New England weather can be unpredictable. In addition to lightweight clothing and a windbreaker or jacket, pack comfortable shoes or sneakers for walking around campus. Bring appropriate clothing for artmaking (you will get messy).

We encourage you to bring debit/credit cards for personal or supply purchases you may need to make while here. RISD cannot cash checks. ATMs are available within walking distance of RISD, in the RISD Store and the Metcalf Dining Center. You may also choose to open a prepaid RISD Bucks debit account. RISD Bucks offers a convenient and safe way to pay for printing, laundry and items at the RISD Store.

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
• Smartphone with a U.S. number

Suggested items:

• Refillable water bottle
• Mattress pad
• Desk lamp (halogen lamps are not allowed)
• Fan
• Comfortable walking shoes (there are many hills in Providence!)
• Flip-flops/shower sandals
• Shower caddy
• Sunscreen
• Key chain
• Earplugs (the city can be noisy)
• 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.

Items in the General Supply List will be enough to get you started for your foundation courses. You’re invited to bring any supplies from home to supplement the cost of supplies. Your full supply list will be available in your courses in Canvas 1–2 weeks prior to the start of the program. Most supplies are available at the RISD Store or the RISD Store 3D located on campus. You will likely need to purchase additional supplies as needs arise.

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.

Located about 10 miles south of Providence, Green Airport (PVD) is Rhode Island’s only airport, with direct flights to and from many cities around the US. It also services a few international destinations. Transportation options from the airport to Providence include taxi and car sharing services.

Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, MA is approximately 50 miles north of Providence; however, it often offers more frequent and more direct flight options (potentially resulting in lower airfares). Peter Pan bus company provides Logan travelers with bus transportation to downtown Providence.

Amtrak and the Metro Boston Transit Authority provide train transportation via Providence Station in downtown Providence. Taxi and ride sharing options are available just outside the station.

From the north or south: From either I-95 South or I-95 North, take Exit 37B Downtown, Memorial Boulevard. Continue straight (onto Memorial Boulevard) to the fourth traffic light, and turn left onto Washington Place. Continue straight through the second traffic light (Washington Place becomes Waterman Street) to 30 Waterman Street (on your left).

From the east: Follow I-195 West to Exit 1C (South Main Street). Follow South Main Street to the intersection of South Main and Waterman streets. Turn right onto Waterman Street and proceed to 30 Waterman Street (on your left).

From the northwest: Follow 146 to I-95 South. Once on I-95 South, follow the North and South directions above.

If your family’s visit involves more than a day trip, check the RISD accommodations portal for reduced rates at selected hotels in downtown Providence.

You’re required to arrive on Saturday, June 28 between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm to attend check-in and orientation. You will be contacted by Residence Life regarding your scheduled check-in appointment time. If you’re traveling internationally or a long distance, you can request permission to arrive early on June 27. An additional fee will apply and must be paid in full by June 1. Once you are accepted, additional arrival information will be shared along with instructions on how to complete your housing application.

Due to the intensive nature of the coursework and the amount of information provided at orientation, we typically do not permit students to start the program late. If you have a scheduling conflict with school, we suggest you ask if your school can make arrangements for you to complete the requirements early. If you need a letter documenting your attendance for school officials, email us for assistance.

To complete the program, you must attend each class through the end of the final day on Friday, August 1. Students must officially move out between 5:30 pm on Friday, August 1 and 12 pm on Saturday, August 2. For travel purposes, if students who would like to move out after class on Friday, August 1, they must notify Residence Life.

All Pre-College students (residential and commuting) are required to attend Check-In and Orientation on Saturday, June 28. 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.

Schedule subject to change

8:30 am–2:30 pm
Check-in, Resource Fair and art supply kit pick-up

10 am–2 pm
Brunch

3–5:30 pm
Student orientation (mandatory, students only)

3–4:15 pm
Parent and Family Meet & Mingle (optional)

6:30–7:30 pm
Commuter student social

7–8:30 pm
Residence Life orientation (residential students only)

Welcome materials will be available as Pre-College 2025 Check-In Day approaches.

You’ll be in class all day, every day of final critiques week–presenting your work, giving and receiving critiques and having individual meetings with instructors. Plan to be on campus until the end of classes on Friday, August 1. You are not allowed to leave any of your final classes early, and you must collect your artwork from the exhibitions between 2:30 and 5:30 pm. Artwork may not be removed early.

Schedule subject to change

Majors Exhibition Opening Reception
Thursday, July 31, 5–8 pm
Exhibition hours: Thursday, July 31, 9 am–8 pm; Friday, August 1, 9 am–2:30 pm
Woods-Gerry Gallery
62 Prospect St

Foundations Exhibition Opening Reception
Thursday, July 31, 5–8 pm
Exhibition hours: Thursday, July 31, 9 am–8 pm; Friday, August 1, 9 am–2:30 pm
Washington Place Gallery
20 Washington Pl

Film/Video and Animation Screening
Thursday, July 31, 5:30–7 pm (limited seating)
Friday, August 1, 10 am–5 pm (open seating)
Chace Center/RISD Museum
20 North Main Street

Fashion Show
Thursday, July 31, 6–7 pm
RISD Auditorium
17 Canal Walk

RISD Admissions Family Info Session
Friday, August 1, 1 pm
RISD Auditorium
17 Canal Walk

There will be a campus shuttle available Thursday, July 31, 4:30–9 pm and Friday, August 1, 9:30 am–2:30 pm; it will operate on a loop, stopping at the following locations:

• Woods-Gerry Gallery
• 20 Washington Place
• Chace Center & RISD Auditorium
• 55 Angell Street (Quad)

Interactive campus map

The final class meetings are some of the most important. Students will be doing final presentations and participating in final critiques. We strongly encourage your parents/guardians, friends and family to come to Providence to see your work in the exhibitions, but be mindful that you’ll need to keep your attention on completing your courses. If you elect to leave early or don’t attend all of your final classes, you’ll put yourself in jeopardy of failing your course(s) or the program.

Friday, August 1, 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, unless you have arranged pick-up/shipping with UPS. 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.

To ensure a safe and smooth departure, students are required to stay through the last day of class, Friday, August 1, 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, August 2.

For travel purposes, if students would like to move out after class on Friday, August 1 they must notify the Residence Life office.

Details about move-out shipping and packing will be added as move-out day approaches.

A certificate of completion will be issued to all students who successfully complete the program. Successful completion of the program requires that each of the following have been met:

• Participation in the Majors Exhibition, Fashion Show, or Screening, depending on your major
• Attending through the last day of each class without withdrawal or dismissal

RISD Pre-College encourages artistic and intellectual freedom, but also offers a structured campus environment. Further details of conduct expectations, attendance, residence hall 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.

Classroom conduct expectations:

• Review the guidelines for classroom behavior and academic performance as outlined in each instructor’s syllabus. Seek clarification if there is anything you do not understand.
• Actively engage in each class. Stay focused on your work and participate in critique.
• Submit all coursework on time.
• Treat people, spaces, and equipment with respect.

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 and attend all student orientations.
• Arrive to each class on time and prepared with your supplies and any work that is due.
• Attend all five weeks through the last hour of your final class.
• Participate in the final exhibition that is relevant to your major.

Absences
Students who incur three absences may be dismissed. 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. There are no excused absences including those due to travel plans.

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 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. An approved weekend away does not approve any absence from class.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shifts toward the endemic stage of COVID-19, RISD has adjusted our protocols to stay consistent with sustainable health practices.

Visit RISD’s COVID-19 page for information and protocols pertinent to the in-person Pre-College program. Topics include respiratory illness guidelines, isolation protocol, missing class, testing and vaccination.

To officially withdraw from Pre-College prior to the start of classes, submit written notification to precollege@risd.edu. Failure to properly withdraw from the program results in a failing grade. See the “Leaving Campus Early” section of the Student Handbook for more details. Withdrawals for a medical reason must be accompanied by a signed doctor’s note. Students who do not complete the required vaccinations and health requirements before arriving on campus may be denied entry to the program with no refund provided.

Refunds for voluntary withdrawal after the student has been accepted 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 Continuing Education office.

• On or before March 5, 2025: 100% (minus deposit)
• Between March 5–March 31, 2025: 50% (minus deposit)
• On or after April 1, 2025: 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 due to a violation of school policies or regulations. The Pre-College Student Handbook more fully describes these regulations.

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.

Reference the “Early Departure” section of the Student Handbook for procedure details of students being dismissed. Tuition and fees are not refunded to students who are asked to leave for violation of RISD policies. Students who withdraw for any reason are also subject to the Withdrawal and Refund Policy and schedule.

RISD is committed to creating and providing a learning, living, and working environment free of discrimination and harassment for all students, faculty, and staff. Discrimination and harassment are contrary to the standards of RISD’s community and goals towards creating an inclusive environment. Discrimination and harassment impedes educational opportunities and equal employment. Discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process within the institution, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and/or other human/civil rights agencies, will not be tolerated.

Protected characteristics include age, citizenship, color, disability, ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law.

RISD does not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of actual, perceived, or association with people with protected characteristics. This Policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities. Therefore, any member of the RISD community whose acts to deny, deprive, unreasonably interfere with, or limit the education or employment, residential and/or social access, benefits, and/or opportunities of any member of the RISD community, guest, or visitor on the basis of that person’s actual or perceived protected characteristic(s), is in violation of this Policy.

Inquiries about sex-based discrimination and Title IX may be referred to RISD’s Title IX Coordinator and/or the U.S. Department of Education. RISD’s Title IX Coordinator may be reached by contacting Emily Gleason; egleason@risd.edu; 401 454-6341; visiting 20 Washington Place, room 346; or by submitting an online reporting form.

Inquiries about all other forms of discrimination may be referred to RISD’s Title VI, Title VII, and ADA/504 Coordinator, the US Department of Education, and/or the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. RISD’s Title VI, Title VII, and ADA/504 Coordinator may be reached by contacting Alyssa Roush; aroush@risd.edu; 401 454-6386; visiting 20 Washington Place, room 348; or by submitting an online reporting form.

RISD’s Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedures can be located at students.risd.edu/equitycompliance.

Equity & Compliance will promptly and effectively address any such discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and/or retaliation of which it has a report, using the applicable resolution process outlined in the Nondiscrimination Policy.

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

These rights include:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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. 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.

4. 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.

RISD Pre-College is oriented toward young people who are ready to practice being independent. Pre-College students are responsible for their meals, laundry, rest and coursework, and have periods without supervision. They will be challenged to balance extensive homework assignments with time for events and activities. Students may 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 instructors, Residence Life and other appropriate staff to resolve any issues.

During the application process

• At the point of application, 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 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
Staff and instructors will communicate directly with students via email or phone—not with parents, guardians or other third parties. 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 policies. In this way they can learn to take personal responsibility and self-correct in order to succeed.

We will keep parents and guardians informed about important program details through family newsletters. If you have questions, contact us at precollege@risd.edu.

Pre-College students are permitted to have approved guests who are immediate family members age 16 and older visit the residence halls anytime outside of curfew hours. Curfew hours are 10 pm–5 am on days preceding class and 11 pm–5 am on days not preceding class.

Pre-College students must accompany their approved guest(s) at all times when they are in the residence halls. Prior to entering the residence halls, Pre-College guests must check in with Public Safety and follow the steps below:

Guest expectations

• Parents/guardians must submit the names of all approved visitors in the Student Life Housing Portal–Parent/Guardian by June 21. Only guests on the approved visitors list will be permitted to enter the residence halls (with the exception of move in/move out days).
• Upon arrival, the student and their guest must check in with the Public Safety office (30 Waterman St.). The student must accompany their guest when checking in at the Public Safety office.
• Guests should present a legal ID to the Public Safety officer working at the desk.
• Once Public Safety confirms that the guest is on the approved visitors list, the guest will receive a visitor sticker with the visitation date.

Student Life Housing Portal–Parent/Guardian

Pre-College students are permitted to spend weekends away from campus. Weekend away requests must be approved and on file with Residence Life in order to leave for the weekend. Weekend away requests may be for an entire weekend (e.g. Friday night through Sunday by curfew) or for a single day/night. If a student does not request a weekend away, and/or is not approved, they may not leave the campus overnight.

Approval for a weekend away is for safety purposes only. It does not provide authorization to miss any classes.

How to request a weekend away
A student’s approved parent/guardian can request a Weekend Away in the Student Life Housing Portal–Parent/Guardian. Parents/guardians may change this as many times as they’d like prior to the start of the program or by noon on the Thursday prior to the weekend away.

How to request a last-minute weekend away or make changes to a weekend away request
If a parent/guardian wants to make changes to their student’s weekend away request, they must contact Residence Life no later than by noon the Thursday before the requested weekend away. They can adjust and resubmit the request in the Student Life Housing Portal–Parent/Guardian.

Weekend Away Timeframe: Friday evening through Sunday evening

Weekends away may be for a single day, for example, from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. The student must return before curfew check (Friday–Saturday by 11 pm and Sundays by 10 pm).

Pre-College student responsibilities for weekend away
Students must:

• On the Thursday evening prior to their weekend away, confirm with their RA that they are on the approved weekend away list.
• Leave campus prior to curfew.
• Return to campus prior to curfew the evening they are required to be back.

Student Life Housing Portal–Parent/Guardian

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 curfew every night, and check that the students are all in their rooms by that time.

RISD Public Safety (includes annual security and fire safety report)

Authorized family members can add funds to a student’s RISD Bucks account by visiting risdbucks.risd.edu. Family members can log in using the student’s last name, ID number and date of birth.