Graduate Student Orientation

Tuesday-Wednesday, August 27-28
Check-In begins at 10 a.m
Ends at 5 p.m.
San Francisco campus (both days)

Welcome to California College of the Arts!

In recent years CCA has enhanced the graduate student experience through the development of new award-winning graduate studios and facilities, the augmentation of our stellar faculty body with new tenure-track faculty and international visiting artists, and the growth of new graduate programs that provide a deep interdisciplinary dialogue for all students. We have also built many bridges with Bay Area companies and organizations to pave the way to your career after graduation.

You have chosen to study at CCA to build on your passions and develop the knowledge and skills for a meaningful and successful professional life. CCA's faculty, administration, and staff expect you to be deeply engaged not only within your program but also with the other resources at the college, as well as with the remarkably creative community that surrounds us.

With great anticipation, your families, friends, and campus community are preparing to welcome and support you for this important milestone. Use this checklist to ensure you start graduate student orientation on the right foot.

8 Steps to a Successful Orientation

Step 1: Read the Enrollment Guide
The Enrollment Guide contains comprehensive information regarding financial aid, academic advising, health insurance and more. Within the guide there is a new student checklist that provides instructions leading up to new student orientation.

Enrollment Guide

Step 2: Activate your CCA email
Once you have made a deposit, set up your CCA email address. If you have any issues with your account, Educational Technology Services can assist you.

CCA Email

Step 3: Activate your WebAdvisor account
With your deposit made and your CCA email activated, you will now have full access to WebAdvisor, a web-based tool that allows you to review your academic and financial information, search for courses, emergency contacts, and update your address.

Your emergency contacts must be filled out prior to attending orientation. Visit WebAdvisor, use the “Students Menu” and select “User Account". An “Emergency Contacts” link is located at the top left-hand corner of the page.

WebAdvisor

Step 4: Read CCA Laptop Initiative and Recommendations
The Student Computing Recommendations and Requirements outlines the Educational Technology Services department’s computing recommendations for all incoming students. However, Graphic Design and Architecture students are required to comply with the CCA Laptop Initiative. Retail and discount opportunities are also available online at CCA Computer Store.

CCA Laptop Initiative
CCA Computer Store

Step 5: Determine Health Insurance Eligibility
All full-time students (enrolled in 12 or more units) must have health insurance coverage. The college has secured a group health insurance policy (a Kaiser Permanente HMO) that provides year-round coverage. Part-time students (enrolled in fewer than 12 units) are ineligible for CCA student health insurance. See Health Insurance for more information.

Health Insurance Eligibility

• Health Insurance Waiver
  You may waive CCA’s coverage by submitting a waiver form and proof of existing medical coverage (an insurance ID card with a policy number) to the Student Accounts Office before the end of the add/drop period. Waivers issued in the fall extend for the entire academic year unless you notify Student Accounts that you wish to void the waiver for the spring semester. Please save a copy of your completed insurance waiver.

Health Insurance Waiver Form

Step 6: Register at CCA's job board at CCA Works for Work-Study Positions
The Federal Work-Study Program affords students the opportunity for part-time employment to help defray educational costs. Funds are awarded on a need basis to students applying for financial aid. Student job listings are posted to CCA's job board at CCA Works.

Federal Work-Study Program
CCA Works

Step 7: Read the Student Handbook
The Student Handbook serves as a guide to the programs, policies, procedures, requirements, and resources of CCA. Students are advised to read the entire handbook.

Student Handbook

Step 8: Take the Pre-Orientation Survey
Share what you know about CCA so we can improve orientation! Students who complete the pre and post-surveys will receive a gift and an opportunity enter into a drawing!

Pre-Orientation Survey

Step 9: Join Graduate Student Alliance (GSA) on Facebook
GSA Directors are fellow students who play an integral role in advocating and funding events for the graduate student community. Add "CCA GSA" to your Facebook page and get connected with other current CCA graduate students.

Graduate Student Alliance

Questions

Please email orientation@cca.edu if you have a general question about graduate student orientation. For more specific information about your graduate program please contact them directly.

Architecture
Curatorial Practice
Design
Fine Arts
MBA in Design Strategy
Visual & Critical Studies
Writing