Laptop Requirement
All incoming undergraduate students, with the exception of second-degree students, are required to own a laptop prior to the first day of classes. Detailed information can be located at saic.edu/laptop.
Questions? For questions regarding software and hardware, contact 312.345.3738, option 1, or laptop@saic.edu.
SAIC ARTICard (ID Card)
The ARTICard is SAIC's mandatory identification card which provides access to facilities, equipment, and library books, as well as providing debit card capabilities on campus and at select off-campus sites. It can be used to make copies, print projects, do laundry, purchase books and supplies, and buy food. There is no membership fee, service charge or minimum balance. The balance carries over from semester to semester, year to year until the account is closed.
ARTICards are available for pick up by appointment from the ARTICard office. In order to avoid long wait times, students are encouraged to send in their photos electronically at least one week before their appointment. Visit saic.edu/articard for more details.
Deposits to your ARTICard can be made by cash or check at the ARTICard Office, via mail by check or money order (ARTICard Office, 37 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603), or online with a credit card or electronic check (see instructions for depositing online at saic.edu/articard). Make checks payable to SAIC.
Questions? Contact ARTICard/U-Pass office at 312.629.9362 or articard@saic.edu.
Ventra U-Pass
The U-Pass entitlement, loaded onto a Ventra U-Pass card, allows full-time students unlimited use of CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus and rail transportation each fall, spring, summer and winter term. The Ventra U-Pass card can be used as a full fare card whenever the U-Pass entitlement is not active. The cost of the U-Pass entitlement is $155* per fall and spring semester, a savings of over $200 when compared with regular CTA fares. A $35* U-Pass fee will be charged to full-time students during the winter session, and a $115 U-Pass fee will be charged to full-time students during the summer session.
This mandatory fee is automatically charged to all full-time students’ tuition and fee accounts each semester. A one-time $5 fee, which covers the cost of the card, will also be charged to each full-time student’s account for the initial issuance of the Ventra U-Pass card. The Ventra U-Pass is distributed during the first week of school and should be kept for subsequent semesters. Incoming transfer students who hold a Ventra U-Pass card from their previous school can contact the ARTICard office to have their card information transferred to SAIC.
Questions? Contact the ARTICard/U-Pass office at 312.629.9362 or articard@saic.edu.
* Price is subject to change.
Text Books
The DePaul University/Barnes & Noble College Bookstore, located at the corner of Jackson Blvd. and State St. (1 East Jackson Boulevard), is SAIC’s designated primary provider for textbooks and course packet services. The store provides a space in the textbook area of the lower level for all SAIC class book titles and course packets (all SAIC books and course packets are found under the department “SAIC” and are then organized alphabetically by SAIC department). The store accepts ARTICard for purchases, and also buys and sells used textbooks.
You can access SAIC class book lists at depaul-loop.bncollege.com. From the top tab, choose “Textbooks,” select “DePaul University Loop Campus” as your campus. The upcoming term for SAIC will be displayed- enter the requested course information to find materials for your course.
Please note: Many courses may not have books or supplies listed until the beginning of the semester.
