SAIC Spring 2024 International Student Next Steps by School of the Art Institute of Chicago

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 us with any questions as you make your plans to travel to the U.S. intaff@saic.edu

saic.edu/international

Lawrence Rodriguez

Jessica Wolfe

Director of International Affairs

Assistant Director of International Student Services

Melody Miller

Victoria McAllister

International Student Advisor & SEVIS Analyst

Associate Director of Study Abroad

MANDATORY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CANVAS CLASS SPRING UNDERGRAD (First Year and Transfer) Complete by Monday, January 22, 2024 The International class is required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and serves as your SAIC immigration “check in.” It also is an opportunity for you to hear about services at SAIC and to learn how to maintain your immigration status. You are required to complete this class.

OUR TEAM WILL: ADVISE you regarding your immigration status UPDATE you on cultural programming and social activities ASSIST you in participating in study trips around the U.S. and abroad CONNECT you with the many services SAIC provides for students SUPPORT you in making plans when the time comes to complete your studies Learn more by visiting SAIC International Affairs’ Facebook page! facebook.com/saic.internationalaffairs

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

MEET OUR TEAM:

SAIC

CONGRATULATIONS

In order to make online deposits, 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. 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

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 gmail 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. Questions? Contact the CRIT Help Desk at 312.345.3535 or crithelpdesk@artic.edu. CRIT Help Desk hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT

1 ACTIVATE YOUR ARTIC ACCOUNT

• Your birthdate (two digit day, dash, and all caps three digit month) Example: 19-AUG

STEP

ACTIVATE YOUR ARTIC ACCOUNT

STEP

IMMIGRATION AND FINANCIAL MATTERS WORKSHEET AFTER BEING ADMITTED You should begin to consider your immigration options. In order for SAIC to issue a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 form) for you to apply for F-1 (student visa) status, you are required by U.S. immigration law to submit evidence of adequate and sufficient funding to meet the estimated tuition and living expenses as outlined in the Undergraduate and Graduate Student table.

FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW Refer to the 2023-24 Undergraduate Student Budget table on the last page of Step 2 to identify your program and the corresponding total annual expense estimate. Add any required funding for additional programs/requests (e.g. dependents). Enter your total expense estimate $ ______________________. 2. Complete and upload the Statement of Financial Support Request and I-20 requests viaTerra Dotta (global.saic.edu). If you have more than one sponsor, use a separate request for each one. Self Sponsored

Name of any sponsor/s _________________________________

3. Upload a bank statement that shows an account balance issued within the past six months. Please write your full name on any bank statements 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 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. continued on the following page

IMMIGRATION AND FINANCIAL MATTERS WORKSHEET

If you have attended school in the U.S. and currently hold a valid I-20, you 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 international student 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:

• 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 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94), or a copy of your Alien Registration Card (front and back) as verification of your current status to International Affairs.

2 CONTINUED

• Enter your travel information in the Transfer Release Form in Terra Dotta.

STEP

FOR STUDENTS TRANSFERRING AN I-20 FROM ANOTHER U.S. INSTITUTION

UNDERGRAD

2023-24 FALL/SPRING TUITION LIVING (Room/Board) EXPENSES * PERSONAL EXPENSES TRANSPORTATION BOOKS & SUPPLIES MEDICAL/HEALTH INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY & UPASS FEE TOTAL SUMMER 2024 TUITION TOTAL

$ 53,550 $ 18,100 $ 1,420 $ 710 $ 1,830 $ 3,650 $ 980 $80,240 6 CR HOURS $ 10,710

**Note that these costs reflect expenses for the 2023–24 academic year; tuition and expense estimates are subject to yearly increases. Tuition per credit hour in Fall/Spring 2023–24: undergrad $1,785 .

$ 5,640 $ 16,350

* Residence Halls Double Room Rate

HOUSING COSTS 2023–24 on-campus housing in SAIC Residence Hall (double occupancy room rate at U.S. $14,300, plus meals/food budget of $3,800) is estimated in total at U.S. $18,100.

DEPENDENTS Students who will be accompanied by a spouse and/or a child/children must complete the dependent supplement at the time they submit their Statement of Financial Support in Terra Dotta 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.

2 TUITION AND EXPENSE ESTIMATE

LIVING EXPENSES

30 CR/ANNUAL

STEP

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT BUDGET

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 • Live-in professional staff • In-room wireless internet

• Computer Labs • 24-hour security staff • In-room kitchenettes/kitchens

• In-building/in-unit laundry • Private bathrooms

HOUSING APPLICATION PROCESS Housing invitations, including next steps, are sent via mail and to your SAIC email address beginning in November.

Illinois state law requires proof of general immunizations for all students enrolled for 6 or more credits per semester. All records are due by January 1. Please see saic.edu/ health for immunization requirements and record submission instructions. The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required to be on campus; 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.

Meal Plan saic.edu/where-eat/meal-plans If you plan to live in one of our residence halls you will be required to have 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, run by Food for Thought, offer delicious and nutritious selections, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free 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. continued on the following page International Affairs | 36 South Wabash, suite 1203 | Chicago, IL 60603 | 312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu | #saicclassof2028

3 SECURE HOUSING

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 Spring 2024 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. • Room assignments and roommate contact information will be available in early January.

Move-in dates for Spring 2024: International New Students: Sunday, January 21

STEP

SECURE HOUSING saic.edu/housing

STEP

3 CONTINUED

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 “off-campus housing” tab of the housing website. There is 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 • Resources on leasing and tenant responsibilities

In order to accept your admission and secure your place in our spring 2024 class, we require that admitted students pay a non-refundable $300 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. To make your deposit online by ACH (electronic check), wire transfer, or credit card (convenience fee will be charged for credit card): 1.

Though online payment is the preferred method for paying your deposit, you may also send a check or money order to: SAIC Undergraduate 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.

REGISTERING FOR SPRING 2024 CLASSES: After November 27, all newly admitted international students can sign up for a virtual registration appointment. To schedule your appointment, visit saic.edu/regappt. continued on the following page

4 ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT AND REGISTER FOR CLASSES

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” link under Accounts. 4. E nter 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 pop-up 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.” 9. Click on “Enrollment Deposit-New Undergraduate Student $300” and follow the instructions.

STEP

MAKE YOUR ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT

AP, CLEP or IB Credit and Scores: During your registration appointment, please make sure that you inform your counselor that you have AP, CLEP or IB scores that you will be submitting officially to the Admissions office. SAIC awards 3 credits for scores of 3–5 on ANY AP subject test. For IB, SAIC will award 6 credit hours for scores of 4–7 at the higher level (HL) only. SAIC awards a combined maximum of 12 credit hours to first-time freshmen.

Academic Access Program (AAP) SAIC’s Academic Access Program is an academic enrichment program for freshmen and transfer students designed to strengthen academic skills prior to beginning our rigorous Liberal Arts degree requirements. Information regarding Academic Access Program requirements and placement will be provided to students prior to registering for classes.

International students with a TOEFL score below 96, an IELTS band score below 7.0, PTE Academic score below 65, or Duolingo score below 120 must register for EIS courses. International students who are required to take EIS courses may be able to test for placement during orientation.

Transferring Credit College-level equivalent courses for which a student has received a grade equivalent to “C” or better are eligible for transfer. These include early college courses taken at SAIC or other institutions. Transfer students seeking advanced studio placement within the departments of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects; and Visual Communication Design MUST respectively provide technical and conceptual examples of their work in order to waive prerequisite studio coursework specific to these departments. Please inform your counselor if you are currently enrolled in any courses or plan to enroll in courses this summer at your local college or university. Transfer students may be awarded up to 66 credit hours.

SUBMIT YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPTS BY January 15 Send us your final, official transcript(s) by January 15. All admission decisions are subject to evaluation of final high school or college transcripts. Send transcript(s) to: School of the Art Institute of Chicago Undergraduate Admissions 36 South Wabash, suite 1201 Chicago, IL 60603 OR Your counselor may upload your final transcripts through the Common Application OR Email to admiss@saic.edu

4 CONTINUED

English Courses for International Students (EIS)

STEP

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOUR REGISTRATION APPOINTMENT:

PAYMENT INFORMATION Student Financial Services is dedicated to helping you through the process of financing your education at SAIC and has provided multiple ways to manage your payments, including payment plans, 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 OPTIONS Check or Money Order (Made Payable in U.S. Currency): • Mail: SAIC’s Bursar’s Office, 37 S. Wabash, suite 245, Chicago, IL 60603 U.S.A. • In-person: SAIC’s Bursar’s Office, Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Wire Transfers, Credit Card, ACH (Automated Check Handling) • Made online through Transact in Self-Service — All major credit cards are accepted. • To allow parents/guardians to to make payments, set up 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 for fall and spring semesters. • Three payment semester plans available for summer semesters. • Payment plan enrollment fee — $50 per semester. • Enroll online through Transact in Self-Service.

IMPORTANT DATES: • December 16: • December 22: • January 15: • January 25:

Spring 2024 charges and payment plans available online First Spring 2024 bill available on Transact Tuition payments or payment arrangements due Deadline to Waive Health Insurance (first day of classes)

Questions? Student Financial Services, 36 S. Wabash Ave., suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603,

saic.sfs@saic.edu, saic.edu/sfs

5 PAYMENT INFORMATION

• 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/diplomas.

STEP

PAYMENT INFORMATION saic.edu/ugpayment

saic.edu/health

ACCEPT OR WAIVE HEALTH INSURANCE: Health insurance coverage is required for all international students and is charged automatically to your student account. If you wish to accept SAIC’s coverage you need not do anything further. 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:

Questions? SAIC_Studentinsurance@saic.edu IMMUNIZATION RECORDS: Illinois State law requires proof of general immunization for all college students enrolled for six or more credits per semester. The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required to be on campus; 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 requirements and record submission instructions. All records are due by January 1.

Questions? Contact the SAIC Health Services Office at 312.499.4288 or healthservices@saic.edu.

6 HEALTH INSURANCE AND IMMUNIZATION

1. Complete an online waiver request 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.

STEP

HEALTH INSURANCE AND IMMUNIZATION

International Student Canvas Class: January 2024 As an international student, you are required to take the International Student Canvas Class, and you are required to participate in the general New Student Orientation Canvas class that launches January 9. There will also be a mandatory Immigration Workshop during orientation. More information will be shared in December. As an extension of New Student Orientation, Welcome Week programming will take place January 22–24 and is immersive programming where you will engage in small group discussions and social programming. The following is just a small sampling of the types of things you will be doing:

In order to have all the information you need to transition into the SAIC community you are required to participate in orientation and attend Welcome Week. You will be assigned an orientation leader — a current SAIC student — and will spend your first few days getting to know a small group of your fellow new students, giving you the opportunity to immediately make friends and learn about your peers while you learn about SAIC. Since students are required to attend this event, RSVPs are not required. An orientation fee will be added to your student account.

Parent and Family Orientation: Parents and families will also have an opportunity to engage in virtual Orientation and Welcome Week programming, and we have created special programming for them including: • P rograms designed to highlight the history and future of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and provide a true sense of the community you will be joining. • T he opportunity to connect with other parents and students and much, much more!

All Parent and Family Orientation Launch Date: January 9 Parent and Family Welcome Programming: January 22

Parents and families are not charged a fee for orientation. Sign up at saic.edu/orientation.

7 PARTICIPATE IN ORIENTATION AND WELCOME WEEK

• Meeting with current SAIC students • Attending a Campus Resource Fair • Participating in activities with your Orientation Leader • Meeting with your faculty

STEP

PARTICIPATE IN ORIENTATION AND WELCOME WEEK PROGRAMMING saic.edu/orientation

Laptop Requirement: saic.edu/laptop All incoming undergraduate students, with the exception of second-degree students, are required to own a laptop prior to the first day of classes. Detailed information can be found at saic. edu/laptop.

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

Please note: For spring 2024, the CTA will allow eligible fulltime students to opt in or out of the U-Pass program. QUESTIONS? Contact the ARTICard/U-Pass office at 312.629.9362 or articard@saic.edu. * Price is subject to change.

Text Books 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.

8 LAPTOP, ARTICARD, U-PASS & TEXT BOOKS

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, SAIC ARTICARD winter, and summer term. (ID Card): Eligible students are those who saic.edu/articard are registered with six or more credit hours for each fall, spring, The ARTICard is SAIC’s and summer term, and three mandatory identification card credit hours for the winter term. which provides access to The Ventra U-Pass card can be facilities, equipment, and library used as a full fare card whenever books, as well as providing debit the U-Pass entitlement is not card capabilities on campus and active. The cost of the U-Pass at select off-campus sites. It can entitlement is $155* per fall and be used to make copies, print spring semester, a savings of projects, do laundry, purchase over $150 when compared with books and supplies, and buy regular CTA fares. The winter food. There is no membership U-Pass fee is $35* and the fee, service charge or minimum summer U-Pass fee is $115*. balance. The balance carries over from semester to semester, The fee is charged to the tuition year to year until the account is and fee accounts of all eligible closed. students who choose to opt in each semester. A one-time $5 ARTICards are available for fee, which covers the cost of pick up by appointment from the card, will also be charged the ARTICard office. In order to to each student’s account for avoid long wait times, students the initial issuance of the Ventra are encouraged to send in U-Pass card. The Ventra U-Pass their photos electronically at is distributed during the first least one week before their week of school and should be appointment. Visit saic.edu/ kept for subsequent semesters. articard for more details. Incoming transfer students who hold a Ventra U-Pass card Deposits to your ARTICard can from their previous school can be made by cash at one of the contact the ARTICard office Value Transfer Station machines to have their card information located on campus, or online QUESTIONS? For questions regarding software and hardware, contact 312.345.3738, option 1 or laptop@saic.edu.

transferred to SAIC.

STEP

LAPTOP, ARTICARD, U-PASS & TEXT BOOKS