StART

As a first-time freshman or transfer student, you get all your new student business out of the way at StART. When you come to Fall Orientation in August, you'll be ready to learn about living and learning at Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA). 

What Is StART?

Student Advising, Registration, and Testing (StART) is CIA's mandatory, overnight summer program for all incoming first-year students. Additionally, we host StART for transfer students, which is an abbreviated summer orientation program designed specifically for students transferring credits from other institutions of higher education and for any first-year student who is 22 years of age or older.

At StART you will: 

• Find out what you need for the first day of class
• Take your student ID picture
• Talk with current CIA students, alumni, staff, and faculty
• Fill out your roommate matching form if you plan to live on-campus
• Enjoy eating in Luetner Dining Hall
• Spend the night in the Taplin Residence Hall
• Make your first CIA t-shirt (and parents will have the opportunity to make their first piece of CIA garb with proceeds going to Community Service Club's Alternative Spring Break Trip)

View this past year’s agenda for StART.

Learning Disability Orientation

As part of StART, the Office of Learning Support Services provides a workshop specifically for students with documented learning disabilities (e.g., ADD, ADHD, and dyslexia). The program is offered for free and takes place right before the StART program begins in the evening. Learn more about Learning Disability Orientation.

Why Come to StART?

It's your chance to visit campus, compose your first-year writing inventory, and meet with representatives from the offices of financial aid, student accounts, student life and housing, academic services, and career services.  

In addition to meeting with members of the CIA community, you will be able to speak with representatives from local banks, Apple Computers, Student Health and Counseling Services, and local art supply stores.

But your time here in the summer shouldn't be only business, so all first-time college students (regardless of residential/commuter status in the fall) stay overnight in Taplin Residence Hall and socialize with other students in your class. This gives you a REAL feel for what it’s like to be a student at CIA.

Registering for StART

Once you have sent your tuition deposit to CIA, you will receive information about StART in the Student Welcome Packet via mail. The packet will include information about registering for StART. The deadline to register is June 14, 2013. 

Hurry and sign up now for the program dates you prefer to attend, because spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you cannot attend one of the scheduled dates in July, please contact the Office of Student Life and Housing immediately at studentlife@cia.edu or call 216.421.7429. 

For Traditional Students
June 23-24, 2013
June 30-July 1, 2013

For Transfer and Non-Traditional Students
Friday, August 2, 2013

Click Here To Register

Pre-StART Learning Disability Orientation

Learning Support Services Office offers a one-day summer orientation program to incoming students with documented learning disabilities. The program is offered in conjunction with the StART program. During our LD Orientation, you and your parents meet the Learning Support Services staff and are provided with an overview of accommodations, training on various assistive technologies, and time management and study skills workshops specific to the unique demands of the CIA student experience.

Click Here To Register

Staying Overnight 

All first-time freshmen, regardless of housing status in the fall, stay overnight in Taplin Residence Hall Sunday night of StART. CIA will provide sheets and a pillow. You should bring your toiletries (e.g., soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste), a change of clothes, and other things you might need overnight. Remember, you're not moving in just yet. Here are some additional suggestions for what to bring. 

Bringing Guests 

We encourage parents and guardians to attend this program! Each student may bring up to three guests to StART. We want to make sure we answer all of your questions as well as your parents' questions before school starts in the fall. 

All guests must secure their own lodging for the night. While they cannot stay in the residence hall with you, you will have plenty of time to catch up with them on Monday morning at breakfast. The Intercontinental Hotel has a group rate set up for CIA, and the Glidden House, which is right on campus, is offering special discounts for StART parents. For local hotel information, visit MetroTravelGuide.com or see a list of recommended hotels. 

Directions + Parking

You and your guests will park in the CIA Gund Building parking lot located on the corner of Bellflower Road and East Boulevard. You may park overnight only if you are attending without guests. View directions and our campus map.