Skip over navigation
Brown shield Brown shield Brown University Dean of the College Brown shield Brown shield Brown University Dean of the College

RISD Cross-Registration

As a result of a cooperative arrangement, all Brown students have the option of taking certain courses at the renowned Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), adjacent to Brown on College Hill.  Up to four RISD classes may count toward students’ graduation requirement at Brown.  During the fall and spring semesters, Brown students enroll at RISD under a cross-registration agreement that is part of their Brown tuition.  Students may take courses at RISD during the school’s summer and January terms, but students pay RISD directly when they register for a summer class.  Once approved, each RISD course (3 to 5 credits) is regarded as the full equivalent of a Brown course, and upon satisfactory completion it is recorded on the student’s Brown transcript.

Registration for RISD courses is on a space-available basis and is subject to written permission of the RISD instructor and the RISD Registrar.  Students register for such work under Brown course numbers.  Because Brown does not have a winter term, winter term courses will appear on the student’s spring registration and will be counted as one of the five courses for which the student is eligible to register.  Students wishing to take RISD courses in the summer should consult with a dean.  A grade of C or better at RISD is required for degree credit at Brown.

Students must petition the Committee on Academic Standing for approval to study at RISD when they wish to complete more than four RISD courses that will be counted toward their Brown degree and when they wish to enroll in certain nonstudio courses, including those that fall within RISD's liberal arts division.

Students who wish to register for a RISD course should take the following steps:

  1. Pick up a cross-registration form from the Registrar's Office at Brown.
  2. Select a course from the RISD catalog and select a grade option.
  3. Attend the first class meeting and get written permission from the RISD instructor.
  4. Visit RISD’s Registrar's Office (20 Washington St.) and get written permission.
  5. Visit Brown’s Registrar's Office and, with the office staff, determine if this course requires a petition to the Committee on Academic Standing.