Animation & Illustration Community Engagement

Animation & Illustration Community Engagement

Our Design Department believes that design is more than just aesthetics; it’s also the ability to apply what is learned in the classroom to better the community, not only as designers, but as global citizens. Our Animation & Illustration students often work with high school programs and give talks to younger students who visit SJSU. Listed below are some of the engagement opportunities the Animation & Illustration program offers to the community.


Visiting Animation & Illustration

Visits to the program are available at 11 am one Thursday each month and must be scheduled in advance. Visits consist of a program overview, classroom visits, facilities tours, and samples of student artwork. Visits generally last approximately 60 - 90 minutes and can be arranged by emailing Professor David Chai: david.chai@sjsu.edu. Tours for Spring 2024 are available on 2/22, 3/14, and 4/18.

Guests should specify if they prefer meeting in person or attending over Zoom. In-person guests should meet in the ART and DESIGN building quad at 11 am on the day of their tour. Parking will definitely be challenging if you arrive after 9 am. If parking on campus, parking passes are required; we recommend the South Garage or using the SJSU Park and Ride shuttle at the new South Campus Garage (located at 10th and Alma Street). Off campus, public parking is available at the Second and San Carlos Street Garage and Park SJ: Fourth Street Garage.If you are able to arrive early or can stay late, we recommend also registering for a 9 am or 3 pm campus tour here: https://www.sjsu.edu/soar/services/campus-tours.php

San José State University Campus Map
Learn more about visiting SJSU


High School Engagement

Students visit SJSU animation classes to learn about the profession. Participating schools are:

Andrew Hill High School
Ceres Unified School District
East Palo Alto Academy
James Lick High School
Jesse Bethel High School
Milpitas High School
Mount Pleasant High School
Multimedia Technology Academy (MTA) at Monache High School
Natomas Charter School
Overfelt High School


Schools interested in scheduling a visit can contact david.chai@sjsu.edu.


Corporate Partners

Our sincere thanks and gratitude to our corporate partners, without whom much of our success would not be possible. 

Dreamworks Logo Adobe Logo
Hallmark Logo Lucasfilm Logo
Nickelodeon Logo