Welcome to the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Otis College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment where all students, faculty, and staff can thrive in their personal, professional, and academic endeavors. There are numerous programs and initiatives the College engages with in an effort to move forward our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Signature programs include our Black Creatives Institute, BIPOC Student Summit, and other dynamic events that support our students' co-curricular experiences related to DEIB. Our DEIB Council continues to lead the college through their work and commitment with a focus on education and engagment, curriculum, and strategic communications. We invite you to review our DEIB Progress Report which chronicles our work across mutiple constituent groups including students, staff, faculty, alumnx, and pre-college programs. We take pride in our commitment to diversity, which is best represented in our DEIB Statement and our 10 Points: Standing Up for Equity.
Diversity Defines Us
Otis College is among the most culturally diverse colleges of art and design in the U.S. Approximately 37 percent of our 1,038 students are from outside California, and about 27 percent are international students, hailing from 34 countries. The Los Angeles region itself is one of the most diverse in the country. As an Otis College student, you’ll meet (and learn from) people with different cultural and ethnic backgrounds than your own—and that’s one of the most valuable experiences we provide. You’ll develop empathy, an expanded worldview, and an open mind, which are essential to your career success.
We Welcome, Support, and Include
Empowering Black Students: The Black Creatives Institute
The Black Creatives Institute at Otis College empowers and supports black students by fostering community, enhancing leadership skills, and providing resources for academic and professional success. As part of Otis College's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Institute offers workshops, mentorship, and networking events. It aims to create a nurturing environment where black students can connect and develop the confidence and skills needed to excel.
About
Learn more about our inaugural Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Our AVP for DEI leads the college along with the DEI Council around our strategic progress toward creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus.
DEI Progress Report
The DEI Progress Report chronicles the comprehensive work the College has engaged in across the entire campus, including student programs, retention initiatives, faculty and staff development, and alumnx support.
DEI Statement
Otis College adopted its renewed statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which serves as a philosophical underpinning of how we move through our focused DEI work. Read more here.
Campus Diversity
Otis College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment where all students can thrive in their personal and academic endeavors.
I want our college to be one that students experience as open, affirming, empowering, identity-conscious, and that allows for the possibilities to run wild. I want our sense of belonging to be revolutionary and impactful, and to foster a sense of joy.”
Keep Exploring
Otis College is a welcoming and diverse community of artists and designers who are shaping the future.
The Charles White Art and Design Scholarship invites student from underrepresented communities to explore their passion with a four-year, full-tuition undergraduate scholarship.
With a broad variety of groups representing the unique interests of our students, clubs and organizations play a critical role in supporting our campus community.
The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Innovation Fund is an initiative that demonstrates how we can join together as a community to support institutional change.