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.

Otis College is committed to the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. All Summer of Art students must submit evidence of having received the COVID-19 vaccine and booster as part of their mandatory forms and at least four weeks prior to arriving on campus for Summer of Art. Otis College strongly recommends the use of masks while indoors. Masks are available in various locations around campus. Medical grade masks are required though within the Student Health and Wellness Center per Los Angeles County Department of Public health (LACDPH) guidelines. 

• Masks will be available at Campus Safety & Security, at the front desk of Ahmanson, and at other locations across campus. More information and all locations can be found at https://www.otis.edu/covid-19-response-hub/mask-vaccination-policy 

We will continue to monitor the situation and follow all guidelines set forth by the California Department of Public Health and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The College continues to require the COVID-19 vaccine and booster for all employees and students. Students engaging in the Summer of Art program may apply for an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement; however, exempted students may not live in housing for the duration of the program. The health and safety of the whole Otis College community continues to be of utmost importance. Please be aware that as the public health situation evolves, our COVID-19 policy may change on short notice to align with ongoing recommendations from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Enrollment in Summer of Art will be contingent upon strict adherence to any policy changes made.

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”.

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. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Mark Manrose, Dean of Extension, Otis College of Art and Design, 9045 Lincoln Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (310) 665-6850.

All Summer of Art students are required to attend Orientation on Wednesday, July 5th. More details regarding Orientation will be announced closer to the start of the program.

• By May 26 - 100% refund
• Between May 27 and June 23 - 50% refund
• After June 23 - No refund

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) by Monday, July 10th at 5:00 p.m. PDT. 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.