Spring Orientation Programs

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Group of students sitting in a circle on the grass at orientation

Welcome to Rhode Island College!

Congratulations on your acceptance! If you’re starting classes in January 2027 (spring semester), you’ll attend one of our spring new student programs:

  • New Student Orientation: for First-Year students

  • RICStart: for Transfer students

Spring 2027 Session Dates

Both programs are offered on these dates and registration is now open!

  • January 6, 2027
  • January 14, 2027

Steps to Follow to Register

What Happens at Orientation/RICStart?

Our new student programs welcome first-year students, transfer students, and their families to Rhode Island College. Attendance is required, because this is where you’ll complete key steps to get ready for your first semester at RIC.

New Student Orientation

At New Student Orientation, first-year students will meet fellow Anchors, explore campus programs and support services, and start college feeling confident, connected, and supported. You will also meet with a First Year Advisor, confirm your class schedule, get your Student ID, parking pass, and other important steps to starting classes at RIC.

RICStart

At RICStart, transfer students will complete their to-do list in one visit, from academic advising and course registration to student IDs, parking passes, and campus resources.

Do Steps 1–2 to Register for Orientation, and Steps 3–4 Before 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)

Technology Issues?

If you are having issues setting up your MyRIC account or password, we recommend you contact the Help Desk directly. Call the Help Desk at 401-456-8803 or email the Help Desk at helpdesk@ric.edu.

Next

Register for Your Orientation/RICStart Session

Both programs are offered on these dates and registration is now open!

  • January 6, 2027
  • January 14, 2027

Register Today

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

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'll be invited to a meeting to discuss your needs and plan accommodations. Please submit your Orientation accommodation requests as early as possible.

Next

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.

Next

Take Math & Writing Placements

Math Placement

If you're a transfer student who took math at your prior institution, we will need to evaluate whether that course transfers to RIC. If it does, you do not need to take math placement. If it does not transfer, 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.

Next

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 new students, so be sure not to miss it.

Stay Connected with Us

Be sure to follow New Student Programs on social media to stay in the loop while you prepare to join the RIC community!

Next

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.

The RIC 100 Course and Other Resources

RIC 100 is a course designed to help you navigate Rhode Island College, specifically, as well as your college experience in general. You must pass this 1-credit course in order to graduate. Other resources that may be helpful at this point in time are:

Rhode Island College entrance

Contact Us

Office of New Student Programs

Our mission is to support students and families during their transition to RIC through Orientation and educational programming throughout their first year.

Alie Hallam

Mrs. Alie Hallam Drew

Director

New Student Programs

Lisa Ferri

Lisa A. Ferri

Assistant Administrative Officer