SAIC First-Year Scholars Program
First-Year Scholars Program
The First-Year Scholars program provides a supportive, cohort-based learning environment for our highest achieving incoming first year students. Students invited to participate in this selective program will take a sequence of specialized Scholars courses in their first year. The program is structured to enrich the student’s academic and creative experience through peer-focused community building, engaging academic discussions, and related activities. Participants will have an opportunity to form mentoring relationships with their instructors and become active members of a vibrant, collaborative learning community. The First-Year Scholars program is designed to foster an early commitment to academic excellence and promotes continuous personal and professional growth among students.
Scholars are selected based on:
- A compelling portfolio of work that demonstrates both conceptual and technical proficiency
- Academic excellence exhibited through strong high school records
- A well-organized, thoughtful, and clearly-articulated artist's statement
Program Highlights
Siena, Italy
Students are exclusive participants in a winter term study trip led by Contemporary Practices full-time faculty with research interests, knowledge and experience in the destination and SAIC. The study trip, Living the Past in the Present: the Art of Archive will take place in Siena, Italy.
Through a partnership with the Siena Art Institute (SART), students will experience the history, tradition, and culture of Siena, Italy's loveliest medieval city, home to numerous Renaissance works of art and architecture, and a wide array of archives, collections, and study centers. Students will develop insight into how historical study may spark their growth as contemporary artists, designers, and visual scholars.
Students are awarded a $3,000 grant to defray affiliated costs, and this trip will fulfill several degree requirements.
First-Year Scholars Program Course Sequence
For students admitted for the Fall 2025 semester:
Fall 2025
Students will take three shared courses together in their first semester: Research Studio I, First Year Seminar I and the Art History Survey.
Winter 2026
Students will participate in a Scholars-only study trip to Siena, Italy. This trip will fulfill several degree requirements.
Spring 2026
Students take two shared courses together in the spring semester: First Year Seminar II and their second Art History Survey course.
Living the Past in the Present: | Siena, Italy
Through a partnership with the Siena Art Institute (SART), students will experience the history, tradition and culture of Siena, one of Italy’s most important medieval cities and home to numerous works of art and architecture, as well as a wide array of archives, collections and research centers. Students will develop insight into how historical study can spark their growth as contemporary artists, designers, and visual scholars. Our study in Siena will be augmented by excursions to Florence to learn about seminal achievements in Renaissance art and architecture, and to San Gimignano to visit its medieval towers and Galleria Continua, an internationally known contemporary art space. Studio work will take place and faculty may require a final critique subsequent to the class during the following semester. First-Year Scholars will be granted $3,000 toward the cost of their study trip.
First-Year Scholars Program Q&A
Will I be taking more credit hours than my peers during the fall and spring semesters of my first year?
No. Scholars students take up to 15 credits in their fall semester and up to 15 in the spring semester. However, within the first 2 years (by the fourth semester), they will have the opportunity to participate in a 3-credit hour winter interim or summer study trip for studio credit. In total, they will likely take 33 credits during the academic year in which the trip occurs.
What is the studio/making component of the winter study trip?
Students will have a common workspace (mostly for digital and drawing work) at SART, but they will spend much of their time exploring Siena. Studio work will take place after the study trip, and involve two class meetings in Chicago (a working and a final critique) during the spring semester.
Does the study trip fulfill any of my degree requirements?
Yes. The study trip awards three studio credits, and additionally, all SAIC students are required to take six credits of off-campus study. This trip fulfills half of that requirement.
If I decide to defer and enroll in a future semester, am I able to remain in the program?
No. Students are only able to enroll in the program for the fall semester to which they were originally admitted. Students who defer will forfeit their place in the program.
Can transfer students participate in the First-Year Scholars Program?
No. First-Year Scholars curriculum is specially designed for first-year/freshmen students.
How do I ensure my place in the SAIC First-Year Scholars Program?
Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. First-time students who are invited are asked to confirm their acceptance by May 1. Information on how to confirm your participation will be included with your invitation to the program.
