On behalf of the entire International Affairs staff, welcome to the SAIC community. Our goal is to be an active part of your SAIC experience and to support you throughout your time in Chicago. Please take the time to read our information carefully, and feel free to email or call us with any questions you have as you make your plans.
Melody Miller International Student Advisor & SEVIS Analyst
Alicia Ortiz Associate Director Study Abroad and International Student Affairs
Sachiko Larrimore International Student Advisor
International Affairs
36 South Wabash, suite 1203
Chicago, IL 60603
312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu
MANDATORY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ONLINE ORIENTATION COURSE
SUMMER GRADUATE:
Low-Residency MFA, M.Des Designed Objects
June 2025
FALL GRADUATE:
All other MFA, M.Arch, MA, MS, and Certificate
August 2025
Checking in and completing immigration document submission with International Affairs is required by The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and you can learn more about this process by visiting saic.edu/orientation and reviewing the Graduate Student Orientation schedule. Orientation is also an opportunity for you to hear about services at SAIC, to learn how to maintain your F-1 student visa status, to meet new and current SAIC students, and to get an introduction to the city.
OUR TEAM WILL:
ADVISE you regarding your student visa status
UPDATE you on cultural programming and social activities
CONNECT you with the many services SAIC provides for students
SUPPORT you in making plans when the time comes to complete your studies
South Wabash, suite 1203 Chicago, IL 60603 312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu
Activate Your ARTIC Account
In order to make online deposits, view financial aid, and review billing information, you will need to activate your ARTIC account. This account will also provide you with access to your SAIC email, Self Service, library databases, Canvas, WiFi and much more. Please note that you will need your SAIC ID number (included in your admission letter) in order to complete this process. Additionally, you must complete the activation process using a web browser on a computer rather than from your mobile phone or tablet.
To activate your account visit password.artic.edu
Please click the Activate Account button. Enter the captcha seen and then click verify. On the next page, you will be asked for:
• Your 7-digit SAIC ID number (included on your admission letter)
• Last name
• Your birthdate (two digit day, dash, and all caps three digit month Example: 19-AUG)
After entering this information please follow the instructions for account activation. Your login is automatically assigned, but you will create your own password. Passwords must be alphanumeric and at least 6 characters. Please complete all the steps shown on the password.artic.edu site while setting up your ARTIC account.
Once you have activated your account, visit saic.edu/students to access Self-Service and your email account. If you have already activated your ARTIC account and need to reset your password, you may also do this by visiting password.artic.edu.
Help Desk hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT
Serena JV Elston Fountain of Youth, 2023
STEP 2: Student Visa and Financial Matters Worksheet
Student Visa and Financial Matters Worksheet
AFTER BEING ADMITTED
You should start preparing to apply for an F-1 student visa. In order for SAIC to issue a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 form) for you to apply for an F-1 student visa, you are required by the Department of State (DOS) to submit evidence of adequate and sufficient funding to meet the estimated tuition and living expenses as outlined in the Graduate Student Budget table. You will receive an invitation to create your profile in Terra Dotta in the spring after you submit your enrollment deposit.
Follow The Steps Below
1. Refer to the Graduate Student Budget table on “Step 2: Tuition and Expense Estimate” to identify your program and the corresponding total annual expenses. Add any required funding for additional programs/requests (e.g. Summer intensive for MDDO, dependents).
Enter your total expense estimate $ ____________________________
2 Complete an I-20 request via Terra Dotta (global.saic.edu). Self Sponsored
Name of any sponsor/s _______________________________
3. Submit a bank statement showing an account balance issued within the past six months. Please write the student’s full name on any bank statements or letters belonging to a sponsor.
THE BANK ACCOUNT MUST:
• Be in the name of you and/or your sponsor
• Show the type of currency clearly
• Be issued in English or have an accompanying translation
Declarations of assets/property, tax filings, or statements of estimated earnings from employers cannot be accepted. SAIC is not responsible if the amount of funding shown to be available by students or sponsor/s on the Statement of Financial Support Request becomes unavailable after the date on the document.
4. Upload a photocopy of your passport biographical page clearly showing your name/personal information.
5. Submit your complete I-20 application packet to International Affairs via Terra Dotta (global.saic.edu). You will be given access to this portal once you have submitted your enrollment deposit. Do NOT email any of the requested documents to International Affairs.
International Affairs
36 South Wabash, suite 1203 Chicago, IL 60603
312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu
FOR STUDENTS TRANSFERRING AN I-20 FROM ANOTHER U.S. INSTITUTION
If you have attended school in the U.S. and currently hold a valid I-20, you will need to follow these additional steps to transfer your I-20 to SAIC.
1. When you complete your Declaration of Intent in Terra Dotta, please select “I am currently attending/have recently attended a U.S. institution and will transfer my SEVIS Record.”
2. Click the Transfer In button in Terra Dotta to open the Transfer Release Form. Confirm with your current advisor the SEVIS Transfer Release Date and their email and enter the information.
3. If you are traveling outside the U.S. before beginning your studies at SAIC, please:
• Enter your travel information in the Transfer Release Form in Terra Dotta.
• Check the expiration date of your F-1 visa; students with an expired visa will need to apply for a renewal while outside the U.S.
• DO NOT use the I-20 from your previous school to re-enter the U.S.; you MUST use your SAIC I-20 when re-entering.
STUDENTS WITH IMMIGRATION STATUS OTHER THAN F-1
If you entered the U.S. on a visa type other than F-1, or if you are a U.S. permanent resident, please submit a copy of the current visa page from your passport with your I-94 (cbp.gov/i94), or a copy of your Alien Registration Card (front and back) as verification of your current status to International Affairs.
312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu
Tuition and Expense Estimate
GRAD BOOT CAMP
Students in the following grad programs may be required to begin their degrees with a 6 credit design intensive. These students must show additional funding (U.S. $16,921) to account for the tuition and living expenses associated with this summer boot camp.
• Master of Design in Designed Objects
LOW-RESIDENCY MFA
Students in the Low-Residency MFA program begin their degrees with a six-week summer residency and are issued an I-20 to stay in the U.S. for the residency portion of the degree only. Low-Residency MFA students must provide $22,699 in funding evidence.
Graduate Student Annual Budget
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING COSTS
2024–25 on-campus housing in SAIC Residence Hall (double occupancy room rate at U.S. $14,750, plus meals/food budget of $3,850) is estimated in total at U.S. $18,600.
DEPENDENTS
Students who will be accompanied by a spouse and/or a child/ children must complete a dependent supplement when applying for an I-20 online and provide photocopies of each dependent’s passport. Evidence of additional funding in the amount of U.S. $6,300 (spouse only), $5,300 (1 child only), $11,600 (spouse + 1 child), or $16,900 (spouse + 2 children) is required.
* Note that these costs reflect expenses for the 2024–25 academic year; tuition and expense estimates are subject to yearly increases. Tuition per credit hour in Fall/Spring 2024–25: Post-Bacc (5th year undergraduate) $1,848 /Grad $1,926. ** Divide in half for
STEP 3: Make Your Enrollment Deposit
Make Your Enrollment Deposit
In order to accept your admission and secure your place in our 2025 class, we require that admitted students pay a nonrefundable $500 enrollment deposit. The deposit is not an extra fee, and will be applied toward your tuition charges.
You may submit your deposit as soon as you are committed to SAIC, and no later than the date stated on your admission letter.
To make your enrollment deposit online by ACH (electronic check), wire transfer, or credit card (convenience fee will be charged for credit card):
1. If you have not done so already, activate your ARTIC account at password.artic.edu. See Step 1.
2. Visit saic.edu/students.
3. Click the “Self-Service” button under Accounts.
4. Enter your login information.
5. Click on “Student Homepage” in the top center of the page and go to the “Financial Account” section.
6. Click on the Transact button. Make sure your popup blocker is turned off. A new window showing Transact should appear.
7. In Transact, click on “Make a Payment” in the menu on the left-hand side.
8. Click on “Enrollment Deposit.
Though online payment is the preferred method for paying your tuition deposit, you may also send a check or money order to: SAIC Graduate Admissions, 36 S. Wabash, suite 1201, Chicago, IL 60603. Please include your 7-digit SAIC ID number in the memo line.
A complete list of payment options and instructions can be found at saic.edu/payment
312.629.6830 |
36 South Wabash, suite 1203 Chicago, IL 60603
312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu
Secure Housing saic.edu/housing
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:
Living on campus allows you to immerse yourself in a community of fellow artists, live just minutes away from your classes in the heart of downtown Chicago, and enjoy conveniences you won’t find in most student apartments.
Residence Hall Features:
• Large, well-lit common studios
• Computer labs
• In-building/in-unit laundry
• Live-in professional staff
• 24-hour security staff
• Private bathrooms
• In-room wireless internet
• In-room kitchenettes/kitchens
HOUSING APPLICATION PROCESS
Housing invitations, including next steps, are sent via mail and to your SAIC email address beginning in March.
Once you receive your invitation:
• Log in at saic-housing.artic.edu.
• Enter your preference for building, room, bed type and lifestyle choices.
• Sign your Fall 2025 housing contract electronically.
• Pay your $550 housing deposit online You may also send a check or money order to Residence Life, 36 S. Wabash Ave. suite 1209, Chicago, IL 60603. Please include your student ID in the memo line of the check or money order.
• Once your contract and payment have been received, a housing confirmation email will be sent to YOUR SAIC EMAIL ADDRESS ONLY.
• Move-in sign up will happen in July; Room assignments and roommate contact information will be available in early August.
The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required; however, we strongly encourage every member of our community to stay up to date on their vaccinations. If changing conditions in Chicago or on campus necessitate it, the vaccine requirement will be reinstated.
continued on the following page
MEAL PLAN saic.edu/where-eat/meal-plans
If you plan to live in one of our residence halls you will be required to purchase a meal plan. You will be able to use your declining dining dollar balance at one of SAIC’s three dining locations.
Our dining facilities offer delicious and nutritious selections, including vegetarian, vegan, and glutenfree options. Utilizing organic, fair trade and local ingredients, as well as promoting sustainability, are important aspects of food service at SAIC.
In addition, our residence hall rooms are equipped with either kitchenettes — including two-burner stoves, a microwave and full-sized refrigerator or full kitchens — for you to prepare meals and snacks.
Zhecong Huang Dear Mom
312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
SAIC is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, easily accessible from many of the city’s historic and diverse neighborhoods. The Residence Life office staff can serve as a resource to you as you seek off-campus housing. Many resources for off-campus living can be found in the “offcampus housing” tab of the housing website. We can provide neighborhood information, tips for apartment searching, a list of common abbreviations, and a booklet with many helpful resources.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago has partnered with Places4Students.com, a company that specializes in providing off-campus housing solutions for post-secondary students. Because the free listing database is provided exclusively for SAIC students, faculty, and staff, you will be asked to go through a simple registration process, and your password will be sent to your SAIC email account within seconds.
Access Places4Students, plus other information, at saic.edu/offcampushousing
Other services offered by Residence Life include:
• Assistance in finding an SAIC roommate
• Map of Chicago neighborhoods popular with SAIC students
• Tips on managing an apartment search in Chicago
• Information on leasing and tenant responsibilities
Register for Classes
REGISTERING FOR CLASSES:
Students will be contacted by their individual departments directly to schedule an advising appointment. For general questions, students may contact the admissions counselor for each department:
Noelle Rose nrose@saic.edu
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
• Architecture (MFA, M.Arch, M.Arch with a track in Interior Architecture)
• Designed Objects (MFA, M.Des)
• Design for Emerging Technologies (MFA)
• Fashion, Body and Garment (MFA)
• Historic Preservation (MS, Certificate)
• Low-Residency MFA
• Performance (MFA, Post-Bacc)
• Photography (MFA)
• Writing (MFA)
Katie Batten kbatten@saic.edu
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
• Art and Technology / Sound Practices (MFA, Post-Bacc)
• Art Education (MA)
• Art Therapy and Counseling (MA)
• Painting and Drawing (MFA)
• Printmedia (MFA, Post-Bacc)
• Teaching (MA)
• Visual and Critical Studies (MA)
• Visual Communication Design (MFA, Post-Bacc)
Elizabeth Lalley elalley@saic.edu
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
• Arts Administration and Policy (MA)
• Ceramics (MFA, Post-Bacc)
• Comics (MFA)
• Dual Degree: Arts Administration and Policy and Modern and Contemporary Art History (MA)
• Fiber and Material Studies (MFA, Post-Bacc)
• Film, Video, New Media, and Animation (MFA, Post-Bacc)
• Modern and Contemporary Art History (MA)
• Painting and Drawing (Post-Bacc)
• Sculpture (MFA)
TRANSFER CREDITS
Please note that any transfer credit requests must be made at the time of admission only.
To request an evaluation of the credits you wish to transfer, send an email with the subject line:
Graduate Transfer Credit Request, [Your first and last name], [Your graduate degree program name] and include a list of the classes with their titles and course numbers, and the school where you attended these classes, to: gradmiss@saic.edu
After the department evaluates your request, you will receive a notification and the approved classes will be forwarded to the Office of Records (Registrar).
Failure to request these credits by the end of the Add/Drop period during the first semester will result in these credits not being transferred.
Payment Information
Student Financial Services is dedicated to helping you through the process of financing your education at SAIC and can provide multiple ways to manage your payments, including a payment plan, which will stretch your tuition payments over the course of the semester.
• Electronic bills (eBills) are provided monthly in Transact if you have a balance due or if you have had account activity since the last monthly bill. They can be viewed online by students and payers if they have been set up in Transact by the student.
• Payment in full or payment arrangements of any balance not covered by financial aid is required by August 15 for the fall semester, December 15 for the winter term, January 15 for the spring semester, and May 15 for the summer term in order to avoid late fees, restriction of access on campus, and prevention from future registration and release of academic transcripts.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Check or Money Order (Made Payable in U.S. Currency):
• Mail: SAIC’s Bursar’s Office, 37 S. Wabash, room 245, Chicago, IL 60603 U.S.A.
Credit Card, ACH (Automated Check Handling), Wire Transfers
• Made online through Transact in Self-Service — All major credit cards are accepted.
• To allow parents/guardians to make payments, set up an payment plans, and view eBills, you will need to set up a Payer account for them in Transact.
• A service fee is charged for credit card payments, but not for ACH payments or wire transfers.
Tuition and Fee Payment Plan
• Four payment semester plan available through Transact in SelfService for fall and spring semesters
• Three payment semester plans available for summer semester
• Payment plan enrollment fee — $50 per semester
• Enroll online through Self-Service
Important Dates
EARLY JULY
Fall 2025 charges and payment plans available online
LATE JULY
First fall 2025 bill available in Transact
AUGUST 15
Tuition payments or payment arrangements due AUGUST 25: Deadline to waive health insurance (first day of classes)
Bárbara Baron Spirit Finger/Halcyon Bootleggin’,
36 South Wabash, suite 1203 Chicago, IL 60603
312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu
Health Insurance and Immunization
ACCEPT OR WAIVE HEALTH INSURANCE
Health insurance coverage is required for all international students. If you wish to accept SAIC’s coverage you need not do anything further and the charge will be applied to your account.
If you have comparable health insurance and would like to request a waiver of SAIC’s health insurance, you may do so by doing the following:
1. Complete an online waiver form by the end of the first day of classes at saic.myahpcare.com/waiver; AND
2. Provide proof that your coverage meets SAIC’s minimum standards by uploading a copy of both sides of your insurance card; AND
3. Allow SAIC’s designee to verify your coverage.
Questions? SAIC_Studentinsurance@saic.edu
IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
Illinois State law requires proof of general immunizations for all college students enrolled for six or more credits per semester.
The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required; however, we strongly encourage every member of our community to stay up to date on their vaccinations. If changing conditions in Chicago or on campus necessitate it, the vaccine requirement will be reinstated.
Please see saic.edu/health for immunization requirement details and record submission instructions. All records are due by July 1.
Questions? Contact the SAIC Health Services Office at 312.499.4288 or healthservices@saic.edu.
STEP 8: Transcripts
Transcripts
Final offical transcripts are due to the Graduate Admissions office by July 1.
| intaff@saic.edu
Transcripts are considered official if sent directly from the degree- or credit-granting institution to the SAIC Graduate Admissions office. The final official transcript must have your degree and graduation date listed. Hard copy transcripts are considered official if the documents remain in the registrar’s original signed and sealed envelopes.
Official transcripts can be sent in digital and hard-copy format. Digital transcripts can be sent from the degree- or creditgranting institution to gradmiss@saic.edu.
Hard copy transcripts can be mailed to:
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Graduate Admissions
36 S. Wabash Ave., suite 1201 Chicago, IL 60603
Attend Orientation
All incoming graduate and post-baccalaureate students are required to attend Orientation. Please see the Graduate Orientation Website at saic.edu/orientation for detailed information on New Graduate Student Orientation, International Graduate Student Orientation, Information Sessions, and the All Graduate Student Reception.
Important Dates
Mandatory International Student Canvas Course and In-person Workshop
Mandatory New Graduate Student Orientation
August 2025
To be completed in Canvas. You will receive an invitation in August from International Affairs. Workshop date TBA in late August.
To be completed in Canvas. You will receive an invitation in August from the Graduate Division New Graduate Student Reception
Mandatory MFA Studio Lotteries and Studio Safety Orientation
Mandatory Departmental Orientations for New Graduate Students
Schedules vary. You will receive details from your department in August.
Schedules vary. You will receive details from your department in August.
STEP 9: Attend Orientation
312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu
ARTICard, U-Pass and Textbooks
SAIC ARTICard (ID Card): saic.edu/articard
The ARTICard is SAIC’s mandatory identification card which provides access to facilities, equipment, and library books, as well as providing debit card capabilities on campus and at select off-campus sites. It can be used to make copies, print projects, do laundry, purchase books and supplies, and buy food. There is no membership fee, service charge or minimum balance. The balance carries over from semester to semester, year to year until the account is closed.
ARTICards are available for pick up by appointment from the ARTICard office. In order to avoid long wait times, students are encouraged to send in their photos electronically at least four weeks before their appointment. Visit saic.edu/articard for more details.
Deposits to your ARTICard can be made by cash at one of the Value Transfer Station machines located on campus, or online with a credit card or electronic check (see instructions for depositing online at saic.edu/articard ).
Questions?
Contact ARTICard/ U-Pass office at 312.629.9362 or articard@saic.edu.
Ventra™ U-Pass
The U-Pass entitlement, loaded onto a Ventra U-Pass card, allows eligible students unlimited use of CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus and rail transportation each fall, spring, winter, and summer term. Eligible students are those who are registered for six or more credit hours for each fall, spring, and summer term, and three credit hours for the winter term. The Ventra U-Pass card can be used as a full fare card whenever the U-Pass entitlement is not active. The cost of the U-Pass entitlement is $155* per fall and spring semester, a savings of over $150 when compared with regular CTA fares. The winter U-Pass fee is $35* and the summer U-Pass fee is $115*.
The fee is charged to the tuition and fee accounts of all eligible students who choose to opt in each semester. A one-time $5 fee, which covers the cost of the card, will also be charged to each student’s account for the initial issuance of the Ventra U-Pass card. The Ventra U-Pass is distributed during the first week of school and should be kept for subsequent semesters. Incoming transfer students who hold a Ventra U-Pass card from their previous school can contact the ARTICard office to have their card information transferred to SAIC.
Questions?
Contact the ARTICard/U-Pass office at 312.629.9362 or articard@saic.edu
* Price is subject to change
Textbooks
The DePaul University/Barnes & Noble College Bookstore, located at the corner of Jackson Blvd. and State St. (1 East Jackson Boulevard), is SAIC’s designated primary provider for textbooks and course packet services. The store provides a space in the textbook area of the lower level for all SAIC class book titles and course packets (all SAIC books and course packets are found under the department “SAIC” and are then organized alphabetically by SAIC department). The store accepts ARTICard for purchases, and also buys and sells used textbooks.
You can access SAIC class book lists at depaul-loop.bncollege.com. From the top tab, choose “Course Materials and Textbooks,” “Find Course Materials,” and then select “DePaul University Loop Campus & SAIC” as your campus. The upcoming term for SAIC will be displayed- enter the requested course information to find materials for your course.
Please note: Many courses may not have books or supplies listed until the beginning of the semester.
Class Supplies
During the weeks leading up to the start of classes and/or during the first week of class, faculty may share syllabi and suggested course supplies on Canvas.
312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu
Teaching Assistantships and Jobs
FINDING A JOB
The Career and Professional Experience (CAPX) office assists students in finding on-campus, Work-Study jobs (which are posted in late July/early August) as well as finding off-campus employment.
Starting with your first semester, you should make use of CAPX’s resources for developing career strategies, preparing resumes and portfolios, finding funding and writing grant proposals, pursuing exhibition opportunities, and developing networking and interviewing skills.
TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS (TAS) AT SAIC
There are Teaching Assistantship positions (TAs) open every semester in most studio and academic departments, and all graduate students are eligible to apply. TA positions are much like part-time work in that they are paid hourly rather than in exchange for tuition costs and do not involve a stipend. Three to six hours of class time per week is required along with additional preparation time outside of class. These positions are primarily meant to provide students with valuable teaching experience and to offset a portion of living expenses. It is likely that all interested students will be a TA for at least one or two semesters over the course of their time at SAIC. Some TA spots are held for incoming graduate students, and there are occasionally other undergraduate teaching opportunities.
Students can access all available Teaching Assistantships via Handshake. If logging in for the first time, you will be asked to complete a quick survey about your preferences. Students are automatically signed up for Handshake through their ARTIC account, and can sign in to Handshake using their SAIC.edu username and password.
PAY RATES
saic.edu/studentpayroll
A graduate student will be paid for teaching their own class (Instructor of Record), and for assisting a full- or part-time instructor (Advanced Instructional Assistant). Federal WorkStudy eligibility is not required for these positions. Pay rates can be found on the Student Payroll website above.
Contact the CAPX office at 312.499.4130 or careers@ saic.edu for help with your job search or accessing your Handshake account. Direct specific TA position inquiries to the administrative director of the academic department to which you were admitted.
