Welcome Parents, Family, and Friends!

We know that you offer important support and assistance to our new students, so we provide an undergraduate Parent and Family virtual orientation that is specifically designed to offer a wealth of information for both you and your family. In-person sessions in August will also provide parents and families with an opportunity to learn more about SAIC. 

For those traveling to Chicago, explore all of your accommodation options at our Where to Stay page.

Please note that all events are free of charge, but some events may require an RSVP. 

The Online Orientation Course for undergraduate families will launch on August 6 and will provide you with information and resources that will be vital to your student's SAIC experience. Through interactive content, you’ll learn more about what tools and supports you will find at SAIC, including campus engagement, career-focused information, financial aid, and the academic experience. 

Parents & Families Welcome Programming (in-person)

Saturday, August 24

9:00am – 5:00pm

New Student Move-In | Assigned Residence Hall

Visit the SAIC Housing Portal to sign up for a 1-hour move-in time slot. Residence Life staff will be on site to ensure you are in the correct location and to answer any questions you may have. Additionally, specific move-in information for each of our buildings may be found on our website here.

10:00am – 5:00pm

Welcome Week Check-In | LeRoy Neiman Center, 1st Floor, 37 S. Wabash

Students and families should visit the Welcome Week check-in to receive important information about programming. The check-in process will take approximately 20 minutes, and students and families can visit the check-in at their leisure during the open check-in hours.

11:00am – 4:00pm

Immunization Clinic | Sharp Building, 2nd floor, 37 S. Wabash

SAIC requires MMR, DTP/Td/Tdap, and meningococcal conjugate vaccines as required by the Illinois College Immunization Code. Instructions for submitting records to the SAIC Health and Services Patient Portal and information about requirements can be found here. Students can visit the clinic, speak with Health Services, and/or receive updated vaccinations. 

11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm

Campus Tours | Sharp Building, 1st floor, 37 S. Wabash

Take a tour around SAIC's campus! Each tour runs for approximately 50 minutes. Tours depart from and return to the Sharp building. Visit campus locations such as the Neiman Center, MacLean Building, Lakeview Building, and Sullivan Building. 

Sunday, August 25

9:00am – 5:00pm

New Student Move-In | Assigned Residence Hall

Visit the SAIC Housing Portal to sign up for a 1-hour move-in time slot. Residence Life staff will be on site to ensure you are in the correct location and to answer any questions you may have. Additionally, specific move-in information for each of our buildings may be found on our website here.

9:00am – 3:00pm

Welcome Week Check-In | LeRoy Neiman Center, 1st Floor, 37 S. Wabash

Students and families should visit the Welcome Week check-in to receive important information about programming. The check-in process will take approximately 20 minutes, and students and families can visit the check-in at their leisure during the open check-in hours.

10:00am – 2:00pm

Immunization Clinic | Sharp Building, 2nd floor, 37 S. Wabash

SAIC requires MMR, DTP/Td/Tdap, and meningococcal conjugate vaccines as required by the Illinois College Immunization Code. Instructions for submitting records to the SAIC Health and Services Patient Portal and information about requirements can be found here. Students can visit the clinic, speak with Health Services, and/or receive updated vaccinations. 

10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm

Campus Tours | Sharp Building, 1st floor, 37 S. Wabash

Take a tour around SAIC's campus! Each tour runs for approximately 50 minutes. Tours depart from and return to the Sharp building. Visit campus locations such as the Neiman Center, MacLean Building, Lakeview Building, and Sullivan Building. 

4:00pm – 6:00pm    

Parent and Family Information Sessions: Supporting Your Student| Rubloff Auditorium, Art Institute of Chicago, 230 S. Columbus Drive

Gain valuable information and hear from SAIC departments about how you can support your student during their time at SAIC. Registration for the event has closed. If you missed registration, please register at the door. 

6:00pm – 8:00pm    

Parent and Family Night at the Museum | Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) Modern Wing Entrance, 159 E. Monroe Street

Enjoy a private reception at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing. The program will include welcome remarks from SAIC’s leadership and snacks and beverages will be provided. Registration for the event has closed. If you missed registration, please register at the door. 

When food is provided, all events will include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. If you have accommodation needs, including food accommodations,  please contact orientation@saic.edu so we can make the appropriate arrangements. If the event requires unusual amount of physical activity, it will be noted in the description.