Summer of Art Policies and FAQs

Otis College is fully accredited by the WASC | Senior College and University Commission (985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (11250 Roger Bacon Dr., Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190, 703.437.0700.)

Due to the rigorous nature of the program, Summer of Art attendance policies are strictly enforced. Three absences from a Specialization and/or two absences from a Drawing Studio may disqualify a student from receiving college credit and/or result in removal from the program without a refund.

If a course does not meet its minimum enrollment number, it may be canceled. Students enrolled in a canceled course will be contacted regarding their second choice upon cancellation.

Starting June 1, 2023, the COVID-19 vaccination will be strongly recommended, rather than required, for students, faculty, and staff. This change also pertains to any student taking courses through the Extension Department including the Summer of Art program. Otis College continues to stress the importance of the COVID-19 vaccines and will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout the school year. 

COVID-19 vaccines help protect people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are best protected from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations. LACDPH has aligned with the CDC recommending that “up to date” with the COVID vaccine means everyone aged 6 years and older receive one (1) updated Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 bivalent vaccine, regardless of whether you have received any of the original COVID-19 vaccines.

Please note the following reminders: 

• Otis College strongly recommends that students, faculty, and staff remain up to date on vaccinations.
• To continue our mission to be a community of care, please respect those in our community who choose to wear masks and continue to remain up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine. 
• Any Summer of Art student can choose to stay in housing during the program whether they are vaccinated against COVID-19 or not.

Otis College of Art and Design reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny any person registration, enrollment in, or admittance to any Extension course including the Summer of Art program.

Students who successfully complete their courses of study for credit will receive the following units of college credit:

• Specialization: 2 college credits
• Drawing Studio: 1 college credit

Evaluation of coursework is indicated by the letter grades “A" through "F”. Dismissal from the program, for any reason, may result in an “F”. Alternatively, students may opt to participate according to a P (Pass) /NG (No Grade) scale; information will be provided to all enrolled students on how to request this option.

Otis College of Art and Design, in accordance with applicable Federal and state law and College policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth and medical conditions related thereto, disability, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, veteran status, or other characteristics or classifications protected by the law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in College programs and activities. 

All Summer of Art students are required to attend Orientation. Housing Check-In for residential students will take place from 6:00 a.m. - noon that day. The general Summer of Art Orientation will take place from noon–4:00 p.m..

Refunds take approximately six weeks to process. Refunds made by credit card will be refunded to the credit card account.

Please note that the $200 deposit per course is non-refundable.

Transcripts can be ordered through the National Student Clearinghouse. The standard processing fee is $5.00 per official transcript. You must have either your student ID number or your social security number when you place your order. For concerns or questions email extreg@otis.edu. Credit towards Otis College of Art and Design’s undergraduate program is awarded at the discretion of the department or major chair.

Once the program begins, students who wish to withdraw must email their withdrawal request to the Summer of Art team (soa@otis.edu). Failure to properly withdraw from a course by the deadline may result in an “F” grade.

Otis College maintains a zero tolerance policy for all illegal activity, including the possession or use of drugs (including marijuana, no exceptions made for medical purposes), alcohol, or firearms, whether on or off the Otis College campus. Students who are in violation of any Otis College policies, rules, regulations, etc. or otherwise create an unsafe or unproductive climate may be disciplined by Otis College at its sole and exclusive discretion. The discipline may include dismissal of the student from the program without any refund and/or the receipt of a grade of “F”. Prior to check-in, each student and his, her, or their parent/guardian must sign an acknowledgement form regarding these policies.

Once registered, students will receive a welcome letter via email. The Student Handbook and a link to the Mandatory Forms packet will follow. Please read, complete and return all forms upon receipt. Prior to the program start, schedule changes following registration may only be requested through the Student Portal.

Each Specialization Course is limited in capacity and Otis College cannot guarantee first-choice selection. If a Specialization Course is full, you may request to be placed on a waiting list and select an alternative option. Should space become available, you will receive a notification. For questions about enrollment in a particular Specialization Course, please contact us at soa@otis.edu or (310) 665-6850.

• Campus Facilities
  • Graphaids, the college’s on-campus art supply store, offers a curated selection of supplies for art and design classes
  • Elaine's Dining Commons provides a diverse menu that includes hot entrées, salads, and snacks. The campus is within easy walking distance of a variety of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores.
  • The Millard Sheets Library has a relaxed atmosphere where students meet, study, browse, and find inspiration. Summer of Art students are welcome to use the resources inside the library during regular hours.
  • The Student Health and Wellness Center is open to all Summer of Art students for acute illnesses and injuries or acute mental health issues during their time in the program.
• Labs and Shops*
  • Printmaking lab
  • Laboratory Press / Letterpress
  • Photography lab and lighting studio
  • Video lab
  • Wood, model, and metal shop

*Summer of Art students have access to the labs and shops based on their selected Specialization Courses.

All Summer of Art students are invited to drop into the Admissions office any weekday at 4:30 p.m. to speak with an Admissions Counselor and receive an informal portfolio review. Students may also schedule a virtual appointment by emailing admission@otis.edu. In addition to one-on-one advising appointments, Admissions holds a Portfolio Review Night and Art School Prep Information Session. All Summer of Art alumni who apply to Otis College will have their application fee waived. Contact admissions@otis.edu for details.