printStudent Life
SCI-Arc attracts student from nearby and throughout the world in pursuit of the unique education the school offers. Many students have already completed some college level work; some already hold degrees. SCI-Arc is serious about educating and challenging its students—but does it so in an unconventional atmosphere. It is not uncommon to see a student using his or her skateboard to get from one end of the building to the other, or to be working on a model with a dog resting at their feet.
Students actively engage in preparing the SCI-Arc Gallery exhibitions, help fellow graduating students in setting up their models for thesis presentations, and contribute to workshops that result in projects throughout the school, such as the graduation pavilion and other unique structures.
Students have access to their SCI-Arc studio spaces 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Among social events organized by students are Fridays at Five, a weekly barbecue open to the entire SCI-Arc community, and the Annual Halloween Party.
Students actively participate in all aspects of the operation of the school through the SCI-Arc Student Union, made up of representatives from each studio. The union voices the concerns of students to the directors, faculty and staff, who in turn provide feedback on student-initiated policies.
With funds collected from SCI-Arc's student community, the student union becomes involved in shaping and organizing public lectures, publications, student exhibitions and design competitions.
An elected student representative sits on the SCI-Arc Board of Directors for a two-year term—reporting directly to and from the student community—and on committees that advise the Academic Council, including the Curriculum Committee. Two student representatives sit on the Academic Council which meets monthly to advise the directors on school policy matters.