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​Overview

​If you have an immediate concern regarding the safety of yourself, a student or other members of the RIC Community, please call 911 and then contact the Campus Police @ (401) 456-8888. (Available 24/7)

Helping Others​ Pursue Excellence (H.O.P.E.) Team

Purpose: To support student success and retention through outreach to students of concern attending Rhode Island College.

HOPE Committee Members

  • Dr. Tamika Wordlow-Williams, Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students
  • Margaret (Peggy) Lynch-Gadaleta, J.D., Director of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator
  • Joise Garzon, ​Director of Learning for Life
  • Daniel Reyes, Assistant Director of Learning for Life
  • Christie Rishworth, Interim Director of Health Services​
  • Allison Thayer, Assistant Director Residential Life and Housing ​
  • Peter Gibb, Assistant Director Residential Life and Housing
  • Dr. Warren Miller, Professor, MSW Program
  • Mia Downes, Coordinator, Disability Services Center
  • Chris DaCosta, Director, OASIS

*Where multiple individuals represent a unit only one member is required to attend a meeting. Additionally, HOPE may extend an invitation to a faculty partner with expertise in the topic being discussed.*

Behavioral Engagement Team Committee Members

  • Dr. Tamika Wordlow-Williams, Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students (Co-Chair)
  • Margaret (Peggy) Lynch-Gadaleta, JD, Director of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator (Co-Chair)
  • Dr. Ryan Porell, Interim Director of the Counseling Center/Psychologist
  • Darcy Dubois, Interim Director Residential Life and Housing
  • Keri Rossi-D’entremont, Director Disability Services Center
  • Christie Rishworth, Interim Director of Health Services
  • James Mendonca, Chief of Police
  • Legal Counsel, as appropriate

*BET may extend an invitation to a faculty partner with expertise in the topic being discussed.*

How Can I Make a Referral?

The H.O.P.E. Team has a specialty portal available through the Rhode Island College website to assist you in making referrals to the team. When making a referral, please have the following information available: (1) Your Name, Department, Contact Number (2) Student Name, Contact Number (3) Specific Nature of Your Concern.

When is it Appropriate to Refer a Student to the H.O.P.E. Team: (1) When you would like a specific Department (e.g., Residential Life, Counseling) to check-in with a student. (2) When a student is repeatedly missing academic courses and you have non-imminent concerns about the student’s well-being. (3) When you are concerned that a student does not have access to resources (e.g., Housing, Food, Funding to Purchase Books) to be successful at Rhode Island College. (4) When a student experiences a death and is seeking additional support.

What Can I Expect After Making a Referral?

You will receive confirmation that your referral was received and the co-chairs will review the referral within 48 hours to generate a response plan. The H.O.P.E. Team meets on a bi-weekly basis throughout the Academic Year. The team members will review the response plan and outreach to the student to offer support. At times, information reported requires that a subcommittee, referred to as the Behavioral Engagement Team (BET) meet to review and follow up on referrals

When you have an immediate concern regarding the safety of yourself, a student, or other members of the Rhode Island College Community, please contact Campus Police (available during/after business hours): 401-456-8888.

When you would like a direct phone consultation with a Counseling Center provider regarding a student concern, please contact the Counseling Center (M-F 8:30am-4:30pm) at 401-456-8094.

General Questions?

Please contact one of our committee co-chairs:
Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students, Tamika Wordlow-Williams Ed.D.: 401-456-8391​​
​Director of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator, Margaret (Peggy) Lynch-Gadaleta, J.D.: 401-456-8387​​

Page last updated: September 14, 2020