Facts on Issues Regarding University of Rhode
Island Course Enrollment
How long has this issue been going on for?
The past 7-8 years
How many students struggle getting into
major required courses each semester?
Over 50% of students of all ages
What percentage of students contact
professors requesting a permission number
to get into a closed course?
72% of students each semester reach out to
professors seeking a permission number for
at least one course
Students in which major(s) face this issue the
most?
Writing and rhetoric, public relations,
communications, and multimedia journalism
- which are majors within the Harrington
School of Communication and Media
What is this issue significant?
Students become stressed, anxious and
frustrated when they are unable to get into a
course that they need and it is unfair and
unnecessary. The university is responsible for
providing and guaranteeing a sufficient amount
courses to accommodate for all students and the
fact that they cannot guarantee enough classes,
which is what all students are here for, is a major
problem.
Which year at URI do students seem to face
this issue most frequently?
Primarily juniors and seniors
Has the university made any efforts to
resolve this issue and lessen the chances of
facing it?
No, the university does not see this issue as
prominent and does not acknowledge how
largely it impacts students
Has this issue affected or postponed any
students in the past intended graduation
date?
Yes, 30% of seniors are forced to take
courses over the summer in order to receive
their diploma
What does a student typically do if they
cannot enroll in a major required course?
Students either have to take the course over
the summer, online, or during a timeframe
that conflicts with their responsibilities
outside of school
Does the university make effort to help
students that come across this issue?
Rarely, the main for reason is because there
is nothing they can do- this issue roots from
lack of classroom space and professor
availability