Campus Housing
FAQ
How do I apply for housing?
At this time, all housing applications are processed online. In order to be eligible for housing, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Be enrolled as a full-time student (12 units in Fall/Spring and 6 units for Summer)
- Fill out the housing application form online
- Electronically sign the Housing License Agreement online
- Pay $500 deposit online
- Must have health insurance (all housing students are required to have health insurance)
After a 48-72 hour clearance period, you will be emailed a designated window to self-select your room online.
Access the online housing application .
Do you offer housing to students with a family?
Unfortunately we do not provide family housing for students at this time.
How can I schedule a housing tour?
To schedule a housing tour, please contact preadmissions@academyart.edu.
How long is my Housing License Agreement?
All students who sign up for campus housing for Fall semester sign a binding License Agreement for an academic year or two semesters (Fall and Spring) with winter break in between. Students who sign up for Spring, Summer or the Pre College Summer Program sign individual license agreements only for that semester. If a student signed up for Fall then they also signed up for Spring. We do not offer Fall only license agreements unless the student can show proof of projected graduation in December.
What happens if I cancel my housing?
All students who choose to live in campus housing have signed the legally binding Housing License Agreement (or "HLA") which outlines the term dates. Per the Housing License Agreement, students who terminate their HLA early are not eligible for any refund of the deposit or of rent and may, in fact, be financially responsible for future payments required by the original HLA.
I signed a Housing License Agreement for the Academic year, but can I move off campus for Spring Semester?
No. Please do not assume that this is allowable. Students who have experienced extenuating circumstances may appeal to terminate their license agreement for Spring by submitting a Petition for Release from Housing. Requests will be considered by the Director of Housing on a case-by-case basis and the student may be placed on a waiting list to have their bed-space reassigned for Spring semester.
If I am eligible for a refund, when will it be ready?
All housing refunds (including but not limited to deposits, rent, meal plan, rate adjustments etc.) take approximately eight weeks to be processed. The student will be contacted when the check comes in, and it will be sent to the student's permanent address. If the student wishes to pick the check up in the Housing Office they must give us a written request
How can I change my room assignment?
Room Transfer Requests consider a number of factors: Do we have the space available? What is the reason for the request? Can you cover the potential increase in cost associated if it is an upgrade? Forms are available from your RD or at the Housing Office. Students may submit this form ten days after the start of the semester. Submitting an RTR is not a guarantee that the student will be moved, approval is based on the criteria articulated above.
What should I do if I require special accommodation for a medical condition or disability?
All requests for special accommodation must be submitted through the Classroom Services department. They can be reached at ClassRoomServices@academyart.edu or at (415) 618 - 3775. They will require recent documentation from a professional who specializes in the area of the named disability in order to consider requests. Early applications are encouraged and requests for special accommodations must allow a minimum of 60 days advance notice prior to anticipated arrival date or we can not guarantee availability.
What do I do if my roommate and I are not getting along?
Campus Housing seeks to create a positive living and learning environment for all students and to help the students develop critical life skills. College is a great time to develop effective communication skills. We encourage the student to work out problems with their roommate, and if necessary to seek the assistance of the Resident Assistant or the Resident Director who are trained in roommate mediation. Room transfers are only authorized as a last resort.
Something in my room isn't working properly, who should I ask to fix it?
Maintenance requests can be called in to the housing help line at 415-618-6592. Alternatively, you can discuss any concerns about your room with your Resident Director. They can assist you in filing the appropriate Maintenance Requests.
Can I have a pet?
Unfortunately, Campus Housing does not allow pets of any sort (This includes fish). Certified Service animals are allowed for a person with a disability and a documented need for such assistance. In order to have a Certified Service Animal on campus, the student must declare their disability with Classroom Services and be approved for this accommodation in advance of bringing the animal to campus.
Can I stay in the residence halls in between semesters?
In order to stay in residence halls during intersession, students must apply in advance. Information will be disseminated about the intersession application process mid-semester. If students meet intersession prerequisites, they will be granted an intersession assignment, which will most likely be different than their current assignment. The cost for intersession housing is $45.00/day.
Can I stay in my room during the Winter Break?
Students can apply for Intersession housing at the Housing Office. There is an approval process and a fee required. If approved to stay for any intersession period, the appropriate fees must be paid up front. You may be asked to temporarily stay in a building that is open if your current building will be closed during the break.
I won't be staying in my room over the break, but do I have to move-out?
For winter intersession a student may store his or her items free of charge provided that they are already registered for Spring semester. Although you will be allowed to store your belongings in your room over winter break, we encourage you to take home any items of particular value. Your belongings must be boxed up, inventoried and left neatly on your bed so that preventative maintenance and building upkeep (shampooing carpet and deep cleaning bathrooms) can be performed during the break. It's important to also be mindful that if there is a vacant space in your unit, a new roommate may be assigned prior to your return to campus.
For any other intersession period, students must find their own resources for storage. There are many companies in San Francisco that offer storage at an affordable rate.
Who accepts my packages?
For students living in the First Year community, 24-hour security is provided during regular semester hours and will be able to accept packages. The rest of our residence halls handle mail as any other apartment complex would. Students are encouraged to track their packages on line and make arrangements with their carrier to ensure the delivery of their package.
Are vegetarian menus available?
Yes, the dining hall provides a vegetarian option at every meal. The café at Clara Gil Stephens offers a cook to order menu. Rodin & Ihouse Cafes both offer a vegetarian option on the daily menu. All cafes provide a salad bar station. Students are encouraged to speak with a dining hall staff member for specific questions regarding the available food options.
What is the alcohol/smoking policy?
Academy of Art University housing is a dry campus, meaning alcohol is not allowed in our residence halls regardless of age. Students who are over 21 may consume alcohol outside of the residence halls/apartments, but must return to campus in a calm and coherent manner. Smoking is not allowed inside any Academy building. Students who choose to smoke may do so 15 feet away from any building entrance, in accordance with California state law.
Meal Plans and Knight Kash:
How do I select which meal plan I prefer?
First Year students and students assigned to mandatory meal plan buildings will be automatically enrolled in the Platinum meal plan for 19 Meals a week and $100 Knight Kash. If you would prefer to switch your plan to the Gold or Silver, you must fill out the MEAL PLAN CHANGE form. If you are residing in a building that does not require a meal plan but you would like to enroll in a voluntary election, you may also fill out the MEAL PLAN CHANGE form to have a meal plan assigned to your account. If you are seeking only to utilize Knight Kash, you may set up your account directly at www.knightkash.com or by telephone at 1-800-345-6126
Why isn't my Knight Kash working?
The student needs to go to www.knightkash.com and log into their account. On this website the student can track their usage and balance. General questions about Knight Kash can also be directed to Knight Kash at 1-800-345-6126
Why can't I get into the Cafeteria with my ID card?
If a student is living in campus housing and has a meal plan they are granted access to the side door at International House. If the student does not have access to this door they may contact housing reception at (415) 618-6335
I have classes during Cafe hours, can I still get a meal?
Absolutely! If you know you are going to be late, contact the Café and let them know your schedule. They can prepare a Brown Bag Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. Please feel free to also contact the Café should you have any specific dietary & religious requirements. The staff will be happy to work with you to accommodate your needs.
Can I cancel my meal plan:
Freshman first-year students and residents of are required to have a meal plan and may not cancel their meal plan. If a student does not fall under these criteria they may cancel their meal plan in writing by either e-mail, fax, or an in-person written submission at the housing office. Refunds will be pro-rated from the day the student cancels. Students may not keep the Knight Kash portion of their meal plan once they cancel and have the option to purchase Knight Kash individually by calling 1-800-345-6126
Illness, Injury and Doctor Referrals:
Does Academy of Art University have a clinic on campus?
No, the Academy does not have a clinic on campus. For this reason, all students are required to provide proof of medical insurance and emergency contact information. If a student needs help in one of our Campus Housing facilities then he or she should seek their Resident Director or Resident Assistant.
Can you refer me to a Doctor in the area?
The Academy Resource Center at 415-618-3917 can provide information about local services if needed. To locate free or low cost medical services you can search this link at www.freeprintshop.org/download/medical_english.pdf.
Other questions and information:
Something in my room isn't working properly, who should I ask to fix it?
You can discuss any concerns about your room with your Resident Director. They can assist you in filing the appropriate Maintenance Requests. Maintenance requests can also be called in to the housing help line at 415-618-6592.
Can I have a pet?
Unfortunately, Campus Housing does not allow pets of any sort (This includes fish). Certified Service animals are allowed for a person with a disability and a documented need for such assistance. In order to have a Certified Service Animal on campus, the student must declare their disability with Classroom Services and be approved for this accommodation in advance of bringing the animal to campus.
What types of security measures are taken to protect my son/daughter at night?
Our student's safety is of primary concern to everyone at The Academy. Academy of Art University is an urban campus and each student must be mindful of their surroundings, try to travel in groups and maintain an awareness of their surroundings at all times. All on-campus, residential facilities have a Resident Manager on duty at all times, as well as 24-hour roving security officers. Our first year student residence halls have on-site Campus Hosts posted in the lobby 24/7 and many of the other buildings have night security coverage. If there is ever a concern regarding a student's safety, please call the Campus Safety communication center at 415-618-3896.
Does Academy of Art University offer any off-campus referral resources?
Unfortunately, Academy of Art University is not in a position to offer any advice to students seeking to live off campus. We might encourage you to check out online search engines like www.rent.com or www.apartments.com or perhaps even Craigslist. We encourage you to be very diligent in your selection of off-campus housing as not all landlords are created equal.
I chose to live off campus and now I am facing loss of my housing, what are my options?
You may contact Campus Housing at (415) 618 – 6335. If we have space in housing and you would like to sign a Housing License Agreement for the term, we will be happy to accommodate you. If you are seeking only a short term solution, Campus Housing will unfortunately, not be able to assist you as we do not have any short term housing available. You can refer to our SHORT-TERM and TEMPORARY HOUSING OPTIONS reference guide but again, we cannot endorse any particular option
There has been a family emergency/death in the family and as a result my son/daughter will need to miss class. How can I make sure that his/her professors are informed?
Please contact Student Services at 415-618-6508.
If I'm planning to visit my son/daughter for the weekend what hotels do you recommend?
The city of San Francisco offers a plethora of amazing accommodations. Please check out http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com for numerous hotel suggestions. Unfortunately, we do not have any on campus hotel accommodations.
Are all students assigned an Advisor?
Yes, all students are assigned an Academic Advisor.
May I bring a car?
We highly recommend not having a car in the city. Parking is extremely difficult to find and very often can be quite expensive. In addition, Campus Housing does not offer any parking to any student at any time.
Who will be notified in case of an emergency?
We asked for an emergency contact person on the Housing License Agreement. We will attempt to contact in any case of an emergency.
What will I need for my room?
We recommend you bring the essentials with you such as sheets, carry-all shower tote, pillow/pillow cases, toiletry items (Including toilet paper), blanket/comforter, hair dryer/curling Iron, towels/wash cloths, bathrobe, laundry bag or basket, shower shoes. Also, here are some special items that are optional: small television, book bags, computer & printer (1 per student), notebooks, cell phones, alarm clock, extra hangers, batteries, etc.
Can I live with someone who is not a student of the academy at the Academy Housing buildings? (i.e. children, relatives, boyfriend/girlfriend, friend, etc.)
Only Academy of Art University students assigned to a particular room may live in that room. Cohabitation is strictly prohibited. Only students assigned by the Housing Office are allowed to reside in the apartments or residence halls
What size bed will I have?
With relatively few exceptions, we provide standard twin beds in all residence halls and apartments. If you need to have an extra long bed, you may email the Housing department at housing@academyart.edu.
Can I have my own room?
You may request a private room during the application process, but these room types are very limited, placement is based on availability and is not guaranteed.
Can I bring my own furniture?
The Academy fully furnishes all of the units on campus. The use of additional furniture is highly discouraged as in most cases, space will not allow it. In the event that there is enough space in your room to accommodate additional furniture, pre-approval must be obtained by your Resident Director before bringing in any outside furniture. For sanitation and pest control reasons, no second hand, outside furniture will be allowed(purchased from thrift stores, garage sales, found or given away).
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding your housing application, review our FAQs. If you still have questions, please call 800-544-ARTS (Within US) 415-274-2200 (Outside US) to speak with a New Student Housing Representative or housing@academyart.edu.
|