First-Year Student Summer Orientation

Group of students at orientation sitting together, excited, outside on steps

Congratulations on your acceptance to Rhode Island College! We're excited to see you at Orientation! First-Year Student Summer Orientation is for students starting classes in August (Fall Semester) 2026.

Summer 2026 Orientation Dates

Registration opens March 31, 2026 for your choice of 2-day session:

June 15–16, 2026
July 16–17, 2026
August 3–4, 2026

Take the Steps to Register

What Happens at Orientation?

This 2-day comprehensive program, designed to welcome and acclimate new students and families to the college, is an interactive program where you'll:

learn about campus resources
engage in conversations with faculty
hear about student organizations and clubs
meet new classmates
work with an advisor to create a class schedule
receive a student ID and parking pass

Attending both days is mandatory for all first-year students because of all that is accomplished at orientation. If you will be living on-campus, staying overnight in the dorms is required. If you will be commuting to campus you have the option of staying overnight in the dorms, but all students need to attend the second day of orientation.

Complete the First 4 Steps Before Attending Orientation

Enroll at RIC and Set Up Your RIC Account

Pay Your Enrollment Deposit

Pay your enrollment deposit today to officially secure your spot at Rhode Island College!

Pay Your Deposit Now

Have questions or need help? The Admissions Office is here for you.

Email Admissions

Set Up Your RIC Account

To begin using your RIC account and access all online services, you need to set an initial password. Please follow our Setting your Password Instructions.

Log in to MyRIC and RIC Outlook Email

Use the username and password you just set up to log in to the MyRIC portal and your RIC SSO Account (where you will access your Outlook email)

Register for Your Orientation Session

Registration opens March 31, 2026 for your choice of 2-day session:

June 15–16, 2026
July 16–17, 2026
August 3–4, 2026

Please Note: Make sure that you are available for the entirety of the session you choose. You must attend the whole program to ensure that you are prepared to start your first semester at RIC. The deadline to register for a session is seven business days before the date of that session, or until the session is at capacity.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodations for Orientation

Students with disabilities who need accommodations to fully access Orientation can request accommodations through the Center for Disability Access, following the steps outlined on Requesting Accommodations with the Center for Disability Access. After the team receives your Disability Access New Student Application and supporting disability documentation, you will be invited to a meeting to discuss your needs and plan accommodations. Please submit your Orientation accommodation requests as early as possible. For more information, email the Center for Disability Access at cda@ric.edu or call the Center for Disability Access at 401-456-2776.

Send Test Scores & Final Transcripts

If you are taking college coursework, send the Office of Undergraduate Admissions an official transcript and/or official test scores. Email Admissions at admissions@ric.edu.

Take Math and Writing Placements

Math Placement

Plan to take math placement as soon as possible. Before you take math placement, spend some time reviewing and practicing the prep materials. This will help you feel more confident and make sure you’re placed in the level you need for your program. Visit Math Requirements and Placement for practice materials, tutoring, workshops, accommodations, and proctoring for math placement. For any questions please email Megan at mdibonaventura@ric.edu.

First-Year Writing Directed Self-Placement

First-Year Writing Directed Self-Placement is a brief survey to help find the appropriate First-Year Writing (FYW) course for you. Prior to your Orientation session, please complete this self-placement survey.

Attend Orientation

During orientation you'll learn about many aspects of RIC from people who are ready to assist you and with fellow classmates who are eager to meet you. You'll also register for your classes. Orientation is required for all first-year students, so be sure not to miss it.

Stay in the Dorms

If you plan to live on campus, you'll be staying overnight in the dorms after your first day of Orientation. If you're planning to commute to RIC, we still encourage you to stay overnight in the dorms to experience the life of a student resident. Learn more about living on campus.

Submit Your Health Forms + View More Resources

Once you have registered for classes you will gain access to the Medicate Patient Portal to upload important health and immunization forms. Please submit your health forms as soon as possible after attending orientation.