Frequently Asked Questions

Supply lists for intensives and weekend workshops can be found at the link below.

Typically, supply lists for courses with a duration of longer than one week are provided to students at least two weeks prior to the first class session. If your instructor has chosen to release the supply list prior to the start of your course, you will find it at the link below.

Course Supply Lists: These will be posted by one week prior to the start of class.

Please note that a computer is required to participate in online classes.

Canvas is SAIC’s online learning platform and will be the central resource for all of your course materials and communication with instructors and peers. Visit Canvas or download the app for Android or Apple and login using your SAIC username and password.

The Dashboard is the first thing you will see when you log into Canvas. The Dashboard helps you to see what is happening in your current courses. For more information, visit How do I use the Dashboard as a student? If you are not familiar with Canvas, it will be important to do at least one of the following:

• Complete the virtual Canvas Student Orientation. You will need to login with your ARTIC account credentials.
• Visit the Canvas Student Guide
• Watch selections from the Canvas Video Guides for Students, including:
  • 101 - User Setting & Profile Picture
  • 102 - Notification Preferences
  • 200 - Canvas Overview for Students
  • 207 - Discussion Overview

For additional resources, review the information available online about Canvas at SAIC. You may also contact our Canvas support team at canvas-help@saic.edu. 

Adult courses typically have between 10 and 14 students.

The amount of work required outside of class varies from course to course, student to student, and also by session length. Typically, students can expect between one and five hours of homework per week in a 10-week course. Homework for two-weekend intensives may be more compact in terms of deliverables.

Computers and Computer Literacy

Before enrolling in courses that use digital tools or software, students should have basic computer skills. You should feel comfortable creating and organizing files and folders and navigating different program interfaces.

Computer Labs on Campus

For current versions of software for digital imaging and video, desktop publishing, 3D rendering, website authoring, animation, multimedia, graphic, and audio applications. Open for walk-ins 24/7 during the fall and spring semesters and during the buildings' operating hours over the summer and winter interim. 

Contact: galabhelp@saic.edu

MacLean General Access Computer Lab
112 S. Michigan Ave., Room 1401

280 Building General Access Computer Lab
280 Building, 280 S. Columbus Dr., Suite 114

Access to Computer Software While Enrolled

Students enrolled in on-campus courses will have access to an SAIC computer lab or computer cart during class time and to the necessary software when using an SAIC computer/laptop while on campus. Note: Continuing Studies provides Adobe licenses for some online adult classes only. Students enrolled in the Adult Program can expect to receive an email closer to the start of class on how to set up Adobe Creative Cloud.

Adult Continuing Education courses can only be taken for noncredit. However, look here for more information about enrolling in degree courses for credit as a student-at-large.

Not necessarily. Course participation and activities will be structured in a way that best suits the course content and students enrolled. In addition to lectures, presentations, and group discussions, instructors may provide independent or small group sessions during the scheduled class meeting.

SAIC does not provide parking. Visit the Directions to Campus page for discounts and nearby parking options.

Students in programs for ages 14 and older will be provided a list of art supplies a week ahead of the start of their course. Supply costs vary from subject to subject. Students can expect to spend between $50 and $200 on supplies, depending on their program, session length, and number of credits. Supply lists for upcoming classes can be accessed here. 

The average class size for Continuing Studies courses is 14. 

Canvas is SAIC’s online learning platform and will be the central resource for all of your course materials and communication with instructors and peers. Visit Canvas or download the app for Android or Apple and login using your SAIC username and password.

The Dashboard is the first thing you will see when you log into Canvas. The Dashboard helps you to see what is happening in your current courses. For more information, visit How do I use the Dashboard as a student? If you are not familiar with Canvas, it will be important to do at least one of the following:

• Complete the virtual Canvas Student Orientation. You will need to login with your ARTIC account credentials.
• Visit the Canvas Student Guide
• Watch selections from the Canvas Video Guides for Students, including:
  • 101 - User Setting & Profile Picture
  • 102 - Notification Preferences
  • 200 - Canvas Overview for Students
  • 207 - Discussion Overview

For additional resources, review the information available online about Canvas at SAIC. You may also contact our Canvas support team at canvas-help@saic.edu. 

Each class is different and will have its own requirements. Students can expect to have homework during the week. Early College Program Online Summer Institute is a college-level program, and you’ll be earning credit, so the work reflects that level of challenge. This program is for students serious about deepening their skills and understanding in the visual arts.

Computers and Computer Literacy

Before enrolling in courses that use digital tools or software, students should have basic computer skills. You should feel comfortable creating and organizing files and folders and navigating different program interfaces.

Access to Computer Software while Enrolled

Students enrolled in on-campus courses will have access to an SAIC computer lab or computer cart during class time and to the necessary software when using an SAIC computer/laptop while on campus. Note: Continuing Studies provides Adobe licenses for specific online Early College Program and Early College Program Online Summer Institute classes only. Students enrolled in the Early College Program or ECPOSI can expect to receive an email closer to the start of class on how to set up Adobe Creative Cloud.

Option to Enroll for Credit for Early College Program

Juniors and seniors, ages 15 to 18, have the option to enroll for credit. Students enrolled in an ECP course for credit will be eligible to receive one college credit upon successful completion. This credit may be applied toward an undergraduate degree at most colleges or universities. Noncredit students will not be eligible to receive college credit. Students enrolled for credit are expected to attend all classes at the scheduled time, arrive prepared, and successfully complete all homework and assignments.

Students should declare if they are taking a course for credit at the time of registration. If you would like to change your credit status, email cs@saic.edu before the start of class. We cannot change your credit status after the course has begun.

Summer Institute College Credits

Students must be at least 15 years old and not older than 18 years of age, and have completed their sophomore year of high school to enroll and receive credit from the ECP Summer Institute and ECP Online Summer Institute. Upon successful completion of each session, students receive college credit, which may be applied toward an undergraduate degree at SAIC and is often transferable to other accredited institutions of higher education. 

Yes. Courses are designed for multi-level learners, with opportunities for differentiation and skill-building.
 

Classes typically have 13–16 students, led by one instructor and one Teaching Assistant (approximately 8:1 ratio).
 

All supplies are provided for students in the Middle School Program.
 

Most work is completed during class. If a student misses class, their instructor and teaching assistant will inform them of any material they missed upon the student's return.
 

Drop-off and pick-up information can be found on the Middle School Program Next Steps page.

In the fall and spring, students receive one 15-minute snack break. In the summer, students receive a one-hour lunch break and one 15-minute snack break. Students may bring food from home or purchase food from the cafeteria with their class and Teaching Assistants.
 

Example Daily Schedule—Fall/Spring 
9:00–9:15 a.m. Welcome, warm-up exercises, and morning sketches
9:15–9:30 a.m. Morning check-in and demonstrations
9:30–9:45 a.m. Art-making demonstration
9:45–10:15 a.m. Studio time 
10:15–10:30 a.m. Snack break 
10:30–11:00 a.m. Studio time (continued)
11:00–11:45 a.m. Museum Trip
11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Check Out

Example Daily Schedule - Summer
9:00–9:15 a.m. Welcome, warm-up exercises & morning sketches
9:15–9:30 a.m. Morning check-in and demonstrations
9:30–10:30 a.m. Studio time
10:30–10:45 a.m. Snack break
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Studio time continued
12:00–1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00–2:00 p.m. Research, reflection, mid-day critique
2:00–3:00 p.m. Museum trip
3:00–4:00 p.m. Studio time and checkout
 

Yes. Trips are to nearby locations such as the Art Institute of Chicago and other campus buildings.
 

Students typically take 3–4 museum trips per week, depending on museum hours.
 

Yes! Each session has a different theme and often different instructors. While some projects may be similar, instructors create unique syllabi for each session.
 

Classes typically have 20 students, led by two instructors and one Teaching Assistant (approximately 1:10 ratio).
 

All supplies are provided for students in the Children’s Multi-Arts Camp.
 

Most work is completed during class. If a student misses class, their instructor and teaching assistant will inform them of any material they missed upon the student's return.
 

Drop-off and pick-up information is available on the Children's Multi-Arts Camp Next Steps page.
 

Students receive a one-hour lunch break and two 15-minute snack breaks. Students may bring food from home or purchase food from the cafeteria with their class and Teaching Assistants.
 

Example Daily Schedule

Ages 6 & 7
9:00–9:15 a.m. Welcome, art stations, and morning sketches
9:15–9:30 a.m. Morning check-in and demos
9:30–11:00 a.m. Morning art activity (snack break as needed)
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Museum trip
12:00–1:00 p.m. Lunch and outdoor play
1:00–1:30 p.m. Storytime, music, and movement
1:30–3:00 p.m. Afternoon art activity (snack break as needed)
3:00–3:45 p.m. Art stations, freeplay, relaxation, and closing circle

Ages 8 & 9
9:00–9:15 a.m. Welcome, warm-up exercises, and morning sketches
9:15–9:30 a.m. Morning check-in and demos
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Morning art activity (snack break as needed)
12:00–1:00 p.m. Lunch and outdoor play
1:00–2:00 p.m. Museum trip
2:00–3:30 p.m. Afternoon art activity (sneak break as needed)
3:30–3:45 p.m. Art stations, freeplay, relaxation, and closing circle
 

Yes. Trips are to nearby locations such as the Art Institute of Chicago and other campus buildings.
 

Students typically take 3–4 museum trips per week, depending on museum hours.

Yes! Each session has a different theme and often different instructors. While some projects may be similar, instructors create unique syllabi for each session.