The Division of Student Affairs at Otis College is about providing meaningful experiences that allow students to create a life that enriches their overall experience. A student’s first year at Otis College begins with O-Week, which transitions students into the Otis College community by providing multiple opportunities to engage with peers, continuing students, faculty, and staff.
The Office of Residence Life and Housing at Otis College invites over 400 students to immerse themselves in a living and learning environment that not only empowers them to grow and develop within a diverse community of artists, but also to realize their full potential and make friends that will last a lifetime. Under the supervision of the Director, two Assistant Directors, and a highly trained team of student Resident Assistants, the Residence Life staff provides an abundance of events and services that bring students together within a community that honors human diversity and values artistic identity.
Professional development and career counseling, offered through the Office of Career Services, plays an integral part in a student's journey, from self-assessment and resume and portfolio review, to networking, internship experience, and job search strategies.
A successful Otis College student is one who overcomes obstacles and challenges, which is why the Division of Student Affairs at Otis College includes comprehensive health services, counseling and psychological services, and wellness support. Over 450 students each year seek support from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and over 900 students each year seek support from our medical services, using the tools and resources provided to strengthen and nourish themselves. In support of wellness, all students are required to have health insurance so that each student can be provided the care and assistance needed during times of illness or injury. Students seeking additional academic support can find a home in the Student Learning Center. The Student Learning Center (SLC) fosters students’ social, emotional, and academic development. The SLC provides support on campus and online through success coaching and academic tutoring throughout ther week, working with students on study skills, reading and writing skills, art history skills, and math/logic skills, in addition to offering academic and creative study halls and workshops. SLC staff act as student advocates as well as facilitators of students’ learning.
The Otis College student community is one of the most diverse art and design student communities in the U.S., with diversity as the College’s hallmark. he College seeks to empower all students through student leadership and involvement opportunities such as Student Union (SU), Campus Activities Board (CAB), Team International Student Outreach (TISO), Admissions Student Ambassadors, Resident Assistants, Housing Assistants, Orientation Week Leaders, Black Creatives Peer Mentors (BCPM), Career Ambassadors, and a wide variety of clubs and organizations. Through academics, student services, and student engagement and leadership, Otis College encourages students’ growth and development as artists, designers, and engaged citizens committed to making a difference.