Orientation
All students will attend a mandatory on-site detailed Orientation in which specific Health and Safety information will be provided.
The Student Life and Development Department offers a series of activities during orientation, such as the Explore Your Neighborhood and Living in Florence seminars. The Explore Your Neighborhood tour helps students learn about their neighborhood and orientate themselves the city of Florence. For more information on arrivals and orientation please visit the Arrivals page.
Extra-curricular Activities
The student Life & Development Department offers a rich and varied calendar of activities suited to the diverse needs and interests of the student body. Discover all of our extracurricular activities here.
You can sign up for all SLD activities through the student portal. You will find the sign-up page under “activity sign-up” section on the home page.
If you sign up for an activity, you are expected to attend. Please note that failure to attend an activity without cancellation will compromise your possibility to participate in future activities.
Please note: All calendar events (times, locations, activities, etc.) are subject to change. Please check our weekly email announcements for details on activities
Connecting Cultures
This activity is designed to enhance cultural awareness and guide students in their educational outcomes and personal growth during their time in Florence. Through Connecting Cultures, students have the opportunity to interact with the Florentine community.
Community Outreach
This activity offers volunteering opportunities for our students within the Florentine community allowing them to truly integrate and give back to their host city. Each of our partner associations is unique, and volunteers are often the fundamental element that keeps these organizations in operation!
Most of the organizations do not require particular skills or the ability to speak Italian, but they all require a serious commitment from volunteers in order to accomplish their goals.
Please note: Volunteer opportunities may take place at the Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI), which are actively linked to the School’s and academic divisions.
Italian Family Club
Chat Pal
City Walks
Mind & Body
“Mens sana in corpore sano”, a sound mind in a sound body, is the philosophy behind the Mind and Body series of activities. This series includes fitness opportunities meant to inspire and empower students through guided runs/power walks in new neighborhoods to help you keep fit and embrace the Florentine terrain at the same time, as well as special workshops aimed to empower students during the study abroad experience.
Sports Night
This activity is a great way to keep in shape while expanding your knowledge of Italian fitness culture. Soccer is the mainstay of Italian athletics and the focus of our sports night. Even if you are not an athlete, everyone is welcome to have fun on the field or just cheer on your classmates from the stands.
Diversity and Inclusion Series
(DEI) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion activities offer a space where students can delve into the experiences of different identities, as part of our institution commitment to foster a diverse and inclusive academic environment.
Career Center Activity
The Career Center guides our students towards their professional future. You will be challenged to understand your strengths and improve your skill set. Learn how to brand yourself to find the professional path that best fits your aspirations.
A journalistic collaboration that offers students the opportunity to express ideas through inquisitive, investigative and creative writing and photography. Writers, photographers, copy editors, and graphic designers who are excited about publishing their experiences and perspectives gained in Florence, as well as novice writers just looking for a format to document their experience in Florence, are all welcome.
Ongoing events at the Palazzi Community Center in Via Ricasoli 21 are open to the community and the general public. Readings, seminars, exhibits, local producers, and much more are featured on a regular basis. Please visit the community center calendar at the following link for exact dates, times, and featured topics.
Housing
The Housing Office assists students with the housing arrangement process. We do not own or lease apartments but work as a facilitator to assist students in finding accommodation during their stay in Florence.
The Housing Office’s objective is to ensure that students live comfortably and have an enriching study abroad experience. Students will select their housing preference during application process. The Housing Office will complete assignments only for students who request housing within the designated deadline.
Housing Assignments and Availability
Apartments will be assigned on a first come, first served basis according to availability, and assignments are communicated at least 14 days prior to arrival in Florence. Depending on their request, students will be assigned to a single or shared bedroom based on availability. Common spaces will be shared with other roommates. If a student request cannot be met due to space limitations, the student will be assigned according to availability and notified before arrival. Students will not be able to choose their apartment or change roommates. All roommate requests must be specified in the housing section of the admissions application.
Pick-up Services
Pick-up Services for students arriving in Florence individually and not with pre-arranged group pick-up service, may make a separate request for pick up when submitting their arrival information. Separate requests require an extra charge. Please consult the arrival and check in page for more information.
Health Information Disclosure
Please let us know either via email or on the housing application form if the student has a medical condition or disability that needs to be disclosed to the Housing Office and which requires specific attention.
Maintenance and Housing Assistance
The Housing Office assists students with housing concerns, emergencies, or issues throughout their stay in Florence. The Housing Office can be contacted in person, by email, or by phone. After office hours, for immediate assistance, an emergency number is available 24/7. The housing rules provided to all students upon check-in indicate what does or does not constitute as an emergency. Non-urgent and general maintenence requests are communicated by the student following the protocol which will be explained in orientation. Detailed information regarding housing policies can be found at the top of the page under “Housing Policy.”
Living in Florence
Your go-to guide for student life—navigate daily essentials, from shopping to transportation, and make the most of your time in Florence!
Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is a city rich in history, art, and culture. Whether you’re here to study, explore, or immerse yourself in Italian life, understanding the city’s daily rhythms will enhance your experience. From navigating local shopping habits and markets to finding reliable transportation, this guide provides essential insights for students living in Florence. Discover the best spots for leisure, practical tips for day-to-day life, and how to make the most of your time in this historic and vibrant city.
Services
We offer a variety of services to our students in order to make studying in Florence a truly memorable experience.
With our unwavering dedication, we provide comprehensive academic support and foster a deep sense of cultural immersion.
Student Portal
The Student Portal is a personal area where students can access online services such as course materials.
bottone splash page generica
Here you will find:
- Wi-Fi Vouchers
- Official Registration
- Orientation Materials
- Course Syllabi and Assignments
- Activity sign-up
- Housing Maintenance Forms
- Travel Log (students with non-provider housing are required to submit all travel plans for any trips outside of Florence at anytime during their studies)
Meal Plans & Units
CEMI Units are always available during operating hours. To use your CEMI Units you simply need your student ID card, which can be found digitally on the student platform under “my profile” section. Units will automatically be deducted from your account when the barcode is scanned at checkout. Afterwards, you will receive an email with the number of units you have used.
Extra units can be purchased during all sessions. Please refer to the Ganzo, Fedora, and Sorgiva websites for prices and menus.
To upgrade your CEMI Units, please contact:
Campus Internet Access Point & Wi-Fi
All students may use the Internet points, Media Lab terminals are not Internet access points.
To log on to campus computers, you will be asked for a username and password. When you first log in, use your Student ID number, found on the left side of your student ID card, as both your username and password. You will be asked to change your password after your first log in to guarantee privacy.
All campus facilities are equipped with a student Wi-Fi network. Access codes are found under the my-profile section of the Student Portal.
Printing Services
Scanner and Fax Services
The library
The library is located in Corso dei Tintori, 21 Campus and is available to all students, faculty, and staff for study, assignments and research. The library is a reference library and any of the books can be borrowed with no time limits, to be used exclusively within the reading room. A document scanner is also available in the library to reproduce text extracts for later referral.
You may copy documents electronically to your email account as a PDF file at no cost, though we ask you to be mindful of fair use copyright laws. The applicable rules can be found in the library. Students are welcome to consult the online library catalogue for information on available texts. The link to the library catalogue can be found on the student portal.
Please note the following rules for the library:
Students must scan their ID card upon entering the library and leave their ID at the librarian’s desk. No handbags, backpacks, or bags are allowed in the library. Lockers are available to check items while in the library – please ask the librarian.
All books must be checked in and out by the librarian. Therefore, all library patrons are to request books directly from the librarian and are asked to not remove the books from the stacks on their own. Books are to be returned to the librarian before leaving the library. Food or drinks are not allowed in the library.
For library hours, informations and, appointments contact: library@fua-auf.it
LA PALESTRA - Campus Gym
La Palestra is our campus gym. The gym provides students access to weights, treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, and showers Monday through Friday. Access to the gym is free, and it is required that you sign in and out of the gym in the SLD office. You can find La Palestra in Corso Tintori 21. Gym hours.
CEMI Community Engagement Member Institutions
- Ganzo School Restaurant
- Fedora School Pastry Shop
- Sorgiva Spa
- Dimora Guest Apartments
- Pomario Botanical Retail Store
- FLY Fashion Loves You
Community Center
Palazzi The community Center is a non-profit foundation that manages the projects and activities of the Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI) affiliated with the Institution entities that support our commitment to cultural immersion. Learn more at The Palazzi Community Center website.
Receiving and Sending Mail
Students are advised to have any mail sent to the Corso Tintori 21 office as there is always someone to accept it and most apartments do not include mailbox keys. Please have any packages and letters sent to:
Your Name
℅ FUA-AUF
Corso Tintori, 21
50122 Firenze
Italia
Once your mail has been received in Corso Tintori 21 we will send you an email letting you know that you can pick up your package. You may come and pick
*Note, we will not send you any notifications if you recieve letters. Be sure to stop by frequently and check our letter box for any possible postcards from home!3
Customs Regulations
Customs regulations are becoming increasingly more strict and you may be required to pay a fee to receive a package. Please note that the university has no jurisdiction over what may or may not be accepted into the country. As rule, very costly items and electronics will incur costly customs fees. Medication, food items and some toiletries are not items that should be shipped into Italy. We strongly recommend that you bring enough medication with you to meet your needs while abroad. Packages with medication will likely get blocked at customs and require import documentation and a fee for release. Usually the same medications can be prescribed and purchased in Italy directly. Please also note that certain prescription drugs are illegal in Italy and will not be allowed through customs if shipped. For further information on customs regulations, please refer to the official customs website.
If there is a customs fee to pay, the front desk will not pay these fees upfront, but will facilitate the transaction for the student, according to the procedure of the courier. Oftentimes, the express courier will make arrangements for a second drop off; in this case, you will receive an email from Student Life with the custom fee to be paid. You will be responsible to bring the customs fees in cash to the front desk before the new delivery date or your package will not be accepted. Please also note that packages that arrive in Italy through government postal services, such as USPS, are delivered in Italy through the Poste Italiane, and this service does not foresee a second delivery date in the case of customs fees. Therefore, packages must be retrieved directly by the student from the postal deposit. In this case, you will also receive an email from Student Life to inform you that your package has arrived and instructions on where to pay the fees to retrieve your package.
Sending Mail
Stamps, or francobolli in italian, can be purchased at either the post office or at a tabacchi (tobacco stores are small gift shops located all around the city). It is much easier to purchase stamps at a Tabacchi; just show them your letter or postcard and they will give you the correct postage. If they do not have the exact postage for you, please refer to the post office. Once stamped, you can mail letters and postcards in public mailboxes; look for a red mailbox, usually attached to building walls around the city or directly from any post office.
Packages can be mailed through Poste Italiane, the Italian postal service. Alternatively, postcards, letters, and packages can be sent through the private postal services such as Fedex, UPS, DHL, or GLS or through Poste Italiane, the Italian postal service.
Lockers
The Writing Center
The Student Life Department Writing Lab provides one-on-one writing consultations, to empower students to become stronger, more confident writers in their coursework and beyond.
The writing lab can also help with Italian writing and grammar assignments.
To set up appointment please email the Student Life Department.
The Career Center
Alumni Association
Whether you are a student studying abroad or obtaining a degree, you will always be a part of the Florentine community. The Alumni Association is committed to keeping and strengthening a successful long-term relationship with its alumni. The Association promotes and coordinates alumni support with the goal of strengthening the high-quality academic and public service programs of the university. The goal of this group is to involve and inform the alumni community in order to build powerful networks and create initiatives that connect us to all the students (both alumni and current students), our communities, and faculty members. Alumni are representatives of the heritage and achievement of the University. The Alumni Association celebrates student achievements and looks forward to being on your side as you experience the exciting opportunities and challenges that await you.
The Alumni Service maintains contact with current and past students who are living and working around the world and representing the viewpoints, languages, and cultures of the global network university. The objectives of the service: establish and maintain a network of contacts with alumni who interact and communicate with each other and who are increasingly moving around the world; promote university development; create and encourage networking among our students, companies, and institutions; be the high-quality intermediary of integrated, and comprehensive communications and administrative support services between our students and the job market.
The service manages the alumni database, monitors on a yearly basis the career of past students, and organizes events for the alumni. Furthermore, it takes care of the development of a Career Service offered to all graduates and, organizes themed meetings, keeps alumni up to date with university news and current events (congresses, conferences, and more).
Health & Wellbeing
The goal of the Student Life Department is to make sure students are safe. Italy’s health care system and overall hygienic standards are excellent. No specific health issues are to be expected, and no special immunizations or vaccinations are required to enter Italy from most countries. However, colds and flu bugs are common like in any country.
Personal safety is a concern for anyone in any part of the world. It is especially important to have a personal safety plan while abroad. This may include a strategy to cope with illness and culture shock, as well as emergency situations. It’s important to prevent the unexpected when you can. Most of us overestimate the danger of rare events, which we have little or no control over, yet underestimate the threat of everyday events we can control. Take steps to prevent situations such as theft, pedestrian safety, and getting lost. It is good to be prepared with prevention tips to ensure your own personal safety.
Culture shock is defined as the disorientation experienced when a person is exposed to an unfamiliar culture or way of life.
The SLD office also hosts cultural adjustment seminars during the semester.
Sign up through the Student Portal!
To help counteract and cope with these changes, it is important to keep in mind the following:
Keep an open mind.
Do not automatically perceive things that are different as ‘wrong’ or ‘bad.’ Withholding judgment will facilitate cross-cultural understanding. If you find yourself in or going to a country that you know little or nothing about, do some research to prepare yourself.
Make an effort to pick up local customs and language, even just a few key phrases.
Increasing your communication skills helps you to integrate with the local community. When locals see you make an effort to communicate in their language, they are more willing to help you. When all else fails, keep in mind a smile is universal.
Follow what is going on in the community, especially in Florence.
The city is teeming with festivals, events, and cultural activities; read the local newspapers and ask questions to integrate yourself with your new surroundings.
Try to achieve a sense of stability in your life.
It is completely normal to feel a little disoriented and uncomfortable upon arrival!
Don’t be too hard on yourself; it takes a little while to orient oneself and become comfortable. Also, keep in mind that you are not alone and that there are plenty of others in your shoes and plenty of people around to help.
Homesickness
Homesickness can affect people of all ages in almost any situation. This longing for home is common. Here are some helpful tips to help combat some of these feelings:
Create a network of friends in your new surroundings. You will find that there are many people who feel the same way as you do, and your mutual support can help during peaks of homesickness.
Make friends with your fellow peers. Don’t be afraid to branch out and ask others to grab a cup of coffee or lunch. Think of group activities to do or join in the activities provided through the campus. It is a great way to meet new people and stay engaged.
Jet Lag
Students who travel overseas to reach Florence may experience Jet lag during the initial days or weeks. It is a temporary condition that occurs when a person travels across three or more time zones in a short period of time. As your body clock adjusts to the new time zone, your daily rhythms and internal drive for sleep and wakefulness can be out of sync. Each individual responds differently to the time change depending on age, physical fitness, and one’s ability to adapt to a new environment. Duration and intensity of jet lag are dependent on the number of time zones crossed, the direction of travel, and personal ability to sleep while traveling.
Symptoms include:
- Increased fatigue
- Poor sleep, early awakening, or fretful sleep
- Poor performance in physical and mental tasks during the daytime accompanied by headaches and difficulty concentrating
- Mild depression
- Increased irritability
- Gastrointestinal disturbances and decreased interest in the enjoyment of meals
Remedies:
- Optimize exposure to sunlight after arrival
- Eat meals at appropriate, new local time
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid excess caffeine or alcohol
- Take short naps (20-30 minutes) to increase energy without undermining nighttime sleep
Health and Safety Tips
Florence is considered a safe city, however, students should take the same precautions to protect themselves and their property that they would take in any large city. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
Student Contact Information: In the event of an emergency, it is imperative that staff be able to contact you. For this reason, students must provide accurate and up-to-date contact information, including emergency contact information. A local phone number: the university requires students to have either a local phone number or an international plan which allows them to make and receive calls. Students should not count on using WiFi for communication as WiFi is not always available or reliable. Please remember to keep your phone charged and with you at all times.
Important Documents: Make a photo or digital copy of all important documents (passport and visa, driver’s license/ID card, health insurance information, immigration documents, etc.) in case you lose or misplace the originals. Keep these copies in a safe place, separate from the originals. Do not take originals with you unless traveling outside of Florence.
It is also a good idea to leave a copy at home with your family or emergency contacts.
Email important information (such as your passport number and expiration date, etc.) to yourself so that is always accessible.
Safety in Numbers: Make every effort to avoid traveling alone when possible. Always let someone know of your travel plans, even just for day trips. When traveling outside of Florence overnight, the university requires all students to fill out the Travel Log on the Student Portal and to follow their specific provider’s instructions for travel plans.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid bus and train stations and poorly-lit areas after dark, and make sure to always walk in groups. Keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. NEVER leave your bags and belongings unattended. Not only is there the risk of losing or having your personal items stolen, but someone may place illegal items in your luggage for which you may be held responsible.
Before going to a place for the first time, always make sure to study a map and the route you would like to take. Looking confused or lost may make you a target.
Make Smart Choices: Be aware that many countries have strict laws regarding the use and/or possession of illegal substances and you may face serious consequences for breaking these laws. Excessive drinking will impair your ability to judge situations and make decisions, making you more vulnerable and a possible target for crime.
- Always carry your phone, apartment keys, and some cash on you.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash on you. If you do need to carry a larger amount, divide it in different wallets and pockets.
- Never keep your home address together with your keys.
- Keep credit cards in a separate wallet from IDs and Cash.
- Don’t leave your personal belongings unattended and be aware of your belongings at all times, especially in crowded spaces.
- Don’t leave your apartment unsecured: lock your door before leaving the apartment and when you are home for the night.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Never invite a stranger to your apartment or enter a stranger’s apartment.
- Do not accept drinks or rides from strangers.
- Do not be lulled into a false sense of security. Be safety conscious but not fearful!
Stress management
Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the ever-changing and increasing demands of life. During stressful times, stress management is important. Do not wait until stress has a negative impact on your health, relationships, or experience to take care of the situation.
Steps to combat your stress include:
- Identifying your stress triggers.
- Once you’ve identified your triggers, it is easier to start thinking about strategies for coping with them. Try to avoid the stressful situation and if that isn’t possible, find distractions, limit your time in the stressful environment, or seek help and support. It can be very helpful to talk through your situation, so you do not feel as if you need to figure things out all on your own.
- Examine how you currently cope with stress: Is it appropriate for your situation? Is it a healthy and helpful activity?
- Avoid unnecessary stress. Limiting your level of stress by not worrying about trivial things can be a first step in reducing your overwhelming feelings.
- Change the situation you are in.
Some things to help you relax can include stepping back from your situation and going for a walk or taking part in physical activity, deep breathing exercises, or seeking other healthy distractions. Writing down what is bothering you can also give you some insight into what is on your mind and from there you can reflect on effective solutions. Be willing to compromise in certain situations to find a happy medium and make sure to look at things in terms of the bigger picture. Try not to control the uncontrollable – this will only lead to more stress. Instead try your best to look at the upside to the situation.
Among the techniques to reduce stress, make time for fun and relaxation. Taking care of yourself and maintaining a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally will help you to handle the challenges and stressors life sends your way.
Classroom Regulations
Please note that some courses and departments have specific regulations regarding uniforms, equipment usage, and materials. Examples include courses related to culinary arts, photography, and fine arts. Regulations are provided by each department through course syllabi.
Hospitality and Culinary Arts Class
Kitchen Rules
Students must remember that cooking classes will include various tasks which all students must carry out. Students are also required to participate in a polite and responsible way, abiding by the following:
Cooking classes will include all different types of recipes and students are expected to actively participate in all lessons regardless of personal likes or dislikes. Depending on seasonal availability, some ingredients and/or recipes might be subject to change.
Apicius is not a restaurant: by law, meals cannot be served, even though small tastings are allowed. Therefore, students should not expect to eat a meal at the end of each class. The portions prepared in class are designed to teach various techniques and recipes, and to be tasted under the supervision of the chef in order to critique the student’s work and maximize the comprehension of the day’s lesson.
Food is not to be taken out of the kitchen/lab under any circumstance. In accordance with Italian health codes, it is strictly forbidden to take any leftover food out of the school, including any fully cooked food products and baked goods. Therefore, DO NOT take any food out of the kitchen at the end of class.
Students are not allowed to bring friends into kitchens for tasting after class nor enter in other classrooms to taste leftovers.
Refrigerators are not to be used by students to store personal food during class time. Any personal use of the kitchens by students is strictly forbidden.
All kitchens are off limits while class is not in session. Students are not allowed to enter the kitchens more than 15 minutes before their scheduled class begins, in order for the Apicius staff to properly clean and prepare for the lesson.
It is strictly forbidden to sit on kitchen stations.
Keep the station neat and orderly.
Wash all kitchen utensils and working stations. Students are responsible for kitchen utensils. The cost of any missing utensil will be shared by all students.
DO NOT leave the kitchen/lab when waiting for food to be ready.
Cell phones are not allowed in kitchens/labs and computers or tablets are off limits during class time.
Bags, backpacks, and jackets are to be left outside of the kitchens, in lockers or on the coat racks. Please, do not leave bags or jackets anywhere else.
Food and Culture Courses
As a general rule, please remember to:
- Turn off all lights when you leave the apartment or a room for a long time. Make sure to also turn off the heat/air conditioning when you leave in the morning and when leaving for the weekend.
- Always close and lock all the windows when you leave the apartment. Close shutters/ drapes during the hottest part of the day to keep rooms cool in the summer and to keep in heat in the winter.
- Keep showers short (max 15 min) as a common courtesy to your roommates, or you may use up all the hot water.
Professional Cooking
- Each student enrolled in a Professional Culinary Arts Career Program will be provided with two chef’s jackets, a chef’s hat, two aprons, a dishrag, and a culinary kit at the beginning of the program.
- Each student enrolled in a Baking & Pastry Career Program will be provided with two chefs jackets, a chef’s hat, two aprons, and a pastry kit. Each student is required to acquire chef pants and safety kitchen shoes (according to European safety laws) and come to class dressed in an appropriate manner.
- Students can purchase additional Chef Jackets only at the authorized dealer: these jackets must be the exact same ones as those provided by the school (model, color, and presence of logos).
- No student will be allowed in class without the authorized outfit.
- In accordance with most countries’ health codes, all students must:
- Wear a white chef’s jacket. The jacket must always be clean and pressed. Students will not be allowed to attend class with only an apron or a dirty, unsanitary jacket. The school will not provide a substitute jacket.
- Wear a white chef’s hat and have all hair tied back in an appropriate manner. The school will not provide a substitute hat and students will not be allowed to attend class with inappropriate head-wear.
- Wear appropriate black pants to class. Students
- will not be allowed to attend class in shorts or skirts.
- Wear appropriate footwear to class. Students will not be allowed in class wearing sandals or inappropriate shoes. It is recommended that students purchase a pair of safety kitchen shoes.
- Have all hair tied back in an appropriate manner.
- Wash hands before class and keep fingernails short.
- Bring their own clean dishrags to class in order to keep their station neat and orderly.
- Bring their set of knives to each cooking class, unless otherwise specified by the chef. The school will not provide knives to students who neglect to bring their knife kit to class. It is recommended that students purchase a case to transport knives to and from school.
- Apicius promotes a responsible use of kitchen paper towels
Studio Art Classes
Students enrolled in Studio Arts courses can make your clothes dirty, so students are required to abide by the following rules. Students are required to come to class dressed in an appropriate manner. Studio classes can dirty clothes, students are encouraged to dress accordingly.
General rules for all Studio Arts classes
Students must be aware that some tools (saws, hammers, cutters, drills) and materials (glues, glazes, sprays, etc.) may be hazardous. Students must obtain the instructor’s approval before utilizing these materials. Once instructed on proper use of such materials, students must always be careful and responsible for their use. Equipment cannot be used or operated by students who have not been trained to do so. Clay, plaster, and cement must always be kept outside of the sinks. Plumbing in the facilities must be well-monitored. If the sinks back up for example, students must notify the instructor/lab assistant immediately. Solvents and oil must not be thrown into the sink. These materials pollute the environment and need to be properly disposed of. Heavy items must be taken to appropriate garbage bins outside of the school facilities. Paper, glass, plastic, and metals must be disposed of in appropriate bins. All studio utensils and work stations are to be properly cleaned after each use. Brushes must be cleaned after each use and placed in their proper storage areas. The loss of any personal items is the students’ responsibility. Students must respect the work of other classes and individuals at all times. Students are responsible for any damage occurring to produced works, as well as for studio tools and the cost of any missing items. Students may be asked to pay a deposit to borrow equipment and materials. Cell phones are not allowed in class. Computers are off limits during class time unless they are necessary for a lecture or project. Hands-on coursework requires clean, washed hands, and short fingernails are recommended. Students are invited to use the studios when other classes are in session only when authorized by the instructor. Students are allowed to paint and draw in the gallery space, but they will be responsible for any possible damage to the space and works of art. Students are not allowed to move, take, or damage any part of an ongoing exhibition. Any damages must be reported immediately to the instructor and/or lab assistant.
Ceramics / Sculpture
Media Labs
Media Lab computers are only for coursework. Personal email and social media may be viewed at the Internet point. Students are not permitted to download programs onto the computers. No food or drinks are allowed inside the classrooms.
Photo Studio
Only authorized and instructor-approved students may use the photo studio. No food or drinks are allowed inside the classroom. Students must checkout and return all equipment at the front desk.
Darkroom
Printing Lab
Only students who are taking DIVA classes and have printing assignments may use the printers. Students may start to use the printers once they have been approved by their class instructor or TA. Students may utilize beginning, intermediate, and advanced printers according to their approved levels. Cartridges will be changed only by DIVA staff. Only class assignments are allowed to be printed.
PLEASE NOTE: additional requirements by DIVA for Studio equipment can be found in course syllabi.
Emergency Procedures
The wellbeing of our students is our first priority. In the event of an emergency, experienced staff is prepared to assist students in any way possible in order to ensure their safety.
The university has put in place a detailed plan which contains the response protocols for various emergency situations, ranging from health and safety matters to natural disasters.
When planning for emergency response procedures, staff take into consideration information from multiple sources, including our partner providers, local law enforcement agencies, consulates and embassies, and international travel advisories, as well as from their own experience and expertise. The Student Life and Development Department and university governance will be in charge of implementing the Emergency Plan.
For their own safety, students should carefully read and familiarize themselves with the information contained here. In the event of an emergency, it is important to be aware of all safety procedures and protocols so as to be able to act in a prompt and safe manner.
All changes or updates to the Emergency Response plan will be communicated to students via email.
The university monitors and receives updated notifications regarding official travel advisories. If a Travel Warning is issued by local or home authorities, we will alert students via email within 48 hours.