Course Modalities 2022-2023

Although most courses are taught ‘in-person’ or as ‘hybrid’, there are still a limited number of courses taught ‘online’. Students may cross-register at RISD for any modality course (in-person, hybrid, or online) as long as the instructor approves.

All Brown students have the option of taking a maximum of four course credits at the renowned Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), adjacent to Brown on College Hill. Students may count up to four credits from RISD courses toward graduation requirements at Brown. During the fall, winter, and spring terms, Brown students enroll at RISD under a cross-registration agreement that is part of their Brown tuition. RISD studios are most often 3 or 6 credits. Once approved, each 3-credit RISD course is regarded as the full equivalent of one Brown credit while each 6-credit RISD course is regarded as the full equivalent of two Brown credits. Students who register for a 6-credit course at RISD, should be aware that they will only be able to register for up to three additional Brown courses in that semester. Upon satisfactory completion with a grade of C or better, the course is recorded on the student's Brown transcript.

Brown students who cross-register for a course during the RISD Wintersession term should note that this course will be recorded in the spring term and counts toward the five courses students may take in the spring. While RISD Wintersession courses are included in spring term tuition for Brown students, they may carry additional course or materials costs; please check with the course instructor to confirm any additional costs.

Registration for RISD courses is on a space-available basis and is subject to permission of the RISD instructor and the RISD Registrar. Please be aware that RISD students receive priority enrollment in RISD Wintersession courses. Completion of VISA 100 is recommended and may be required for some courses.  The cross-registration process is completed via electronic forms.  Students seeking an exception to the 4-credit policy for cross-registration at RISD should consult information on how to petition the Committee on Academic Standing.

Brown students who wish to register for a RISD course in the fall, winter or spring terms should take the following steps:

1. Access the RISD Course Catalog. Use the advanced search to search by ‘term’ (ie: Fall 2022). The modality of the course is listed, as well as instructor email. Brown students may cross-register at RISD for any modality course (in-person, hybrid, or online) as long as the instructor so approves.
2. Indicate interest in a course by contacting the RISD instructor via email. Students should reach out to RISD instructors first to indicate interest before filling out the cross-registration form.
3. Fill out RISD’s electronic cross-registration form. This electronic add form will not be available until RISD’s first day of classes for the semester and will close on the last day of the RISD add/drop period. Brown students may authenticate into the form using Google (using a @brown.edu email).
4. Review RISD’s health and safety protocols and agree to follow them.
5. Once the form is submitted, it will be routed electronically through the permission process.
6. Once all approvals have been secured, the RISD and Brown Registrar’s Offices will register the student for the course.

VIEW CROSS-REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS (PDF)

The electronic cross-registration form cannot be started until RISD’s first day of classes for the semester and will close on the last day of the RISD Add/Drop period.

In rare exceptions, Brown students are able to cross-register for an Independent Study Project (ISP) with full-time RISD faculty only. Any Brown student planning an ISP should email registrar@risd.edu for further instruction. Include in the email the RISD faculty member that you wish to register for an ISP with. ISPs are not available via the electronic cross-registration form. 

Brown seniors in their final semester are discouraged from cross-registering in the spring term. RISD’s spring semester ends after Brown’s, and grades are not due until after Brown’s Commencement ceremony. As a result, this may delay graduation from Brown.

Brown graduate students seeking to cross-register at RISD are also required to seek permission from the Brown Graduate School. Graduate students should submit a petition in UFunds.

Summer session is not included in the cross-registration agreement. Brown students pay RISD directly when they register for a summer class. RISD summer courses are subject to Brown’s transfer credit policy and approval procedures, which students should review and follow closely. Students considering taking a summer course at RISD should consult the section in ASK that outlines the transfer credit policy (Student Petitions > Transfer Credits > Information). If transferred to Brown, RISD summer courses count towards the maximum four credits of RISD coursework eligible for graduation requirements at Brown.