To create a stronger connection between Narragansett and the University of Rhode Island, the student senate hosted a “Tea with Town Council” event, allowing students to voice their concerns about housing to the Narragansett Town Council.
Held on Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union, the event created a potential to build community at URI, according to Town Council members Jason Colonies and Jim Durkin.
“My goal is just to be more inclusive of URI and open up dialogue,” Durkin said. “I think we accomplished some goals.”
Second-year Arpan Singh, external affairs chair of the student senate, took initiative to make the connection possible earlier in the fall semester by getting in contact with the Narragansett 2100 council and by speaking at one of Narragansett’s Town Council meetings. Singh said that he wants to foster relationships with South Kingstown and the Narragansett state police as well.
Tea with Town Council is about “getting everyone on the same page,” and to make sure a relationship between the university and locals is bolstered, according to Singh.
“It’s definitely strengthening every time we speak with Narragansett Town Council,” Singh said. “They treat us with respect and we treat them with respect.”
Ensuring that student safety and a harmonious relationship with Narragansett locals is a core part of his work, according to Singh. He thinks building a strong relationship with Greek Life in a broader community is of utmost importance.
“Narragansett gives us a lot and it’s a give-and-take relationship,” Singh said.
Singh sees mutual respect between the town and university and hopes to continue to expand it.
Colonies said the Nov. 6 meeting was the third he had been to. He thinks the senate is building a “nice” relationship with the Town Council.
