Student Handbook

President’s and Provost’s Welcome

We are pleased to welcome you to Otis College of Art and Design. Otis embraces both foundational skills and emerging technologies, always keeping an eye on the future, especially your future.

Our academic programs prepare Otis College graduates for careers in the creative economy. Your creative voice is part of what brought you to Otis College, and it will gain even more momentum as you connect with and find inspiration from other students and from our accomplished faculty. Otis College programs are rigorous, and the standards are high. We know you will be challenged as a thinker, a maker, and a professional, but you will also be supported.

Otis College is one of the most diverse art and design colleges in the country, with our student demographics representing many geographies, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender expressions, and religious and spiritual identities. Varied perspectives represent the world we live in, and Otis is committed to fostering a community that is multi-faceted and inclusive, while also approaching our work with students through a lens of equity.

As you begin this academic year, be open to the many possibilities that lie in front of you. Get to know our faculty and staff in ways that further support your student experience. Be curious and ask questions, and most importantly, take creative risks and find your passion. You join a distinguished group who came before you who have proven that artists and designers can change the world.

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

Table of Contents

• The Otis College Experience Indicates
  • About Otis College
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Academic Life
  • Student Affairs and Campus Diversity & Inclusion
• Campus Policies
  • Animals on Campus
    • Service Animals in the Residence Hall
    • Service Animal FAQs
  • BIAS Incidents
  • Disabilities Act
  • Gender Inclusivity
  • Pronouns
  • Miscellaneous Policies
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs
    • Alcohol Absorption
    • Impact of Alcohol and Other Drug Use
    • Risk of Drug Use
  • Campus Facilities
    • Student Access and Use
  • Campus Safety
  • Health and Wellness
  • Student Resources
  • Student Rights
    • Complaint Procedures
  • Technology and Information 
• Academic Policies
  • Graduation Information
  • Transfer Credits
  • Enrollment and Registration Policies
    • Leave of Absence/Withdrawal
    • Grades
  • Other Academic Policies
• Title IX: Sex/Gender Discrimination
  • Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy
  • Definitions & Prohibited Conduct
  • Other Sexual Assaults and Civil Rights Offenses
  • Reporting a Title IX Complaint
  • Resolution Methods
  • Sanctions and Remedies
  • Record Keeping
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Sex Offenders
• Code of Student Conduct
  • Section I. Philosophy
  • Section II. Jurisdiction
  • Section III. Violations of The Law
  • Section IV: Student Conduct Rules and Expectations
  • Section V: Overview of The Student Conduct Process
  • Section VI: Student Conduct Authority
  • Section VII: Formal Conduct Procedures
  • Grounds for Appeal Requests
• Academic Integrity
• Travel and External Study
  • Definitions
  • Guidelines
  • Travel Policies
• Campus Safety and Security
  • Earthquake and Fire Safety
  • Emergency Procedures
• Financial Policies
  • Financial Aid
  • Student Accounts
  • Balances