Savannah Orientation
International
Congratulations on choosing to study at SCAD. The international student services office is committed to ensuring that your stay in Savannah is productive. The Savannah College of Art and Design welcomes approximately 650 international students and professors as well as their spouses and children who have come to SCAD from around the globe.
An important first step in adjusting to college life at SCAD is the international student orientation program. It is held at the beginning of each quarter and is required for all new international students. Please refer to the orientation schedule that corresponds to the quarter in which you intend to enroll and plan your travel accordingly. You are required to attend the entire orientation program prior to beginning your first quarter at SCAD. During the orientation program, you will take an English proficiency exam, receive information on maintaining nonimmigrant visa status, become familiar with the academic structure of the college, meet other international and domestic students at the college, learn about cultural adjustment and campus life, and review many other important topics.
An important first step in adjusting to college life at SCAD is the international student orientation program. It is held at the beginning of each quarter and is required for all new international students. Please refer to the orientation schedule that corresponds to the quarter in which you intend to enroll and plan your travel accordingly. You are required to attend the entire orientation program prior to beginning your first quarter at SCAD. During the orientation program, you will take an English proficiency exam, receive information on maintaining nonimmigrant visa status, become familiar with the academic structure of the college, meet other international and domestic students at the college, learn about cultural adjustment and campus life, and review many other important topics.
Applying for a visa
Once you have received your I-20 form, you need to apply for a visa to enter the United States. Before arranging your visa interview, you must pay a $200 fee levied on all newly admitted F-1 students. The fee may be paid electronically. Once you have paid the fee, print out your receipt and bring it with you to your consular interview. Students must visit a U.S. embassy or consulate and present the following recommended documentation:
Additional application materials may be requested when you visit the U.S. embassy or consulate. You should therefore contact the embassy or consulate before your interview. Information is also available at travel.state.gov/visa.
- Valid passport
- Current passport photographs
- SEVIS I-20 issued by SCAD
- Nonimmigrant visa application
- Financial documentation
- Proof of permanent address in home country
- Proof of plans to return home
Additional application materials may be requested when you visit the U.S. embassy or consulate. You should therefore contact the embassy or consulate before your interview. Information is also available at travel.state.gov/visa.
Arrival dates and accommodations
An orientation schedule with reporting dates is included in your admission packet. Remember to bring your passport, I-20 form, I-94 card and any other immigration documents to orientation check-in. Times and locations of orientation events are subject to change. You will be given a final orientation schedule during check-in.
If you plan to request transportation assistance from the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, you must complete the arrival information form and submit it to the ISSO at least 48 hours prior to arrival. The arrival information form may be submitted to the ISSO by mail, fax or e-mail. Every reasonable attempt is made to pick you up from the airport and bring you into Savannah. If you arrive prior to your residence hall's opening, be prepared to stay at a local hotel. You will receive an e-mail confirmation from the ISSO regarding your airport pickup and will be met at the baggage claim area by a college staff member bearing a sign with your name.
If you cannot arrive in Savannah by the first day of orientation, notify the ISSO either by phone or e-mail prior to the beginning of orientation so we will know when to expect you.
If you plan to request transportation assistance from the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, you must complete the arrival information form and submit it to the ISSO at least 48 hours prior to arrival. The arrival information form may be submitted to the ISSO by mail, fax or e-mail. Every reasonable attempt is made to pick you up from the airport and bring you into Savannah. If you arrive prior to your residence hall's opening, be prepared to stay at a local hotel. You will receive an e-mail confirmation from the ISSO regarding your airport pickup and will be met at the baggage claim area by a college staff member bearing a sign with your name.
If you cannot arrive in Savannah by the first day of orientation, notify the ISSO either by phone or e-mail prior to the beginning of orientation so we will know when to expect you.
English as a Second Language
All new international students for whom English is not their first language are required to take an English language placement test at the time of enrollment for their first academic quarter at the college. Exemption from the test may be granted on the basis of a personal interview. After taking the placement test, students will receive their results directly from the ESL staff. Students who do not qualify for an ESL exemption will be placed in the appropriate ESL level based upon test results and will be required to complete ESL classes before enrolling in the regular curriculum.
International student advising
The ISSO provides a broad array of services including an information board for locating off-campus housing, immigration advisement, health insurance enrollment, help with changing immigration status, cross-cultural adjustment and assistance with on-campus employment. In addition, ISSO staff advises officers of the Intercultural Student Association. ISA organizes social activities, community events, excursions to nearby attractions and other programs that help international students adapt to college life in Savannah. You are encouraged to bring traditional clothing from your native country to wear at college-sponsored events. To communicate with ISA officers, e-mail ISA.
Transfer students
Students transferring from other U.S. institutions must request a copy of the transfer form and have their current international student adviser complete the transfer in SEVIS. Bring your former school's I-20 form, I-94 card and passport to check-in so the transfer procedures can be completed. Transfer students should contact a transfer adviser in the SCAD admission office to inquire about transfer credits and portfolio review.
Housing
New international students who have a confirmed housing assignment may move into residence halls the first day of orientation check-in. The check-in date is outlined in the orientation schedule.
Students may apply for college housing once they have been accepted to SCAD. Any full-time, enrolled student is eligible to reside in college housing; however, living in a college residence is optional. Because housing space is limited and assignments are made on a first-paid, first-placed basis, students should adhere to the deadlines listed. Students will be placed in line for housing based on the date the $250 reservation fee is received in the bursar's office. Students must adhere to residence life and housing deadlines to ensure a housing assignment.
Regular housing sign-up procedures for new students
Send housing payments to:
Bursar's office
Savannah College of Art and Design
P.O. Box 2701
Savannah, GA 31402-2701 USA
(Indicate "housing fee" and include the student's name and ID number with a check made payable to the Savannah College of Art and Design.)
International students who do not plan to live in college housing should prepare to stay at an area hotel until they secure off-campus housing. Students who plan to live off campus should arrive at least one to two weeks before the start of orientation. For more information, students may consult the classified advertisements in newspapers such as the Savannah Morning News.
The ISSO maintains a bulletin board with a list of apartments for rent and roommates wanted in Forsyth Hall; however, legal and practical considerations prevent ISSO staff from making off-campus housing arrangements for students.
Students may apply for college housing once they have been accepted to SCAD. Any full-time, enrolled student is eligible to reside in college housing; however, living in a college residence is optional. Because housing space is limited and assignments are made on a first-paid, first-placed basis, students should adhere to the deadlines listed. Students will be placed in line for housing based on the date the $250 reservation fee is received in the bursar's office. Students must adhere to residence life and housing deadlines to ensure a housing assignment.
Regular housing sign-up procedures for new students
- After acceptance to the college and receipt of your personal identification number (issued upon payment of matriculation fee), fill out the housing information online. The information provided on the housing application is used to determine hall placement, roommate selection and other factors. It is very important that students answer the questions honestly and completely. From MySCAD, click on the My Info tab, then choose "Student Services and Financial Aid" and then "Housing Registration." Follow the steps to enter your housing information.
- Agree to the housing license agreement. The license agreement is a binding agreement for the entire period a student resides in college housing. Applicants must read all terms and conditions carefully and then agree to the form by following the proper steps online. Students may be assessed damages based on the condition of their rooms after they leave.
- Pay reservation fee by June 1. Students are given housing preference based on the date the reservation fee is paid, provided the quarterly housing payment is made by July 1. All entering students are placed in the housing assignment process once the $250 nonrefundable reservation fee has been paid and the housing license agreement has been submitted.
- Make quarterly housing payment by July 1. Housing assignments are confirmed after July 1 if the quarterly payment has been made. Students who have an unpaid quarterly payment after July 1 are assigned a room only after the payment is made. After July 1, students are assigned to housing only as space permits. Housing assignments for fall quarter are mailed to students after Aug. 1.
Send housing payments to:
Bursar's office
Savannah College of Art and Design
P.O. Box 2701
Savannah, GA 31402-2701 USA
(Indicate "housing fee" and include the student's name and ID number with a check made payable to the Savannah College of Art and Design.)
International students who do not plan to live in college housing should prepare to stay at an area hotel until they secure off-campus housing. Students who plan to live off campus should arrive at least one to two weeks before the start of orientation. For more information, students may consult the classified advertisements in newspapers such as the Savannah Morning News.
The ISSO maintains a bulletin board with a list of apartments for rent and roommates wanted in Forsyth Hall; however, legal and practical considerations prevent ISSO staff from making off-campus housing arrangements for students.
Mail and faxes
The SCAD package pickup center, located at Weston House, 231 W. Boundary St., can receive properly mailed packages for students. All packages and boxes should be prepaid and addressed to the student's residence hall room. If you plan to live on campus, you will receive a residence hall assignment letter listing the specific address to which mail and packages may be sent. For off-campus students, mail may be temporarily addressed as follows:
Student's name
c/o International Student Services Office
Savannah College of Art and Design
P.O. Box 3146
Savannah, GA 31402-3146 USA
SCAD does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.
Students may receive faxes from friends and family members at the ISSO. The fax number is 912.525.7305.
Student's name
c/o International Student Services Office
Savannah College of Art and Design
P.O. Box 3146
Savannah, GA 31402-3146 USA
SCAD does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.
Students may receive faxes from friends and family members at the ISSO. The fax number is 912.525.7305.
Payment of fees/banking
Consult the payment schedule provided by the bursar for payment amounts and deadlines. Fees are due in full upon arrival. Students will be held responsible for payment of late fees for deposits and balances received after deadlines, so please plan accordingly.
Students may pay tuition and fees by cash, check, money order, traveler's checks, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Credit card payments may be made in person, by mail or over the telephone.
Once you arrive in Savannah, you should not carry large amounts of money on your person. You should open an account and deposit your money at a bank as soon as possible. There are several banks in and around the downtown Savannah area. Before selecting a bank, international students may want to consider the proximity of branch locations, the bank's hours of operation, the location of the bank's automated teller machines, bank fees and interest rates.
Students may pay tuition and fees by cash, check, money order, traveler's checks, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Credit card payments may be made in person, by mail or over the telephone.
Once you arrive in Savannah, you should not carry large amounts of money on your person. You should open an account and deposit your money at a bank as soon as possible. There are several banks in and around the downtown Savannah area. Before selecting a bank, international students may want to consider the proximity of branch locations, the bank's hours of operation, the location of the bank's automated teller machines, bank fees and interest rates.
Wiring money and telegrams
Monetary wire transfers can be received in the bursar's office by having your home bank specify the following:
Wachovia Bank N.A.
136 Bull St.
Savannah, GA 31401 USA
Routing number: 061000227
For further credit to: The Savannah College of Art and Design
Account number: 2000027630095
For final credit to: name of student and ID number
Failure to include name of student on the wire transfer transaction may lead to lost funds. Remember to pay any applicable transfer fees at the bank of origin. Allow five to seven business days for the bank to notify SCAD. Indicate the student's name and SCAD ID number at the bank of origin.
Wachovia Bank N.A.
136 Bull St.
Savannah, GA 31401 USA
Routing number: 061000227
For further credit to: The Savannah College of Art and Design
Account number: 2000027630095
For final credit to: name of student and ID number
Failure to include name of student on the wire transfer transaction may lead to lost funds. Remember to pay any applicable transfer fees at the bank of origin. Allow five to seven business days for the bank to notify SCAD. Indicate the student's name and SCAD ID number at the bank of origin.
Health insurance
Health and accident insurance is mandatory for all international students on nonimmigrant visas. Medical care in the United States is not government-subsidized, and it is up to the individual to arrange coverage and payment. SCAD provides a reasonably priced policy that covers international students throughout their studies at SCAD. Dependent coverage may be arranged once you arrive in Savannah by contacting T.W. Lord and Associates at 800.633.2360.
If you already have health insurance and would like to provide proof of an alternate insurance policy to the international student services office, e-mail the ISSO insurance coordinator. The charge for international student insurance, like tuition and fees, must be paid in U.S. dollars and will be applied to your student account if you do not provide an alternate health insurance policy that is approved by the health insurance coordinator in the ISSO.
International students may not be able to register for classes until the cost of insurance is paid or proof of an adequate alternative policy is provided and approved.
If you already have health insurance and would like to provide proof of an alternate insurance policy to the international student services office, e-mail the ISSO insurance coordinator. The charge for international student insurance, like tuition and fees, must be paid in U.S. dollars and will be applied to your student account if you do not provide an alternate health insurance policy that is approved by the health insurance coordinator in the ISSO.
International students may not be able to register for classes until the cost of insurance is paid or proof of an adequate alternative policy is provided and approved.
Supplies
Ex Libris bookstore provides students with an excellent selection of art supplies. Some art textbooks and supplies are expensive, with total costs averaging $300-$400 per quarter. Because these supplies are required for class, students should plan their finances accordingly. Some items such as certain brushes and papers may not be available or may be more expensive than those available in your home country.
Non-native English speakers are advised to bring complete (75,000 words or more) translation dictionaries of American English. Students should not depend on the small, pocket-sized dictionaries written for travelers. Students also should bring a comprehensive translation dictionary of art terms.
Non-native English speakers are advised to bring complete (75,000 words or more) translation dictionaries of American English. Students should not depend on the small, pocket-sized dictionaries written for travelers. Students also should bring a comprehensive translation dictionary of art terms.
Full course of study requirement
All international students on F-1 nonimmigrant visas are required to register for a full course load (15 credit hours for undergraduate students and 10 credit hours for graduate students) each quarter. Your first-quarter course schedule is predetermined by an academic adviser based on your ESL placement results.
As an international student at SCAD, you are entitled to a break from full-time studies during the three-month summer quarter. If you choose to enroll in a full course of study during the summer quarter, you will not be eligible for a break from full-time studies until the following summer quarter.
NOTE: If your first quarter of study at SCAD is during the traditional summer quarter, you will be required to enroll full-time to maintain initial F-1 status. If, however, you begin studies during either the traditional fall, winter or spring quarters, you should be aware that the summer quarter will always be considered your vacation period.
Vacation period for F-1 students
The regular academic year includes three quarters. Students who wish to graduate early, double major or take additional electives may enroll in summer quarter as well; however, course offerings may be limited in the summer.As an international student at SCAD, you are entitled to a break from full-time studies during the three-month summer quarter. If you choose to enroll in a full course of study during the summer quarter, you will not be eligible for a break from full-time studies until the following summer quarter.
NOTE: If your first quarter of study at SCAD is during the traditional summer quarter, you will be required to enroll full-time to maintain initial F-1 status. If, however, you begin studies during either the traditional fall, winter or spring quarters, you should be aware that the summer quarter will always be considered your vacation period.
Reminders
- Only students who have been accepted to SCAD may attend international student orientation. Students who have received an I-20 form and decide not to enroll must contact the admission office. Students who plan to defer enrollment for a quarter must contact the admission office to receive an updated I-20 form.
- Accepted international students are required to attend the entire orientation program and should make travel plans accordingly.
- During orientation, students who have paid all their fees receive their class schedules. Students should make preparations to pay their fees before they arrive in Savannah. Questions about student accounts may be directed to the bursar's office.
- SCAD housing is not confirmed until all housing fees are paid; payment of the housing deposit alone does not guarantee a room in the residence halls.
- Students requiring disability assistance should contact the office of counseling and student support services.
Contact
The ISSO is located on the first floor of Habersham Hall, 235 Habersham St., Savannah, Ga. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The telephone number is 912.525.7304 and the fax number is 912.525.7305. E-mail may be sent to the ISSO.
The ISSO maintains an "open door" policy for advising, and students are encouraged to stop by Oglethorpe House to take advantage of our services.
The ISSO sends out a weekly e-mail highlighting international student birthdays and upcoming events and exhibitions at SCAD and in the community. You are automatically signed on to receive ISSO news once you arrive and complete orientation.
The ISSO maintains an "open door" policy for advising, and students are encouraged to stop by Oglethorpe House to take advantage of our services.
The ISSO sends out a weekly e-mail highlighting international student birthdays and upcoming events and exhibitions at SCAD and in the community. You are automatically signed on to receive ISSO news once you arrive and complete orientation.
Fall 2009 international orientation
Tuesday, Sept. 88:30 a.m.–noon
New international student check-in
Savannah Civic Center, second floor, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Meet area bank representatives
Savannah Civic Center, third floor ballroom
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
ESL Test – Group I
1:30 p.m.
Residence life orientaton
Savannah Civic Center, third floor
2 p.m.
College tour (optional)
Buses depart from the Oglethorpe House parking lot.
2:30 p.m.
Helath insurance information session (optional)
Savannah Civic Center, third floor
4 p.m.
Shopping trip to Target (optional)
Buses depart from Oglethorpe House and will return by 7 p.m.
8 p.m.
Historic ghost tour of Savannah (optional)
Wednesday, Sept. 9
8:30 a.m.–noon
International student check-in continues
Savannah Civic Center, second floor
9 a.m.–noon
ESL Test – Group II
9 a.m.–noon
Meet area bank representatives
Savannah Civic Center, third floor ballroom
9:30 a.m.
Health insurance information session (optional)
Savannah Civic Center, third floor
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Lunch
Savannah Civic Center, second floor
Noon
Residence life orientation
Savannah Civic Center, third floor
12:30 p.m.
Parents college tour (optional)
Buses depart from the Oglethorpe House parking lot.
12:30–2:30 p.m.
Freshman and transfer student orientation
Savannah Civic Center, third floor ballroom
2:30 p.m.
Afternoon tea and coffee break
Savannah Civic Center, second floor
3–5 p.m.
Graduate student orientation
Savannah Civic Center, third floor
3–5 p.m.
Parent orientation
Savannah Civic Center, second floor
5 p.m.
Shopping trip to Target (optional)
Buses depart from Oglethorpe House and will return by 8 p.m.
9–11 p.m.
Volleyball competition
Boundary Village, 701 W. Jones St.
Thursday, Sept. 10
8–9:30 a.m.
Breakfast
J.O.’s Café, Oglethorpe House, 201 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
9–11 a.m.
ESL test results and orientation
Savannah Civic Center, third floor ballroom
This session is mandatory for students who took the ESL test.
9 a.m.–noon
Tuition/fees and SCAD IDs (ESL-exempt students)
York Hall, 115 E. York St.
11 a.m.
Tuition/fees and SCAD IDs (ESL students)
York Hall
Noon–1:30 p.m.
Lunch
J.O.’s Café
1:30 p.m.
College tour (optional)
Buses depart from the Oglethorpe House parking lot.
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Captain Mike’s dolphin tour
5:30–7 p.m.
International student and parent barbecue
Pei Ling Chan Garden for the Arts, 324 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Friday, Sept. 11
8 a.m.–1 p.m.
SCAD orientation
Savannah Civic Center arena
Freshman students must check in and join the SCAD orientation program according to the following schedule:
Last names A-L: 8–11 a.m.
Last names M-Z: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
9 a.m.
Graduate and transfer student kayak on the Ogeechee River
Oglethorpe House
2 p.m.
Freshman orientation and welcome session
Savannah Civic Center, Johnny Mercer Theater
Saturday, Sept. 12
8 a.m.–1 p.m.
SCAD orientation
Savannah Civic Center arena
Graduate and transfer students must check in and join the
SCAD orientation program according to the following schedule:
Last names A-Z: 8–11:30 a.m.
1:30–2:15 p.m.
SCAD welcome session
Savannah Civic Center arena
Monday, Sept. 14
8 a.m.
Classes begin
4–5:30 p.m.
International Night
Habersham Hall, 235 Habersham St.
Winter 2010 international orientation
Saturday, Jan. 28-10:30 a.m.
New International Student Check-in
Habersham Hall
10:30 a.m.
Orientation welcome session
Depart Habersham Hall for Trustees Theater
11:15 a.m.
ESL Placement Test
Depart Trustees Theater for Habersham Hall
11:30 a.m.
College tour
New international students that are ESL exempt may take a tour of the college
Noon
Lunch
Habersham Hall Courtyard
1:30 p.m.
New International Student Orientation
Habersham Hall third floor
3 p.m.
ESL Placement Test Orientation
Habersham Hall third floor
3 p.m.
Pay fees and pick up ID's
Bus departs from Habersham Hall bound for York Hall.
ESL exempt students may pay winter quarter fees and have their college ID's validated.
5:30 p.m.
Shopping trip to Target
Buses depart from Habersham Hall, return by 8 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 4
8 a.m.
Classes start
8:30 a.m.-5: 30 p.m.
Offices available for consultation
York Hall
- Bursar
- SCAD Card
- Transportation
- Academic Advising
- Registrar
Spring 2010 international orientation
Thursday, March 188:30–11:30 a.m.
New International Student Check-in
Habersham Hall
11:30–Noon
Lunch
Habersham Hall Courtyard
Noon–3 p.m.
ESL Placement Test-Mandatory
Habersham Hall
3–4 p.m.
New International Student Orientation
Habersham Hall
4–5 p.m.
ESL Placement Test Orientation
Habersham Hall
Shopping trip to Target
5 p.m., buses depart from Habersham Hall, return by 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 19
8–9:30 a.m.
Orientation check-in
Student Center, first floor, 120 Montgomery St.
8–9:30 a.m.
College services fair
Student Center, second floor
9:45–10:15 a.m.
Orientation welcome session
River Club, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Summer 2010 international orientation
Wednesday, June 168:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
New international student check-in
Habersham Hall, Room 301, 235 Habersham St.
2 p.m.
College Tour (optional)
Bus departs from Habersham Hall and will return by 4 p.m.
4 p.m.
Shopping trip to Target
Bus departs from Habersham Hall and will return by 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 17
8:30 a.m.
Shuttles run from the residence hall to Habersham Hall
8:30–9 a.m.
New Student Check-in Continues
Habersham Hall
9 a.m.–noon
ESL Placement Test (mandatory)
Habersham Hall
Noon–12:30 p.m.
Lunch
Habersham Hall Courtyard
12:30–2:30 p.m.
New International Student Orientation (mandatory)
Habersham Hall
2:30 p.m.
ESL Placement Test Orientation
Habersham Hall
2:30–5:30 p.m.
Fee payment and ID’s (mandatory)
York Hall, 115 E. York St.
Bus departs from Habersham Hall at 2:30 p.m. bound for York Hall and will make continuous loops until 5:30 p.m.
Friday, June 19
Shuttles run from the residence hall to the Student Center
8 a.m.
General SCAD orientation (mandatory)
Student Center, 120 Montgomery St.
Friday, June 25
Noon–5 p.m.
New international student BBQ
Bus departs from Habersham Hall at noon bound for Tybee Island’s Memorial Park for an afternoon of BBQ on the grill and beach strolling.
Contact Admission
- admission@scad.edu
- Hong Kong/Savannah/eLearning: 800.869.7223 or 912.525.5100
- Atlanta: 877.722.3285 or 404.253.2700
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Ask Virtual Adviser
Events
- SCAD Undergraduate Information Session: Philadelphia
Nov. 21, 2009 - SCAD Graduate Information Session: Overland Park, Kan.
Nov. 21, 2009 - SCAD Undergraduate Information Session: Birmingham, Ala.
Nov. 21, 2009 - SCAD Graduate Information Session: Philadelphia
Nov. 21, 2009
News
- Nov. 16, 2009
Drink Slam-N-Study coffee blend - Nov. 10, 2009
SCAD Style Lab mentors announced - Nov. 02, 2009
Ivy Hall lectures feature SCAD professors - Oct. 29, 2009
Student wins Craft Council scholarship
Recognition
- Just 4 Fun hires Charla Pettingill
- Tamara Garvey earns Telfair Art Fair honor
- Cynergy Systems hires Matthew Martino
- Professor James Lough publishes book
Related Links
- Academic Policies
- Admission Contacts
- Apply Online
- Cost
- FAFSA (SCAD code 015022)
- Financial Aid
- Scholarships for Entering Students
- Visit SCAD
