Quad Fest, the annual Spring Concert, the final comedian event, Block Party, and fireworks over the Mount Hope Bay. Spring Week is a staple of the RWU Spring Semester.  

     

• Inter-Class Council (ICC)

  • Spirit Week (October)
    A celebration of school spirit, including events like A Pizza Bristol 

• Multicultural Student Union (MSU)

  • Stay Woke Week (November & March/April)
    A week of events each semester to raise awareness for social justice issues, including panels, speakers, and social media campaigns

• National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)

  • Diamond Week (February/March)
    This week of programming promotes NRHH, encourages people to recognize others for their achievements, and includes a Diamond Award ceremony. The NRHH Diamond Award recognizes outstanding achievements and/or collaborations linking members of their chapter to that of their campus community and other college and university NRHH Chapters across the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH).

• Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA)

  • Coming Out Week (October)
    A celebration of coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and being proud of who you are, including events like Coming Out to Fairy Lights
  • Trans Week of Remembrance (November)
    A week of education and advocacy events to raise awareness of the transgender community and honor those who've lost their lives to anti-transgender violence, including panels, speakers, and a vigil.
  • Health Week (February)
    A week of events to promote the health, both inside and outside, of the LGBTQ+ community, including events about sexual health and access to health care
  • Pride Week (April)
    A celebration of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, impact, and increased visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, including speakers, social media campaigns, and Queer Fest. At Queer Fest, you can celebrate pride by riding a mechanical unicorn, participating in other fun activities including tie-dye, enjoying refreshments, and learning about queer and trans resources.

• Student Senate

  • Safety Week (Fall)
    A week of events to promote safety on campus, including the annual Safety Walk