Student Life at PAFA

Awards & Prizes
PAFA has a rich tradition of awarding various prizes and scholarships, some dating back to the early 1900s, to students through the Annual Student Exhibition, judged by faculty or external jurors. These awards range from recognition and monetary prizes to full or partial tuition scholarships and travel funds, supporting students' creative projects and professional growth.

Advising & Academic Support
PAFA provides academic support through personalized advising and accommodations for disabilities, ensuring students can meet their goals. Academic advisors help students plan their schedules and discuss their interests, while the Office of Student Services offers accommodations based on current, comprehensive documentation of disabilities.

Campus Safety
PAFA's Department of Campus Safety and Security ensures a safe environment with 24/7 support, emergency services, and crime prevention resources. The office, open Monday through Friday, handles safety concerns, issues alerts, and educates the community on security procedures through Orientation and the Student Handbook.

Career Services
At PAFA, Career Services helps students build essential skills for their careers, offering support with resumes, cover letters, and job search strategies, as well as professional development workshops. Students are encouraged to engage with Career Services early to benefit from personalized guidance, internships, and opportunities to explore various fields within the arts.

Graduation
Find essential information about the upcoming graduation ceremony, including schedules, requirements, and special announcements. View past recordings of previous ceremonies to relive the celebration and honor of past graduates.

Health and Wellness
PAFA Student Services is dedicated to fostering a healthy and supportive campus environment, offering programs and resources for health care and emotional well-being. Services include free basic medical care through Jefferson Family Medical Associates, online counseling with Healthiest You, and access to student health insurance for comprehensive coverage.

Housing & Residential Life
PAFA Student Services helps students find housing that fits their needs, whether they're first-year students, transferring, or seeking a change. Options include a variety of off-campus resources to help students find and settle into rental options in Philadelphia.

Student Exhibitions
PAFA students have numerous opportunities to exhibit their work both on- and off-campus, gaining hands-on experience in curating, mounting, and promoting exhibitions. Exhibition spaces include the Anne Bryan Gallery, Broad Street Studio, and Hamilton Building Galleries, with additional skill-building opportunities through the Student Exhibitions Committee, academic courses, and professional internships.

Student Organizations & Programs
At PAFA, students enhance their experience through a wide range of co-curricular activities, student-run organizations, and leadership opportunities, both on campus and within Philadelphia. They can participate in events like career workshops, community service projects, Open Studio Night, and student exhibitions, as well as engage in leadership roles and the student-run Visiting Artists Program, which enriches the campus community with diverse artistic perspectives.

Transcript Request
Request a transcript of your academic record that includes all courses taken, grades received, honors awarded, and degrees conferred. 


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PAFA offers educational opportunities for artists and art lovers of all ages and skill levels who want to learn about and make art.