Student Handbook

President’s and Provost’s Welcome

We are pleased to welcome you to Otis College of Art and Design, a community of artists, designers, thinkers, and makers shaping the future of creativity. At Otis, our programs combine rigorous foundational training with emerging technologies and forward-thinking practices that prepare students to lead in an evolving creative economy. Here, your creative voice will be refined and amplified through collaboration with fellow students, accomplished faculty, and an inspiring network of alumni and industry partners. 

An Otis education is transformative. You will be challenged to think critically and experiment fearlessly. Along the way, you will find a community that encourages curiosity, supports creative risk-taking, and is deeply invested in your success. 

Otis is proud to be one of the most diverse art and design colleges in the country. Our campus is shaped by students from a wide range of geographies, cultures, identities, and lived experiences. We believe creativity flourishes through inclusion, and we are committed to fostering an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. 

As you begin this academic year, embrace the possibilities ahead of you. Introduce yourself to new people. Explore unfamiliar ideas and disciplines. Ask questions, take creative risks, and discover what inspires you. By joining the Otis community, you become part of a distinguished legacy of artists and designers who have helped shape culture, challenge convention, and change the world. 

Welcome to Otis College of Art and Design. We’re so glad you’re here during this extraordinary year.

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