Student Affairs and Campus Diversity & Inclusion at Otis College is about providing meaningful experiences that allow students to create a life that enriches their overall experience. A student’s first year at Otis College begins with O-Week, which transitions students into the Otis College community by providing multiple opportunities to engage with peers, continuing students, faculty, and staff. To ensure a successful first year, all students are provided an opportunity to select a Peer Mentor in addition to an Academic Mentor. Mentors provide students with support, referrals, and guidance throughout their Otis College journey.
Residence Life and Housing at Otis College invites over 400 students to immerse themselves in a living and learning environment that not only empowers them to grow and develop within a diverse community of artists, but also to realize their full potential and make friends that will last a lifetime. With a staff of highly trained student Resident Assistants and under the supervision of the Director, and two Assistant Directors, the Residence Life staff provides an abundance of events and services that bring students together within a community that honors human diversity and values artistic identity.
Professional development and career counseling, offered through Career Services, plays an integral part in a student's journey, from self-assessment and resume and portfolio review, to networking, internship experience, and job search strategies.
A successful Otis College student is one who overcomes obstacles and challenges, which is why Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Inclusion at Otis College includes comprehensive health services, counseling and psychological services, and wellness support. Over 450 students each year seek support from the counseling staff and over 900 students each year seek support from the health clinic, using the tools and resources provided to strengthen and nourish themselves. In support of wellness, all students are required to have health insurance so that each student can be provided the care and assistance needed during times of illness or injury. Students seeking additional academic support can find a home in the Student Learning Center. The Student Learning Center (SLC) fosters students’ social, emotional, and academic development. The SLC provides support on campus and online through success coaching and academic tutoring six-days per week, working with students on study skills, reading and writing skills, art history skills, and math/logic skills. SLC staff act as student advocates as well as facilitators of students’ learning.
The Otis College student community is one of the most diverse art and design student communities in the U.S. with diversity as the College’s hallmark. Finally, the College also seeks to empower students through student leadership and involvement opportunities such as Student Union (SU), Campus Activities Board (CAB), Team International Student Outreach (TISO), Admissions Ambassadors, Resident Assistants, Orientation Week Leaders, Black Creatives Peer Mentors, and a wide variety of clubs and organizations. Through academics, student services, and campus activities and events, Otis College encourages students’ growth and development as artists, designers, and engaged citizens committed to making a difference.