Computing: Laptop Program

SAIC technology requirement

For more than 140 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been committed to providing the best and most innovative art education possible. SAIC seeks to ensure that, when you graduate, you are fully conversant with the tools that technology can provide. In order to ensure integrated curricular technology and equal access to a wide range of software, technical support and training, SAIC has instituted a technology requirement consisting of two parts: a school-wide laptop requirement and a technology fee.

Laptop requirement

All incoming undergraduate students, with the exception of second-degree students, are required to enroll in the SAIC Laptop Program. The specific laptop package is selected and purchased by SAIC to best meet the curricular and student-life needs at the School of the Art Institute. Please note: If you are planning to attend SAIC, the school purchases the required laptop, and you will be billed pursuant to the SAIC Laptop Program Conditional Sale Agreement. Do not purchase a laptop on your own.

Technology fee

All students enrolled for six or more degree credit hours are charged a technology fee. This fee enables a student to access wireless and wired networking, curricular software in computer classrooms and labs, and CRIT Help Desk support and training. In addition, students with a qualifying laptop computer can access curricular software both on and off campus. The 2012–13 technology fee is $235 per semester.