Frequently Asked Questions

What is the First Year Scholars Program?  

The First Year Scholars program is a learning community of undergraduate students pursuing rigorous study in both their academic and studio coursework.

There is currently only one opportunity for students to join the First Year Scholars Program: at the time of admission to the school as a new first-year student.  Students are recruited via the Admissions Office, and they are subsequently admitted as First Year Scholars. This Admissions page has more detail on that process.

I'm a current student. Can I apply to the program?

In the past there has been an option for eligible students to apply to the First Year Scholars in the fall semester of their first year. This option is not currently available as the program goes through review. 

What are the benefits of being a First Year Scholar?

Once admitted to the First Year Scholars Program, students have access to selected scholars designated courses in the departments of Liberal Arts, Art History and the Contemporary Practices. These courses provide an opportunity for scholars to engage in a learning community with others interested in pursuing rigorous academic study and studio work. Scholars who complete the required coursework (5 required courses) will be awarded with priority registration permission for their junior and senior years at SAIC.  

What happens if I do not finish all of the required Scholars courses?

Scholars who do not complete the required coursework will not be eligible to receive priority registration permission.

I enrolled as a Scholar prior to fall 2022. Where can I find my scholars course options?

As a result of curriculum changes and revisions over time, there is more than one version of the Scholars program currently active. The version of the program that you are participating in will depend on the year that you started your studies at SAIC. If you were enrolled as a SAIC Scholar prior to fall 2022 you can find your course options on the dedicated pre-fall 2022 CANVAS page, linked here.  If you enrolled in the fall 2022 or fall 2023 you can link to your dedicated CANVAS page here.  If you enrolled in fall 2024 you can link to your dedicated CANVAS page here. If you enrolled in fall 2025 your CANVAS page is linked here.

How can I get more information about the First Year Scholars Program?

Please check back to the First Year Scholars webpage for information on the program. You may also contact the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, via ugdiv@saic.edu, or you may contact your Academic Advisor.