PROVIDENCE + RHODE ISLAND
· What is Providence like?
· What is there to do in Providence?
· What is the best way to get around Providence?
· How do I get to Boston? New York? The train station? The airport?
· What is Rhode Island weather like?

RISD GENERAL
· What kind of degree will I receive when I graduate from RISD?
· What percentage of students graduate from RISD?
· Who are some recent on-campus visiting artists?
· Would I be able to take classes outside my major at RISD?
· What’s Wintersession?
· What is a typical academic year schedule?
· Can I study abroad?

STUDIO EDUCATION
· What’s a typical freshman schedule like?
· How do I register for courses?
· When do I have to choose a major?
· Can I double-major at RISD?
· Can I change majors?
· How much do art supplies typically cost per year?
· What are the open hours for studios?

LIBERAL ARTS
· Will I get a well-rounded Liberal Arts education at RISD?
· Can RISD students cross-register at Brown University?
· Can I graduate with a dual degree from RISD and Brown?
· Are AP or IB courses accepted for credit?
· What resources are available for learning-disabled students?

STUDENT SERVICES
· What organizations are active on campus?
· Are there student publications that I can work on?
· What opportunities are there to serve in student government?
· How may I get involved in community service?
· What about diversity on campus?
· Do you offer any athletics?
· What kind of fitness facilities does RISD have?
· Is it possible for me to start a club?
· Where do students go on campus to relax and socialize?
· How can I connect with my religion at RISD or in Providence?
· What kind of food service does the college have?
· What emergency services are available in case of illness or injury?
· What kind of security is present on campus?

CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY
· Is Internet hookup available in the residence halls?
· What computer resources does RISD have?
· Do I need to bring a computer, or will one be provided?

CAREERS
· Will RISD help me find a job after graduation?
· What kind of salaries do alumni earn after graduation?
· What percentage of your graduates find jobs in the arts?
· What are some of your alumni doing?

HOUSING
· Do you guarantee housing for students?
· What is campus housing like?

FINANCIAL AID
· What are some of the work-study jobs on campus? Can I work off campus?

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
· What resources does RISD have for international students?
· How many students at RISD are of international background?
· Am I able to work on campus?
· What is included in the Summer Program in English Language Studies?
· Whom do I contact with questions about obtaining my visa (I-20)?

PROVIDENCE + RHODE ISLAND [return to top]

What is Providence like? [return to top]
Providence, the state capitol, is a midsize city with a population of roughly 175,000 residents. A dramatic urban transformation over the last 10 years has led many to describe Providence as a “Renaissance City.” From the historic East Side, to neighborhoods with varied and rich ethnic traditions, to the up-and-coming “Soho-esque” Olneyville community, Providence offers a diverse and supportive environment for students and artists. Click here for more information about Providence.

What is there to do in Providence? [return to top]
Downtown, there’s an active nightlife at the various dance clubs, cabaret style cafés and music venues. Students can go out dancing or see big name music acts, all within walking distance of RISD. There are several excellent independent movie houses and live theaters, where you can see everything from Broadway musicals to late-night puppet shows. It’s only a short stroll from the RISD campus through Waterplace Park to the Providence Place Mall, home to many popular stores, a cineplex and an IMAX theater. On College Hill, Thayer Street serves as the main college strip for RISD and Brown. Here you’ll find numerous restaurants, music and clothing stores, and coffee shops. Click here for more information about what to do in Providence

What is the best way to get around Providence? [return to top]
Believe it or not, cars are almost entirely unnecessary for living in Providence. All freshman classes at RISD are no more than a five- or six-minute walk away. Since the freshman residence halls are located in the heart of the RISD campus, right across the river from downtown, virtually everything Providence has to offer is accessible on foot. Bicycles are a very popular mode of transportation and many students also make use of RISD Rides shuttles and RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) trolleys and buses.

How do I get to Boston? New York? The train station? The airport? [return to top]
Boston is a little over an hour away and can be reached easily via the Peter Pan Bus Line, Amtrak or the MBTA (Metropolitan Boston Transportation Authority). All of these are within easy walking distance of RISD. Peter Pan/Bonanza buses and Amtrak will also take you to New York, which is about three and a half hours away. Trains can take you as far south as Washington, DC, within a day’s travel. The airport is a fifteen- to twenty-minute drive away, and there is an airport shuttle van service that stops at Brown and RISD locations.

What is Rhode Island weather like? [return to top]
Since Rhode Island is in New England, some might think that Providence would have severe winters. However, because we are so close to the ocean, our weather is a little milder than in other areas of New England. In the winter months our temperatures are often consistent with those in the New York City area. You can definitely look forward to seeing the seasons in their full glory throughout the year in Providence.

RISD GENERAL [return to top]

What kind of degree will I receive when I graduate from RISD? [return to top]
RISD offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA), which is usually completed in four years of study. In addition, the college offers professional baccalaureate degrees, which require thirty credits beyond the BFA and are usually completed in an additional year of full-time study. These include the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), Bachelor of Interior Architecture (BIA), Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID), and Bachelor of Graphic Design (BGD) degrees. Nearly all Architecture students complete the fifth year in order to obtain their first professional degree. Click here for complete information about degree programs.

What percentage of students graduate from RISD? [return to top]
Although it varies a bit from year to year, on average, 90% of students who begin at RISD as freshmen complete their studies and receive a degree within 6 years.

Who are some of the visiting artists who have been on campus recently? [return to top]
RISD hosts more than 200 prominent artists, critics, authors, musicians and others on our campus each year. Recent guest speakers and visiting performers have included physicist and string theorist Brian Greene, circuit-bending indie musicians the “Electronic Bible Tour,” Scott Ross from Digital Domain (special effects for the movie industry), Brad Bird from Pixar, Director of The Incredibles, installation artist James Turrell (creator of the Roden Crater) and Yo-Yo Ma with the Silk Road Ensemble.

Would I be able to take classes outside my major at RISD? [return to top]
Yes. RISD students are encouraged to expand their expertise by pursuing art outside their major. Prior to graduation students must complete a minimum of 12 credits (four classes) in studio areas outside their major.

What’s Wintersession? [return to top]
Wintersession is a six-week period, starting in early January, between fall and spring semesters. Freed from the prerequisites and pace of the “normal” academic schedule, students choose from several options:
· Wintersession courses on campus: innovative courses suitable for a shorter timeframe
· Wintersession courses off campus: recent destinations include Western Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Africa
· Independent Study Program: students may determine and pursue a specific area of interest and study for credit
· Internship: an opportunity to earn six credits and gain practical experience in the “real world.” Experiences range from assistantships at major design firms and publishing houses (Pixar, Industrial Light and Magic, Hallmark, Hasbro, Microsoft, Nickelodeon and Tommy Hilfiger have recently sponsored RISD interns) to curatorial work at museums and apprenticeships with independent artists and designers.

What is a typical academic year schedule? [return to top]
The RISD acadmeic year is divided into Fall, Wintersession and Spring semesters. Fall semester typically runs from mid-September through mid-December, with a break for Thanksgiving recess in late November. Students break again for holiday vacation around December 15 and return for Wintersession around January 3. Wintersession typically runs from January 3 through mid-February. Students then have a week-long winter break. Spring semester begins around the third week of February and runs through the end of May, with a week-long Spring Break at the end of March. Commencement usually takes in the beginning of June. Click here for the complete academic year calendar.

Can I study abroad? [return to top]
Yes. RISD’s European Honors Program (EHP) allows 30 juniors/seniors to pursue a full-credit, independent study year in Rome. Also, RISD enjoys a rich International Exchange Program that allows students to participate in one-semester overseas study experiences. Currently RISD has agreements with approximately 43 institutions in 21 countries. Click here for complete information about studying abroad.

STUDIO EDUCATION [return to top]

What’s a typical freshman schedule like? [return to top]
Both semesters of your freshman year, you’ll be assigned to a section of approximately 20 students with whom you’ll attend classes and studios.

Each studio class is a full-day (eight-hour) investigation and exploration, during which your instructor will spend time working individually with each student. You can expect your first semester school week to be similar to the schedule outlined below:

How do I register for courses? [return to top]
All freshmen will receive a pre-planned schedule for the fall. They register for Wintersession classes between late October and early November, and for spring semester classes in January. Foundation students have a choice of Art History and English classes for second semester, but their studio class schedule is preassigned. Beginning in the sophomore year, students have more freedom to select and register for studio and liberal arts classes. Click here for complete information from the Registrar’s Office.

When do I have to choose a major? [return to top]
Freshmen must declare their majors in early March. During Wintersession, you’ll attend presentations which will help you to formulate a decision about your choice of major. Your academic advisor is also a valuable source of guidance.

Can I double-major at RISD? [return to top]
The work of each major is demanding, and generally students pursue one major full-time at RISD, although it has been possible in some special cases for a student to double major. For all students, Wintersession can be a rich opportunity to pursue studio interests outside of the major. By choosing Wintersession classes in a secondary area of interest, you can concentrate in that area and develop a level of experience in it.

Can I change majors? [return to top]
Students are permitted to change majors, should their area of interest change. Such a change may require additional time to complete the BFA degree. RISD’s advisors are available for consultation prior to declaring a major or changing majors.

How much do art supplies typically cost per year? [return to top]
Art supply expenses vary greatly by department of study. On average, RISD estimates supply costs at $2,300 a year.

What are the open hours for studios? [return to top]
Studio buildings are generally open until 2am while the College is in session, with key access only after 9pm. Certain studios facilities, particularly in majors where students must make use of specialized equipment, are open 24 hours on some days.

Freshmen tend to do much of their studio homework in their dorm rooms, where each resident has his or her own drafting table work area. For work after hours or for large-scale projects, there’s shared studio space in the freshman residence hall complex, accessible around the clock. Freshmen can also be found in the evening drawing in the Nature Lab, home of a fascinating natural history collection.

LIBERAL ARTS [return to top]

Will I get a well-rounded liberal arts education at RISD? [return to top]
RISD requires that students complete 42 credits in the liberal arts, constituting almost a third of the coursework toward the BFA. You are required to complete credits in English; History, Philosophy + Social Sciences (HPSS); and History of Art + Visual Culture. RISD also requires general liberal arts credits which may be fulfilled in any of these departments or in areas such as math, science or foreign language. Students can also choose a concentration in English (Literary Studies or Creative Writing), History of Art + Visual Culture or HPSS by focusing their liberal arts elective classes in one of those areas.

Can RISD students cross-register at Brown University? [return to top]
From sophomore through senior year, about 15 percent of RISD students cross-register annually at Brown. They may take anything from foreign language to political science to anatomy, and satisfy RISD’s liberal arts requirements at the same time. Click here to learn more about Brown University.

Can I graduate with a dual degree from RISD and Brown? [return to top]
Beginning with freshmen enrolling in 2008, RISD and Brown will offer a dual degree program which will allow participating students to earn a BFA from RISD and an AB from Brown over the course of five years. Students interested in this opportunity must apply to both colleges and, if admitted to both, will then be considered for admission to the dual program. Approximately 20 students will enroll each year. Click here for more information.

Are AP or IB courses accepted for credit? [return to top]
Coursework from Advanced Placement (AP) classes taken during high school can be accepted by RISD towards the fulfillment of liberal arts requirements. If a student has taken the College Board exam in art history, English literature, foreign languages, humanities, mathematics, or the natural or social sciences, and received a score of at least 4, up to nine credits may be accepted for transfer.

If you satisfactorily pass the art history exam, you will receive three credits and be waived from the required Art and Architectural History I. If you satisfactorily pass the English Literature and Composition (ENG/LIT/COMP) examination, you will receive three credits and be waived from the required English Composition and Literature.

Please note that credit is not granted for participation in English Language and Composition (ENG LANG/COMP) or Computer Science.

RISD accepts international Baccalaureate (IB) certificates with scores of 5, 6, or 7 and Oxford A-level exams with grades of C or better. A maximum of nine credits will be accepted for transfer. The Liberal Arts Division will evaluate your transcripts for courses applicable to liberal arts requirements.

What resources are available for learning-disabled students? [return to top]
RISD has a Writing Center where students may get feedback on their papers for liberal arts classes. Tutors are also available to assist students with class notes and assignments. Students in need of additional assistance may visit the Student Development office, where taped lectures and other resources can be arranged. For more information e-mail Roberta McMahon in Student Development or call 401 454-6637.

STUDENT SERVICES [return to top]

What organizations are active on campus? [return to top]
Typically, about 25 different student organizations are in place each year. Among the groups currently active are the Anime Culture Club,RISD Jew Crew, the Community Service Club, the RISD Christian Body, the Dancing Club, the Film Society, the the Network for Intellectual and Artistic Exchange (which plans activities for African-American students), and the Queer Student Union. For more information on student organizations and events, e-mail the Office of Student Life or call 401 454-6602.

Are there student publications that I can work on? [return to top]
RISD’s own student newspaper, Mixed Media, welcomes participation. You may also work on the College Hill Independent, a Brown-RISD publication. A literary publication, Blackletter, appears annually, and is produced in consultation with the English Department and the Writing Center.

What opportunities are there to serve in student government? [return to top]
RISD’s Student Alliance is the voice of the student body on campus. Members include an elected Executive Committee, representatives from each of the 16 departmental majors, and freshmen representatives.

How may I get involved in community service? [return to top]
RISD students may work through the Office of Multicultural Affairs and there’s a community-service-oriented group on campus called RISD Reach. Students may also become involved with the Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown University,to increase their community involvement and strengthen their leadership skills. There are studio and liberal arts projects in various RISD departments that combine community-based work with academic study. You can also find opportunities to use your art and design talents in working with children, teenagers, hospitalized patients, and the elderly; such work is sometimes approved for academic credit as independent study. Click here for complete information about community service at RISD.

What about diversity on campus? [return to top]
RISD has 2230 students from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. RISD students come from all over the United States, and 16 percent of undergraduate students are from over 44 countries with locations as diverse as the Bahamas, South America, and Korea. Of our undergraduate students, 23 percent are US citizens of African, Asian, Hispanic or Native American backgrounds. The Office of Multicultural Affairs (diversity@risd.edu, 401 454-6638), is a resource center for students of color that provides advising, assistance with event planning and connections with community-based organizations.

Do you offer any athletics? [return to top]
RISD’s own sports teams include basketball (“The Balls”) and ice hockey (“The Nads”). There is also men’s and women’s soccer, a skiing group, biking and climbing clubs. Students may participate in Brown University’s Ultimate Frisbee, tennis and softball teams. Contact the Office of Student Life at 401 454-6602 for more information.

What kind of fitness facilities does RISD have? [return to top]
The Catanzaro Student Center, in the center of the freshman residence hall complex, is a multipurpose facility with a health and fitness center (weight machines, curl bars, treadmills, stair climbers, exercise bikes, rowing machines and a punching bag), a student lounge, and two pianos. Classes are offered in dance, aerobics, yoga, and martial arts. You may also use the Brown University athletic center, which has an Olympic-size pool, an ice-skating rink, indoor tennis courts and a wide variety of classes in dance, sports and martial arts.

Is it possible for me to start a club? [return to top]
RISD’s Office of Student Life is flexible and responsive to student needs and interests. Virtually all student organizations are self-governing. If you are interested in starting a new club or reviving an old one, discuss your proposal with a member of the OSL staff for guidance about organization, resources and logistics.

Where do students go on campus when they want to relax and socialize? [return to top]
As a RISD student, you might attend popular weekly openings at our campus art galleries. The primary undergraduate exhibition space is Woods-Gerry Gallery, where most seniors have an opportunity to show their work, usually during Spring Semester. Some departments have galleries as well, and there are regularly scheduled events at The RISD Museum and in the Sol Koffler Graduate Student Gallery downtown in the Providence Arts District.

You could also stop in at Carr Haus coffeehouse, a landmark cafè where you can meet friends and faculty between classes and in the early evening. It’s a great place to take a break and tune in to an eclectic range of music, and to enjoy student artwork on display.

On weekend nights, you’ll find that the Tap Room offers a schedule of diverse social and cultural events – it’s used as community space, for academic performance courses, theatrical performances, art presentations, and meetings.

How would I connect with my religious denomination on campus or in Providence? [return to top]
Members of the RISD community are invited to participate in a variety of religious services in Providence, many of which are within easy walking distance. Specifically suited for the college community are Brown University’s services for students of Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and Baha’i faiths (call 401 863-2344) and the Brown Hillel Foundation (services and events for Jewish students; 401 863-2805). Click here for complete information about religious services for RISD and Brown students.

What kind of food service does the college have? [return to top]
As a residential freshman, you’ll sign up for a meal plan through Dining + Catering Services. A bar-coded ID card will allow you to make purchases on a debit basis.

“The Met,” in the center of the The Quad, is the largest on-campus dining facility: at the Fireplace, you can order wood oven-grilled pizza, calzones, or the daily special, while at the entrée and stir-fry areas you may choose from a variety of traditional, vegetarian, and vegan selections. The Met also offers a deli and salad bar, beverages and desserts, and much more.

There are four other dining locations, all of them convenient to studios: “The Break,” in 20 Washington Place, is open for breakfast and lunch. The Watermark Café, in risd:store, features a mix of locally produced and speciality items, organic products and other healthy choices, the Portfolio Café at 15 West offers a full-service menu and meals-to-go, and the Jolly Roger Café, a coffee and sandwich shop next door to the Industrial Design and Architecture departments. Click here for complete information about dining at RISD.

What emergency services are available in case of illness or injury? [return to top]
A registered nurse is on duty Monday-Friday, 8:30am-8:30pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sundays and holidays, 12-7:30pm. A physician is on call every day and is in the office for one “sick call” hour each weekday. If there’s an emergency when the Health Services office is closed, students are instructed to call the Department of Public Safety, located within the freshman Residence Hall complex. A trained officer will then respond with treatment or arrange for transportation to an appropriate medical facility. Questions may be directed to Health Services (401 454-6625), or Public Safety (401 454-6666 or -6376).

What kind of security is present on campus? [return to top]
Patrolling the campus on foot, bicycle, and distinctively marked cruisers, the officers of the Department of Public Safety provide service around the clock to the RISD community.

Inside each building on campus, and outdoors near parking lots and some entrances, emergency phones connect directly to the Public Safety office. After 9pm, RISD buildings are accessible by key access only.

RISD Rides shuttles make a run every half hour, providing transportation to locations on the East Side from 7pm-12am. 12am to 3:30am shuttles provide direct service from designated campus buildings to student residences in a designated service area in the Downcity or East Side area. Click here for more information.

CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY [return to top]

Is internet hookup available in the residence halls? [return to top]
RISD offers a high-speed ethernet connection, called “resnet,” in all residence halls.

What computer resources does RISD have? [return to top]
RISD has 14 labs and 400 individual computers available for student use.

Do I need to bring a computer, or will one be provided? [return to top]
You do not need to have your own computer your first year at RISD. Beginning in your sophomore year, depending on your choice of major, you may find that you’ll be required to purchase a department-specific laptop and software; these laptops are connected by a wireless network and supplemented by state-of-the-art departmental labs.

CAREERS [return to top]
Career Services Office: 401 454-6620

Will RISD help me find a job after graduation? [return to top]
Finding a job after graduation requires a combination of preparation, talent, and persistence. The Career Services Office supports graduating students and interested alums by providing an annual series of more than 30 seminars, lectures and guest speakers from the various art and design professions. Important skills are emphasized, such as writing an effective resume; preparing a professional portfolio; and handling an interview. Contracts and copyrights, grant writing, and financial management are some of the other topics that workshops deal with. Other resources of the Career Services Office include ArtWorks, an online joblisting, and a several computers with a library of bookmarked websites for artists. RISD students may also meet with a career counselor for an individual appointment if they wish.

What kind of salaries do alumni earn after graduation? [return to top]
Salary levels vary based on occupation. Some alumni start their own businesses and earn less in their first year than their classmates who have chosen to work for larger corporations or firms, so an average starting salary would not be representative. However, RISD graduates consistently earn a higher average salary than the published average salary of liberal arts graduates in their first year out of college.

What percentage of your graduates find jobs in the arts? [return to top]
The Career Services Office does an annual survey of alums who have been out of school for one year. Among respondents to the survey done in 2005, 96 percent are employed. An additional four percent are currently in a full-time educational program. Of the employed alums, 70 percent are employed in a position directly related to their major, and 25 percent are employed in a position indirectly related to their major. Statistics in this annual survey tend to be similar from year to year.

What are some of your alumni doing? [return to top]
Click here for profiles of some of our alumni. You may also want to browse recent issues of risd views, our alumni magazine.

HOUSING [return to top]
Residence Life: 401 454-6650

Do you guarantee housing for students? [return to top]
RISD requires all freshmen and sophomores to live on campus. Freshmen are housed in the First-Year Quad, while sophomores choose between a variety of upperclass housing options. Juniors and seniors, and fifth-year and graduate students are not required to live on campus, but often choose RISD housing because of the proximity to studios and the social advantages of living with fellow students. Because upperclass students tend to want the same conveniences and flexibility, but with greater independence, we offer housing options that cater to a range of lifestyle choices. Click here for complete housing information.

What is campus housing like? [return to top]
The RISD Quad is divided into spaces with two different living arrangements. One section offers double and single rooms with shared bathrooms on each floor. The other section offers suite-style living with single and double rooms sharing a common lounge and smaller individual bathrooms. Resident Assistants (RAs) are a specially trained group of upperclass students who live in the Quad and organize activities and provide guidance to new students. All students in the Quad share common facilities such as TV lounges, a game room, laundry rooms and workrooms. The Quad also features the Met – RISD’s main dining facility.

Our new high-rise residence hall, “15 West,” featured three distinct living arrangements: suite-style (known as alcove) units; more traditional apartment-style units featuring single bedrooms; and open, loft-style units.

“Hill” houses offer single and double rooms with common lounges and shared kitchen and laundry facilities. Hill Houses were originally built as private homes and, quite naturally, house a close-knit community of students. Many of the homes maintain their historic charm and each room a distinct character. RAs are also assigned to each of RISD’s eight Hill Houses.

RISD also offers apartments as a housing option for upperclass students. Apartments are available in efficiency, studio, two- and three-bedroom units. Apartments offer a more independent living arrangement, as RAs are not a part of the social interaction and each apartment contains a kitchen area.

Click here for complete on-campus housing information.

FINANCIAL AID [return to top]
Financial Aid Office: 401 454-6661
Click here for complete financial aid information.

What are some of the work-study jobs on campus? Will I be able to work off campus? [return to top]
Students who choose to work on campus can find jobs in almost any area or department of the school. Some students work in facilities such as the Library, Admissions Office, The RISD Museum, or the Nature Lab. Others work within their discipline as studio monitors, teaching assistants or monitors of the various departmental galleries around campus. The Work-Study office maintains a job board listing on-campus jobs, as well as a listing of off-campus opportunities for all RISD students. Click here for complete information about work-study.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS [return to top]

What resources does RISD have for international students? [return to top]
RISD’s Office of International Programs offers a range of support services including maintenance of visa status, academic advising, and assistance with community and personal matters. Contact Claudia Ford with questions.

Another nearby resource is Buxton International Houseat Brown University, which is a home-away-from-home for international students studying in Rhode Island. Clubs and organizations at RISD that may be of interest include the RISD ACA (Asian Cultural Association), the Korean Student Association and the Latin Alliance. An event that would be of particular interest is the annual International Day, a festive outdoor celebration where students from many cultures share music, art, dance and cuisine from their native lands.

How many students at RISD are of international background? [return to top]
404 students, or 17 percent of our student body, come to RISD from over 44 countries outside the US.

Can international students work on campus? [return to top]
After freshman year, International students are allowed to work on campus through RISD’s work-study program.

I am required to take the Summer Program in English Language Studies. What is included in the program? [return to top]
RISD’s Summer Program in English Language Studies is an intensive English language study program which addresses academic skills in reading and writing. The program’s curriculum addresses academic skills in reading and writing, and focuses on language related to critique and studio situations.

Who do I contact with questions about my visa (I-20)? [return to top]
You can contact Meryn Hall in the Admissions Office before enrollment, or Kate Sacco in International Programs after enrollment.