DCAD is a place to live, learn and experience. Student life at DCAD is closely linked to the life of Wilmington and the numerous cultural and professional resources of the area. Educational, social and cultural activities are scheduled throughout the year to complement the academic experience.

Activities range from major events such as Spirit Week in the fall semester and Commencement festivities in the spring semester to the smaller events such as game nights and pot-luck dinners. Professional artists are invited by DCAD instructors to give lectures and presentations to the campus and surrounding communities. Museum trips to New Your City and Washington, DC, occur regularly as well as attending gallery receptions, exhibits and attractions in Wilmington, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

The Director of Student Services oversees the general welfare and discipline of the students and works to create a positive climate in which students can flourish. New Student Orientation, preliminary personal/professional counseling, and further counseling referrals are among the services provided. The office also coordinates a wide selection of educational, social, and cultural activities throughout the year to complement the academic experience. Trips to Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC to visit museums and attractions are regularly scheduled.

Student groups
At DCAD, student clubs and organizations are formed based on the current students’ interests and are approved through the Office of Student Services. Groups such as the DCAD Film Club, DCADents Improv Group, and the Student Gallery, have provided outlets reflecting the diverse interests of the DCAD student body.

Visiting Artists and Scholars
DCAD's annual lecture series is an important part of its co-curricular programming. Every year, nationally known artists, designers, and scholars — from each area of concentration and academic studies — are invited to lecture and work with students in studio settings. These lectures are open to the public and held during the common hour in the Copeland Room at the Delaware History Center. Upcoming lectures can be found on the Calendar of Events.

Valuable Work Experiences
Wilmington's business community is home to a considerable number of America's most powerful and prestigious corporations. Many of these companies maintain in-house art departments, while local design studios, photographers, and illustrators serve others. Valuable work placements in varied art environments may provide art and design students with meaningful art and design career experiences and small stipends that can help supplement their income while in school. DCAD's superb educational program has quickly become known in the region's corporate and non-profit sectors and provide DCAD students with significant opportunities for on-the-job experiences. In fact, the caliber of a DCAD education has enabled DCAD students to find work in a variety of creative environments. The Office of Student Services fields these requests and maintains an up-to-date list of part-time positions in the Wilmington area, including numerous volunteer opportunities and community partnerships as they become available.