Summer Foundation Studies, a six-week program of intensive study for transfer students, allows students to earn nine of the 18 required credits in Foundation Studies. The program offers the same three studios as in the Foundation year: Drawing, Design and Spatial Dynamics. Each studio session meets one and a half days a week for a total of 10 hours per course, or 30 hours overall.

Led by Foundation Studies faculty members with wide-ranging backgrounds in art and design, courses are structured to encourage the creative process fundamental to all departments at RISD. Transfer students find that this program provides an excellent transition to RISD because it strengthens their confidence, along with their critical thinking and making abilities.