Memphis College of Art’s Office of Student Services is available to assist students with any problems or concerns that may arise in their college experience.  

Student Life
Activities are planned and hosted by the Director of Student Life and the MCA Student Alliance.  All activities are listed on the Student Life Calendar and in the MCA Student Handbook/Planner.  Join us for evenings out bowling, Saturday trips to Home Depot or Target, midnight coffee in the café, a day out canoeing, a fall afternoon at the corn maze, or any number of openings or parties here at the college.

Counseling Referrals
Students needing any kind of personal counseling or psychiatric referral can see the Director of Student Life or the Vice President for Student Services.  We can make professional referrals for students on a budget.

Emergency Funds
If you run out of money before work study checks are issued or need to buy your books and supplies before refunds are ready, just come by Student Services for a loan.  Depending on the amount or on the situation we can provide some carry-over funds on the same or by the next day.  

Medical/Doctor Referrals
We recommend sleep and healthy eating, but when flu and cold season comes around, we can get you into see a doctor almost always on the same day.  Primary Care Specialists, just down off Poplar Avenue, will see our students when any medical need arises—with or without insurance.  Call 458-0162 for an appointment or come see Student Services for appointment and/or transportation assistance.

Housing
Memphis College of Art offers a number of buildings and houses as student residences.  Prices and occupancies vary.  (See url for housing building and cost).  By April 1 of each year current housing residents must choose rooms, roommate(s) and sign a lease for the next year.  Beyond that date housing is opened up for new incoming students and current students that miss the deadline and want housing will be put on a wait-list.  See the Director of Student Life for more information.  

Financial Aid
Students that need financial assistance can meet with the Director of Financial Aid to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.  Students, especially Tennessee residents, must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year by February 15 to qualify for some state grants.  

Memphis College of Art admissions scholarships are renewed each year in May based on cumulative grade point average.  Freshmen 0 to 29 hours must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA); Sophomores 30 to 59 credit hours must have a 2.25 CGPA; Juniors 60 to 89 credit hours must have a 2.50 CGPA; and Seniors 90+ credit hours must have a 2.50 CGPA for renewal.  Scholarships can be regained any semester the student brings their CGPA above the required mark.  

Each year currently enrolled students can qualify for merit grants through faculty nomination based on strong academic performance.  These awards are given in March for the next year and range from $500 up to $6,000 per year.  For more information regarding merit awards please check the MCA Student Handbook at

Emergency Assistance
Students that have an emergency can get a security officer to the scene 24/7 by calling 507-3030.  Of course, this doesn’t preclude students from calling 911 in the case of an emergency that requires Memphis Police, Fire or Ambulance services.

Safety and Security
Security Officers at Memphis College of Art are employees of the College.  They are available 24/7 to assist students in need at 507-3030.  They oversee shuttle services to and from the college mornings and evenings.  The Security Office is run by Captain Donald Kelly and is located on the ground floor next to the Business Office.

Rust Hall Building Hours and Access
Rust Hall (MCA’s main building) is open 24 hours every night of the week except for Saturdays at which time the building closes at midnight and reopens on Sunday at noon.  All studios and labs are open during these hours as well.  Students must have their MCA I.D. and be able to show that to security officers during overnight access.  After staff hours, students must enter the building through the front entrance with their magnetic access card.  When leaving the building, students can call 507-3030 for an escort to their car.  The College is closed on Thanksgiving Day and over the Christmas semester break while staff are on holiday.  Students registered for summer sessions and Horn Island may use the studios from Monday through Friday, 8 am through 5 pm and Monday through Thursday from 5 pm through 9 pm during the summer.

MCA staff hours are 8:30 am through 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, although some offices and staff may have slightly different hours.  Staff are available throughout the year; however, faculty work only during the fall and spring semesters.