Welcome Students

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Your Next Steps to Starting at Rio

Welcome to Rio Salado. This page is a guide to kickstart your journey as a successful Rio student. Read more about the online tools you will use, how to connect with your online community or find other resources to help you.

Your Pre-Class Preparation: Visit Student Center

Log in to your Student Center regularly to check for important messages, access your Maricopa Student Gmail account, and find items that have been added to your To Do list.

Your Registration Checklist

You're on the brink of an exciting phase in your academic journey – registering for classes!

Important reminder: If you haven’t already done so, make sure to upload your ID to complete your admissions process. That will clear the path to add your first classes! 

Here’s a quick checklist to get you ready for class selection:

  • If you are seeking a degree or certificate, contact your advisor for personalized guidance.
  • Students taking a course to fulfill other needs who need help with class selection can call (480)-517-8000.
  • Take NSO101: New Student Orientation is a crucial first class for new students.  

Your Academic Journey: Navigate RioLearn!

RioLearn is the college's online learning portal where you'll take your Rio Salado classes and more.

To log into RioLearn, you will use your MEID (username) and password. You will also need to complete Duo authentication. Students can find instructions on the Maricopa website.

Now that you’ve been admitted to Rio Salado, here are your next steps:

  • View the video to the right to learn about RioLearn resources.
  • To see a more details about how it works, visit the RioLearn Demo.
  • Learn more RioLearn Tips and Tools
  • Tech check – is my computer ready?
  • Schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor through RioLearn
  • Need books? Visit Rio Salado Bookstore via RioLearn
  • Take the New Student Orientation (NSO101) NSO101 will likely take 1-2 hours to complete. As a degree or certificate-seeking student, you will be automatically registered. If NSO101 does not appear for you in RioLearn please email nso.instructor@riosalado.edu to get enrolled.

Your First Class: Expectations and Success

  • Log into RioLearn. For most classes, reading the syllabus and completing the acknowledgement is the first assignment (due within the first three days of class).
  • Introduce yourself to instructors using the Message Center
  • Explore available resources in RioLearn (tutoring, library, etc.)
  • Be aware of the last day to drop a class without it appearing on your record

Your Options: Dropping vs. Withdrawing from a Class

Life happens. Plans change. Watch this video to learn differences between dropping and withdrawing from a class, including academic and financial implications of each option.

Your Cost Saving Opportunities

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Ways to Save Time & Money

Earn your degree faster and save money by turning your prior academic, workforce, or armed forces experience into college credits at Rio Salado. Explore options like employer benefits, alternative credit programs, and national tests to fast-track your education.

Options Include:

  • Employer Tuition Assistance
  • Military Experience
  • Transfer Credits
  • Workforce Training & Certificates

Learn more on our Ways to Save Time and Money page.

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$0 Textbooks

With Rio Salado’s $0 and low-cost textbook courses, many classes have free or affordable textbooks—no more paying hundreds for a single book! Use our new course search tools to easily find these options. 

Highlights:

  • Nearly half of our online courses offer $0 or low-cost textbooks
  • Low-cost textbooks are priced at $40 or less
  • $0 textbook Certificate of Completion programs available in various fields

Your Rio Community

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Network with Other Rio Students

Develop important connections with students and others in the Rio Salado College community. Start networking here:

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You Are Never Alone on Your Rio Journey

Dedicated staff will assist you from enrollment through graduation. Student support resources include:

  • Counseling and career services
  • Tutoring and academic advising
  • Technology and instructional help desks
  • Digital and in-person library services

Your Path to Success

This library of videos offers tips on being successful and getting the most out of your time at Rio Salado College.

Videos to Watch Now

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Online Tools You'll use

Learn about two important online tools you'll use as a Rio Salado student

Watch This Video

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Block Calendar Scheduling

Planning to earn a degree/certificate from Rio? Make sure your classes meet Block Calendar requirements

Watch this Video

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Managing Stress

Tips by Rio Salado counselors for managing stress and improving your academic success

Watch This Video

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Set yourself up for success as a student with more tips

You'll use your MEID (your username) and password to log in to RioLearn. Review these helpful items and perform any tasks: