Keep Advanced Studio Art Courses at Cal State LA!

We strongly oppose the removal of Advanced Studio Art Courses from the Cal State LA Art Department curriculum for the upcoming Spring semester.

Who Is Impacted
This sudden decision affects every undergraduate artist in Painting, Sculpture, and Ceramics who has worked tirelessly to reach the advanced level of their craft. These courses are essential for building professional portfolios, preparing for graduate school, and advancing technical and conceptual skills. Many students have already completed prerequisite courses and structured their degree plans around these classes — their removal jeopardizes graduation timelines and artistic growth.

What’s at Stake
Advanced Studio Courses represent the heart of the Studio Arts program at Cal State LA. Without them, students lose access to mentorship, critique, and instruction at the professional level needed to succeed beyond college. Eliminating these courses strips the program of its rigor and integrity, reducing it to an incomplete educational experience that fails to serve the needs of aspiring artists.

Why Now Matters
The university’s decision was made without formal notice or consultation, leaving students blindsided during the registration period. This lack of transparency undermines trust and accountability. Meanwhile, the university has chosen to allocate $17 million toward OpenAI initiatives, while making severe cuts to student programs, including the arts. This prioritization is unethical and unjust, and we are now seeing its consequences in the form of lost educational opportunities.

Our education should not be sacrificed for administrative mismanagement or misplaced funding priorities. As tuition-paying students, we deserve transparency, respect, and access to the full art education we were promised.

Our Demands:

1. Immediate Reinstatement of Advanced Studio Courses: 
   Advanced Painting, Advanced Sculpture, and Advanced Ceramics must be offered in Spring and future semesters. Courses must be taught by qualified faculty with proper demonstrations, lectures, and professional instruction.
2. Fair Tuition for Full Access: Tuition should reflect access to a complete art education. If the university cuts courses, tuition must be adjusted accordingly. Anything less is exploitative.
3. Transparent Communication: All major curriculum changes must be announced at least one term in advance, ensuring students have time to plan their academic schedules and seek advising.

 Our Message
Art students deserve better. We contribute to the creative and cultural identity of Cal State LA, and our programs should be treated with the same respect and investment as any other discipline.

Sign this petition to demand that the administration restore Advanced Art Courses immediately and protect the future of the Studio Arts program.