Next Steps for Enrolled Students

In order to access your SAIC calendar and email, you will need to activate your ARTIC account. All students are required to use their SAIC email accounts for communications throughout the program.  

Please note you will need your SAIC ID number in order to complete this process. If you don’t know your SAIC ID, you may email cs@saic.edu or call 1.312.629.6170 during business hours (M-F 8:30-4:30 Central Time).

Activate your account by visiting password.artic.edu. You will be asked for:

  • Your 7-digit SAIC ID Number 
  • Your birthday (two digit day, dash, and all caps three digit month) Example: 19-AUG

Your login is automatically assigned, but you will create your own password. Passwords must be alphanumeric and at least 6 characters.

Once you have activated your account, visit saic.edu/students to access Self-Service and your email through Google Apps.

If you need help with your ARTIC account, contact Technical Support at 312.345.3535 or crithelpdesk@saic.edu.

Step 1a: Login to your SAIC email

Visit gmail.artic.edu and make sure your login works.

Notifications sent by instructors and teaching assistants will come through your SAIC Email address, so it is important you can access this email prior to the start of class.

Canvas, our online learning platform, will be the central resource for all of your course materials. Complete the Canvas Student Orientation prior to the start of your session(s). Course pages for each class will be published in Canvas the weekend before a session begins.

Canvas Student Orientation

Students can get a quick introduction to Canvas through the Canvas Student Orientation course by clicking on the "Help" button in the navigation bar in Canvas.

Learn more about Canvas

As part of the program, we will be talking about setting up home studio spaces.  Below are common safety guidelines to keep in mind when converting a garage, basement, attic, bedroom, closet or other space into a studio.

Read the instructions

All artmaking tools and materials should be used according to the manufacturer approved usages, in accordance with their recommendations and in usage scenarios that follow any/all Safety Data Sheet (SDS) precautions for the product. An SDS will outline details including ventilation requirements, safe storage protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) needs and first aid emergency response.

Avoid toxic and hazardous materials 

Do not use toxic substances or processes if non-toxic alternatives are available. Preference no or low VOC products in small quantities and avoid powders and pigments that could contain silica or heavy metals. Do not undertake processes involving sharp tools, high voltages or intense heat unless you have been explicitly trained to do so.

Protect yourself when you can’t

Wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as advised by Tool or Product manufacturers. When no advice is obvious or explicit, cover your eyes at all times with comfortable, side protecting safety glasses. Do any work with products sold in a can, tube or other container in a well ventilated space. Only wear a respirator or dust mask if you have been properly fit for that respirator, and only if you are confident you are in adequate respiratory health to do so.

Exercise common sense

  • Don’t undertake projects with tools on which you have never been trained.
  • Don’t assume the Internet will provide adequate training. 
  • Be thoughtful of the people and the environment around you and how your processes might affect them. 
  • Avoid doing things with tools or materials that they aren’t meant to do. 
  • If you are tired or distracted by something more interesting - go take a nap or pay full attention to the thing that actually has your attention.
  • Don’t underestimate small tools - A significant percentage of personal injuries in artmaking result from tools such as exacto knives, box knives, chisels, hand-saws, small power tools and even sewing needles. 

Always have a safety plan

No personal studio setup should be without a basic first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and a way to call for help. Additionally, it’s a great practice to always let a parent or guardian know where you are and what you are doing in case of an emergency.

Once you’ve completed all of these steps, sit back and wait for an invitation to your group meeting! Your faculty will send you an invitation to your SAIC email and calendar.  If you’d like, feel free to use one of these SAIC Zoom backgrounds