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 21st.

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 7

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. 

Tuesday, January 21: 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
Orientation Group Time and Art-making | Various Locations (your room assignment will be provided to you at check-in)

Get to know your Orientation Leader, the rest of your orientation group, and learn more about what to expect during Welcome Week programming. You’ll also have a chance to connect with your group through an art-making activity. 

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 

Representatives from offices across campus will be available to provide information and answer your questions.

2:00pm
Totes Creative: DIY Bag Decorating (optional social programming)
Whether you want to show off your school pride or express your personal style, join us to create something unique and walk away with your own custom SAIC tote bag. We’ll provide blank tote bags, paints, markers, stencils, embroidery materials, and more. 

Wednesday, January 22: Welcome Week Day 2

9:30am
F-1 Visa: 101 (International Students ONLY)| Sharp Building, 37 S. Wabash Ave., room 326

11:00 – 11:45am

Finding Your Way | (your room assignment will be provided to you at check-in)

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

11:45am – 12:30pm

Lunch with Academic Advisors | Various Locations (your room assignment will be provided to you at check-in)

12:45pm – 2:45pm
On Campus Resources

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion leads the school in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism (DEIA+AR). This session will introduce you to the DEI team and provide you with resources you may need at SAIC.

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. 

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. 

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. 

3:00 – 4:30pm
Research Studio I Class and Hot Chocolate Social | (your room assignment will be provided to you at check-in)

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