The mission of the Student Affairs Department
is to supplement The Art Institute of Fort
Lauderdale’s educational processes and to
support its stated purpose by providing
assistance and services to the student body in
the areas of employment, counseling,
international advising, housing, foodservice,
and bookstore supplies. The department
actively encourages the involvement of
students, faculty, and staff in activities that
stimulate cultural awareness, creativity, and
social and professional development. To fulfill
its mission, the Student Affairs Department has
established the following objectives:
- Network, cultivate, and explore career
opportunities for all students and graduates and assist in the career placement of its graduates.
- Provide appropriate school sponsored
housing and/or independent apartment
referral services that are convenient and
suitable to the students’ needs and conducive to their educational goals.
- Provide counseling services, activities, and events that support the educational process
through social/cultural awareness, community involvement, and active participation of students, faculty, and staff.
- Provide resources and assist international students with their transition into this country.
- Provide quality in foodservice and bookstore
supplies.
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- Graduate and Career
Services
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale maintains a
Career Services Office for students. Although
the college offers no guarantee of employment,
considerable effort is made to bring potential
employers together with eligible graduates who
have the skills employers seek. The Career
Services Office continually seeks new
employment opportunities for students.
Research is conducted on a regular basis by
the college career advisors to gain knowledge
in all areas of business relating to the different
majors. The career advisors respond to
employer needs, giving guidance to students
on industry trends that relate to their course of
study. A major function of the Career Services
Office is helping students secure part-time
employment while they attend The Art Institute
of Fort Lauderdale. During upper quarters
emphasis is placed on assisting students in
gaining field-related part-time jobs, internships,
and freelance work in their areas of study.
Extensive support is offered to all students
during the final quarters in résumé preparation
and development of interview skills.
At the end of each quarter, The Art Institute of
Fort Lauderdale sponsors a Portfolio Review for
graduating students in Advertising, Animation
Art & Design, Applied Photography,
Broadcasting, Digital Filmmaking & Video
Production, Fashion Design, Fashion
Merchandising, Game Art & Design, Graphic
Design, Graphic & Desktop Design, Illustration,
Industrial Design, Interactive Media Design,
Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation,
Photography, Residential Design, Video
Production, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics,
and Yacht & Marine Design. Local, national,
and international employers are invited to
review portfolios and interview graduates.
Graduating students have the opportunity to
meet and interview with prospective employers
both on and off campus.
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale maintains
graduate placement information in weekly,
monthly, and quarterly reports that contain
comprehensive statistical data covering all
areas of graduate activity. For more information,
please contact the Director of Career Services.
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- Counseling
For many students, arriving at The Art Institute
of Fort Lauderdale marks the first time they are
independent of their families and friends.
Students may be unfamiliar with their surroundings — a new town, a new state, or,
for some, a new country. Students may have
numerous questions. The Counseling
Department assists students in a smooth
transition. The Counseling Department can help
students through this time and assist them in
their growth and development.
All discussions are confidential. Talking about
problems often helps alleviate stress. A friend
may not be enough. Sometimes an unbiased
professional can listen effectively and provide
good, solid advice.
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale encourages
students to utilize counseling services.
Appointments and walk-ins are welcome, at no
cost. The Counseling Department is located on
the first floor of the Harbor Walk Building.
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- Student Housing Department
The Housing Department is dedicated to the
task of helping students meet their housing
needs throughout their stay at the college.
Living arrangements are important to the
student’s well-being and success. The Art
Institute of Fort Lauderdale offers supervised
housing and independent housing referrals. The
school-sponsored, supervised housing facilities
are close to the college and are available to
those students who prefer a more traditional,
residential life environment. These facilities
allow for easy access to beaches, boating,
parks, and shopping. They provide a
community of students with similar goals
sharing a variety of cultural and educational
interests.
Additionally, independent housing information
and roommate referrals are available. The Art
Institute of Fort Lauderdale is a member of the
International Association of College and
University Housing Officers. For more
information, please see the Dean of Student
Affairs.
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- International Student Affairs
International students at The Art Institute of
Fort Lauderdale constitute approximately 9% of
the student body, has students attending from
more than 50 countries, and maintains an
Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) to
support this diverse population. OISA provides
comprehensive services including assistance
with immigration, academic, and personal
matters.
OISA also plans a variety of activities in an
effort to build cultural awareness and enhance
the students’ social life, including sponsorship
of the International Student Club. OISA and
the International Club host a broad array of
activities including events through which
students participate in welcoming and easing
the transition of new students. OISA and the
International Club also organize field trips,
informal group sports, attendance at musical
and other local cultural productions, and
weekend picnics.
OISA encourages international students to
carefully review the International Student
Handbook concerning information pertinent to
maintaining proper nonimmigrant status,
obtaining a driver’s license in the state of
Florida, purchasing a vehicle, shopping, and a
variety of other important topics. The
International Student Advisor is always the best
source of information for students who need
additional information on all matters involving
immigration and cultural adjustment issues.
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- Orientation
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale provides a
comprehensive orientation program for all new
students. Orientation is offered as a means of
assisting new students in their transition and
adjustment to life at The Art Institute of Fort
Lauderdale. For information on the orientation
programs, contact the Student Affairs
Department.
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