Prospective Students/FAQs
We know how difficult the process of choosing a college can be, and we're glad to know that you've taken an interest in the University of Rhode Island! College is a big transition - and we want you to feel comfortable calling Hillel as you go along your new journey.
It's an exciting time to be a Jewish college student here at URI! Hillel has grown tremendously in the last few years and we have just opened our own building, the Norman M. Fain Hillel Center, in January 2010. Hillel really does have something for everyone - and we're proud to be considered one of the most active student groups on campus. Whether your interests are social or spiritual, cultural or communal, Hillel offers programming, staff and resources to enrich and compliment your college experience.
If you have not yet visited our campus and would like to, we suggest going to the URI website and following the admissions link, where you'll find information about the Meet the University Program and tour dates. If you'd rather come for a more informal visit and are interested in staying with a student in a dorm room overnight - give us a call and we'll do our best to match you up with one of our Hillel members!
We're here to answer any additional questions you might have about Hillel and URI; feel free to contact us by phone at 401-874-2740 or email Amy or Joie. Good luck in your search for a college, and we hope to welcome you into our URI community!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many Jewish students are there at URI?
How many members does Hillel have?
How many students are involved with Hillel?
How can I find out more about Hillel's programming and activities?
Is Hillel only for Jewish students?
Is there a rabbi on campus?
Does Hillel have Shabbat and holiday services?
Does URI or URI Hillel have a Kosher meal plan?
Is there a Jewish Studies major at URI?
Are the any Jewish sororities or fraternities at URI?
I'm thinking about applying to URI. Does Hillel arrange visits?
How many Jewish students are there at URI?
Although there are no official statistics concerning the number of Jews at URI, the estimated Jewish population is 1200, about 10% of the campus population.
How many members does Hillel have?
None! There is no such thing as "membership" at Hillel. Everyone is welcome to participate in any of our programs.
How many students are involved with Hillel?
This is a very difficult number to measure, since we have no "membership." There are close to 500 students on our mailing list who we are in touch with on a weekly basis. There are at least 60 students who currently participate at least once a month and about 150 students participate in some Hillel activity over the course of the year.
How can I find out more about Hillel's programming and activities?
Check back at the web site to get up-to-date information about Hillel events. In addition, you can sign up to receive a weekly email, "Hillel Highlights", of notices about Hillel's current initiatives, events, job opportunities, and announcements. Become a "friend" of Rhody Hillel on Facebook to receive event invatations and messages.
Is Hillel only for Jewish students?
No! Everyone is welcome at Hillel and at Hillel programs. Please feel free to bring your non-Jewish friends. We're always glad to answer questions for anyone who is curious about Jewish life. Our friendly environment allows all students to feel comfortable.
There is not a rabbi on campus, but our staff is on hand to provide support and we have excellent working relationships with many rabbis in town. If you would like to get into contact with a local rabbi (any denomination), please contact us. Additionally, Amy Olson, the Executive Director, is the official Jewish Chaplain on campus and has extensive Jewish education.
Does Hillel have Shabbat and holiday services?
We hold Shabbat evening services at least twice a month during the school year, followed by FREE Shabbat dinner. We also hold High Holy Day services each year, as well a Passover seder and Passover meals.
Does URI or URI Hillel have a Kosher meal plan?
No, but all meals served at Hillel are kosher. We do offer free Shabbat dinners for students and a special kosher meal plan during Passover. Hillel has a full commercial size kosher kitchen.
Is there a Jewish Studies major at URI?
No, but URI offers Jewish studies classes. The University offers various Judaic Studies classes, which include: The Jewish Experience; Spain, the Jews, and the Inquisition; The Holocaust; Politics and Problems of Israel; and Beginning and Intermediate Hebrew. If you would like to find out about informal education opportunities, contact Hillel.
Are the any Jewish sororities or fraternities at URI?
Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), a Jewish fraternity, recently started up again at URI. For more information contact Max Irlander, President or Josh Rottenberg, Rush Chair.
While no other fraternities or sororities are exclusively Jewish, there are Jewish members in just about every fraternity and sorority on campus. Sororities and Fraternities with historic Jewish links are Sigma Delta Tau and Zeta Beta Tau.
I'm thinking about applying to URI. Does Hillel arrange visits?
Yes. Hillel is happy to welcome you to the URI community. Joie Schwartz will gladly work with you to arrange a visit and a stay with a Jewish student so that you can experience what Jewish life is like on campus first hand.