College Resources

Joanne Waxman Library

The Joanne Waxman Library at Maine College of Art & Design is one of the largest independent libraries in Northern New England and a major resource for the region.

Artists at Work

From residencies and grants to job applications and public art proposals, Artists at Work is committed to helping you be an artist for life.

Alumni

Our community of graduates is a diverse network of artists and designers working as creative professionals globally.

Registrar

The Office of the Registrar is committed to providing you with the knowledge and guidance you need to navigate successfully through the curriculum here at the College.

Discover Portland

Located on the southern coast of Maine, Portland is just the right size, easy to navigate on foot, and filled with arts and culture and minutes from beaches, lakes, and forests.

Alerts & Notifications

We strongly encourage you to sign up for our text notification system for the quickest communication.

Disability Services & Accomodations

We are committed to providing equal access for students with disabilities under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its amendments, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Support & Resources

  • Emergency Resources
  • Medical Care
  • Food Insecurity
  • Anti-Harassment Policies
  • Weather Notification
  • Transportation Information

Technology

Learn more about BFA laptop requirements, technology resources, and support services.

Student Services & Programs FAQ

Is Orientation required?

Yes, orientation is mandatory. MECA&D works diligently to include all students to offer a vast exploration of the campus, important information as students start their higher ed academic journey, and the surrounding city of Portland, ME. For information on orientation, first-year supplies, and computer requirements, please visit the New Student Orientation page.

What are my options if I need medical care?

MECA&D offers a no-cost virtual medical and mental healthcare program for all students. For more information, visit this link.

There are major hospitals and Urgent Care doctors within walking distance. We encourage students to check with their insurance to see which providers are in-network.

MECA&D does provide access to Ubers for transportation in the event of an urgent medical need, such as an accident or sudden illness. Ubers are not provided for routine medical or dental appointments. Residents experiencing a medical emergency will be transported by ambulance. The cost associated with ambulance services will be billed to the student through the ambulance provided.

Are students required to have health insurance?

Yes, all students must have health insurance. A student may purchase health insurance as part of their tuition and fees. If the student has current health insurance, they can opt out of purchasing insurance from the College.

Students should contact billing@meca.edu for questions on the student health insurance requirement.

Does MECA&D offer Counseling & Wellness services?

Yes, MECA&D offers Counseling & Wellness. Students can meet with a counselor on the first floor of the Porteous Building or use virtual telehealth counseling. There are additional providers in the Portland area that take health insurance.

What do you do to support student safety?

All students have a student ID that provides access to the Porteous building and their respective residence halls. College buildings are secured by key card access. There is an RA On-Call and a Professional On-Call for emergencies. Students are encouraged to call 911 during a life-threatening emergency. Porteous has security guards 24/7 and is accessible to the students.

What is there to do on campus for fun?

Throughout the semester, there are activities and programs on campus. Follow @mecastudentlife on Instagram for updates on programs happening on campus.

How can I receive mail?

MECA&D encourages residential students to send packages and mail to:

  • YOUR NAME / STUDENT NAME
  • ℅ Maine College of Art & Design
  • 522 Congress Street Portland, ME 04101

The Porteous building has a mailroom that is accessible Monday–Friday, 9:00am–4:00pm, and after hours by contacting the Front Desk Security. The mailroom receives packages and flat mail. MECA&D is not responsible for any missing packages that are sent to resident halls. Make sure your package has a tracking number.

If a student or parent has questions about accommodations, either academic or housing-related, please send them to the Accessibility Services Coordinator. More information can be found on this page.

If a student is interested in counseling or getting connected with an outpatient therapist, they can email counseling@meca.edu or schedule an appointment here.