Policies and Disclosures

Institutional Policies

RISD maintains two major online libraries of Institutional policies and procedures. Student academic policies can be found at risd.coursedog.com, our online course catalog. Student life policies, and all institutional governance and operational policies, procedures and forms, are found at policies.risd.edu.

The goals of all RISD’s policies are to

  • clarify the institution's expectations of its individual members
  • increase transparency in our relations with all constituents
  • provide management and visibility into areas of risk and compliance
  • enhance efficiency
  • ensure compliance with laws and regulations
  • guide us in fulfilling our philosophy and reaching our goals as set forth in our mission statement.

View the RISD Policy and Procedure Library  
View RISD’s Academic Policies

Non-discrimination and Title IX notice

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.

RISD complies with all applicable state and federal statutes, including Title IX of the federal Higher Education Amendment of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex under any education program or activity receiving federal financial aid. Sexual assault and sexual harassment are forms of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Learn more about RISD’s commitment to Title IX.

The following staff members handle inquiries regarding Title IX:

Simone Tubman    
Executive Director, Equity and Compliance    
Interim Title IX Coordinator    
20 Washington Place, 3rd floor    
401 427–6297    
stubman@risd.edu

Alyssa Roush    
Assistant Director, Discrimination/Bias and Title IX    
20 Washington Place, 3rd floor    
aroush@risd.edu

Alison Douglas    
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees    
Interim Associate Director, Employment Operations    
20 Washington Place, room 354    
401 454-6420    
adouglas@risd.edu

The following staff members handle inquiries regarding Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Nicole Verardo    
Director of Disability Support Services and Academic Support    
401 709-8460    
nverardo@risd.edu

Marissa McNally    
Benefits Partner    
20 Washington Place, room 359    
401 454-6428    
mmcnally@risd.edu

The following staff members handle other/general inquiries regarding bias/discrimination:

Simone Tubman    
Executive Director, Equity and Compliance    
Interim Title IX Coordinator    
20 Washington Place, 3rd floor    
401 427–6297    
stubman@risd.edu

Alyssa Roush    
Assistant Director, Discrimination/Bias and Title IX    
20 Washington Place, third floor    
aroush@risd.edu

Alison Douglas    
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees    
Interim Associate Director, Employment Operations    
20 Washington Place, room 354    
401 454-6420    
adouglas@risd.edu

In addition, under applicable federal laws and regulations, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights is authorized to investigate complaints regarding discrimination in programs and activities. The address for the regional office is:

Office of Civil Rights    
United States Department of Education    
33 Arch Street, Suite 900    
Boston, MA 02110-1491

Accommodations for people with disabilities

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), RISD attempts to make its classes, programs, events and services accessible to everyone. Reasonable accommodations are made for people with disabilities or special needs who request assistance. These accommodations may include:

  • relocation of the class, program, event or service, if necessary.
  • duplication in an accessible location.
  • provision of a comparable substitute at a fully accessible institution
  • interim measures authorized by federal law.

If you need assistance to participate in any class, program, event or service offered at RISD, please contact Disability Support Services.

Commitment to equal opportunities

RISD upholds the federal Equal Employment Opportunity act and employs individuals based on personal capabilities and qualifications without unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

RISD values cultural, ethnic, intellectual and other diversity among applicants and employees as enriching to the environment on campus. Human Resources works to make employment opportunities widely known and give full consideration to all qualified candidates.

RISD is committed to the following principles and procedures:

  • upholding EEO provisions in making employment-related decisions in areas such as recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment
  • ensuring that employment policies are administered fairly and lawfully
  • ensuring that unlawful harassment is not tolerated

Campus security and fire safety report

In accordance with the Clery Act, each year the Department of Public Safety publishes a report on security and fire safety on campus. This is to inform the RISD community about security policies, important safety initiatives and relevant statistics.

Download the annual security and fire safety report for the most recent available information.

Governance documents

Financial statements

Accreditation