Pre-Orientation Program

Also known as FGC POP, our summer program for first-gen students lays the foundation for what to expect academically and socially during your first year at RISD. Learn more below.

Through programming rooted in studio culture, critical thinking, self discovery, and community, students will understand that identity as a first-generation student is a strength.

Students in the program will spend time expanding their artistic and academic skills, exploring their social identities, and building community with students, faculty, and staff. Upon completion of the program, students will leave with a knowledge of what to expect as a first-year collegiate student in art and design, as well as various strategies for how to meet studio and academic expectations in their first-year at RISD and exceed those expectations with confidence.

Exploration areas include:

Studios
Liberal arts
Peer leader events
ISE events
Open studio time

Four pillars of FGC POP:

Developing students' confidence in the studio
Affirming identity and fostering a sense of belonging
Developing students' confidence in the liberal arts
Empowering students through demystifying academic and identifying resources

Want to participate in FGC POP?

Applications for 2025 are currently open!

FGC POP applications are now open for students interested in participating for 2025. You can find more information about the program here.

Apply now

2025 timeline

FAQs

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First-Generation college students represent a wide variety of life realities. FGC POP is designed to accept the following types of first-generation students and students matching the scenarios below are encouraged to apply to FGC POP.

Domestic students whose parents/guardians did not attend or did not complete a four-year college degree in the U.S.
Domestic students whose parents/guardians attended college in another country.
Domestic students whose parents hold college degrees but with whom the student has very limited/no contact.
Domestic students who grew up in foster care.

If you do not fall within any of the above categories but feel that a program like this would be particularly useful for you because of extenuating circumstances, please make an appointment with Sadie to talk more.

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There is no cost required to attend FGC POP. Students will receive free housing and meal plans while on campus during the program, and may also receive an additional stipend to compensate for the time spent in the program.

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Participating in FGC POP allows you to gain:

Academic preparation: The program will provide students with valuable academic instruction provided by first-year faculty, as well as an introduction to studio practice, critique, college writing, and liberal arts study at RISD.
Community: RISD FGC POP motivates students to immerse themselves into the city and campus environments while connecting to peers of similar backgrounds, and encourages students to form strong interpersonal relationships with faculty and staff.
Financial support: As a requirement of FGC POP, students receive comprehensive Student Financial Services communication and counseling.