Orientation and Welcome Week Schedule
(for Students, Parents, and Families)

Orientation and Welcome Week Schedule

We are excited to meet you virtually and in-person in the coming weeks! This schedule is for student New Student Orientation and Welcome Week programs. All times listed below are in United States Central Time (CT). Please note this schedule is subject to change. 

Welcome Week Events that Parents and Families can attend are listed in pink and will take place on January 22nd.

All events will take place in the SAIC Ballroom (MacLean Center, 112 S. Michigan Ave. unless otherwise noted). 

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.

Tuesday, January 9

12:00pm
New Student and Parent and Family Orientation Virtual Course Launch (complete asynchronously) | canvas.saic.edu
The New Student Orientation course launch will provide you with information and resources that will be vital to your SAIC experience. Through a variety of 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. The course will also feature software downloads for students, which will be required for classes. 

Monday, January 22: Welcome Week Day 1
10:00am
Check-in and Welcome | SAIC Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave.

Students will check in for their Welcome Week experience and meet their Orientation Leader for the first time. 

10:15am
Welcome from SAIC Leadership and Staff

Light refreshments will be served. 

10:30am – 12:30pm
Meet your Orientation Group | Various Locations

At this first meeting of their Orientation Group, students will meet with their Orientation Leader along with the rest of their orientation group. They'll spend some time getting to know each other and learn more about what to expect during Welcome Week programming. 

10:30am – 12:30pm
Supporting your Student: A Guide for Parents and Families | MacLean Center, 112 S. Michigan Ave., Room 301

Staff from across campus will offer sessions covering a variety of topics and interests for parents and families, including supporting your student, life in Chicago, the academic experience, staying well, and career exploration.

12:30 – 1:15pm
Lunch with OSA Staff 

Students and families will meet back up together for lunch in the Ballroom. Staff from the Office of Student Affairs will be there to answer your questions. 

1:15 – 2:00pm
Resource Fair 

Use this program to learn even more about SAIC. Representatives from offices across campus will be available to provide information and answer your questions.

Tuesday, January 23: Welcome Week Day 2

10:00am
OL Meet-Up and Welcome SAIC Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave.

10:30am – 12:00pm
Your Guide to Becoming Healthy and Safety Savvy!

Mind | Body: SAIC Physical and Mental Health Resources

Being an artist at SAIC can challenge you both mentally and physically. Learn about resources and support to help you maintain your overall health and well-being as a practicing artist and student. 

Navigating Conflict at SAIC
This session will discuss the unique role of the Ombudsperson at SAIC and how this position can help students with a host of concerns they may have. 

A Culture of Respect

Part of being safe as a student is making sure you are being safe and respectful in your intimate relationships. In this session you will learn tips on staying safe while you are on campus, online, and while you are out and about in Chicago. Even if you are already safety savvy, this session will help you learn ways to enhance your skills and to increase your awareness.  

Becoming Safety Savvy!
Chicago is our campus and we hope you will enjoy experiencing both SAIC and the city. In this session you will learn tips on staying safe while you are on campus, online, and while you are out and about in Chicago. Even if you are already safety savvy this session will help you learn ways to enhance your skills and to increase your awareness. 

12:00pm – 12:45pm
Lunch with you Orientation Group

1:00 – 2:30pm
Research Studio I Class | Various Locations

Meet your faculty member for your Research Studio class. Attendance is required, so you won’t want to miss it!

5:00pm
Social Programming: Dinner and a Movie (Barbie)! | Neiman Center, 37 S. Wabash Ave., 2nd floor
Join some of the Orientation Leaders for dinner and a screening of Barbie!

Wednesday, January 24: Welcome Week Day 3
9:30am
F-1 Visa: 101 (International Students ONLY) | MacLean, 112 S. Michigan Ave, Rooms 301,302
This mandatory session will walk international students through your required check-in with International Affairs and provide tips and resources for maintaining your F-1 visa status and the resources International Affairs provides.

11:00am
OL Meet-Up and Welcome | MacLean Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave.

11:15am
Colors and Connections | Various Locations

Colors & Connection is a one-hour workshop that brings people together with “connecting through colors” activities. We provide you with thought-provoking exercises that stimulate rich conversations and authentic engagement. 

12:30pm – 1:30pm
Lunch and SAIC Trivia 

Enjoy lunch with your peers! Your Orientation Leaders will also be there, so use this time to engage in learning about their favorite resources. We’ll also host SAIC Trivia with prizes for the winning group!

1:30pm
Meet Your Academic Advisors | Various locations

During this session, Academic Advisors will provide you with information about how you will engage with academic supports during your time at SAIC. 

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Finding Your Way | Various Locations

Your Orientation Leader groups will take a campus tour to help you navigate campus.

3:00 – 4:00pm
Social Programming: Cookie Decorating | Neiman Center, 37 S. Wabash Ave., 2nd floor 

Orientation Leaders will host an afternoon treat with cookie decorating! Stop by to decorate your own afternoon treat and meet other new students.