There’s a silly rumor on campus that there’s absolutely nothing to do on campus, rest assured this is only a rumor and there are many activities and things to do on campus. All you have to do is look around campus and you’ll notice that there is always an event being hosted by a club on campus. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time on campus it’s definitely worth looking into and a lot of the events have free food and who doesn’t want that. Also if you’re unsure of whether or not you want to join a club going to one of their events is a good way to get a feel for the group and find out if it’s a place for you. Here’s a brief rundown of the types of clubs that RIC has to offer.
Programming
You will notice there are quite a few social events on campus such as free movies and laser tag to name a couple. Odds are these events are sponsored by RIC Programming; they’re the club responsible for communal events for the student community as well as planning trips during the school year. You can actively participate in a number of ways by either going to the events or by joining the club and planning out the events. To find out more information about trips and events you can always visit the Welcome Center in the Student Union.
RSA
If you’re living in the dorms, you might think about joining the Resident Student Association. RSA is a council for resident students. They are in charge of dorm events and helping to meet the needs of the student body. They sponsor events such as the end of the year carnival and duck hunt; an event where students search for rubber ducks and win prizes.
Iota Phi Theta
Iota Phi Theta is a nationally recognized fraternity, it is a predominantly African-American social service fraternity that was founded on the development and perpetuation of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity and brotherhood.
Kappa Delta Phi
Kappa Delta Phi is an interfraternity founded for social purposes and focused on emphasizing and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood.
Delta Phi Epsilon
Nationally recognized Delta Phi Epsilon mission is to develop in women a social consciousness and a commitment to think and act for the greater good. Philanthropies include National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Lambda Chi
Lambda Chi is a local sorority established on the principles of honor, strength, academic merit, friendship and acceptance. Their main philanthropy is to bring awareness to the community in regards to aiding and preventing animal cruelty.
Zeta Xi Delta
Local sorority Zeta Xi Delta offers sisterhood to young women and foster personal growth through friendship and excellence in academics. Their main philanthropy is with breast cancer research.
The Anchor
Perhaps you are interested in the media industry. The Anchor, if you haven’t guessed by now, is our student newspaper and is always looking for new talent for contribution. Even if you’re not interested in necessary writing, maybe you’re a comic artist, it’s worth checking it out.
WXIN
Maybe print doesn’t tickle your fancy but music does, then try looking into 90.7 WXIN the campus radio station. You can DJ your own show and help plan off-campus social events for students. Last year they were awarded “Best Fundraising event” when they hosted Music for Mammaries for breast cancer funding.
Anchor TV
Or maybe Anchor TV is the place for you, if you want to learn more about running a television station or if you want some experience filming campus events and sports then check it out. They’re always on the lookout for new show ideas.
Student Community Government
Several clubs on campus are all about becoming involved in the community and actively trying to better society. One of which is Student Community Government (SCG). SCG acts as a forum for students to address various issues and concerns affecting students at RIC, they are also responsible for overseeing and promoting growth in other on-campus clubs.
The Advocacy and Beyond Club
The Advocacy and Beyond Club (ABC) aspires to encourage, educate, and empower all students, faculty, and campus groups to advocate for individuals with disabilities at Rhode Island College and beyond. One of their events on campus last year offered students the opportunity to go through an entire day in a wheelchair to see what it is like. Students were able to not only learn but became more empathetic to the needs of their fellow students.
Feminists United
Feminists United strives to change stereotypes and to act in support of unity and gender equality. In addition educating others about what it really means to be a feminist, the club also hosts several social events. One of which, Sex toy bingo, won Best Social event on campus for not only having a great turn out, but also for educating the student community about sexual health and wellness.
HOPE
HOPE stands for Helping Others Promote Equality and they are representative of the LBGT community on campus. They strive to make RIC a comfortable place for students who are and who support issues regarding sexuality, acceptance and awareness.
Active Minds
Active Minds, aims to create awareness and help change the attitude toward the topic of mental health as well as eliminate the stigmata that surround the issues of mental health by providing the community with information.
LIFE
LIFE: Live, Inspire, Fight, Educate, wishes to unite and strengthen individuals and organizations in the fight for education equity, justice and awareness of social issues such as illiteracy and poverty.
Out of Bounds
Out of Bounds promotes cultural diversity through the media of intercultural music and film. By using the media to encourage one’s own artistic expression they are able to promote diversity through positive example.
Student Veterans Organization
The purpose of the Student Veterans Organization is to provide a network of support for military veterans as well as to educate the college community about the experiences of military veterans. In conjunction with administration the club is able to help with reintegrating them into academic and social life.
Women of Color
Women of Color strives to support African American women in their professional and academic lives while providing support in their social decisions.
Class Clubs
In addition to student leaders, the classes of 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 are all represented on campus by elected student leaders. In the first month of school you will notice advertisements for elections which you will also be able to participate in. These elected leaders not only represent their respective class but are also charge of planning events such as senior week.
The English Educators Network
The English Educators Network promotes the mission of the Rhode Island Council of Teachers of English and the National Council of Teachers of English on the Rhode Island College campus.
FEET
Future Elementary & Early Childhood Teachers, abbreviated as F.E.E.T., is an organization dedicated to helping its members complete the education program successfully with as little stress as possible.
Henry Barnard School Mentors
The Henry Barnard School Mentors provide RIC student mentors with selected Henry Barnard School students to build lasting friendships and to provide one-on-one social and emotional support.
Middle School Association
The RIC Middle School Association is a student organization that aims to support the professional and pedagogical development of students who are seeking middle level endorsement. This organization brings best practicing middle level teachers and administrators from the state of Rhode Island in an effort to promote and educate about the various aspects of the middle school model.
Spanish Club
If you are interested in becoming more fluent in Spanish perhaps the Spanish Club is worth looking into. Any student is able to practice their Spanish movie days and on trips to cultural events around Rhode Island. Students are able to practice their conversational skills in an English-free zone.
Accounting Association
You will also be able to find a lot of major-oriented clubs on campus. The Accounting Association updates accounting majors on internship opportunities and to allow students to learn about career information and network with major companies.
American Marketing Association
The American Marketing Association further enhances the professional development of marketing students. As well as spark the creativity of students by doing projects, events, promotions and web-design.
Anthropos
Anthropos is a club for Anthropology students that promotes anthropological understanding throughout the campus and organizes events to encourage students to take part in Non-Western traditions.
Association of Computer Machinery
The Association of Computer Machinery Association is a student organization primarily for Computer Information Systems and Computer Science majors but is open to all RIC students that are interested in computer science, information systems and/or information technology.
Bachelor of Social Work Organization
The Bachelor of Social Work Organization encourages activities which educate and promote the value of social work. They hope to generate concern for oppressed and marginalized populations and raise awareness of important social issues such as domestic violence, poverty, substance abuse, racism, sexism and homophobia.
Biology Club
The Biology Club strives to enhance communication between biology students and increase awareness of biology and medical technology issues and current events as well as increase the sense of community in the biology department.
MUDD
For Art majors who are interested in ceramics there’s Club MUDD. Their mission is to support students’ participation in and appreciation of the field of ceramics
Communications Club
The Communications Club represents the students of the Communications Department who offer programs and activities geared to explore the various disciplines within the field.
Health Education Club
The Health Education Club wants to teach and help other students learn the benefits of health concepts such as nutrition, safety and disease prevention.
Math and Computer Science Club
Math and Computer Science Club is there to bring together students interested in mathematics and computer science through social and academic activities.
National Black Law Students Association
National Black Law Students Association articulates and promotes the needs and goals of Black law students as well as effectuates change in the legal community.
National Science Teachers Association
The National Science Teachers Association allows aspiring science teachers at RIC to become acquainted with each other in an informal environment to discuss their paths through the education program and to enhance their science education.
National Student Speech and Language Association
The National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association prides themselves on educating others about the field of speech and hearing sciences and to prepare themselves for entrance into the field of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.
Physical Education Club
The Physical Education Club plans events around the school and community and strives to create a sense of community and network within the major.
Psychical Science Club
Physical Science Club allows students to come together and discuss the passion for their major and discuss current events in the field.
Political Science Club
Political Science Club generates interest and participation in the political process not only to students in the major but opens themselves to all interested RIC students.
Sociology and Justice Studies Club
Sociology and Justice Studies Club wants to get students involved in and aware of issues concerning sociology and justice studies. Also to provide an environment to discuss career opportunities and to further one’s knowledge of critical issues pertaining the field.
Student Nurses Association
Student Nurses Association wishes to promote high standards of practice through nursing education, provide programs representative of current professional interests in addition to concerns of nursing students, to inform the student body of the nature of professional nursing and to provide a forum for investigation of issues in healthcare in the college community.
Asian Student Association
Asian Student Association is an organization that serves as a voice for the cultural and social interests of Southeast Asian students, their goal is to educate and bring awareness by providing interaction opportunities for students and greater Rhode Island communities.
Ballroom Dance Club
Ballroom Dance Club provides a chance to introduce students to the exciting world of ballroom and Latin dance. It provides an opportunity to meet new people, dance competitively or socially and have a great time.
Chess Club
Chess Club teaches the game of chess and welcomes seasoned players looking for people to play with. They encourages all members of the RIC community to socialize, relax and enjoy spirited competition.
EPIC
Extreme Performance Interactive Circus, known more commonly as EPIC, provides students the opportunity to learn a variety of circus and performance skills in a helpful and encouraging environment. It is a chance to meet other fun individuals and bettering oneself with newly acquired skills. This non-competitive group open to people of all skill levels for the enjoyment of play and having fun.
Harambee
Harambee, which is Kiswahili for “unity or stand together” and is RICs multicultural student organization. The members primarily consist of students from throughout the African Diaspora and welcome others from diverse cultural backgrounds. Providing cultural experiences that others may learn from and engaging in social activities that allow them to show diversity and responsibility to society is their mission.
InterVarsity
InterVarsity is the Christian Fellowship on campus they seek to be a welcoming Christian community that offers open access to anyone seeking connection with God, people and the greater RIC community.
Latin American Student Association
The Latin American Student Association is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in developing member’s individual potential. They encourage members to learn about diversity of the Latino culture while promoting leadership development within the community. Membership is made up of diverse students from Latin America, Caribbean Islands, Central America and South America as well from various ethnic groups. All students are welcomed.
Ocean State Film Society
The Ocean State Film Society allows students greater participation in the entire filmmaking process: pre-production, production, post-production, promotion and distribution with the goal of participating in the film festival circuit.
Otaku
Otaku provides an outlet for members of the RIC community to enjoy and experience ANIME as well as Japanese and East Asian cultures.
Ski and Snowboard Club
The Ski and Snowboard Club seeks the development of interested individuals who show similar recreational pursuits of worthy leisure time. The group fosters growth in the areas of recreational ski and snowboarding skills, activities, leadership, appreciation of nature, as well as personal and group growth.
Spoken
Spoken spreads creativity and joy of the arts to the community and offers a space for artists and lovers of the arts to commune with each other.
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee Organization serves one purpose to get people to play Ultimate Frisbee in order to compete, exercise and enjoy the sport.
Bringing Books to Life
Bringing Books to Life and Games and Merriment Enthusiasts of RIC (GAMER) are the two newest additions to RIC’s list of clubs. Bringing Books to Life’s mission is to promote reading in young people amd won best new club at the student showcase awards.
GAMER
GAMER wants to provide a comfortable environment for people of different interests that revolve around games and interacting with fellow students.
No matter your interest there is a club on campus for you. You can check the RIC website for a full listing of clubs and organizations and for more information be sure to attend the Student Organization Showcase on the quad Sep. 12 during free period, 12:30-2.
