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Photo: Erin Chiocchio ’16 in Barcelona during fall 2014 study abroad in Rome

Forty Salve Regina students representing nearly every major and minor at the University will spend the spring 2016 semester studying abroad at program locations spanning five continents, 13 countries and 25 partner institutions.

While locations such as the University’s exchange partner institution in Australia might attract multiple students from different majors, some are heading out as the only Salve Regina student going to their chosen program. “This spring we have students studying in Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, England, France, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Spain and Thailand,” said Katie McCormack, assistant director of study abroad. “Historically, this is one of our larger groups heading out.”

To date, the global security environment has not led Salve Regina students to change their educational objectives and goals, which is consistent with universities across the nation. “Certainly students, parents and administrators are concerned about recent events and concerned about safety and security,” said Erin FitzGerald, director of international programs. “All of our fall term students completed their programs abroad as planned and the majority of the students accepted to spring term programs are proceeding with their plans as well.”

This is not to say that study abroad planning and administration has not been impacted by the recent terrorist attacks in and outside the United States. “In light of recent events, all of our partners abroad are carefully reviewing their security protocols and emergency communication plans,” FitzGerald said. “Certainly parents, students and staff alike have a heightened sense of importance and awareness around the safety and security planning and information connected to study abroad.”

Participation in study abroad has been increasing steadily over the last decade, and a national effort to increase participation rates, which Salve Regina has joined, continues unabated despite world events. “In some ways, recent events only highlight the need for cultural and educational exchange,” McCormack said.

Students interested in studying abroad during the fall 2016 semester or the 2016-2017 academic year must apply by Feb. 15, 2016. To learn more about recognized semester options and short-term programs, visit the study abroad website or attend a student-run study abroad information session any weekday at 4 p.m. in the Office of International Programs, which is located in Drexel Hall.

SRU Dance, Salve Regina’s student-run dance organization, will present its fall performance, “Emergency,” Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12 in the Rodgers Recreation Center. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday.

The fall performance will include 22 dances in styles such as hip hop, jazz, tap, contemporary and Irish step. This semester, the club boasts more than 150 performers, making SRU Dance the largest student-run club on campus.

Admission to Friday’s performance is at least a $1 donation to the Andrea Rizzo Foundation, while admission to Saturday’s performance is $5. A portion of the proceeds from Saturday’s performance will benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital. At both shows, children young enough to sit on an adult’s lap are admitted free.

A Salve Regina graduate, Andrea Rizzo was tragically killed by a drunk driver at age 24. The foundation established in her name fosters Rizzo’s dream of helping children with cancer and special needs through the power of dance. The members of SRU Dance continue to support “Drea’s Dream” and help the foundation in any way they can.

The McKillop Library is extending its hours during the final two weeks of the semester. Extended hours will run from 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 through noon Saturday, Dec. 19.

Hours are:

• 24 hours through 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11
• 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
• 24 hours from 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 through noon Saturday, Dec. 19

The second and third floors of the library will close at 2 a.m. during extended periods; only the first floor will remain open from 2-8 a.m. Students will need their Salve Regina ID for card swipe access after 10 p.m.

Although the library as a whole is fairly quiet, the third floor is designated the silent study floor. Groups are encouraged to meet on the first and second floors or in the study rooms: 217, 304, 306 and 317.

Students may reserve study rooms online, and rooms may be booked for a maximum of three consecutive hours. If study rooms are not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but priority will be given to groups of three or more students.

The library will have free coffee, tea and hot chocolate available after 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 and Monday, Dec. 14. In addition, non-alcoholic beverages in spill-resistant containers and snack foods are always permitted in the library. Beverages in open cups and hot meals should be consumed in the Bookends Cafe.