Mastering SCAD Blackboard Learn and Thriving at SCAD: A Comprehensive Guide

This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating SCAD Blackboard Learn and thriving as a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). We'll cover everything from utilizing library resources and research strategies to understanding campus life and academic expectations.

Leveraging SCAD Libraries and Research Resources

SCAD Libraries offers a wealth of resources to support students in their academic pursuits. Connecting students with resources that promote success with all types and levels of research is a priority. SCAD Libraries recommends linking or embedding the departmental research portal in all Blackboard courses.

Course Guides

Looking for more tailored resources for your course? Course guides are tailored to the assignments and needs of specific courses. If you don't see a course guide for your course, consider requesting one.

Graduate Research & Writing Support

SCAD Libraries, Graduate Studies, and SCADextra offer an asynchronous learning tool for all MFA students to support high-quality thesis and final project research. This "Graduate Research & Writing for M.F.A." mini-course provides valuable guidance, and all M.F.A. students receive a certificate of completion upon finishing it. To preview the modules, download the file.

Individualized Research Support

Do your students need additional individualized support for an assignment or course? Recommend research consultations for individuals or groups of students.

Read also: Learn about Blackboard Learn at UD

Citation, Writing, and Software Help

Factor these steps into the research schedule. Looking for citation, writing, or software help for students? SCAD provides resources to assist with these essential skills.

The Cyclical Nature of Research

Research is cyclical and takes place throughout the entire project. The research process involves several key stages:

Brainstorming and Background Reading: Explore the key books, periodicals, databases and other information sources for your field. Step outside of your comfort zone to explore resources you may not be familiar with. Discuss ideas with a faculty member, librarian, or fellow students in your major.
Focus: Once you have a clearer sense of your topic and potential resources, focus your research. Select a handful of these most promising sources for deep reading and evaluation. Note interesting leads to follow up on.
Start to build the bibliography and outline: This first group of readings can form the core of your bibliography. They should be on-topic and based on research and external evidence.
Step back and assess: Which research gaps still need to be addressed? Is it necessary to tweak your topic or research questions, based on what you have read?
Follow up on leads: Follow up on leads identified in your research so far. Find, evaluate, and select non-academic sources. Expand your research beyond SCAD Libraries if necessary. You may plan to do primary research (e.g.
Re-iterate, revise, and refine: You will continue to research even as you are writing.

Remember that it takes additional time to receive materials from other SCAD locations or from institutions outside of SCAD. Schedule consultation appointments with SCAD librarians or Writers' Studio consultants in advance. Try this time manage method to break your work into timed intervals and improve productivity.

Navigating Student Life at SCAD

Life at SCAD extends beyond the classroom. Here's what you need to know to thrive in the SCAD community:

International Student Support

The International Student Services Office (ISSO) can walk you through every step on your SCAD journey.

Health and Well-being

As a SCAD student, you are automatically enrolled in the SCAD health care policy provided by UnitedHealthcare.

Visa Requirements for International Students

Federal law requires you to have a valid passport. Keep your SEVIS form. is listed on the form.

Academic Calendar

SCAD operates on a quarter system. The traditional academic year includes three quarters: fall, winter, and spring. You may take a break only during the summer quarter. You must be a full-time student to keep your visa status.

Accessibility Resources

Yes. SCAD offers educational services that provide equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

SCAD Rising Star Program

SCAD is looking for highly motivated and dedicated rising high school seniors to participate in SCAD Rising Star. The program is rigorous, and students work at an accelerated pace. Within four weeks, students will have completed two full-course workloads, which the regular SCAD student has 10 weeks to complete.

Application Requirements: In addition to the completed online application and US$100 nonrefundable application fee, applicants must submit official high school transcripts through first semester of their junior year and a personal or telephone interview. For students whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency must be provided.
Application Deadline: There is no official application deadline to apply for SCAD Rising Star. Students are encouraged to apply at least 30 days before the start of the program. The earlier a student applies, the more time they will have to complete their admission file before the payment deadline (below).
Program Deposit Deadline: The deadline for the SCAD Rising Star program deposit is Friday, May 29, 2026.
Eligibility: Only rising high school seniors can participate in the SCAD Rising Star program.
Supply Expenses: Supply expenses vary by course.
Program Benefits: Students who participate in SCAD Rising Star will gain valuable experience, as well as build and enhance their portfolio, all while refining their skills under the guidance and instruction of SCAD faculty.
Admission to SCAD: Satisfactory completion of SCAD Rising Star with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher may qualify students for admission to SCAD for further undergraduate study if they have submitted all required first-time, first-year application materials. Completion of Rising Star with a cumulative program GPA of less than 3.0 may impact future admission and scholarship consideration.
Fees: The application and program fees are nonrefundable.
Early Check-in: Early check-in is permitted on a case-by-case basis for international students.
What to Bring: Students need to bring their own toiletries and linens.
Residential Life: Several SCAD pre-college assistants, resident mentors, and a residence director stay in the residence hall with students. SCAD pre-college assistants have residence life experience and training.
Activities and Excursions: Sample trips include visits to local museums, galleries, and parks. Additionally, pre-college assistants coordinate a variety of academic workshops and community building events to assist students in further honing their craft and feeling at home.
Security: Security guards are posted at the residence hall entrance 24 hours a day and at all SCAD buildings when open. Students may be checked out of the residence hall overnight by their parent/legal guardian or an approved adult. 1600 Peachtree St.
Community Building: A variety of activities are planned to build community among SCAD Rising Star participants and help them become familiar with SCAD and community resources. Activities in the past included visits to the beach, a riverboat cruise, silent disco dance night, and karaoke. Additionally, pre-college assistants coordinate a variety of academic workshops and community building events to assist students in further honing their craft and feeling at home.
Hive Security: Security guards are posted at the entrance to The Hive 24 hours a day and at all SCAD buildings when open. Students may be checked out of the residence hall overnight by their parent/legal guardian or an approved adult. 22 E.

Campus Life and Student Organizations

Life at SCAD is more than attending class. SCAD offers more than 100 student organizations â from community service groups to leadership opportunities to intramural sports.

Student Employment for International Students

All F-1 visa holders are automatically eligible to seek student employment, but employment is not guaranteed. You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week in any department or SCAD office during the academic year. During break periods, you can work a maximum of 40 hours per week. You may volunteer your time and skills in any non-paid position provided that position is not normally held by a paid worker. You cannot get work authorization for any paid position outside of SCAD until you have F-1 status for at least three quarters.

Advice for New SCAD Students

Drawing from the experiences of current and former students, here's some valuable advice to help you make the most of your time at SCAD:

Textbooks and Supplies: Donât buy expensive books or supplies unless explicitly told to by your professor; maybe not even then.
Comfortable Workspace: Buy a desk chair if you plan to work at your desk. Trust me, your spine will thank you!
Critique Etiquette: Do not be rude in critique, especially if your work can't back you up. Remember to be constructive, not degrading.
Art Supply Shopping: Blick Art Supplies is often cheaper, but donât go the first Tuesday after class or youâll be there for 6 hours with your closest friends (which can actually be fun)! Rather, go Monday or Wednesday night, it's much less busy.
Social Scene: SCAD does not have your average college party scene; we are a bar town, so fake IDs flow freely among students. We also have house/dorm parties, so as long you don't get caught you're gonna have a good time!
Fake IDs: If you choose to have a fake ID in Savannah, it needs to scan for any place downtown, or youâll end up with an MIP.
Party Timing: Parties in college do not start until after your high school bedtimes, so don't show up anywhere before 11.
Roommates: Donât be afraid to switch roommates. SCAD is hard and dorms are a small and hostile environment, so they could easily can you over the edge.
Time Management: You should not be pulling all-nighters freshman year if you cant budget your time properly now. It's only going to get worse over the next 3 years (unless, of course, you work best at 4am thatâs weird but okay)
Class Attendance: It's okay to skip class when you know you can get more done at home, but watch your absences! Professors donât play games about that stuff. Sometimes it's okay to skip and go to the beach! Just make sure its just a work day.
Transportation: Having a car in Savannah is a beautiful and terrible wonder. Savannah does not play games with parking; they have a separate task force that will sit and wait for your meter to hit zero and now you have a 20 dollar ticket.
Dorm Decor: Command hooks are ridiculously expensive and donât work on cinder block or popcorn walls. They also have been known to peel off cheap dorm wall paint.
Safety: Do NOT walk downtown alone at night â¦ you will die. Donât walk past 37th street or through the projects alone any time of day. It doesn't matter if thats the quickest way to class … you will die.
Dormitory Rules: Donât drink in your room if you live close to the RA or during the first week of class. They'll be hot on your tail, ready with enough red cards to wallpaper your room.
Work-Life Balance: Try to dedicate at least one weekend night solely to homework and take pride in staying in to work and earn your stripes. This is not a school where you go to frat parties every night.
Personal Style: Wear whatever you want, because someone else will always be wearing something weirder than you.
Professionalism: Dress nice(er) for class, we donât rock the nike shorts and t-shirts at SCAD and its important to be professional because for all you know your professor could be best buds with your future boss.
Campus Oddities: If you see people in mascot costumes engaging in sexually charged activities DO NOT PANIC. Those are called furries, google it and discover a side to the internet you didnât think existed.
Food Service: The bagel shop workers are just mean. Its probably not you. Make friends with the sub shop people; they are incredible humans. Donât wear heels downtown. The cobblestone will cripple you. Check your chicken at the hive. It's probably not cooked. Hive food will make you gain the freshman 15. or you'll starve and lose 15 pounds.
Networking: Go to every event, especially the career events. Industry big shots are always coming to scout out SCAD kids.
Stay Informed: SCAD sucks at announcing events like openings and employer presentations, so you really have to pay attention.
Self-Care: Never forget to treat yo'self every once and a while!

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