Reinstatement to RISD after a leave of absence requires completion of the ‘Reinstatement Application’. The Reinstatement Application and any required accompanying documents, as described in the sections below, should be submitted by the deadline dates for application.
Students returning to RISD after a leave of absence should contact the Registrar’s Office (registrar@risd.edu // (401)-454-6151).
Students returning from a medical leave of absence should contact Student Life (studentlife@risd.edu // (401)-454-6600).
Reinstatement Application Deadlines
Undergraduate Students
Fall Semester Entry | Winter/Spring Entry |
|---|---|
April 1 | October 1 |
Graduate Students
Fall Semester Entry | Winter/Spring Entry |
|---|---|
February 15 | October 1 |
Undergraduate students are highly encouraged to speak with their Department Head, and graduate students are encouraged to speak with their Graduate Program Director in advance of the reinstatement deadline date. Reinstatement decisions are made on an individual basis and are subject to availability of space in the student’s designated program and in accordance with curricular sequencing considerations.
Students seeking reinstatement after separation from RISD for four or more years may be subject to review and required to seek reinstatement through the Admissions office. RISD may not approve a return after a student’s leave of absence has expired. A student who is granted reinstatement after being away from RISD for four years or more is required to satisfy the graduation requirements in effect at the time of their return.
Further considerations:
International students must obtain a new I-20 to apply for an F-1 Visa.
Students intending to apply for financial aid should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15 prior to the academic year they plan to return. For further information, contact Student Financial Services.
Students wishing to live on campus must submit a completed housing contract with Residence Life. First-year and sophomore undergraduate students are required to live on campus. The deadline to enter the housing lottery is prior to the deadline for the reinstatement application. For further information contact Residence Life.
A complete and updated Health Form must be on file in Health Services.
Reinstatement after Academic Dismissal
Reinstatement after a first academic dismissal is subject to review and approval by the Academic Standing Committee. Reinstatement applications by students who were academically dismissed once should address the problems which led to the academic dismissal and put forth the case for the student’s success upon returning to RISD. All documents as outlined in the letter of dismissal must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the Reinstatement deadline. Only complete Reinstatement Applications with all required documents received by the deadline will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee. Students returning from a leave of absence from an academic dismissal continue on academic probation for the semester they return. Any student academically dismissed for a second time may be institutionally withdrawn and are not eligible for future reinstatement.
Reinstatement after Dismissals Related to Conduct
Students who were suspended from RISD through a conduct or equity and compliance process must follow the same general procedures and deadlines for reinstatement (https://risd.coursedog.com/academic-policies/student-records/reinstatement) as all other applicants. However, additional materials may be required to complete the readmission process, as stated in the outcome letter issued by the suspending office.
Students are responsible for meeting these additional deadlines and submitting them to the appropriate office(s) in order to have a complete reinstatement application. Students with questions about their reinstatement application after suspension should contact either Student Conduct at comstandards@risd.edu or Equity & Compliance at equitycompliance@risd.edu.
Reinstatement after Medical Leave
Instructions for reinstatement after a medical leave are communicated to students in writing at the time of leave. Only complete requests for reinstatement with all required documents received by the relevant deadlines will be reviewed. Contact Student Life with questions.
Transfer of Credits Taken While on Leave (Undergraduate students only)
Undergraduate students should seek permission in advance if they intend to request transfer credit for courses completed while on leave. Once matriculated at RISD, students may transfer in up to 12 semester credits. Refer to the Transfer Credit policy for more information.