About KCAI

Welcome to the Kansas City Art Institute, a four-year, independent, fully accredited college of art and design offering the bachelor of fine arts degree in a variety of disciplines. This great institution has a stellar history, dating back to its origins in 1885.

Whether you are visiting our website because you are thinking of applying for admission, or you want to contribute funds for student scholarships, or because you simply want to know more about our programs, I want to welcome you and encourage you to make an actual as well as virtual visit to our beautiful campus. I look forward to meeting you.

Jacqueline Chanda
President, Kansas City Art Institute

 

Strategic plan

Strategic plan

Strategic plan

In January 2013, the KCAI board of trustees approved a new five-year strategic plan for the college. Download the KCAI strategic plan (PDF).

Annual Report

Annual Report

The 2012 President's Report presents highlights of the 2011-12 academic year and a list of donors. The President's Report for 2012-13 will be published in November 2013.

AICAD membership

AICAD membership

The Kansas City Art Institute is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design, a consortium of 35 leading art schools in the United States.

Accreditation

Accreditation

The Kansas City Art Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. In fall 2007, the Higher Learning Commission awarded KCAI a 10-year reaccreditation. 


HLC update - November 2012
 
The Higher Learning Commission is the regional accrediting agency that accredits institutions of higher education in the 19 states that constitute the region. Over the past several years, assessment of student learning outcomes has become a critical function at colleges and universities. Accrediting agencies, including the HLC, are placing a much stronger emphasis on the importance and necessity of assessment of student learning. These agencies also are monitoring the success of colleges and universities in meeting this expectation. Results of assessment of student learning should inform curricular and budgetary decision-making and planning at the college. Ultimately, the goal of assessment is to improve teaching, learning and overall educational quality. While the Kansas City Art Institute is accredited by the HLC, the commission has placed the college on notice and are requiring that KCAI enhance our assessment process. We take this requirement very seriously, and all of our academic departments are currently working on improving our assessment efforts, which will in turn enhance the quality of what we do and the educational experience of our students. For more information, please see the attached public disclosure notice from the Higher Learning Commission. 

Mission

Mission

The mission of Kansas City Art Institute is to be a leader in visual arts and design education by preparing gifted students for lifelong creativity through intensive interaction with preeminent faculty and facilities and by stimulating active public awareness, support, and participation in the visual arts and design.

Virtual Advisor

Virtual Advisor

Have questions about KCAI? Find the answers here.