Your college years matter. Every class, rule, and goal adds to your future. Roger Williams University (RWU) helps students stay on the right path. One key part of that path is the Undergraduate Academic Requirements, known as UAR.
UAR is not just a list of courses. It is a full set of rules that shape your degree. These rules guide you from your first class to your final credit. They cover general education, major courses, and electives.
Many students feel lost when they first hear about UAR. Some miss important steps. Some choose the wrong classes. Others delay graduation. RWU built the UAR to stop that from happening.
This guide explains every part of the UAR. You will learn what the system includes, how it connects to legal studies, and how to use it in your daily college life. We will also cover the tools, services, and smart planning steps that help you succeed.
What Is RWU UAR?
RWU UAR means Undergraduate Academic Requirements. These are the rules that every student must follow to graduate.
The UAR breaks your education into three areas. You must complete credits in each area. The school tracks your progress as you move through your program.
Every student, no matter their major, follows some of the same rules. Other rules depend on your major. Legal studies follow a specific path, but still fall under the full UAR system.
RWU helps you stay on track. You can use the online portal to check your progress. Advisors also guide you through each step. If you follow the UAR, you move forward without delays.
The Three Core Areas
The UAR includes three main parts. Each plays a role in shaping your education. You must complete courses in all three to earn your degree. These areas include general education, major courses, and electives. Together, they form the full structure of your academic path at RWU.
General Education
General education builds your foundation. These courses help you think clearly, write well, and solve real problems. You study subjects like English, math, history, science, and the arts. These are not just checkboxes. They teach skills that help in every job and in daily life.
You also learn how to speak in public, write formal papers, and handle data. A student in any major benefits from these tools. These courses give you a strong start, no matter your future plans.
RWU spreads general education across the first two years. This keeps your load balanced and prepares you for deeper study later. Some courses may also count toward your major or minor.
Major Courses
Your major courses shape your field of study. These are the classes that focus on your chosen subject. For legal studies, you take courses in law, court systems, legal writing, policy, ethics, and legal research. These courses help you understand how the legal world works.
You explore the roles of judges, lawyers, and lawmakers. You also read legal texts and court opinions. These courses teach how to apply law in real-world cases. You build skills that apply in jobs, law school, or public service.
Your major courses often include advanced classes in your final year. RWU may also require a senior capstone. This final project helps you tie your knowledge together.
Electives
Electives give you space to grow. You choose these classes yourself. They may support your career goals or let you explore other subjects. Some students take electives in business, psychology, writing, or science. Others use them to add a minor or second major.
Electives also help you try new fields before making a big change. You may find a new interest that changes your career direction. These credits give you control over part of your degree.
RWU allows some flexibility with electives. You must still meet your total credit goal, but you have room to explore along the way.
How Long Is Law School and What Happens After Graduation
Total Credits and Planning
To graduate, you must complete around 120 credits. These credits must include a mix of general education, major courses, and electives. The UAR helps you stay on track. You can use the student portal to track progress and plan your next steps.
Advisors also help you build a course plan that balances all three parts. Each area matters. Ignoring one can delay your graduation or block your goals.
Understanding Academic Rules
RWU sets rules to help students stay on course. If you follow these rules, you lower the risk of delays or penalties.
You must keep a GPA of 2.0 or higher. If your GPA drops below this level, you may go on probation. The school may limit your classes or require extra support.
RWU uses a letter grade system. You earn grades like A, B, C, and so on. Some classes offer a pass/fail option. Too many pass/fail grades can still hurt your GPA.
You must also follow rules about dropping, repeating, or transferring courses. One wrong move can cost you time and money.
Always check with your advisor before you change your schedule. One meeting can help you avoid big mistakes.
Legal Courses at RWU
RWU has a full legal studies program. It gives students a solid base in law, policy, and justice. You do not need to become a lawyer to benefit from it.
Legal courses start with the basics. You learn how laws work and how courts make decisions. You read real legal texts and case examples. These courses teach you how to write clearly and think with logic.
As you move forward, you take advanced courses. These may focus on civil law, criminal justice, constitutional law, or public policy.
Every legal student must finish a capstone project. This shows what you learned. You may write a paper, take part in a real case, or complete a policy review.
RWU also connects students to the outside world. Internships, volunteer jobs, and research work help you gain real experience.
Career Planning for Legal Students
Smart students start planning early. RWU helps you find your path in law, justice, or policy. You do not need to wait until your final year to prepare.
Some students want to attend law school. Others want jobs in courts, law firms, non-profits, or government offices. Legal training helps in all of these paths.
RWU’s career advisors offer support. They help with resumes, job searches, and applications. They teach you how to explain your legal training to employers.
You can also join legal clubs. RWU hosts mock trial teams, pre-law societies, and legal forums. These groups build your skills and your network.
The school holds events and workshops. Topics include how to apply to law school, how to prepare for interviews, and how to find legal internships.
Start now. The sooner you plan, the better your results.
Planning Courses Each Semester
Each semester comes with choices. You must know what to take and how to build a balanced schedule.
RWU provides a course planner. This online tool shows your progress. It lists the classes you need and lets you check what is open each term.
Your advisor helps you pick the right mix of classes. They make sure you meet all UAR steps. They also help you avoid extra or useless credits.
Some students want to study abroad. If you do, plan early. Some legal classes do not transfer well. Your advisor can help match courses to your program.
Balance is key. Do not overload one term with hard classes. Mix easier courses with tougher ones. Leave room for rest, study, and health.
Using the RWU Student Portal
The student portal is your main tool. It shows your transcript, grades, and UAR status.
Log in often. You can see your full academic record. The portal also lists what classes remain. You know where you stand at any time.
If you see an error, act fast. Meet with your advisor or speak to the registrar. Fix small problems before they grow.
The portal links to course descriptions. You can plan ahead and avoid wrong choices. Use it to stay in control.
Support Services That Help You Succeed
RWU provides strong support to every student. These services are free and easy to access. You do not need to wait until you struggle. Using help early can make a big difference.
Tutoring Center
The Tutoring Center helps with many subjects. You can meet with a tutor for math, writing, science, or test prep. Sessions take place in person or online. Tutors explain ideas in a clear, simple way. They help you solve problems, understand lessons, and prepare for exams. You do not need to fail before you ask for help. Many students use tutoring to improve good grades or stay ahead.
Writing Center
Strong writing helps in every class. The Writing Center shows you how to build better papers. You can work on grammar, spelling, structure, and flow. Staff will not write for you. They will teach you how to fix your work. You can bring full essays or just outlines. You can also return as many times as needed. The goal is to help you write with more clarity and confidence.
Advising Office
Advisors help you plan your academic path. You can ask about class choices, majors, minors, or long-term goals. They guide you through each semester. They help you meet degree rules, stay on track, and avoid costly mistakes. If you want to change your major, add a minor, or study abroad, your advisor will explain how. You can also ask about internships or career planning.
Library Services
The library is more than books. Staff can show you how to find trusted sources, use databases, and cite material the right way. You can learn how to avoid plagiarism and follow school rules on research. If you feel lost with a big paper or project, the library team will walk you through the process. You also get access to quiet study rooms, group spaces, and tools like printers and scanners.
Disability Services
RWU supports students with disabilities. If you need extra time on tests, a quiet place to take exams, or note-taking tools, this office can help. You may also request assistive technology or other classroom adjustments. To access these services, you will meet with a specialist who can guide you through the steps. Everything stays private and follows school policies.
Other Helpful Services
RWU also offers wellness support, mental health counseling, peer mentoring, and student workshops. You can learn time management, stress control, and study skills. Some events focus on building job skills, such as resume writing or public speaking.
How Law School Transparency Changed Legal Education for Good
UAR for Transfer Students
Some students come to RWU from another college. These students bring past credits and experience. RWU makes sure their work counts.
Credit Transfer Process
RWU reviews every transfer student’s transcript. The school checks each class to see if it meets UAR standards. Some courses may count toward general education. Others may fit as electives. A few may match major courses.
Transfer students should meet with an advisor early. This helps build a course plan that fills gaps and avoids repeats. The advisor will explain what still needs to be done before graduation.
Staying on Track After Transfer
Students must follow all UAR rules, even after transfer. That includes GPA rules, total credit minimums, and major requirements. The portal helps track progress. Transfer students also use it to plan ahead.
RWU gives full support to transfer students. Use the Writing Center, Tutoring Center, and library to stay strong.
UAR and Dual Majors or Honors Students
Some students want more from college. RWU offers paths for students who plan to double major or enter the honors program.
Completing Dual Majors
Dual majors mean extra planning. You must meet UAR rules for both programs. Some classes may overlap, but many do not. An advisor will help you avoid overload and wasted credits.
If you want to add a second major, start early. Talk to your advisor before your third year. That gives time to meet all course and credit goals.
Honors Program Requirements
RWU’s honors students take special courses. These include deeper reading, writing, and project work. The honors path fits within the UAR, but adds extra steps.
Honors students may need to complete a senior thesis or research paper. These projects require time and focus. The Writing Center and library can help.
Suggested Year-by-Year Roadmap
Every year brings new goals. Planning each year helps you meet UAR requirements and avoid stress.
Year 1 – Build Your Foundation
Take general education courses. Explore subjects. Meet your advisor. Try electives that match your interests. Learn how to use the student portal and visit the Writing Center.
Year 2 – Focus and Decide
Choose your major. Meet again with your advisor. Take more major-level courses. Review your credit progress. Think about studying abroad or adding a minor.
Year 3 – Grow and Apply
Take advanced courses. Join legal clubs or internships. Attend career events. Start preparing for law school or job options. Complete upper-level electives.
Year 4 – Finish Strong
Complete your capstone or final project. Check every credit and course with your advisor. Write your resume. Apply to graduate schools or jobs. Use career services and interview support.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students make small mistakes that cost them time. You can avoid them with the right steps.
One common mistake is skipping the UAR guide. Read it early. Know what the school expects from you.
Some students do not meet with their advisor. This leads to wrong classes and lost credits. One meeting each term makes a big difference.
Others delay career planning. That causes stress in the final year. Start early and explore your options.
Some students avoid support tools. Even top students need help sometimes. Use tutors and workshops to stay strong.
Trying to take too many hard classes at once can cause burnout. Balance your load to protect your mind and health.
Track your progress in the portal. One missed class or rule can delay your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These are common questions students ask about RWU UAR. Each answer is clear and simple.
What happens if I fail a course?
You may need to retake it. Your advisor will help you decide. Failing a required course delays graduation. Use support services to stay ahead.
Can I change my major?
Yes, but speak to your advisor first. Some changes affect your timeline. Some may need extra courses.
Do online or summer classes count?
Yes, if RWU approves them. Always check with your advisor before you sign up. Some outside classes may not count toward UAR.
How many electives can I take?
This depends on your major. Most students take 20-30 elective credits. Your advisor can give you an exact number.
Will study abroad delay graduation?
Not if you plan well. Pick programs that offer approved courses. RWU advisors will help match classes to UAR rules.
Know the Policies That Support UAR
UAR does not stand alone. RWU has policies that affect your path. Learn these early.
Academic Integrity
RWU expects honest work. Do not copy, cheat, or lie about your work. Use your own voice. Always cite sources. Students who break rules face serious actions.
Attendance Policy
Some professors take attendance. Too many missed classes may lower your grade. Always check each class policy at the start of the term.
Withdrawal and Refund Rules
If you drop a class, act before the deadline. You may still owe money if you wait too long. Ask the registrar for help before you drop anything.
Conclusion
RWU UAR gives every student a clear path. It tells you what to do, when to do it, and how to stay on track. You must follow the steps, but you also gain freedom to grow and explore.
Legal studies at RWU give you more than a degree. You gain strong skills, deep knowledge, and access to real-world experience. Whether you want to attend law school or start work right away, this program can help you reach your goals.
Success comes from action. Use your planner. Meet with your advisor. Join legal groups. Visit the Writing Center. Attend career workshops. These small steps create big results.
RWU gives you the structure. This guide gives you the map. The rest is up to you.
Legal studies at RWU cover core subjects such as courts, ethics, and research. Students also learn the difference between substantive and procedural law: key rules and why they matter, which builds a strong base for future legal work.
Final Note:
This guide explains RWU UAR in simple steps. Still, you should check the official RWU catalog for updates. Policies may change.
This article shares helpful tips, but does not replace advice from your academic advisor. Always ask questions. The more you know, the smoother your path will be.