Required Semesters
RISD requires all students to register for fall, wintersession and spring. Students unable to attend a semester should request in etrieve a leave of absence or for wintersession an Exception to Academic Policy.
Registration Process
The Registrar emails students when their registration day and time is available in Workday. (Learn more about registration times.) Registration continues in Workday until 11:59pm the day prior to semester. During the first week of the semester, students may petition in etrieve to join a class subject to instructor approval.
First-Year Undergraduate Students
For fall, the Experimental and Foundation Studies Division registers first-year students for all classes.
For wintersession, first-year students register in Workday for a class, typically one related to their potential major.
For spring, first-year students are registered by Experimental and Foundation Studies for foundation courses. In January, students register in Workday for a section of HPSS S101, the topics which vary.
Undergraduate & Graduate Students
For fall and spring, many, but not all, academic departments place students in some or all of their required classes. Dropping these classes will jeopardize a student’s graduation.
Most students must register for some classes each semester in Workday, typically elective or non-major studio credits. For degree requirements, refer to the academic catalog or the Workday Academic Progress Report.
Taking Classes at Brown University
With permission of the Brown instructor and RISD, RISD students may take Brown classes during fall and spring semesters. Learn about the process.
Credit Limit (All Students)
Students are limited to 16 credits in the fall and spring semesters but may petition in etrieve to take a maximum of 18 credits.
Full-Time Status (All Students)
Students must register for at least 12 credits to be considered full-time. To be considered full time for financial aid, at least 12 credits must count toward degree requirements.
Students whose remaining degree requirements do not constitute at least 12 credits may petition in etrieve for reduced credit. Students with documented disabilities may contact Disability Support Services.
RISD Registrar 