Student Life

Southwest School of Art is a place where art and artists are shaped one-by-one and where each student receives individual attention from staff and from our highly qualified and dedicated faculty.  In addition to providing academic support, we also work hard to ensure that our students have plenty of social and supplemental learning activities, including student government, academic and social clubs, and community involvement opportunities.  Because our student body is small, there are many opportunities for meaningful collaboration with other students, faculty and members of our staff. 

Our unique curriculum exposes our students to a variety of media, while providing the support they need to concentrate in a particular area. And, with over 33,000 square feet of well-equipped, industry-standard studio space at their disposal, SSA students are well positioned to continue on their journey of expressing new ideas and exploring new ways of making.

Library Services and Resources

In partnership with the San Antonio Central Library, we have established the Marie Swartz Art Resource Center to support our students in their academic pursuits, by providing services such as research guidance and online tutoring assistance. Located in the Central Library, directly adjacent to campus, this dedicated space includes a collection of physical and virtual resources for our students.

Librarian, Keith Kisser is on campus Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to assist faculty and students with the following:

• Research for papers and projects—how to find reliable sources, and what to do with them
• Writing advice—everything from proofreading to critique
• Brainstorming—do you have an assignment and not know where to start? Just come on over and we’ll figure it out

Email kkisser@swschool.org or call 210.200.8249 to set up some time for these or any other academic questions you might have.

Activities

The Student Affairs Office and BFA Student Government work together to create engaging and productive programming for our students throughout the year.  The collaborative goal is to provide a holistic environment for professional and artistic skill development and social programming to assist our students on their journey to success.

Parking and Transportation

In addition to the numerous free parking spaces available on campus, paid parking is also available at the Central Library and at other nearby lots.

Our campus is a designated stop on a number of major San Antonio bus-line routes, including the city’s own trolley lines. Southwest School of Art students are eligible to purchase VIA bus passes for half of the regular price when they show their student ID at the VIA transportation office. 

The B-Cycle system allows patrons to rent a  bicycle and then drop it off at any designated B-Cycle drop-off point.  A “B-Cycle” point is conveniently located across the street from the Santikos Building.  Bike parking is provided for students who choose to ride their own bike to campus! 

Housing

Southwest School of Art does not offer on-campus housing at this time. Students who need assistance in finding housing accommodations should contact the Director of Student Affairs.

Meals

There are many local restaurants located near the SSA campus.  Students in our college program may purchase discounted meals at our on-campus dining facility, the Copper Kitchen Café.  A 20% discount on purchased food is applied by the cashier, with the presentation of valid student ID.