Getting & Giving Help

Academic Advising
The main point of contact in academic advising will help you manage course concerns and personal issues and connect you to resources to support your academic success.

Reach out:
312.629.6800; studenthelp@saic.edu 

Academic Departments
This is a list of Academic Departments at SAIC

John M. Flaxman Library
The Flaxman Library is a host to hundreds of thousands of books, magazines, movies, and sound recordings. Library staff are ready to chat to help you research and support your learning.

Reach out:
312.899.5097; flaxman@saic.edu 

Navigate
A personalized app and desktop platform to help you make advising appointments, find resources on campus, easily view academic information, and stay on top of important dates and deadlines.

Registration & Records
Registration & Records provides access to student records including enrollment verifications, schedules, and transcripts. In addition to Academic Advising, can help students add, drop, or withdraw from classes.

Reach out: 
312-629-6700; saic.registrar@saic.edu 

Writing Center
Offers free, hour-long writing tutorial sessions that assist all students with any stage of the writing process.

Reach out:
312.499.4138; writingcenter@saic.edu 

Career and Professional Experience (CAPX)
Prepares students and alums through career education, and connects them to diverse experiences to build sustainable creative lives.

Reach out:
312.499.4130; careers@saic.edu 

Fashion Resource Center
Maintains a unique hands-on collection of late 20th- and 21st-century designer garments and accessories representing extreme innovation in fashion.

Reach out:
312.629.6730; frc@saic.edu 

Roger Brown Study Collection 
House museum, archive, and place for all manner of explorations and studies.

Reach out:
312.899.5131; rbsc@saic.edu 

SITE Galleries
A student-run gallery at SAIC for the exhibition of student work in two locations on campus: the LeRoy Neiman Center, SITE Sharp Gallery, and a newly renovated gallery space in the 280 Building.

Reach out:
312.899.5131; sitegalleries@saic.edu 

Advanced Output Center
Prototyping lab specializing in laser cutting and 3D digital input and output.

Instructional Fabrication Shops
Various campus shops equipped with a wide range of hand, power, and stationary tools.

Material Resource Center
Artistic inventory that serves curricular and facility needs, providing convenience and introductory items to help you explore a variety of art-making processes.

Media Centers
Provide audiovisual equipment and services to support documentation, creation, instructional, and exhibition needs.

Service Bureau
Professional digital-output center, specializing in laser printing and archival, wide-format inkjet printing with a wide array of finishing services.

Surplus
Program where used and excess materials can be made available for other students to take. Bring art-making supplies you no longer need and take away materials that you can use.

Find out more.

SAIC's Food Pantry is available to current SAIC students who are experiencing difficulty accessing food because of a financial emergency or ongoing constraints. Students can request a pre-packaged bag of non-perishable groceries (vegetarian and gluten free available) by completing this form. If you have questions, contact the Office of Student Affairs, at studenthelp@saic.edu or 312.629.6800.

SAIC’s Wellness Center provides empathic and compassionate support and care dedicated to ensuring that every SAIC student's experience is a successful one. Learn more about Counseling Services, Health Services, and the Disability and Learning Resource Center through the Wellness Center.

Campus Security
Works to ensure community safety. Present seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and monitors building access, emergency preparedness and response, and issues campus security alerts.

Reach out:
312.899.1230 (emergency number); campussecurity@saic.edu 

Title IX
Assists any member of the SAIC community who has experienced or wishes to report sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.

Denise Banks, SPHR
title9@saic.edu 

ARTICard
Assists students with questions related to the ARTICard identification card and UPass public transportation pass.

Reach out:
312-629-9362; articard@saic.edu 

Campus Life
Oversees student groups and a full schedule of events to help students get involved in the SAIC community.

Reach out:
312-629-6880; stulife@saic.edu 

Disability & Learning Resource Center (DLRC)
The mission of the Disability and Learning Resource Center (DLRC) is to support a universally accessible educational community that fosters full participation and contribution of every member. The DLRC carries out its mission by delivering innovative and high-quality services to SAIC students with disabilities and by facilitating and advocating for reasonable accommodations so that students have equal access to all programs, activities, and services of the institution. The DLRC cultivates opportunities for students to articulate their strengths, empowers them to advocate for their own learning needs, and identifies and responds to the dynamic nature of student needs and learning environments.

Reach out:
312-499-4278; dlrc@saic.edu

International Affairs
Provides advising, advocacy, and resources in support of SAIC's international student population and exchange programs.

Reach out:
312-629-683; intaff@saic.edu 

Korean and Chinese Student Advising
Assists students in adjusting to SAIC by building a supportive community, identifying personal and emotional concerns of students, and providing appropriate resources.

Reach out:
312-629-6880; ccha@saic.edu 

Ombudsperson
The ombuds is a person who helps degree-seeking students, faculty, and staff think through any problem you are having at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and collaborate on solutions that seem most appropriate to your circumstances.

Reach out:
Patrick Spence; ombuds@saic.edu

Residence Life
Oversees three residence halls, providing a community and home to 900+ artists—new and continuing students—living together.

Reach out:
312-629-6870; reslife@saic.edu 

Student Financial Services (SFS)
Assists students with questions regarding financial aid, student payroll, billing, refunds, your student account, payment options and more.

Reach out:
312-629-6600; saic.sfs@saic.edu 

Animalia Project: List of various sources/programs for reclaimed art & school supplies in (and near) Chicago.

Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange (CCRX): Source for creative reuse and redistribution of surplus materials for arts, non-profit, and education in the Chicago area. By appointment only.

ABE Application for Benefits Eligibility: Application to determine eligibility for benefits including: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD) Cash, and healthcare coverage.

All Chicago: Emergency financial assistance program which may include assistance with rent, utilities, or transportation payments. M-Th from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CT at 312.744.5000.

Chicago Artists Relief Fund: Artists can apply, and specify their needs for rent, child care, groceries, or utilities. Priority is given to artisrs who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Queer, Trans+, Non-binary, and Disabled. Note that the application is periodically opened and closed.

The Salvation Army: Offers assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities, medication, food, clothing, or transportation. Can offer long-term support to affected families/individuals as needed including assistance with rent or utility payments due to unemployment.

Care for Real: Open to anyone who is in need of food and/or clothing. Clients can visit one of the Care for Real pantries one time per week. A pet food pantry and support services are also available.

Village Discount Outlet: A Chicago thrift store with multiple locations that sells gently used clothing and household goods at a discount.

ABE Application for Benefits Eligibility: Application to determine eligibility for benefits including: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD) Cash, and healthcare coverage.

Benton House: Provides pre-packaged dry and canned goods through curbside scheduled pick-ups. Each order includes meats, fresh vegetables, bread, juice, dairy, assorted canned and dry goods. The specific items vary each week depending on availability.

Brave Space Alliance: Offers food pantry deliveries to those facing financial insecurities, with care given especially for immunocompromised individuals, people with disabilities, those quarantined without pay, the elderly, and undocumented and BIPOC individuals and families.

Care for Real: Open to anyone who needs food and/or clothing. Clients can visit one of the Care for Real pantries one time per week. A pet food pantry and support services are also available.

Food Distribution Map

Food Stamps or SNAP benefits for college students: Food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for college students.

Franciscan Outreach: Provides healthy meals, safe shelter and critical services to homeless individuals to empower them to gain the stability they need to transition into permanent housing.

Greater Chicago Food Depository: A network of food pantries and programs in Chicago that provide food to anyone in need.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Offers long-term assistance for renters and homeowners and provides information on shelters, food pantries and other resources.

Pilsen Food Pantry: Foods available at the Pilsen Food Pantry include culturally-sensitive perishable and non-perishable foods, and household items like period kits and light bulbs.

St. James Food Pantry: Distributes food on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m.-1:30 a.m. CT.

St. Stans Church: Located in the lower level of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church - not too distant from the downtown area of the City of Chicago, this organization serves over 21,000 meals per year to those in need.

St. Vincent de Paul: A list of food pantries across Cook and Lake Counties operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

United Way: Offers long-term assistance ranging from food, housing, and health benefits.

USDA National Hunger Hotline: Open 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. CT. Information is available in English and Spanish at 1.866.348.6479 or 1.877.842.6273. You can also text 1.914.415.6617 with a keyword such as "food," "meals," etc. to receive an automated response to resources located near an address/zip code.

The ARK: The Ark is a safety net for all Jewish Chicagoans who are struggling to make ends meet, offering a variety of services including a food pantry and temporary housing.

The Department of Human Services (DHS): The Department of Human Services (DHS) has several resources for food and financial assistance. 800.843.6154

The Fresh Market: The Fresh Market provides groceries and various supplies to families in East Garfield Park. Residents also receive access to legal aid, food stamps, housing and employment information, financial management, GED certification and family workshops.

The Lincoln Park Community Shelter: Provides interim housing, meals, and a targeted array of social services.

The Love Fridge: Available in neighborhoods around Chicago, these refrigerators, painted by local artists to reflect the communities in which they live, provide neighbors the opportunity to take what they need, ensuring accessible food 24/7.

The Night Ministry: The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, health care, and human connection to members of the community struggling with poverty or homelessness.

The Salvation Army: 19 Chicagoland food pantries remain open to provide curbside service. For more information on emergency services, call 773.725.1100 or visit centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc. 

Too Good to Go: Too Good to Go makes it easy to make a positive impact on the planet while saving money on your favorite foods. With the #1 app for reducing food waste, you can save tasty unsold snacks, takeaway meals, and ingredients straight from shops, cafes, grocery stores and restaurants in your area—all at an unbeatable price.

A Safe Haven Foundation: Offers temporary and permanent housing solutions for seniors and young adults, in addition to support for job searching and drug and alcohol abuse.

Breakthrough: Transitional and permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including daily supportive services for those in crisis.

Franciscan Outreach: Provides healthy meals, safe shelter and critical services to homeless individuals to empower them to gain the stability they need to transition into permanent housing.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Offers long-term assistance for renters and homeowners and provides information on shelters, food pantries, and other resources.

Illinois Department of Human Services: Illinois Department of Human Services - Homeless Youth Agencies and their sites.

La Casa Norte: An organization helping youth and families experiencing homelessness.

Lincoln Park Community Shelter (LPCS): Provides interim housing, meals, and a targeted array of social services.

ShelterList.com: Additional directory of local Chicago Shelter locations.

United Way: Offers long-term assistance ranging from food, housing, and health benefits.

Unity Parenting and Counseling Flexible Housing: Works in partnership with four other homeless youth providers, to provide housing and support services to youth experiencing homelessness who have also had contact with the Cook County Health System, the Juvenile Justice System, or other systems such as IDCFS.

The ARK: The Ark is a safety net for all Jewish Chicagoans who are struggling to make ends meet, offering a variety of services including a food pantry and temporary housing.

The Night Ministry: The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, health care, and human connection to members of the community struggling with poverty or homelessness.

The Rental Assistance Program: Provides financial assistance to Chicago residents in danger of eviction in order to stabilize individuals and families in their existing rental unit. Residents apply in their closest Community Service Center.

AT&T: Offers open hot-spots, unlimited data, waived late fees, and $10/month plans to low-income families.

Comcast: Offers free WiFi for 2 months to low-income families and provides free hot-spots.

Spectrum: Spectrum offers free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription, at any service level up to 100 mbps. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

Care for Real: Provides more than 1.62 million meals each year, offers a free clothes closet, a pet food pantry and support services.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous is for those struggling with the effects of excessive drinking or using any drugs.

Care for Real: Provides more than 1.62 million meals each year, offers a free clothes closet, a pet food pantry and support services.

Al-Anon Family Groups: Provides help & hope for family and friends of alcoholics.

Trans Lifeline: Hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.

Helping others is an important part of being in a community. In your time at SAIC, someone may confide in you that they’re struggling, or you might believe someone is in distress (Signs of Distress). There are many ways to go about helping someone, and it is important that you do so in a way that feels comfortable and natural to you. Check out the tips below for some general advice on helping someone who is struggling.

Stay Safe. Your safety is a priority. If helping someone puts you in danger or makes you feel anxious, notify a professional who can get involved instead.

Speak Privately. Avoid confronting someone in a group of people. If you want to talk to someone about how they are doing, try to pull them aside or speak to them privately at a later time.

Listen Non-judgmentally. Focus on taking in the information someone is sharing and affirming what they tell you. It likely isn’t your role to investigate or question the information.

Be Grateful. Sharing a struggle with someone is a brave thing to do. If someone confides in you, thank them for trusting you.

Focus on the Behavior. If you notice something concerning about someone, be specific about what you saw when you speak to them. Avoid making generalizations about them as a person.

Consult Transparently. Keep urgent resources listed above on your phone and consult when appropriate. If possible, let the student know you’re consulting and that you’re doing so because you care about them.

Refer. You are not alone at SAIC. Become familiar with the campus resources listed above and encourage students to connect with them.

Follow Up. Keep things normal the next time you see the person. It’s good to ask how they’re doing and remind them that you’re here for them.

If you are asking yourself the question, “Should I call for help?” we encourage you to do so! Staff at SAIC are here to help and want you to take advantage of the resources above. If you notice any of the following about a student, we encourage you to connect with a staff resource as soon as possible:

• You observe visible scars or cuts on a student’s skin
• A student talks about self-destructive behaviors (e.g. cutting, alcohol/drug abuse)
• A student talks about struggling to function (e.g. not getting out of bed, not going to appointments)
• A student talks about suicide or not wanting to live
• A student talks about financial distress (e.g. homelessness, no money to eat/buy supplies)
• A student is unable to manage emotions (e.g. outbursts, inconsolable crying)
• A student isolates themselves (e.g. not talking to family or friends)

If you observe any of the following, contact Campus Security (312.899.1230) immediately:

• Aggressive or threatening behavior, including any physical altercation
• Possession of a weapon
• A student is disoriented, confused or unconscious
• A student has a serious injury