CAA student success
Helping you succeed in CAA and beyond
At University of Idaho’s College of Art and Architecture (CAA), your success matters from day one. Whether you’re tackling a tough design studio, preparing for internships or planning your career after graduation, you’ll have access to a network of student resources, supportive faculty and hands-on experiences to help you reach your goals.
Need tutoring or help studying? We’ve got it. Looking to get involved in research or service-learning? Our state-of-the-art studios and labs are ready. Want career guidance? CAA’s dedicated advisors and alumni connections ensure you graduate ready to accomplish your goals. Here, your success isn’t just possible — it’s expected, through one-of-a-kind opportunities and personalized support.
Meet your support team
Behind every successful student is a team that cares. At CAA, our student success staff, advisors and faculty mentors are here to guide you through every step of your journey.
Kelsey Harrington
Amy Petit
Rebecca Senefsky
Kaylena Townsend
Comprehensive support tailored for you
Navigating college can feel overwhelming, but CAA offers the resources you need to stay on track and keep moving forward. You’ll find support that ensures you can focus on what matters most — your growth as a creative professional. We’ll help you build confidence in the classroom, get involved in CAA student life and prepare for the career or graduate program that comes next.
Our CAA student success team offers:
- Resources for transitioning smoothly into life at University of Idaho.
- Advising for selecting your major and getting involved in events, clubs and student organizations.
- Assistance with job and internship searches and resume, CV, cover letter and interview preparation.
- Guidance on developing a portfolio that showcases your work to potential employers.
- Help with exploring different careers and tips for salary and benefits negotiations within the workforce.
- Support preparing to apply to graduate schools if you're considering advanced education.
Connect with a CAA student ambassador
Connect with our college ambassadors to hear firsthand about student life at University of Idaho. They're here to guide you as you explore studio life and they will support you throughout the decision-making and application process.
Student success in action
Our promise of student success comes to life through opportunities that connect academics with the real world. From service learning and study abroad to scholarships, internships and professional development, you’ll find countless ways to expand your education and build a foundation for lifelong success.
Hands-on learning
Through hands-on projects, you’ll collaborate with peers, faculty and community partners to create meaningful community impact. Whether you're designing a public park, reimagining interior spaces for local nonprofits or building structures from the ground up, these experiences help you grow as both a designer and a citizen.
Our programs connect you with rural and urban communities across the state of Idaho, giving you the chance to engage with diverse perspectives while strengthening your creative problem-solving and project management skills.
These experiences are often integrated into your coursework and include outreach projects, design-build opportunities and interdisciplinary initiatives that support sustainable, human-centered environments.
Study abroad
Take your creativity worldwide. CAA’s study abroad programs immerse you in new cultures that expand your perspective and guide your work. You might sketch historic piazzas in Rome, study gardens and architecture across Florence and Tuscany or use London as a living laboratory for design research. Wherever you go, you’ll gain real-world experience and creative inspiration that shapes your career.
Internships and career resources
Get ready for your career before graduation. At CAA, we connect you with internships, industry leaders and professional development tools that align with your interests. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build a professional network and prepare for job searches with help from faculty and career advisors. From resumes and interviews to job fairs and alumni connections, we ensure that you graduate ready to step into your future role with confidence.
Scholarships
Paying for college is an important part of your success and CAA offers several options to support you along the way. Scholarships are available for incoming students, continuing students and graduate students through teaching assistantships. These awards go toward making your education more affordable while rewarding your dedication to art, design and architecture.
In addition, an annual CAA professional fee helps support the resources and opportunities that set our college apart. From access to experiential learning spaces and labs to career services and specialized programs, this investment ensures you have the tools you need to succeed academically and professionally.
Clubs and organizations
Get involved, make friends and grow your skills outside the classroom by joining one of our student clubs or organizations. Each group offers unique opportunities like field trips, guest speakers, exhibitions and hands-on projects that enrich your education. Review our student organizations and find your community:
- American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS): Advance the art and science of architecture through education, training and community collaboration.
- American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA): Learn more about the graphic design profession from guest speakers and participate in other resume and network-building activities.
- Interiors UI: Develop your professional network and participate in interior architecture and design opportunities while engaging with top industry organizations like American Association of Interior Designers (ASID) and International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
- Student Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects (SCASLA): Explore the landscape architecture profession through field trips, guest speaker events and hands-on activities.
- Student Congress of Art and Architecture (SCAA): Connect with peers across disciplines to enhance your academic and creative experience.
- Vandals Printmakers Guild and Print Club (VPG): Promote printmaking through exhibitions, workshops and the annual Student Print and Ceramics Sale at the Prichard Gallery.
- Virtual Design Society: Dive into virtual reality and digital design innovation.
- Visual Arts Community (VAC): Engage in artistic collaboration and creative exploration.
Professional fee
An annual CAA professional fee helps support the resources, experiences and opportunities that enhance your education. From hands-on learning spaces to career support, this investment ensures you have the tools to grow creatively and professionally.
Design. Build. Impact.
Join our architecture Design-Build Program and work with real clients to turn ideas into built environments that serve communities across Idaho.
Architecture Bootcamp
Our Architecture Bootcamp is an eight-week, full-time summer program that gives you the technical foundation and studio experience to enter U of I’s NAAB-accredited master’s in architecture program. Whether you’re coming from another field or transferring from community college, Bootcamp prepares you for advanced architecture coursework and career opportunities.
Put your creativity to the test in design competitions
Participate in competitions that push your creative boundaries, sharpen your design skills and build your professional portfolio. These opportunities allow you to earn industry recognition, connect with professionals in the field and enhance your resume with real-world achievements.
Wellness, Connection and Belonging
Your time at U of I goes beyond the classroom. Explore wellness resources available to all students, including the Counseling and Mental Health Center and U of I Mindfulness meditation sessions. Get involved in student organizations and clubs across campus, or stay active through fitness classes, intramural sports and outdoor trips offered by the Student Recreation Center.
Take the next step toward student success
With exceptional student resources, one-on-one support and opportunities you won’t find anywhere else, your success is University of Idaho’s College of Art and Architecture’s number one priority. Request more information, schedule a visit or apply now to join us!