Family Orientation

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Students walking and sitting near the School of Social Work building

Welcome to the RIC Family!

Mother and son holding a go RIC sign and a RIC foam finger at orientation

Parents and families are our greatest partners in achieving student success at RIC. At the onset of your student's journey, it's important that you're as informed as they are about the many resources we have available.

Keep Them on Track

We know that there are lot of details for your student to keep track of now. Help them stay on top of everything. Attend Family Orientation on the same date and time as your student’s chosen orientation date. 

Students Starting Classes in January

Attend Spring Orientation - January

Students Starting Classes in Fall

Attend First-Year Student Summer Orientation - June/July/August 

Attend Transfer Student Summer Orientation - June/July/August

Registering for Family Orientation

Your student will need to register you when they select their session/date. Students can include up to 2 guests' names in the "Guest" fields during orientation registration. They can add or edit guests up to seven days before the session.

Please Note: If your student is a first-year student, or a transfer student who has specifically asked to attend a two-day orientation, you will only attend on the first day of their orientation program.

What to Expect that Day

Students and families in the RIC auditorium for orientation presentation

You will attend and check-in for Orientation with your student, then at Family Orientation you will join the Office of New Student Programs and all campus partners for:

  • a variety of informative sessions
  • your choice of breakout sessions, based on your interests
  • panel discussions, and more

Our orientation programs are designed to welcome new students and their families to RIC. Please consider attending to get all of your questions answered by staff and students, and to assist in preparing your student for their first year at Rhode Island College.

Day-of Logistics

Prior to orientation you will receive an email, sent to the email address provided during registration, with details about parking, check-in, the day's schedule, and more.

FAQs for Families

For other orientation-related questions, please contact the Office of New Student Programs at 401-456-8439 or orientation@ric.edu. 

It is not mandatory for families to attend an orientation session, however, it is highly recommended. During orientation registration your student will provide guest information, including an email address for up to 2 family members. We will use this email address to contact you with information regarding Family Orientation.

Staff members and current students will be available to answer questions about the student experience at Rhode Island College.  

Through conversations with our dynamic staff and current students, family members will learn more about the resources and services available for both their students and themselves.  

No payment is required.  

Family members with disabilities who need accommodations to fully access Orientation should contact the Center for Disability Access. Please email CDA or call CDA as early as possible.

Rhode Island College entrance

Need Further Help?

Office of New Student Programs

Our mission it to assist students and families during their transition to RIC, through Orientation and educational programming, during their first year.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

If you need information about the application process, scholarships and financial aid, transfer credits, and more, our dedicated team of admissions counselors are here to guide and support you from your first campus visit to your first day of classes.

Office of Financial Aid

The mission of the Office of Student Financial Aid is to assist students and their families in funding educational costs at Rhode Island College.