1866, A group of Chicago artists meet in a block building on the southwest corner of Dearborn Avenue and Madison Street to discuss the formation of an institute of art; the artists intend to run a school with its own art gallery, laying the foundation for the Chicago Academy of Design.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is governed by the Board of Governors and has an active Faculty Senate. The leaders of SAIC are dedicated to advancing the school’s mission and supporting its objective as outlined below.
To assemble a diverse body of intelligent and creative students and faculty in an environment designed to facilitate and encourage the discovery and production of significant ideas and images and to provide for the development of individual excellence in undergraduate and graduate programs in the visual and related arts.
SAIC currently enrolls 3,221 students in 15 studio departments and 8 academic departments. There are 150 full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty and visiting artists, and 500 adjunct and part-time faculty supported by 300 staff.
International Affairs provides advising, advocacy, and resources in support of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (SAIC) international education and exchange programs and objectives. We represent the offices of International Student Services and Study Abroad/Off-Campus, working with the school community to offer the strongest possible complement of programs and services to the SAIC academic experience.
The Art Institute of Chicago, including both the School and the Museum, is committed to making reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities and pregnant employees, as defined by law.
Chicago Public Libraries are located in neighborhoods throughout Chicago. All that you need to apply for a library card is a photo ID and proof that you reside in Chicago.As the flagship library of the Chicago Public Library system, the Harold Washington Library Center is enormous.
Each room is equipped with a hard-wired Ethernet connection that gives students direct access to the Internet through SAIC’s network. In addition, students may use the wireless Internet connection in the residence halls.
SAIC requires that all full-time students have insurance coverage while enrolled at SAIC. As such, all SAIC F-1 international students are automatically enrolled in and charged for SAIC’s student health insurance plan.
Health insurance coverage for international students’ dependents is available at an additional cost upon request once they arrive in the United States.
Resident Advisors (RAs) are an essential part of the Residence Life team. They actively collaborate with Residence Life professional staff members and the Office of Student Affairs to achieve the mission of the department. RAs have the opportunity to create and maintain a strong community that positively influences students’ growth and development.
Offers exercise facilities, classes, lounge area and tennis courts. 15 visits for $25 or $2/class. The Chicago Park District operates indoor pools across the city. Check their website to find a location near you and hours of operation.
With more than 70 student groups and organizations and a full schedule of events, there are many ways to participate in the SAIC community.
Benefits of being involved in a student group at SAIC include:
The Art Institute of Chicago is a private, nonprofit corporation. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is a professional college of the visual and related arts, accredited since 1936 by the Higher Learning Commission and as a charter member since 1948 by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
