1. Roger Williams University Begins “Affordable Excellence” Program
By Jennifer Brantley Masone
In October 2012, Roger Williams University (RWU) launched its Affordable Excellence initiative.
University President Donald J. Farish explained the program in his annual State of the University address.
The initiative includes a tuition freeze for all current undergraduate students through the 2013-2014
academic year. Additionally, incoming students in the 2013-2014 school year will pay the same tuition
rate for all four years of college, so long as they are continuously enrolled at RWU.
The University is putting forth its best effort to counterbalance the difficult economic times, the rising
costs of higher education, and the large debts students are faced with after graduation. While
recognizing that RWU will not be able to solve the many financial issues involved in attending college in
the United States, Farish stated that he and the university wants to “do the right thing by our own
students and their families.”
About the author:
A graduate of Roger Williams University, Jennifer Brantley Masone earned a Bachelor of Science in
Architecture. Based out of Weston, Connecticut, she works on high-end residential projects, as well as
restaurants, retail space, and public buildings. Jennifer Brantley Masone is principal of JEMasone
Architecture and Design.