Make the most of your university experience, and grow, learn, laugh, and run with us. With dozens of clubs and organizations to choose from, you are sure to find a new creative outlet and build lifelong relationships. Join students with similar interests to discuss ideas, promote your work, form collaborations, and share information. Below are just some examples of our clubs & organizations that have been part of the Academy throughout the years.
Clubs & Organizations
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization dedicated to providing unmatched programs, information, and resources on issues critical to architectural education. The mission of the AIAS is to promote excellence in architectural education, training, and practice; to foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; to enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration; and to organize students and combine their efforts to advance the art and science of architecture.
Anime Club
The Anime Club is a place that welcomes everyone with a passion for Anime! Our organization is an open space to build friendships and network while we celebrate Anime Art. One of our main goals is to create a welcoming environment for everyone to share their perspectives and their interest for the Anime World. Our activities range from social gatherings like Anime-viewing parties, discussing Anime and the industry behind it, to off-campus activities around the city! If you love Anime and want to share your thoughts about it with others while broadening what you already know then please come and share, the Anime Club and the Anime World cannot exist without you!
Beyond the Front Row
Attention future retail executives, event producers, creative directors, wardrobe stylists, social media influencers, photo journalists, and industry power players! Beyond the Front Row is Academy of Art University’s fashion club and organization. BtFR is where fashion influencers unite through creative collaborations and community outreach. Originally established in spring of 2010, BtFR is a way to connect fashion enthusiasts across all majors in order to expand their professional network and gain industry experience.
Black Student Union
The Black Student Union (BSU) is a community for Black students, other students of color, and all students who share an interest in the issues related to the black community and wish to join a proactive club. The BSU welcomes sharing opinions through conversation, debate, and on our school’s radio show. We embrace the student body to join us at our weekly meetings, game nights, and upcoming other events. Furthermore, it is our goal to strengthen the wider community and we look forward to coordinating opportunities for social impact through clothing drives and helping those in need, which will help us to leave a positive mark in San Francisco. With the BSU, your voice and those of other participating students can be heard, you will learn about Black culture, and can share in embracing the community of BSU to make a difference. Reach out to us if you have any questions.
Chinese Students Association
Academy of Art University Chinese Students Association (AAUCSA) is a student organization. We are a non-profit and non-political organization dedicated to promoting social, intellectual and cultural activities for Chinese students at Academy of Art University as well as other interested members in the Academy community.
Christian Student Fellowship
The Christian Student Fellowship is for anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, but we also welcome non-believers in order to share the gospel with them. Prayer, bible study, salvation, stewardship, evangelism and faith are virtues that manifest in our circle of loving disciples. Our diverse group of members contribute to the roundtable discussions regarding pressing issues in the world and locally, sharing testimonies and blessings, prayer requests and club outings all while keeping each other good company.
Comics and Concept Art Club
This is the place to be for all Academy students who like to read, write and design comics, graphic novels, and manga. We have guest speakers join us from time to time to share their experiences with the industry. Come hang out with us to talk about what’s great in comics and bring your art materials along if you want to create while we chat.
Drama Club
The Drama Club at Academy of Art University is an open opportunity to be a part of a theatrical production. Members collaborate to produce, write, choreograph, and perform because “the show must go on.” The Drama Club focuses on improvisation and variety shows, where students get to discover and display their talent live. Commitment and ingenuity has driven this club for many years.
Drawaholics Anonymous Crew
The Drawaholics Anonymous Crew is not for the faint of heart. We are a community of artists (teachers, students and alumni) from Academy of Art University with one common goal—to become master draftsmen and painters. We host weekly drawing workshops, industry professional speaking events, and monthly design challenges. If you are serious about your craft and bold enough to take on the 2,500 drawing challenges, then sign a contract and join our group!
Improv Club
Improv Club is comprised of students who are interested in learning and bettering the skills necessary to create scenes and stories based solely off audience suggestion and our own imaginations. The club focuses on team-building, “group mind” games and giving students a safe environment to express themselves, create characters, and develop meaningful relationships on stage. Students from the club meetings will be selected to perform as the Academy Improv Team in three shows throughout the semester. These shows are completely free and will showcase the skills and abilities learned throughout the semester. If you enjoy making things up in a meaningful and structured way, Improv Club would love to have you join us.
Fine Arts Online Club
For Academy of Art University Fine Arts alumni and current students—undergraduate and graduate—who take classes online, on-campus, or both. Any and all majors in the Fine Arts department are welcome. Connect with online and on-campus students and alumni in your area, across the country, and around the world. Share your artwork and art tips, ideas, and techniques on our Facebook group. Once a year or so, we may choose to have a Fine Arts day where members can meet and spend a fun-filled day together.
Indonesian Student Association (PERMIAS)
PERMIAS stands for Persatuan Mahasiswa Indonesia di Amerika Serikat, which translates to Indonesian Student Association in the United States. Our presence serves as the representative of Indonesian students at Academy of Arts University. We strive to make the organization a second home for our Indonesian student fellows. Our programs are based off the vision to build a harmonious, active and solid community, as well as to promote the cultural diversity of Indonesia. It is our pleasure to assist the students for their initial integration and familiarization with the campus and its surrounding. Join and experience PERMIAS, expand your network and horizon with us.
Jewelry & Metal Arts Club
The Academy of Art University Jewelry and Metal Arts Guild seeks to provide a network of information, education, and support for students in the Academy of Art University Jewelry and Metal Arts program. The organization aims to offer students a forum to share ideas, promote their work, form collaborations, and share information about scholarships, exhibitions and job and internship opportunities. Potential events that the club could support could include guest lectures by industry professionals, exhibitions or trunk shows of student work, an annual catalog of student work, and support for student participation in conferences such as the SNAG Annual Conference and the Yuma Art Symposium. The group will also provide additional opportunities for student engagement with faculty and student representatives through monthly meetings and participation in department events, such as Open Studios.
Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Kappa Sigma’s main objective is based on building a better man, while encouraging him to participate in as many other campus organizations as he may choose. More specifically, Kappa Sigma looks to provide the opportunity for the male student to enhance his fellowship circle, leadership skills, scholastic involvement, and service contribution to the local community. Since its founding at the University of Virginia on December 10, 1869, Kappa Sigma has initiated more than 245,000 men throughout the United States and Canada. Our proud history of producing campus leaders who go on to succeed in business, government, the armed services, sports, entertainment and the arts has led to Kappa Sigma’s continuous and unparalleled growth across the continent.
Outloud!
LIVE LIFE OUTLOUD! OutLoud is a social advocacy club for the Academy of Art University’s queer community. It is a place to connect our diverse community to opportunities, resources, and each other. Our goal is to provide a stronger, healthier, and more equitable place for queer people and our allies by organizing events, celebrating our history and culture, and building resources to create a legacy for our current and future students. OutLoud strives to serve the full spectrum of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities, working to create a safe environment for everyone. We are here to empower and unite queer students and allies through advocacy and support. OutLoud not only provides a fun, safe environment to organize events and address queer issues, but also a place to meet a diverse group of people and make new friends. Learn and participate in our club activities and events such as game nights, movie nights, outings, SF Pride, LGBTQ conferences, volunteer opportunities and much more.
Sigma Delta Sorority
As rare as a ruby, as classy as a pearl, Academy of Art University’s finest, the Sigma Delta girls. We are a sorority that strives to create a community based on loyalty, friendship, and community service for women of Academy of Art University through events that build relationships, leadership, and social awareness. Join a network of accepting and supportive sisters and form lifelong bonds with strong, proactive women. Together we foster ideals of helping our community while encouraging individual growth for each member.
Tea Time Animation
The goal of Tea Time is to bring together current students and Alumni to discuss industry and department related news and concerns, facilitate lectures by guest speakers, nurture communication between the student body and the Animation Department. We provide an opportunity for peer-to-peer critique and are a networking resource for the student community. Being a part of Tea Time gives you an opportunity to be part of a constantly growing peer network of professionals. Get more out of your education and learn what it takes to become the future of our industry. Focused on being adaptable to any student who is interested, your involvement can be anything from attending our weekly meetings to participating in our large online community. You’ll have the opportunity to join face-to-face discussions with industry professionals, ask questions, and really get the answers you’re looking for.
Urban Knights Radio
Flagship radio station with a content range spanning music, sports, and talk radio. Caters not only to the needs and interests of the student body, but also to anyone interested in quality radio produced by experienced student hosts.
Veterans Club
The Veterans Club at Academy of Art University’s main objective is to be a support system for veterans. We also like to take the opportunity to educate those who have not served in the military about what it is like to serve. Being a part of the Veterans Club creates a social network where veterans can openly discuss post service issues such as posttraumatic stress, grief, loss, reintegration, employment, and educational pursuits. Join us to take part in San Francisco’s Fleet Week and other military sponsored events. Join our Facebook group to get updates on BAH each month or potential job opportunities that are targeted towards Veterans.
