Students interacting in class

RIC 100 is a one- credit class that you must pass to graduate from Rhode Island College. 

The course is designed to help you navigate RIC specifically, and college in general. Not only will you earn one free college credit that you can use towards your 120 required credits for graduation, but you will forge valuable connections with trusted faculty, staff and upper class students who can guide you and advocate for you. 

Your RIC 100 class serves as a place to form community in your first year, especially if you do not live on campus. You can start friendships with people who are, like you, working to survive and succeed during this life-changing first year. Such support networks can make you feel connected, encouraged and confident. 

Overview of RIC 100

Each section of RIC 100 has designated instructor and peer mentor. topics we cover during the 50-minute, once a week class include:

  • Learning Online
  • Time Management
  • Wellness
  • College Expectations
  • Identifying Learning Styles
  • Financial Literacy 
  • Cultural Competency 
  • Campus Resources

Sections meet on Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. - 12:50 p.m. (some evening options are available). 

Open Books-Open Minds

The Open Books-Open Minds (OBOM) common book also features prominently in RIC 100. All first year students are required to read the common book, and may encounter OBOM book in some of your other first year classes. As a first year student, you may receive the common book for free during Orientation or in RIC 100. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions not answered here, please contact Dr. Zubeda Jalalzai, Director of RIC 100, at ric100@ric.edu

If you are an incoming first year student with less than 24 transfer credits, yes, you must take RIC100 and pass in order to graduate. 

If you are a transfer student with 24 or more transfer credits, you do not have to take RIC100.

RIC100 is graded S or U / “S” satisfactory or “U” unsatisfactory. If you get an “S”, you will get credit for the course and satisfy the requirement. 

If you withdraw from RIC100 or do not receive an “S” grade, you should retake the class the following semester. 

The one-credit, RIC100 class is free.

Rhode Island College entrance