RISD College Enrollment Checklist Handout
College Bound Transition Guide
RISD College Enrollment Checklist
Follow this comprehensive step-by-step roadmap to secure your college enrollment.
PHASE 1
READY
Student Name:
Target College:
Enrollment Phase: READY
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Step 1: Look for email from your college/university on next steps
What’s Next?: Look into financial aid.
What financial aid am I eligible for?
- Almost every student is eligible for some type of financial aid.
- Texas Requirement: All students graduating from a Texas public school are required to submit a FAFSA application.
- This requirement might mean you qualify for federal grants or loans.
- If you aren't eligible for federal aid, you may still qualify for a work-study job, scholarships, emergency funds, food assistance and more.
- Verification Notice: You might be selected for financial aid verification. If selected, be sure to complete every step of the verification process.
Apply/Check FAFSA Status: studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Award Letter Guide: scholarships360.org/financial-aid/...
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Step 2: Complete Required Documents
Important Notice!
While you might be currently working with a college recruiter, before you can meet with your advisor or register for classes, you must first submit the following documents.
High School and/or College Transcripts
Request official high school transcripts using GreenLight. If you need help setting up or accessing your GreenLight Locker, please follow the instructions on this GreenLight link (web.risd.org/counselingservices/greenlight-transcripts). If you attended other colleges, request official transcripts from your previous college(s). Have documents sent/mailed directly to Admissions Processing.
National and TSI Assessments or High School Test Scores
Students are now able to check a box when requesting to send their transcript in GreenLight to include SAT/ACT/TSI scores if there are any. Request high school test scores (ACT, SAT or STAAR) directly from the testing agency. Use the new Accuplacer Student Portal (another name for TSI) to print and view scores. Submit results in-person to your college/university or send/mail to Admissions Processing.
RISD College Enrollment Checklist Page 1 of 3
Step 2 (Continued): Proof & Processing
Proof of Meningitis Vaccination
If you are younger than 22, you must get the meningitis vaccination. If you had meningitis on your vaccination record submitted to RISD, that record has been uploaded into your GreenLight Locker and can be sent via GreenLight. You can also submit your vaccination record in-person or electronically to the college/university.
What's Next?
After you have submitted all of your documents, be on the lookout for an email from your college advisor. They will help you plan your college journey and register for classes.
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Step 3: Securing Your Housing
Important! On-campus housing often fills up quickly. You should begin this process as soon as you are admitted to your college or university.
Research Options: Compare on-campus dorms and off-campus apartments on your college website.
Submit Application: Most schools require a separate housing application and deposit to reserve your spot.
Check Requirements: Some universities require freshmen to live on campus; verify your school's local policy.
Find a Roommate: Use school portals or social groups to select a roommate before the semester starts.
What's Next?: Once housing is confirmed, look for move-in dates and a "Packing Checklist" from the university.
Enrollment Phase: SET
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Step 4: Attend New Student Orientation
New students should complete orientation after finishing the enrollment steps and before meeting with your assigned advisor for advising and registration.
RISD College Enrollment Checklist Page 2 of 3
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Step 6: Meet with a College Advisor
College Advising is required prior to enrolling in classes. Research your program of study and prepare questions.
Scheduling Appointments: Look at contact information on your college website to make an appointment on campus or by phone. See if virtual advising is available.
Drop-In Advising: Visit the advising center for your college/university for drop-in, in-person help during open hours.
Academic Support Records: If you were receiving 504 or Special Education services in high school, bring that documentation. If you are unsure about what to choose for your pathway and program of study, discuss options with your college advisor.
What's Next? Register for classes.
Enrollment Phase: GO
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Step 7: Register for Classes
Once you have completed the application and advising process, you may now register for the coming semester! Look for when registration opens for each academic period on your college/university's website.
What's Next? Confirm your registration by viewing your class schedule on your college/university's platform. Also, be sure to save or print your receipt!
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Step 8: Pay for College
Find out when, where and how to pay by looking on your college/university’s website.
- Review and accept your financial aid award.
- Payment plans could be available to split costs.
- You may be able to reserve your classes for a minimal fee.
Congratulations! 🎉
You have completed admissions, advising, registration, and payment! Get ready for your first day of classes!
RISD College Enrollment Checklist Page 3 of 3
Campus Transition Facilitator Guide
Counselor Companion Resource
Campus Launchpad Facilitator Guide
Instructional Script, Discussion Questions, and Activity Timeline
Pacing
45 Mins
1. Session Overview & Goals
This workshop prepares graduating seniors with disabilities (IEP, 504, or health-related conditions) to advocate for their academic adjustments in higher education. Students will learn the critical differences between high school accommodations and college rights.
2. Structured Workshop Timeline
00 - 10 Mins | The Shift (Table 1 on Handout)
Explain the shift from teacher-led (IDEA) to student-led advocacy (ADA). Emphasize that in college, professors are legally forbidden to accommodate a student unless official paperwork is delivered.
10 - 25 Mins | Resource Mapping & Discovery
Break down the 4 core campus offices. Ask students to share which offices they foresee utilizing most. Clarify that Academic Advising and Disability Services are separate departments.
25 - 40 Mins | Action Planning & Writing Workshop
Guide students as they fill out Section 4 of their handout. Provide assistance in structuring a "2-Sentence Self-Advocacy Statement" (sample templates below).
40 - 45 Mins | Wrap Up & Next Steps
Remind students that register procedures take time. Strongly urge them to submit their intake forms prior to arriving at campus orientation.
3. Facilitation Scripts & Key Prompts
Counselor Prompt 1: "In high school, a teacher might notice you struggling and pull you aside to offer help. In college, why is this unlikely to happen?"
Counselor Prompt 2: "Your college grades and accommodation records are protected by FERPA. This means your parents cannot call your professors to discuss your grades. How does that make you feel, and how does it change how you prepare?"
Advocacy Script Template: "Hello Professor [Name], I have my official academic accommodation letter from the Disability Services Office. I am approved for [e.g., 1.5x test time]. Let's discuss how we will implement this for our first exam."
4. Critical Advocacy Insights
- Retroactive Accommodations are Invalid: Accommodations start only after a student provides the letter to their professor. They cannot redo past failed exams.
- Confidentiality Rights: Students do not have to tell their professors their diagnostic details (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia). They only need to present the approved list of academic adjustments.
- Documentation Age: Many colleges require documentation (such as psychoeducational tests) to be under 3 years old. Urge students to secure updated testing from their high school prior to graduation if possible.
