Crystal Williams

Dear RISD Community,

In recent weeks, the new US federal administration has enacted a series of executive orders and policy changes, raising questions among many in our community. I know that some of these directives have the potential to personally impact us, as well as our friends and loved ones. While there are many unknowns, we affirm our institution’s mission, values, priorities, and principles—and we will continue our work to ensure that every community member can thrive at RISD.

With the guidance of our General Counsel and advice from expert sources, we are closely monitoring how the directives may impact our operations. For example, we are tracking the executive orders to assess their potential impact on how RISD delivers its mission, in areas including (but not limited to): gender, LGBQIA+ and trans and nonbinary protections, immigration laws, social equity and inclusion programs, and federal funding. We are also assessing the meaningful differences between directives and federal and state laws and how those differences relate to our operations, legally. Our dedication to RISD's values and mission has not changed—and RISD remains committed to abiding by our strategic priorities and the principles we hold most dear while remaining in compliance with the law.

As we have seen just over the past week, the terrain is shifting daily, and RISD’s leadership team is prepared to respond to the changing landscape as needed. To help inform our community, we have launched a website section that will be updated periodically with resources and information at risd.edu/guidance.

In uncertain times, artists, designers, and creative people have always found ways to adapt, innovate, and thrive. So, too, now.

Sincerely,

Crystal Williams (she/her)
President

Dear RISD Community,

I am deeply saddened to inform you of the death, off-campus, of Violet Goldstein, a first-year student. Tragically, Violet and three members of her family passed away on Christmas Day from suspected accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in their vacation home. This is an unimaginable loss for Violet’s loved ones, friends, faculty, peers, and all of us in the RISD community, and we are currently reaching out to Violet’s closest friends. As we process and mourn this tragedy, please take comfort in your loved ones and keep Violet and her family in your thoughts.

While RISD is currently closed for winter break through January 1, Counseling and Psychological Services is available to support our students, and faculty and staff can access support through our Employee Assistance Program. Information on these resources is included below my signature.

I know that you join me in feeling utter heartbreak at the loss of such a promising young member of our community, along with her family, on what should have been a joyous occasion. We are in contact with Violet’s surviving family to offer our support, and we will plan any gatherings of our community to honor Violet’s life in accordance with their wishes.

Sincerely,

Crystal Williams  she/her
President

Support Resources during Winter Break

For students: CAPS is available for any student wanting to access mental health support throughout the day, after hours, or on the weekend. Students can be connected with a counselor by calling 401 454-6637 to connect with CAPS during business hours and that same phone number will be answered by ProtoCall after hours, which offers 24/7 therapeutic support.

For faculty or staff needing personal support: Please contact Coastline EAP, our Employee Assistance provider, for confidential counseling and referral/resource services 24 hours a day at 800 445-1195.

If you are concerned about a RISD community member’s well-being, contact RISD Public Safety at 401 454-6666, our counseling office at 401 454-6637, or submit a Concern Assessment Response Evaluation (CARE) referral.

Dear students, staff and faculty, 

Today is election day in the United States, and I know members of the RISD community—like all engaged artists, designers and thinkers in this world—will continue to make their voices heard when it matters most. The democratic process, embedded in the American experiment, is only as strong as the people who build and question its intent with purpose. I encourage those of you who are US citizens, and who are able, to exercise your right to vote. Resources, support and information have been and continue to be shared on https://www.risd.edu/engagement.

This week, we are holding space for impromptu and unstructured gatherings, connection and reflection. 

Students are invited to meet with Health and Wellness Ambassadors (HAWAs) on Thursday, November 7, from 6:30–8:30 pm at Ewing House (Intercultural Student Engagement, ISE). 

Faculty and staff interested in gathering as a community are welcome to gather in the auditorium at 20 Washington Place. The space has been reserved during the dates and times below this week in support of community during the following days and times:

Tuesday, Nov 5: 1–11 pm

Wednesday, Nov 6: 1–3:30 pm

Thursday, Nov 7: 2–11 pm

Friday, Nov 8: all day (7 am–11 pm)

In this tension-filled time, for those who find solace and restoration in spending time amid art and beauty, the RISD Museum is offering free admission to anyone who presents their “I Voted” sticker throughout November. And, as a reminder, the museum offers year-round free admission to all students, staff and faculty.

Please be sure to check https://involved.risd.edu/ and https://www.risd.edu/engagement for related information in the days ahead.  

Take good care.
 

Sincerely,

Crystal Williams (she/her)
President