Required Forms and Documents

Upon acceptance to the program, all required forms must be completed and submitted via the Application Dashboard by May 1, 2023. All documents can be found on the dashboard and require a parent’s signature. You will not be able to attend classes until all required forms have been signed and submitted. Required forms include:

• Consent to Treat and Transport (parent signature required)
• Counseling Services Consent (parent signature required)
• FERPA Consent
• Photo Release (parent signature required)
• Student Conduct Agreement (parent signature required)
• Student ID Photo Submission
• Housing Application
• Health Services Portal
  The Health Services Portal will not be available to complete until March 1 as you need to use your RISD Account username and password. However, the online forms require extensive student health information, a physician’s authorization and signature, and immunization records. Please review this information immediately and plan accordingly in order to return the forms in time. Note: In compliance with HIPAA, health forms must be uploaded directly to the Health Services Portal; please do not email them. If you have any questions regarding the required health forms, please contact 401 454-6625 or health@risd.edu.

Health requirements for admitted students:

• COVID-19 vaccination with booster
• Immunization Records (health provider signature required); a positive titer value for any of these diseases is acceptable:
  • MMR (2 doses; minimum of 4 weeks between doses; dose 1 must be given after first birthday)
  • Hepatitis B (3 doses; minimum 4 weeks between doses 1 and 2; minimum 8 weeks between doses 2 and 3; minimum 16 weeks between doses 1 and 3)
  • Tdap (1 dose in past 10 years; if Tdap date is more than 10 yrs from date of enrollment must provide date of recent Td booster)
  • Varicella (2 doses or history of disease; minimum 3 months between doses if 1–12 years old; minimum 4 weeks between doses if 13 or older)
  • Meningitis (1 dose; booster required if dose 1 was prior to 16th birthday)
• Tuberculosis (TB) screening, with provider signature
• Completed health forms on the Health Services Portal (to be accessed in spring)

Student Handbook
The Student Handbook contains detailed information about arrival and departure; housing, dining and safety; and academic and disciplinary policies and procedures. You and your parents/guardians are required to read the handbook carefully, and be completely familiar with the official policies and procedures contained in the handbook prior to arrival on campus.

Apply for Housing

In early April you’ll receive an email with information on the housing application, as well as other important documents like the Weekend Away and Early Arrival forms. Housing applications are due by May 1.

Roommates

An important part of Pre-College experience is getting to meet new friends in a new environment; that’s why we don’t give the option of requesting a specific roommate. It’s important that you complete your housing application on your own and answer as candidly as possible, because our office will use the application to pair you with a roommate based on similarities in important living habits (e.g., similar sleeping hours). Students coming from the same school, city or major will not be paired together.

For any questions or concerns, please contact the Residence Life office by email or by phone at 401 454-6650. To best assist you, please indicate that you are calling or emailing regarding RISD Pre-College.

Student Resources

Important Dates

Arrival and Departure

Plan your Travel

Please come prepared to attend the full duration of the program, from Check-In and Orientation on Saturday, June 24, 2023 all the way through your last class on the last day of the program, Friday, July 28, 2023.

Early Check-In

International and West Coast students traveling long distances (whose travel plans may preclude your arrival in time for Check-In and Orientation) can submit a request to arrive up to a day early (any time after 9 am on June 23). More information about early arrival will be included in the housing application process email sent in early April. All early arrival requests must be submitted to Residence Life by June 9, 2023.

Leaving the Program Early

The final week of class is an especially intensive time; you’ll be highly focused on developing and presenting your final projects right through the final day of class. We strongly encourage your parents/guardians, friends and family to come to Providence to see your work in the Final Exhibitions, but please be mindful that you’ll need to keep your attention on your studies during this time. If you elect to leave the program early or don’t attend all of your final classes, you’ll put yourself in jeopardy of failing your course(s) or the program.  

Getting to RISD

Check-In

All Pre-College students are required to attend Check-In and Orientation on Saturday, June 24. Specific arrival and Check-in instructions will be sent to you prior to the start of the program, but here’s more about what you can expect: At Check-In you will receive your residence hall room assignment and access card, ID card, registration and class schedule, which may include some specific course supply lists. Campus partners will be available at the Resource Fair to answer any questions, including staff members from Health Services, Public Safety, laundry service and the RISD Store. 

Check-In Day Schedule

Schedule subject to change

Welcome Materials

Welcome materials will be available as Pre-College 2023 Check-In Day approaches.

• CHECK-IN & ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
• CANVAS RESOURCE GUIDE
• EVENTS CALENDAR
• FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE
• CAMPUS MAP
• HOW TO ACCESS CLASS SCHEDULE
• COMMUTER STUDENT GUIDE

Luggage Instructions

We recommend that all residential students clearly label all luggage so it can be easily retrieved from the drop-off point. We suggest packing everything in suitcases, bags and boxes, as unpacked items become tough to manage.

Late Arrival

Due to the intensive nature of the program it is very difficult to start the program late. Check-in and Orientation is mandatory. Students should plan to arrive on Saturday morning (or on Friday if using the early arrival housing option). If you have a scheduling conflict with school or exams, we strongly suggest you ask if your school can make arrangements for you to complete the requirements early. If you need a letter documenting your Pre-College attendance for school officials, simply email us for assistance.

What to Bring

Living in the residence halls? Below is a list of items you must provide along with a list of suggested items that past students have told us they were glad to have brought with them.

Required items:

• Sheets (custom, extra-long 80” twin)*
• Pillows
• Pillowcases*
• Blankets*
• Towels*
• Alarm clock
• Smart cell phone (U.S. number)

Suggested items:

• Mattress pad
• Desk lamp (halogen lamps are not allowed)
• Fan
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Flip-flops/shower sandals
• Shower caddy
• Sunscreen
• Key chain
• Earplugs (the city can be noisy with open windows)
• Hangers

*If you prefer, bedding and linen rentals and a laundry service can be arranged through E&R Campus Laundry. You can sign up for the service ahead of time (select “RISD Summer School”), and E&R Campus Laundry will also be present on Check-In Day. Review laundry/linen rental services offered.

Final Exhibitions

Final Critiques Week

You’ll be in class all day, every day of Final Critiques Week–presenting and documenting your work, giving and receiving critiques and having individual meetings with instructors. Please plan to be on campus until 4:30 pm (end of class) on Friday, July 28. You are not allowed to leave any of your final classes early, and you must be available to collect your artwork from the exhibitions between 2:30 and 5:30 pm.

Final Exhibitions

Schedule subject to change

Pre-College culminates with final student exhibitions. The Foundations Exhibition presents work from Drawing Foundations and Design Foundations, the Majors Exhibition showcases pieces produced in the studios of all majors, the Film/Video and Animation Screening is where all Film/Video and Animation student work is viewed, and the Fashion Majors Show highlights wearable art.

Majors Exhibition Opening Reception
Thursday, July 27, 5–8 pm
Woods-Gerry Gallery, Woods-Gerry House
Exhibition hours: July 27 (9 am–9 pm) and July 28 (9 am–2:30 pm)

Foundations Exhibition Opening Reception
Thursday, July 27, 5–8 pm
Washington Place Lobby, 20 Washington Place
Exhibition hours: July 27 (9 am–9 pm) and July 28 (9 am–2:30 pm)

Film/Video and Animation Screening
Thursday, July 27, 5:30 pm
Metcalf Auditorium, Chace Center/RISD Museum

Fashion Show
Thursday, July 27
RISD Auditorium
Rehearsal: 6 pm
Main Event: 7:30 pm

Artwork Pick-Up

Friday, July 28, 2:30–5:30 pm. You’re responsible for picking up your final work at the close of the exhibitions. Artwork may not be removed from the gallery prior to the start of the pick-up time of 2:30 pm on Friday; any artwork that is not picked up by 5:30 pm will be discarded. Parents or friends may pick up artwork for you by presenting a note from you authorizing the pick-up as well as a photo ID.

Check-Out

Residence hall room check-out is Saturday, July 29 by 12 noon.

To ensure a safe and smooth departure, students are required to stay through the last day of class, Friday, July 28, when they will pick up their artwork from Final Exhibitions from 2:30–5:30 pm, and then depart RISD residence halls by 12 noon on Saturday, July 29 2023. For travel purposes, if students would like to check out after class on Friday, July 28 they must notify the Residence Life office.

Shipping and Packing

UPS will be on campus during Check-Out to help pack and ship belongings home; they are also available to pick up, pack and ship artwork from the galleries. (Please note that UPS is a third party vendor and all transactions with them are independent of RISD.)

The UPS Store, 11 South Angell St, Providence, RI 02906
Phone: 401 751-6245
Email: store3114@theupsstore.com
Web: theupsstore.com/3114

Info for Parents and Guardians

What to Expect

RISD Pre-College is an opportunity for students to experience life as a college student. The program is oriented toward independent young people; since they are not supervised at all times, they have the opportunity to grow even more independent and responsible.

Students are expected to take initiative both inside and outside of the classroom, including prioritizing their schedule to balance extensive homework assignments with time for RISD events and activities. Students have the ability to travel freely on and off campus after class and before curfew; however, being on time for curfew and class is held to very strict standards.

Students are also responsible for seeking out information and guidance from faculty, Residence Life and other appropriate staff to resolve any issues.

Communication

During the Application Process

• When applying for the program, students are asked to use their primary email address to create an account within the Application Dashboard. Once accepted, all required forms and documents must be submitted online with parent or guardian signatures. Please work with your child to complete the application process together.
• The Parent/Guardian email designated as the primary point of contact in the program application will be contacted by Residence Life to complete a Parent/Guardian Housing Application. This short application is where the parent/guardian indicates important dates and information to Residence Life. This information helps us keep your student safe and accounted for during curfew checks. The application is mandatory for all parents/guardians of students who are residing on campus during Pre-College.

During the Program

Pre-College staff and faculty will communicate directly with students via email—not with parents, guardians or other third parties. During the program, unless a student has incurred a serious infraction, parents and guardians are not necessarily informed when students receive an Academic Warning, attend a Disciplinary Hearing or violate minor policies. In this way they can learn to make alternative choices and self-correct in order to succeed.

Safety

We take the safety of your children seriously. That’s why we offer many services, tools, policies and procedures to help maintain a safe environment on campus. The Public Safety office and the Security Desk are staffed 24/7 to ensure the general welfare and security of all Pre-College students. We implement a 10 pm curfew every night, and check that the students are all in their rooms by that time.

Emergency Notification

LiveSafe, managed by RISD’s Department of Public Safety, is a free downloadable app that mobile users can use to initiate contact with emergency responders around the city and campus. It is also an emergency notification system that uses broadcast phone, email and text messaging for quick distribution of time-sensitive information to students, faculty, staff and family members. The primary email address listed on the Pre-College application is automatically enrolled in the system. During critical events involving your personal safety, you will receive advisories and instructions to the phone number you provide. Features include:

• one-touch emergency/crime reporting to Public Safety or 911
• anonymous messaging for reporting suspicious activity, crimes in progress and other safety concerns
• monitoring services for family/friends to track your location
• customized directory of RISD and local emergency information
• health and wellness resources
• directory of on-campus automated external defibrillator (AED) locations

LiveSafe is available for download from the Apple App Store, Google Play and the MyRISD app, or via direct download. You must sign up for the LiveSafe system by June 24.

Hear from Other Parents

Here are just a few things other parents–just like you–have had to say about the program.

“RISD’s Pre-College Program was a life changing experience for our sixteen year old, who grew substantially in her art and independence… She rose to the occasion of doing the hard work and achieving great results. She is now a much more confident and assured young woman.”
– Allain, Massachusetts

“I would make sure your child is committed to the arts before attending. This is a somewhat intense program. My daughter was in the studio working on projects at all hours (and she loved every minute of it). This program is a real slice of college life and not to be compared to those summer camp college programs. The completed work my daughter came home with was beyond impressive and it gave her confidence in her ability and direction for her future plans. She also made a ton of friends from all over the country.”
– Alyssa, New Jersey

“Our son was humbled by the experience and learned to grow by it. I recommend pre-colleges for any high school students that plan to attend a college or university.”
– John, New York

“The fact that RISD has a Pre-College program that is longer than two weeks is so crucial. What are you going to get out of two weeks? This is total immersion. It’s almost like a mini semester. We thought that was fantastic. If our daughter had said after after the program ‘this is not for me,’ that would have been okay. We would have seen it as equally beneficial for her to learn that art school wasn’t for her before starting to apply to undergraduate colleges. But it was quite the opposite. It’s worth it. It’s a life-building and lifelong experience that’s going to stick with a young person forever.”
– Robert, New Jersey

Policies

COVID-19

RISD has developed a comprehensive set of protocols and associated policies to protect the health and safety of Pre-College students and the broader community from the spread of the novel coronavirus on campus. Please visit our COVID-19 Safety Information page for the current requirements and protocols pertinent to COVID-19 and the Pre-College 2023 program.

Student Conduct 

RISD Pre-College encourages artistic and intellectual freedom, but also offers a structured campus environment. Most students live in campus residence halls, which are accessible only by authorized ID cards. Special rules apply to Pre-College students, which include but are not limited to evening curfew and the need for parental and/or guardian permission to leave campus overnight. Further details of conduct expectations, attendance and curfew policies are included in the Pre-College Student Handbook.

Violations of college policies and regulations may result in such sanctions as a warning, probation or dismissal. All policy materials must be read and acknowledged prior to the start of the program.

Academic Attendance

Pre-College follows a full-time collegiate curriculum and standards. As a RISD Pre-College student you will need to:

• Arrive on campus on time at the start of the program and attend all Student Orientations on Saturday, June 24, 2023 and Sunday, June 25.
• Arrive to each class on time and prepared. Review and fully understand the guidelines for classroom behavior and academic performance as outlined by each instructor’s syllabus.
• Attend and actively engage in each class and present all coursework (including homework) on time.
• Not behave in any manner that is disruptive to the progress of instruction and learning environment.
• Adhere to the English proficiency requirements
• Attend all five weeks of the program through Final Critiques week and not leave the program prior to the end of class on Friday, July 28, 2023.
• Participate in the Final Exhibitions as directed including the submittal of artwork by the deadline and not removing your work from an exhibition prior to 2:30 pm on Friday, July 28, 2023.

Absences

Students who incur three full-day absences may be dismissed from the program. Absences for medical reasons are included in this policy. Late arrival to class counts towards a half day’s absence, except for Critical Studies in Art classes in which it will count for a full day’s absence.

Absence during class for family events such as weddings, birthdays, vacations or other social engagements are not permitted. However residential students may attend these or other events (with parental permission) on evenings up until curfew, Saturday, Sunday up until curfew or for the entire weekend (Friday evening up until Sunday curfew) on an approved Weekend Away. Weekend Away forms are provided along with housing forms in April.

Academic Review

Each faculty member develops the content and criteria for reviewing and grading your performance. Some factors include class participation, quality of work, receptivity to new ideas and experimentation, as well as attendance and behavior.

Occasionally, in addition to a faculty review and grade assessment, there may be an academic and/or program review by a program administrator during or after the program ends. This may result in a student who has or has not performed well in class to receive a significant reduction in their grade, fail the course and/or be dismissed from the program. Most often this is the result of a student not submitting a final project, being absent from a final class or breaking policy during the final days/weeks of the program.

Withdrawal and Refunds

Note: In the event that our Pre-College program is canceled due to COVID-19, program payments, including the deposit, will be 100% refunded. The $60 application fee and other program-related costs not billed by RISD such as travel, supplies, etc. are non-refundable.

To officially withdraw from Pre-College prior to the start of the program, submit written notification to RISD Pre-College.

To officially withdraw from Pre-College after the start of the program, you must meet with the Associate Director of Pre-College for an exit interview, and together with your parents/guardians, must sign a Voluntary Withdrawal Form. Please see the “Leaving Campus Early” section of the Student Handbook for more details. Note: Withdrawals for a medical reason must be accompanied by a signed doctor’s note. Failure to properly withdraw from the program results in a permanent grade of ‘F’ on the student’s record.

Refunds for voluntary withdrawal after the student has been accepted into the program are granted according to the following schedule. The percentage of the tuition and housing/dining fees refunded, less deposits, depends on the date the written request is received in the CE office.

On or before May 2: 100% (minus deposit)
Between May 2–May 31: 50% (minus deposit)
On or after June 1: 0%

Application fees are non-refundable. No refund or reduction in the total charge will be made for a student who arrives to the program late, leaves the program early, or is dismissed from the program due to a violation of school policies or regulations. The Pre-College Student Handbook, included in the program forms and documents, more fully describes these regulations. 

Please note: Refunds take up to six weeks to process. Refunds will be issued in the form of original payment. If the original form of payment was via check, a refund check will be made payable to the primary parent as listed in the student application. For payments made via FlyWire, an applicable refund will be returned in the manner in which it was paid. 

Program Dismissal

Please reference the “Leaving Program Early” section of the Student Handbook for procedure details of students being dismissed. Please note that no tuition or fees are refunded to students who are asked to leave the program for violation of RISD policies. Students who withdraw from the program for any reason are also subject to the Withdrawal and Refund Policy and schedule.

Non-Discrimination

Rhode Island School of Design does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law in admission to, participation in, or administration of its educational programs and activities; in employment; or in its other programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords you certain rights with respect to your education records.

These rights include:

The right to inspect and review your education records (with certain limited exceptions) within 45 days of the day RISD receives your request for access. You should submit any such request to Continuing Education in writing, identifying the records you wish to inspect. Continuing Education will make arrangements for access and notify you of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Records that are customarily open for student inspection will be accessible without written request.

The right to request the amendment of your education records if you believe them to be inaccurate. You should submit any such request to Continuing Education in writing, clearly identifying the records that you want to have amended and specifying the reasons you believe them to be inaccurate. Continuing Education will notify you of its decision and, if the decision is negative, of your right to a hearing regarding your request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to you at that time.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in your education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One such exception permits disclosure to “school officials” with “legitimate educational interests.” A “school official” is any person employed by RISD in any administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including Public Safety and Health Services staff); any person or company with whom RISD has contracted to provide a service to or on behalf of RISD (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); any person serving on RISD’s Board of Trustees; or any student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a “legitimate educational interest” if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill the official’s professional responsibility.

Another such exception permits RISD to disclose your “directory information”, consisting of your name; local, home, and email addresses; local and home telephone number; enrollment status/rank; dates of attendance; certificates received; student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used by the student for purposes of accessing or communicating in electronic systems; most recent educational agency or institution attended; and photograph, to anyone within the RISD community and to the general public.

Students who wish to have their directory information withheld must notify Continuing Education in writing. Please note that such a notification will prevent Continuing Education from providing your directory information to your friends, prospective employers, arts organizations, and others with whom you may wish us to share such information, so make your decision carefully. You may give such notification at any time, but it will be effective only prospectively.

Upon request, RISD also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or where the student is already enrolled so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer. Information on other such exceptions is available through Continuing Education.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by RISD to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.