Prepare for the Start of the Semester

As the start of classes approaches, please review the following checklist carefully. Preparing these items will ensure a smooth start to the semester and allow more time for making friends. This checklist will also be available on the MySAIC app. Let’s get started!

Form Submission online packet

Various forms need to be completed and submitted to SAIC before the start of the school year. In your SAIC email you will find a letter from the CRIT Help Desk with links to these forms.

All documents may be submitted electronically. The digital forms include:

• ARTICard

• UPASS Terms and Conditions

• CRIT Software Usage Agreement

• CRIT Laptop Verification

• FERPA-Student Authorization to Release Information Form (optional)

Submit your ID photo

An email with the subject: Submit Your Photo for the ARTICard and U-Pass has been sent to your SAIC account. This e-mail contains a "Submit Your Photo" button which is unique to you. Submit your photo by August 8 so your U-Pass will be available upon your arrival. Photos will be accepted after August 8, but the arrival of your U-Pass will be delayed.

Activate and Pick up your ARTICard

To make online deposits, view financial aid, and review billing information, you need to activate your ARTIC account. This account also provides access to your SAIC email, Self-Service, library databases, and much more. Please note that you will need your SAIC ID number (included in your admission letter) in order to complete this process. Remember to make your ARTICard pick up appointment.

Select your U-Pass status

By now you should have received an e-mail that includes your personalized link to submit your photo for the ARTICard and Ventra U-Pass. Please submit the photo by August 8. For Fall 2024, eligible students who are registered with six or more credit hours can opt in or out of the U-Pass program. To opt in or out of the fall U-Pass, you must respond to the official email that was sent to your SAIC email address. Your U-Pass will not be activated, and you will not be charged for the Fall 2024 U-Pass unless you choose to opt in.

Submit your FERPA paperwork

You will shortly receive an invitation to your SAIC email from Computer Resources and Information Technologies (CRIT) Form Submission to complete electronic versions of several required contracts including Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) waiver. If you wish to fill this form out, please try to do so prior to arriving on campus.

Submit your Immunization Information

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 Services Patient Portal and information about requirements can be found at saic.edu/health. The deadline was July 1, please submit as soon as possible. You can submit records and check your status via the SAIC Health Service Patient Portal.

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

Laptop Requirements

All incoming undergraduate students are required to own an Apple MacBook Pro to meet curricular needs. Please visit saic.edu/laptop to see more information regarding the school's laptop recommendation.

Download the Navigate app

Navigate will allow you to schedule appointments with Academic Advising and the Writing Center, receive and view notifications about important academic dates and deadlines, access your course schedule and see information about your classes. To download the app, visit saic.edu/navigate.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance coverage is required for all full-time domestic and all international students. If you wish to accept SAIC’s coverage, you do not need to do anything further, and the charge will be applied to your account. If you have comparable coverage and wish to waive SAIC’s insurance plan, you must submit an online waiver by August 28, the first day of classes. To review details associated with SAIC’s student health insurance plan, and also to fill out the waiver of coverage, please visit the SAIC Health Service Patient Portal.

Health insurance questions can be directed to: saic_studentinsurance@saic.edu

Download the Handshake app

Handshake is an innovative college-to-career platform used to post all CAPX-approved, for-credit internships. Postings include full-time, part-time, and freelance jobs, volunteer or contract positions, and other employment opportunities. Additionally, all on-campus jobs at SAIC are posted to Handshake.

Handshake also allows students to schedule individualized appointments with CAPX advisors and register for CAPX workshops or events. You’ll learn more about using Handshake during online orientation.

Register to vote

At SAIC we believe in letting your voice be heard. If you are eligible to vote in the United States, we encourage you to register to vote in upcoming elections. SAIC provides a service at Turbo Vote that allows you to register to vote and receive reminders about upcoming elections.