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Student Living Center

On-campus housing

We're proud to offer a premier living environment that will no doubt enhance your college experience.

KCAI’s Student Living Center is home to 180 students. About 75 percent of the residents are first-year students who join upper-level students enjoying the benefits of living and learning at the heart of the campus. All rooms feature telephone jacks, computer connections to the campus network and the Internet and furnishings designed for the building.

The Living Center is a residence facility for single students, similar to what was called a dormitory years ago. However, a dormitory was only a place for sleeping and eating. The Living Center provides much more: student lounges, games, vending areas, laundry rooms, an art supply store, a dining center and other facilities tailored to the needs of residents.

A room in the Student Living Center

In addition, the Living Center offers academic and social programming that helps a student acclimate to college life. To reach the Living Center, please call 816-802-3397 or e-mail housing@kcai.edu.

Residents are provided a board plan of 19 meals per week. All freshmen must fulfill a two-semester contract with the Living Center. The only exceptions to this policy are freshmen over 21 years of age, freshmen who missed the contract priority deadline if the Living Center is filled to capacity, transfer students or residents who will reside with their parents (within a 50 mile radius) during their freshman year. Limited triple and double occupancy rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn more about the Student Living Center.

Off-campus housing

KCAI owns the Chequers Apartments, three blocks from KCAI, available for upper-class students. The City of Kansas City has many housing possibilities at reasonable cost as well. The immediate neighborhood, known as Southmoreland, accommodates about 35 percent of the student body. Other students live in the nearby areas known as Westport, Valentine, West Plaza, Plaza-Brush Creek, Hyde Park, and Roanoke. The Student Life office assists students in providing off-campus housing information.

Off-campus residents can purchase a 5- or 10-meals-per-week plan or dine al la carte in the cafeteria.

Studios are accessible 18 hours each day. Students are expected to work on studio projects on campus and can work until studios close at 1 a.m.

Learn more about off-campus housing

Campus safety

Learn more about safety on campus

 

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Academic Resource Center

All KCAI students are invited to take advantage of services provided by the Academic Resource Center, (ARC). The ARC is located on the second floor of the Jannes Library and Learning Center. ARC services are aimed at enhancing a student's experience throughout her or his academic career at the Kansas City Art Institute. ARC staff members take a holistic approach and are committed to the educational, personal and evolving professional development of all students at KCAI.

The ARC and Career Services computer lab is equipped with Macintosh computers with Microsoft Office software as well as design programs and Internet access and printing upon request.

Staff are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students are welcome to drop in or phone 816-802-3371 to make an appointment.

Academic advising
Academic support services
Personal counseling
Career Services
Community Arts and Service Learning

Individual Educational Opportunities

The Academic Resource Center is the starting point for several options to individualize the KCAI learning expereince, including directed studies and educational exchanges.

Directed Studies

Directed studies provide students the opportunity to craft a specialized learning experience with KCAI faculty. The directed study is intended to help students hone specific skills or allow them to explore an educational interest in depth.

Learn how to apply for a directed study (pdf).

 

Exchange and international programs

The Academic Resource Center also houses exchange programs and international student services. Our exchange programs allow students to access classes and experiences not available on the KCAI campus. The international student services enhance the adjustment and success of our international students.

Local college exchange
Semester exchange
Winter intersession trip
Summer intersession trip

 

New York Studio Program and blog

The Kansas City Art Institute participates in the New York Studio Program offered through the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design.

In 2008, Elysia Contreras from KCAI was chosen to participate in the program. She describes her experience, living and learning in Brooklyn, in her New York Studio Program blog.

Third and fourth year students or graduate students enrolled in AICAD college and majoring in fine arts, related visual arts, photography, graphic arts or design are eligible to apply, if the college itself is not located in New York, if the student's application is approved by the college and if the college selects the student to participate.

Introduced nearly 25 years ago, the program moved in fall 2007 to the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) district of Brooklyn, N.Y., on the East River in view of the Brooklyn Bridge looking over to Manhattan. The new building is a large renovated space full of arts organizations at 20 Jay St.

More information about the program is available on the AICAD Web site.

Campus Technology and academic computing

KCAI recognizes the importance of technology as a part of the educational experience. Campus Technology works closely with academic departments to develop recommendations and requirements for students who purchase computers for use in their academic careers. The following points should assist students and parents in making decisions regarding the purchase of computers. Learn more about Apple Computer resources and laptop policies.