Atlanta Orientation

SCAD Cards

Each SCAD student is issued an ID card during orientation. The SCAD Card enables students to access card-secure college buildings (including residence halls), attend college-sponsored events, access the meal plan and check out books from the library.

To help ease the registration process, the SCAD Card Center provides students the opportunity to provide an image in advance electronically, so that IDs are ready and waiting at orientation. By sending your image electronically, not only do you save yourself a wait in line, you also have control over how your image appears on your card. Photographs should be uploaded to MySCAD in a .jpeg or .gif format. Students may contact the SCAD Card Center at 912.525.6156.

Entrance loan counseling

Students who are borrowing federal student loans for the first time must receive entrance loan counseling. Student loan funds cannot be disbursed for use until this federal requirement is fulfilled. This requirement can be fulfilled at the session or online. For more information, email student financial services.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to SCAD?
An international airport, train station and bus station provide service from major cities in the United States. Students traveling from the airport may take advantage of Marta, Atlanta's public transit system. Shuttles run regularly between SCAD Atlanta buildings from Marta's Art Center Station which is adjacent to the ACA House residence hall.

Directions to SCAD Atlanta, 1600 Peachtree St., Atlanta
From I-85 Southbound

• Take exit 86 (Route 13, Peachtree Street).
• Stay on this exit/access road for about three miles; stay in the left lane. Do not take any exits as you pass them.
• Follow signs for Spring Street/Peachtree Street. Stay in the left lane and take the Peachtree Street exit.
• At the second traffic light, take a left onto Peachtree Street.
• SCAD Atlanta is on the left next to Peachtree Christian Church.

From I-75 Southbound

• Take exit 252 (Northside Drive/Howell Mill).
• Stay on the Northside Drive lane to your left. Turn right onto Northside Drive.
• At the second light, turn left onto Deering Road.
• This is a residential road; follow it until it dead-ends into Peachtree Street. The Amtrak train station is on the right.
• Turn right on Peachtree Street, and SCAD Atlanta is on the right side of the street.

From I-85 and 1-75 Northbound

• Take exit 250 (10th Street/14th Street/Georgia Tech).
• Stay straight onto Williams Street. At the second traffic light (14th Street) turn right.
• Take a left onto West Peachtree.
• Follow until you hit Peachtree Street and turn left at the traffic light.
• SCAD Atlanta is on the left.

 
Is transportation provided? Is parking available?
SCAD buses provide free transportation to and from all academic buildings and residence halls and to various college events. Students with medical needs may arrange for transportation at any time. Bicycles are a convenient source of transportation in Atlanta, and bicycle racks are located at SCAD buildings. Parking is available at various academic buildings and at Spring House. Students who wish to park on SCAD property must register their vehicles during orientation or the drop/add period and display a current decal on their vehicles at all times. To obtain a parking decal, students must present a valid college ID, and proof of automobile registration and insurance. For more information, visit Parking and Transportation.
 
Where can I get my schedule adjusted?
A representative from the office of student success and advising can assist you in the SCAD Atlanta Academic Building, Student Resource Center, 1600 Peachtree St.

When is drop/add?
Drop/add takes place in the Student Resource Center. Drop/add week is the first five business days of each quarter.
 
I have questions about my classes.
If you have questions about what is covered in your class, you should talk to the professor. If you have concerns about why you are registered in a particular course, talk to an success adviser during drop/add week.
 
When do classes start?
The first day of class varies each quarter. Visit the academic calendar for more information.
 
Do I have to attend the orientation sessions?
All incoming students are required to attend the orientation sessions.
 
I arrived late. How do I check in?
You can check in with your success adviser in the SCAD Atlanta Academic building, 1600 Peachtree St.
 
I arrived late. How do I find my orientation group?
Your orientation group number is on the front of your folder. Most orientation group meetings take place either before or after orientation sessions.
 
How do I get my parking permit?
You must register in the Student Resource Center with SCAD Card Services. Prior to coming to the Student Resource Center register your car online, visit the MySCAD website.
 
I am an international student. Where should I go?
You should plan to attend the ISSO orientation. There you will be able to pick up a valid college ID. If you do not attend the ISSO orientation, call Peter May, ISSO coordinator, at 404.253.3104.
 
I don't know which residence hall I have been assigned to.
You should speak with a member of the Atlanta residence life and housing office at 404.253.3256.
 
I have not paid for housing but want a place to live.
You should speak with a member of the Atlanta residence life and housing office at 404.253.3256.
 
How do I connect to the Internet in my residence hall room?
Instructions on how to connect your computer to the Internet are available in your assigned residence hall office. Technology support staff will be available to assist if needed.
 
Where can I turn in financial aid forms?
The student financial services office is not available at orientation. However, there is a locked financial aid drop box in the Student Resource Center. Staff from student financial services pick up all forms periodically throughout the day.
 
When should I buy books and supplies?
Attend your first class for each course. The individual professors will walk you through your syllabus and needs for each course.
 
Is it too late to submit my portfolio for scholarship consideration?
All admission scholarships are awarded at least 30 days prior to the start of the quarter. Contact your admission counselor for further details.
 
We need a general estimate of how much to put on the SCAD debit account (for books and miscellaneous expenses).
Because we have no idea as to the cost of books and miscellaneous expenses for each class, this depends solely on the classes the student is taking. However, a student and/or parent can add money to the card anytime by visiting the SCAD Card site.

How do I put money on my SCAD debit account?
Students and/or parents can access the SCAD Card site and deposit money via credit card, or they can contact the office or come in to put money on their card by cash, money order, credit card or check.
 
Can I change my meal plan after a few weeks into the quarter?
A student can change his/her meal plan during the first two weeks of the quarter. After this time, the meal plan cannot be changed under any circumstances.
 
What activities are planned for parents?
Several orientation information sessions are planned for parents. Parents and families are encouraged to attend these sessions.
For more information, email orientation.

Need more information?

For more information, email orientation.