Policies + Disclosures

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Transcripts

Unofficial Transcripts
Enrolled students can print a copy of their cumulative academic record by selecting the “Transcript” link under the Academic Profile section of WebAdvisor’s student menu.The cumulative record arranges the academic record in term sequence, but is not official in any way. That is, it is printed on plain paper and does not contain any verifying signatures or official seals. A copy of the cumulative record is generally used by current or former students who don’t need a certified, official copy.

Students are strongly encouraged to print a copy of their cumulative academic record and retain it for their records. Former students or alumni must print out their copy while their WebAdvisor account is still active. Once WebAdvisor access is gone, follow the procedure below for ordering an official transcript.

Official Transcripts

In Person
Students who need an official copy of their academic record (called a “transcript”) may come to the Registrar’s Office and fill out a “Request for Transcript” form.

By mail or fax
Students can request a transcript by postal mail or fax (401 454-6724). Requests via email are not allowed due to privacy regulations regarding credit card information as well as authentication issues. Mail requests to:
Office of the Registrar
Rhode Island School of Design
Two College St.
Providence, RI 02903
Attn: Transcripts

Students may download the Transcript Request Form or write out their own, and must include the student’s name during attendance at RISD, years of enrollment and major, the number of transcripts requested, where the transcripts should be sent, and a signature allowing us to release the transcripts.

Fees
The fee for each transcript ordered is $4.00. There is no discount for multiple orders to the same destination. If you order your transcript in person, you can pay by cash, check, Mastercard or Visa. If ordering by mail, you can pay by check (made out to Rhode Island School of Design), or by credit card (Mastercard or Visa only). If ordering by fax, you must pay with a Mastercard or Visa. If paying by credit card via mail or fax, include your Visa or Mastercard number, expiration date of the card, cvv or security code on the back of the card, and full billing address for the card. There is an additional fee for an emergency request or for special delivery options. See below for more information.

Processing Time and Emergency Requests
Transcripts are processed in the order received. Generally, they are processed within three business days, usually even faster, except during registration or certain times of the year when requests are especially heavy. At those times (first two weeks of the semester and the grading periods at the end of each term) transcript requests are generally processed within 5 days. Students are encouraged to plan transcript needs accordingly. In addition, currently enrolled students who are requesting transcripts at the end of a term must indicate in their request whether the transcript should wait to include the grades for the current term or be sent immediately.

For an additional fee and during most days of the year, we will accept emergency requests which will be processed no later than the next business day if received prior to 2:00 p.m. The fee of $10.00 is in addition to the regular cost of the transcript. We work closely with students and alumni to meet their transcript needs, but we reserve the right not to accept an emergency request. Fortunately, such denials happen only rarely.

Expedited or Express Delivery Options
U.S. Postal Express delivery or use of a private carrier, such as Federal Express, will be accommodated provided the student pays the fees or provides the pre-paid package. Current fees for express delivery are $25 for delivery within the United States, $30 for Canada or Mexico, and $50 for international delivery. Include the additional amount for this special delivery option in your request and provide explicit instructions with your request.

For additional information, email our main account at registrar@risd.edu.

Apostilles
Some countries outside of the United States require an “Apostille” on certain documents, usually diplomas or transcripts. The Registrar’s Office will take care of that service for you upon request and upon payment of the nominal fee. The fee, in the form of a check, must accompany the document and is made out to “Rhode Island Secretary of State” for the amount of $7.00. Please allow 7 to 10 days for processing.

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The Providence River and cityscape as seen from the southern edge of campus, behind the Industrial Design and
Architecture buildings.