The Arts Engagement Certificate requires three different components: classes, experiences, and written reflections. Classes and experiences can happen in any order. Most students will attend events during the same semesters that they are taking qualifying courses. The final written reflection should be completed after the coursework and event attendance is completed.
To register for the Arts Engagement Certificate, log in to MyKU and select Academics > Undergraduate Certificates. From there, you will be able to register for the certificate.
The Arts Engagement Certificate requires three different components: classes, experiences, and written reflections. Classes and experiences can happen in any order. Most students will attend events during the same semesters that they are taking qualifying courses. The final written reflection should be completed after the coursework and event attendance is completed.
Classes
Complete at least 2 arts classes, totaling a minimum of 6 credit hours, with a grade of C or better. These 2 classes should each be from a different school/department.
All classes offered by the following schools and departments qualify:
Experiences
There are two options to choose from in completing this certificate requirement:
Option A
- Attend 6 art events from 3 different arts areas. (These can be any events offered on campus). Example: 2 dance performances, 2 design lectures, and 2 visual art exhibitions. Write a reflection over each event and submit it on the Experiential Learning Certificates portal within 2 weeks event attendance.
Option B
- Attend 3 art events from 3 different arts areas. Write a reflection over each event and submit it on the Experiential Learning Certificates portal within 2 weeks of event attendance.
- Complete a semester long, hands-on arts experience (e.g., an additional class - in a different school/department than the courses used to fulfill the coursework requirement - producing creative work; an arts-related internship; or participating in campus music, theatre, or dance productions). Then, submit a written reflection (at least 600 words) and some kind of artifact from your experience on the Experiential Learning Certificates portal. This can be photo documentation of a project with descriptions, video, content that you produced during an internship, a final reflection that was required to complete a class, etc.
You must complete either Option A or Option B to satisfy this component of the certificate.
Most arts events offered at the University of Kansas will count toward the Arts Engagement Certificate. Here is a general list of arts venues and types of arts events that can be count toward your certificate:
- All KU theatre performances
- All performances and art-related talks at the Lied Center & master classes
- All exhibitions, performances, and art related talks at Spencer Museum of Art
- All exhibitions, performances, and art related talks at Nelson Atkins
- All School of Music events
- Senior recitals, thesis exhibitions, and student showcases
- Visiting artists and art-related lectures on campus (e.g. at The Commons, Kansas Union, Hall Center, departmental guest artists, etc.)
- Optional, hands-on workshops offered by participating Arts Engagement Departments
- Film screenings with discussions
- Artist talks, exhibitions, and theatre, music, and dance performances at the Lawrence Arts Center
- Art Lectures at the Lawrence Public Library
- Artist talks and exhibitions at the Student Union Gallery in the Kansas Union
- All exhibitions at the Art and Design Building Gallery
- Final Fridays (Lawrence) or First Fridays (Kansas City) are fine to attend for visual art; however, you need to write about a specific work of art or exhibition.
If you have questions about whether or not an event can count, please e-mail artsengagement@ku.edu
Final Reflection
Answer 6 written reflection essay questions and take a short exit questionnaire on the Experiential Learning Certificates portal.
