URI pilot math program produces positive results
KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 5, 2025 – A two-week pilot program designed by the URI Math Department to improve the math skills of incoming freshmen at the University of Rhode Island has produced impressive results. The “Level Up!” program, held on the Kingston Campus from July 27 to Aug. 8, was free for participants. By the program’s end, 17 of the 18 students who took part had raised their proficiency level from pre-calculus to calculus.
Funded by the URI Division of Research and Economic Development and the deans’ offices in the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences, Level Up! was coordinated by University College for Academic Success, with support from the Division of Student Affairs.
“The goal was to develop students’ math competencies to help set them up for greater success in their academic career,” said Kim Stack, executive director of Undergraduate Student Success and Academic Support at URI.
The program provided students with a declared math, computer science, chemistry, physics, pharmacy, marine biology, or engineering major support from two full-time math instructors and six graduate student teaching assistants. Students lived in Hillside Residence Hall and ate in URI’s dining halls. Activities on and off campus enabled them to establish friendships prior to the start of the fall semester.
“We took students off campus to learn more about the Wakefield and Narragansett areas,” said Stack. “They did some fun events in the evening with recreation services, housing, campus wellness, and student activities. It was great to see them connect with their peers and enhance their math skills in the process.”
Students’ aptitude in math before and after the program was measured by their scores on the ALEKS math placement test (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces). On average, students improved their test results by 21.2 points. Abby Depew, a chemistry major from Acton, Massachusetts, raised her score from a 67 to a 94.
“I needed to be in the highest math level to start my major,” said Depew. “I could have done the modules at home, then took the ALEKS test, but this program enabled me to go campus for two weeks, get familiar with URI before the school year started, and receive a good review of the math skills that I will need this year.”
The support provided through the program as well as the ability to make new friendships prior to the start of freshman year also helped make the transition to college a bit easier Depew said.
“I met so many new friends whom I’ve already seen while walking around campus,” said Depew. “It made me feel so much more comfortable and confident.”
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