Student Experience

ArtCenter offers an array of activities and leadership opportunities for our students.

ArtCenter students will work in settings requiring not only strong art and design skills, but also leadership skills and the ability to collaborate with others who do not always share similar life experiences, values or histories. The CSE supports student learning of these complementary skills by offering educational opportunities that better prepare students for successful careers and meaningful lives. These opportunities are most prevalent each term through participation in campus life, committees, student organizations, ArtCenter Student Government and the Orientation Leader experience.

Orientation Leaders

Students interested in becoming Orientation Leaders can apply for a paid position at the beginning of each term. The Orientation Leader experience includes training on College services, policies, and programs, as well as opportunities for social networking, mentorship and connections with College departments. Student leaders are hired each term based on the size of the incoming class and need per major department. 

ArtCenter Student Government (ACSG)

ArtCenter Student Government (ACSG) provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills while representing and advocating for the student body. ACSG members serve as a voice for student perspectives, collaborate with college leadership through campus committees, and support communication across the ArtCenter community. In addition to advocacy work, ACSG helps plan programs and initiatives that enhance student life and foster connection across departments. Each fall, students are invited to participate in elections to serve as representatives and help shape priorities for the year.

Student Leadership Award 

The ArtCenter Student Leadership Award is a distinguished honor granted to an ArtCenter student graduating from a degree program who exemplifies leadership qualities and accomplishments that stand out above their peers. Students who receive the award embody the character, integrity and skills that ArtCenter desires all students to develop during their time at the institution. One recipient is honored each term at the College’s graduation ceremony.

Great Teacher Award

The Great Teacher Award embodies ArtCenter’s remarkable spirit of excellence, the extraordinary contributions and skill of our revered instructors and, perhaps most importantly, its commitment to preparing students for a life marked by professional and personal impact. ArtCenter first began formally honoring Great Teachers in 1986. During the award’s history, instructors from across art and design disciplines have been recognized for their significant and life-changing contributions to student learning. Students may nominate any full-time, part-time, or new teacher associated with the degree program at ArtCenter College of Design. The faculty members awarded are celebrated at the Fall graduation ceremony. 

Community Engagement

ArtCenter students have opportunities to strengthen their leadership, collaboration and civic engagement skills through programs and partnerships that connect the College with the Pasadena community and the greater Los Angeles region.

Throughout the year, students may participate in volunteer opportunities, community-based events and service initiatives that support local organizations and communities. These experiences allow students to apply their creativity and design thinking to real-world community contexts.

Student clubs and organizations also contribute to community engagement by organizing service projects, collaborative events and outreach activities that connect students with community partners.