What We Do

In Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE), we support students from underrepresented backgrounds and actively engage with campus partners to enrich cultural dialogue, competence and inclusion. By cultivating an environment that recognizes an ever-changing campus and global community, we help equip emerging artists and designers to enhance social consciousness, cultural mindfulness and self-actualization, and spark inclusive dialogues through their work. Learn about us below.

Our mission

We support students from underrepresented backgrounds groups including but not limited to BIPOC, first-generation, international, LGBTQIA+, religious or spiritual, socioeconomically under-resourced, those with disabilities, and those not traditionally of college age. We also actively engage with campus partners to enrich cultural dialogue, competencies and inclusion.

Our vision for RISD is of an artistic community that creatively realizes the breadth of human dignity is, inspiring everyone to collectively and proactively develop a sense of individual potential and global mindfulness.

Our history

What is now Intercultural Student Engagement has roots in RISD’s first department dedicated to assuring access, support and other assistance to underrepresented students—the Third World Program, established in 1968.

Though we have adjusted our name over the years, our mission and contribution to the community remains firm. Always at the core of our work has been helping the college attract and develop the most promising artists and designers, with the specific long-standing charge to assist students of color. Through our efforts we have consistently cultivated a more inclusive campus environment and enhanced educational and social experiences across campus.

In its history, this office has been led by five administrators, to whom we are indebted for their dedication, commitment and impactful contributions to many areas of student and campus life. Through their service, these leaders helped guide RISD toward realizing an inclusive and supportive environment where all can contribute to and benefit from the uniqueness of our community and academic mission.

Professional staff

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Richard Song (he/him) — Director

Richard Song joined the RISD community in August 2023, bringing 14 years of experience in the field of higher education. His areas of professional expertise include housing and residential life, academic advising, career services and new student programs.  Song received all three of his degrees from the University of Rhode Island, culminating in a PhD in Education. He loves musicals, reading books, traveling, and hanging out with his husband and son. He and his family live in Lincoln, RI.

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Sadie Fielding (she/her) — Program Coordinator, First-Generation Student Support

Sadie Fielding arrived at RISD in August 2023. A Colorado native, she received her undergraduate degree from Baylor University in Waco, majoring in medical humanities with a minor in leadership studies. A first-generation college student, Fielding mentored fellow first-gen students at Baylor for three years. Shortly after graduation she enrolled in Merrimack College, receiving a master of education, specializing in higher education. While at Merrimack, she worked as a success coach for first-year students and those on academic probation, as well as on the Intercultural Initiatives team, which serves international students.

Fielding enjoys films, musicals, traveling and hanging out with her bunny at her home in Dedham, MA. On the weekends you can catch her playing rugby, at the movies, attending a RISD event or walking around Boston Common.

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Emelia Orellana, MEd (she/they/ella/elle)—Assistant Director of Intercultural Student Engagement, Diversity Programs

Prior to joining RISD in April 2024, Emelia gained experience in student affairs through positions in multicultural centers, proficiency-based counselor teaching, Residence Life, New Student Orientation and Academic Success through Student Leadership programs. Emelia received their BA in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Latin American Studies from Rhode Island College and their MEd in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont.

As a lover of the arts, with a passion for student support/equity, a Proud Providence-Native, latina/e and a first-generation college student, Emelia is more than happy to be supporting the growth of Diversity Programming at RISD. Feel free to reach out and connect about anything!

Quick links

Intercultural Student Engagement
Related resources on campus

Contact ISE

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Hours

8:30 am–4:30 pm (main office)

Contact

41 Waterman St

Providence, RI 02903

Email ise@risd.edu