RISD Cross-Registration for Brown Students
Brown University students may register for classes at RISD during fall, Wintersession and spring. Your cross-registration is subject to Brown policies that limit the number of courses you may take at RISD per semester. Additionally, you cannot register for RISD classes that conflict with Brown courses for which you are already registered.
Your registration must also be approved by the RISD class instructor. Brown discourages seniors from cross-registering in their final semester at Brown, as RISD records spring semester grades after Brown Commencement, a process that could delay your graduation.
Graduate students also need permission from Brown Graduate School to cross-register. Refer to the graduate school’s instructions for cross-registration.
To explore available courses at RISD, use the search tool below. Select the academic period for the semester you wish to study at RISD. To narrow your results to classes with available seats, set the section status to “open”.
How to cross-register at RISD
01
Contact the RISD instructor (optional)
Before submitting your registration request, we recommend that you inform the RISD instructor of your interest in the course. The instructor can usually let you know whether your request will be approved.
02
Submit the cross-registration form
This form comes available on the first day of Brown or RISD’s semester, whichever comes first. The form closes on the last day of RISD’s add/drop period.
- Log into etrieve using your @brown.edu credentials to access the form.
- Once logged in, click Forms.
- Complete all questions.
- To select a class, choose the subject first, then the course, then section.
- Use the text area to explain to the instructor why you wish to take the course.
- Click Submit.
03
Approval and registration
Once you submit the cross-registration form, it will move through the permission process. You will receive email notification whether request has been approved or denied. If approved, we will work with Brown’s registrar’s office to register you at both institutions.
04
Get a RISD ID and credentials
Independent studies at RISD
In rare instances, Brown students may cross-register for an Independent Study Project (ISP) with full-time RISD faculty. Any Brown student planning an ISP should email us at registrar@risd.edu for further instruction. Include in your email the RISD faculty member whom you want to supervise your ISP.
You cannot register for an ISP via the standard electronic cross-registration form.