Academic Advising

All RISD students receive academic advising from full-time faculty who guide you toward successfully completing your program of study. Throughout your studies, advisors help you cultivate critical thinking, scholarship, innovative practices and a drive for personal growth.
Advising Days — October 21–22, 2025
Beginning Fall 2025, all students must meet in person with their faculty advisors to discuss academic performance, plan upcoming wintersession and spring courses, and review their progress toward graduation. After meeting one-on-one to discuss the student’s registration plans, the primary advisor will approve the registration plan and remove the student’s registration hold (any time between the advising meeting and the student’s registration date and time).
To support this, the Tuesday and Wednesday that fall one week after Indigenous People’s Day are designated as Advising Days. RISD will not hold classes during this two-day period. Academic departments and divisions should also use some of this time for departmental / divisional development activities and faculty meetings.
Finding your advisor
RISD students are assigned an academic advisor at the beginning of their studies and, in almost all cases, work with multiple advisors as they progress through their degree program. At all stages of your RISD education, you and your advisors will work together to review curricular options, select courses, discuss professional pathways, and connect with support offices and resources across the college.
To find your advisor, as well as information about your academic plan and progress, log into Workday using your RISD credentials, where you can review your academic record and see your progress toward graduation.
Undergraduate advising
Basic guidelines for advisors and advisees to ensure a positive, productive advising experience.
Meet your first-year advisor, select a degree program, explore Liberal Arts and interdisciplinary concentrations.
Move through coursework, Liberal Arts requirements, and electives, on your way to completing your BFA program.
Specific information for Architecture majors and Brown|RISD Dual Degree program students.
Graduate advising
Graduate advising is typically conducted between the student and their department’s graduate program director (GPD). Some programs may assign you a full-time advisor other than or in addition to the GPD. When you reach the thesis stage you will have the opportunity to choose a committee chair who provides guidance specific to the master’s thesis.
Advisors and advisees are expected to follow the student and faculty expectations throughout the student’s academic experience. Our advising FAQ is also a great source of immediate information.
Get to know RISD
Find resources on our digital destination to help you thrive throughout your experience at RISD.
Read about our accomplished faculty and their work in and beyond RISD’s studios and classrooms.
Build and manage your course plan and stay on top of degree requirements.