Arts Engagement
How does Arts Engagement work?
Step 1: Take the entrance survey by clicking here.
Step 2: Attend OR participate in one approved music event, one approved theatre event and one approved visual art event per academic year (total of 3 per year).
Step 3: For Theatre productions and Music events, you will use your Student ID to check in before the event begins AND check out after the event has completed. At Art & Design exhibits, you will use your student login to fill out a form. You can access the form via the QR Code posted in the exhibit.
Step 4: Enroll in a Performing Arts appreciation class (music, theatre or visual art).
Step 5: Enroll in the one-hour credit Arts Engagement course your senior year and do your one and only assignment: an exit survey.
Events for Credit (2025-26)
FAQs
Everyone! Arts Engagement is just like chapel. It is not technically a class you take or can substitute credit for; it is an experience you have here on campus.
Transfer students have the same first year (entrance survey) and last year (one-hour Arts Engagement review) requirements as a typical residential student. However, the total number of events they must attend is based on how many academic years they are at Ouachita (3.5-4 years = 12; 2.5-3 = 9; 1.5-2 = 6; 0.5-1 = 3). Some classes from other institutions may substitute for the Flexible CORE Performing Arts class, but this DOES NOT affect their Experiential CORE Arts Engagement series participation.
You can receive credit for that event by filling out a request form. That form can be filled out via QR code that is located backstage or you can email [email protected] for the link.
- Check the website at obu.edu/artsengagement.
- Check the weekly reminder emails to see what events are happening that week.
Our student, faculty and guest artists produce some amazing work that you don't want to miss, but we understand that sometimes things happen. From your freshman year to the fall semester of your senior year, you have the ability to make up any events you missed. For example: you were not able to attend a theatre production one semester, so the following semester you see two theatre productions instead of just one. We suggest you pace out your events throughout each semester during your time at Ouachita, but you can always double up to make sure you stay on track. Once you are in your final semester and are enrolled in FINA 4011, then you will have that semester to complete all needed attendance credits. If you reach the end of your final semester and have run out of events to attend, you will receive an incomplete in the Arts Engagement series until you complete the appropriate number of alternative assignments. Please email [email protected] for more information on the make up process.
Yes. When attending an event, you have to scan your student ID at the beginning and end of the event. If it is a ticketed event, then you have to scan your ID in addition to your ticket.
Arts Engagement is worth a one-hour credit. Performing Arts appreciation courses are worth three one-hour credits.
For a music or theatre event, the credits will get uploaded to the INFO portal a few days after the event. For art galleries, credits are often updated once the gallery is closed. If you are unsure if your credit got counted, feel free to email [email protected]!
You can see this information in your info portal under the "General Academic" tab or under your mid-term/final grades. Your advisor can also see this on your student profile in their info portal. If you have any questions about your credits, email [email protected].
No, musicals count as theatre credit, and the operas count as music credit. If you have any confusion, you can always email [email protected] or check the website to see what category the event is under.
You can claim and use your free student ticket in six easy steps:
Step 1: Visit obu.edu/boxoffice and select a seat (or seats, if you want to go with a group) for the event you wish to attend.
Step 2: Select the student price from the drop down and add it to your cart.
Step 3: Enter the five-digit number on your student ID card in the box under "Membership" and click "Submit."
Step 4: Complete the checkout process by choosing to have your tickets e-mailed to you (to print or use as a mobile ticket) or held the Ouachita Box Office's Will Call, where you can pick them up before the show.
Step 5: Arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance starts to ensure you have time to get your tickets and find your seat.
Step 6: Enjoy the show!
