Parents & Families
Parents and families play a vital role in students’ lives—and their education.
The transition to college life is a big step, not only for students, but also for families. UArts knows that parents and families are their students’ biggest advocates and play a significant supporting role throughout their entire college experience. For these reasons and more, UArts wants to support and partner with parents and families by providing them with the information and resources necessary to ensure that their students’ entry to UArts—as well as their time here—is smooth and supportive.
Campus Resources
Learn more about the campus offices and resources available to students and families.
Though you may call these offices anytime, most issues must be addressed by students themselves. We encourage you to assist your student in finding the appropriate person to contact and helping them advocate for themselves.
The Advising Center provides academic advising and tutoring, and other programs and resources to help students succeed academically.
FAQ: When do students meet their academic advisors?
All students have an assigned faculty advisor and an assigned academic advisor in the Advising Center. Academic advisors help students with advising questions or direct them to their faculty advisor, program director or dean. Staff and faculty advisors work together to support and guide students toward Commencement.
advising@uarts.edu
215-717-6818
uarts.edu/students/advising-center
Being involved in campus life is a great way for students to enhance friendships, make new connections and build a community. Campus Life oversees Orientation, activities and organizations, community standards, and housing.
campuslife@uarts.edu
215-717-6144
uarts.edu/about/campus-life
UArts Public Safety works to ensure the safety and security of all members of the UArts community.
215-717-6666 (24-hour emergency line)
uarts.edu/about/facilities-management-and-operations/public-safety
UArts has a thriving community of commuters who live in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for commuters to succeed in their academic and co-curricular lives.
The Counseling Center provides short-term individual counseling, groups, outreach and prevention programming, as well as training, consultations and referral resources in our community. Services are free and confidential for students.
counseling@uarts.edu
215-717-6630
uarts.edu/students/counseling-services
Dining Services offers a variety of food options and dining plans for current students.
diningservices@uarts.edu
215-717-6664
uarts.edu/students/dining-services
UArts is a supportive community committed to individual and artistic integrity and inclusion. We promote and respect self-expression, a wide range of ideas and diversity in all its forms.
Stephen Cirino, Interim Director of DEI and DEIA Chair
scirino@uarts.edu
uarts.edu/about/deia
The Office of Educational Accessibility provides support through reasonable accommodations, advocacy and consultation to promote independence and inclusion in all areas of university life.
access@uarts.edu
215-717-6616
uarts.edu/life-at-uarts/office-educational-accessibility
UArts Health Services is committed to providing care, treatment and education to keep students healthy and happy. The office treats minor illnesses and injuries and, when necessary, refers students to other professionals in the local area.
FAQ: Why do students need to complete an online health insurance form every year?
UArts requires that all matriculated students taking six or more credits carry health insurance, through either their own insurance company or the school-based plan. To ensure information is accurate and up to date, students are required to confirm health insurance coverage or report any changes to their health insurance each year they’re enrolled at UArts.
healthservices@uarts.edu
215-717-6652
uarts.edu/students/health-services
The registrar oversees all things related to course scheduling and planning, grades, and other academic information.
registrar@uarts.edu
215-717-6420
uarts.edu/registrar
On-campus housing at University of the Arts offers an opportunity to live in the heart of Philadelphia. All first-year students are guaranteed housing if they make a housing deposit by the May 1 deadline. Though housing beyond the first year is not guaranteed, students are encouraged to apply for on-campus residence using the online housing portal.
reslife@uarts.edu
215-717-6970
uarts.edu/students/residence-halls
Student Affairs administers a diverse range of programs and services designed to foster the success and well-being of all students at University of the Arts.
studentaffairs@uarts.edu
215-717-6617
uarts.edu/students/student-affairs
Student Financial Services administers scholarships and grants, helps students apply for loans, and works with students and families to structure payment plans. Our staff of trained financial aid counselors are here to help you with every step of the process.
finaid@uarts.edu
215-717-6170
uarts.edu/finaid
Parent & Family Council
Get involved with other UArts parents and families, and join the team dedicated to advancing the university’s educational mission.
Plan your visit
Anchored on the vibrant Avenue of the Arts, UArts is located in the cultural district of Center City and is literally embedded in culture. UArts is less than one block away from the Kimmel Center, home to the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and Philadelphia Ballet. You can also visit the sculpture garden at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, take a stroll at the Barnes Foundation and much more!
We can’t wait to see you on campus and around the city!
To help plan your visit, explore the campus map and directions, check out recommendations around the city, and take advantage of UArts discounts at participating Center City hotels.
Concerned About Your Student?
If you have concerns about your student or another student’s well being and want to reach out to university staff, contact Student Affairs at studentaffairs@uarts.edu or 215-717-6617.
Get & Stay Informed
There are a variety of ways for families to stay connected and up to date on what’s happening at UArts. Self-subscribe to UArts communications to have information shared directly with you on a frequent basis.
Edge is the official magazine of University of the Arts and is produced on an annual basis. Each edition is full of university updates and information, as well as stories about UArts programs, events, students, alumni and more.
Generations is the UArts parents and families newsletter that is full of information designed to help families and your student navigate the college experience.
Catch up on the latest issues of Generations below.
Jumpstart is a comprehensive guide that contains useful tips and information about what you and your student should expect when you arrive on campus.
Sign up for UArts Alerts
The UArts Alerts system sends notifications via email, SMS text message and the portal homepage about emergency situations at the university, including closings. Students can add additional phone numbers and emails for family members, in order to receive our alerts.
How to sign up for UArts alerts
Have your student log in to the UArts portal with their UArts username and password and access the link for Emergency Alerts in the left-hand menu.
Your student will automatically be signed into the UArts Alerts system and directed to the site to register phone number(s) and additional email addresses. When adding phone numbers, they will need to check Text to receive text messaging. Your student should save their edits when they’re complete.
If your student has any issues accessing the UArts alerts system, they should contact the HelpDesk at 215-717-6677 or helpdesk@uarts.edu.
Attend events
View the dynamic list of upcoming events on the UArts calendar to learn more about and attend events and programs of interest to you and your student.
Careers & Alumni
Career Services is committed to supporting the education and professional training of UArts students and alumni through comprehensive advising and access to professional opportunities and job/internship market information. Students and alumni have unlimited access to career resources and counseling services.
FAQ: How do students find internships?
Though students can pursue experiential learning and service opportunities at any time, credit-bearing internships are available only for juniors and seniors. Students must apply directly to internship sites that are of interest to them. To find internships, students can search the Career Services online database at uartscareers.com, schedule an appointment with Career Services at uarts.edu/careerappointment or seek suggestions from faculty.
careerservices@uarts.edu
215-717-6075
uarts.edu/students/career-services
The University of the Arts Alumni Association comprises more than 22,000 alumni who represent the depth and breadth of creativity at the institution. Many active alumni volunteers are available to connect with current students in- and outside the classroom, in order to share and provide professional advice, feedback and support. All UArts graduates are automatically inducted into the Alumni Association and have access to unique benefits and resources. Visit uarts.edu/alumni to learn more.
UArtists are doing amazing things to advance human creativity in a variety of disciplines, fields and industries. Visit your student’s program page to read more about alumni profiles and successes and what can be achieved with a UArts education.
Billing & Payment
Find out how to pay your student’s bill, have authorized users added to your student’s account and view financial policies.