Fall 2024 Next Steps- International Students 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 here. 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 to travel to the U.S. intaff@saic.edu

1.312.629.6830

saic.edu/international

SAIC

CONGRATULATIONS

MEET OUR TEAM:

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 COURSE * SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE SUMMER EIS STUDENTS July 2024 FALL UNDERGRAD (First Year and Transfer) August 2024 Checking in and completing immigration document submission with International Affairs is required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and you can learn more about this process by visiting saic.edu/orientation and reviewing the New Student Orientation and Welcome Week Schedule. New Student Orientation and Welcome Week are also an opportunity for you to hear about services at SAIC, to learn how to maintain your immigration status, to meet SAIC students, and to get an introduction to the city. The International Student Canvas Course is a part of this program and you are required to complete the course.

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 | 36 South Wabash, suite 1203 | Chicago, IL 60603 | 312.629.6830 | intaff@saic.edu | #saicclassof2028

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Lawrence Rodriguez

In order to make online deposits, view your tuition and fees, 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. IMPORTANT: You may have already activated and logged into the applicant portal to check the status of your application materials, and if so, you will not need to complete the ARTIC account activation process again. The username and password you were assigned for the applicant portal is your ARTIC username and password. To activate your account visit password.artic.edu

• 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 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

Please click the Activate Account button. Enter the captcha seen and then click verify. On the next page, you will be asked for:

STEP

ACTIVATE YOUR ARTIC ACCOUNT

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 Budget table. You will receive an invitation to create your profile in Terra Dotta in the spring after you submit your enrollment deposit.

Refer to the Undergraduate Budget table on “Step 2: 2023-24 Tuition and Expense Estimate” to estimate your total annual expenses. 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 via Terra 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. Complete your Interntional Affairs Declaration of Intent in Terra Dotta. 6. Submit your complete I-20 application packet to International Affairs via Terra Dotta. continued on the following page

2 IMMIGRATION AND FINANCIAL MATTERS WORKSHEET

FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW

STEP

IMMIGRATION AND FINANCIAL MATTERS WORKSHEET

If you 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:

• 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.

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 30 CR/TERM 2023-24 FALL/SPRING $ 53,550 TUITION TECHNOLOGY & UPASS FEE $ 980 LIVING (Room/Board) EXPENSES* $ 18,100 BOOKS & SUPPLIES $ 1,830

SUMMER 2024

6 CR HOURS

TUITION LIVING EXPENSES

$ 10,710

TOTAL

$ 16,350

PERSONAL EXPENSES TRANSPORTATION

*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

* Residence Halls Double Room Rate

SUMMER EIS Students beginning their undergrad degrees with the optional Summer English for International Students program must show additional funding to account for the tuition and living expenses associated with this program. For more info see saic.edu/eis.

ON-CAMPUS 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.

EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE ECPSI student costs (tuition, housing, meals) for Summer 2024 are budgeted at U.S. $9,540 for the four-week session, U.S. $4,770 for the two-week session, and U.S. $2,385 for the one-week session. Scholarships may be awarded based on merit. See the ECP website for details about the program at saic.edu/ecp.

2 TUITION AND EXPENSE ESTIMATE

TOTAL

$ 3,650 $ 1,420 $ 710 $80,240

MEDICAL/HEALTH INSURANCE

STEP

UNDERGRADUATE 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 early February for early action students and after March 1 for non-early action students.

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.

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 Fall 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. • Move-in sign up will happen in July; Room assignments and roommate contact information will be available in early August.

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 register for classes, you must submit your $450 deposit by May 1. 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. A complete list of payment options and instructions can be found at saic.edu/payment.

REGISTERING FOR CLASSES: Schedule a registration appointment: Beginning April 1, visit saic.edu/regappt or contact the Admissions office between 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (CT) at 800.232.7242 or 312.629.6100, to schedule a registration appointment. Registration will begin May 1, and appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis with earlier dates reserved for Early Action applicants. Phone Registration: If you schedule a phone appointment, an admission counselor will call you at a phone number you designate to help select your courses. Appointments will last between 30–45 minutes. Virtual Registration: Virtual registration through Zoom or Google Hangouts can also be arranged. When scheduling your appointment or corresponding with your counselor, please let them know your preferences. Appointments will last between 30–45 minutes. continued on the following page

4 MAKE YOUR ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT & 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. 8. Click on Enrollment Deposit.” 9. Click on “Enrollment Deposit – New Undergraduate Student $450” 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 firsttime 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 60 credit hours.

SUBMIT YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPTS BY AUGUST 15 Send us your final, official transcript(s) by August 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 up until July 1. 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 Cash, 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. • 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 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 and Auto-Pay • Four payment semester plan available through Transact in Self-Service for fall and spring semesters • Three payment semester plans available for summer semesters • Payment plan enrollment fee — $50 per semester • Enroll online through Self-Service

IMPORTANT DATES: • Early July: • Late July: • August 15: • August 28:

Fall 2024 charges and payment plans available online First fall 2024 bill available in 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, 312.629.6600 (phone), 312.629.6601 (fax), saic.sfs@saic.edu (email), saic.edu/sfs (web), sfshelp.saic.edu (Q+A), saic.edu/sfslivechat. Virtual or telephone appointments may be made online at 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.

STEP

PAYMENT INFORMATION saic.edu/ugpayment

saic.edu/health

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:

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 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 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

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

New Student Orientation and Parent and Family Orientation courses launch: August 6 Welcome Week: August 24-27 Orientation and Welcome Week Programming is a perfect way to introduce you to all the amazing things at SAIC and beyond. 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 complete the virtual New Student Orientation course and attend Welcome Week. You will be assigned an orientation leader — a current SAIC student — and will spend your first few days with 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. A orientation fee will be added to your student account.

Parent and Family Welcome Programming 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: • Programs 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. • The chance to view the Modern Wing galleries in a private event for families. • A Campus Resource Fair where students, parents and guests can meet staff members from a variety of offices and get all of their last minute questions answered. • The opportunity to connect with other parents and students and much, much more! Parents and families are not charged a fee for orientation. Sign up at saic.edu/orientation.

New Student Orientation Virtual Course Launch: August 6 Parent and Family Orientation Course Launch: August 6 International Parent and Family Welcome Programming: August 22-23 Welcome Week: August 24–27

7 ATTEND ORIENTATION AND WELCOME WEEK

• Mandatory Immigration Workshop • 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. QUESTIONS? For questions regarding software and hardware, contact 312.345.3738, option 1 or laptop@saic.edu.

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.

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.

Ventra™ 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, 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 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.

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

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.

LAPTOP, ARTICARD, U-PASS and BOOKS

LAPTOP, ARTICARD, U-PASS AND BOOKS