For the most up to date information about the Institute's response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, please visit our Update Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will courses be cancelled?
Some current classes are being moved into an online learning format purely as a precautionary measure. You will be contacted directly if you are a registered or current student and alternate plans are being made for your course.
In regards to future courses, we are carefully monitoring the situation. At present, we are planning to run our summer courses on both campuses. If this changes, we will communicate to all involved. If Sotheby’s Institute cancels a course, participants will receive full refunds.
What if I can’t travel to / from campus for my course?
As the situation develops, we will all better understand the impact on travel. For future courses, such as the Summer Institute, relaxed refund policies have been established to allow for flexibility until we know how the situation will affect our courses and students, including travel.
- Current students should be in touch with student services to discuss any individual circumstances or concerns.
- We offer a wide variety of online courses throughout the year, which we suggest as an alternative learning method if you would like to study with us remotely.
How is SIA preparing to ensure safety and security for students?
There is no higher priority than the safety of our community. We will continue to communicate throughout the spring, and we are monitoring this developing situation closely, staying in regular contact with local agencies, health organizations, and other experts. For updates, please visit our webpage here where we will continue to post the latest information about campus policies, decisions, and news.
What are the policies around applications and refunds?
We are examining our cancellation policies to give you the flexibility you need as the situation develops. For now we want you to know that we are committed to policies that allow you to apply and enroll in our programs as normal, and, if the circumstances change in the future, you can alter your plans without penalty. For program-specific information, please see the links below.
- Summer Institute: Notice about the extended refund policy (March 12, 2020)
- Pre-College Programs: Notice about applications and the refund policy (March 12, 2020)
- Master’s Degree: Updates to the MA application process (March 12, 2020)
Can I change courses or defer my registration?
If you are currently participating in a program, speak with program staff to understand what options are available if you wish to cease your current program or explore other options.
If you have registered for an upcoming course and would like to defer to a course offered in a later term (relevant to Summer Institute, Pre-College programs, and Short Courses), we will endeavor to accommodate your schedule, pending availability. Please reach out to one of our enrollment counselors to discuss.
If my school year is extended so I can’t start my summer term, can I change courses or be deferred?
We understand that due to some school closures in the spring, school terms might be extended into the summer which would affect your plans to attend a Sotheby’s Summer Institute course. If this is the case, we will work with you to place you in another term (pending availability) or find alternative arrangements. Please contact an enrollment counselor as soon as your schedule becomes confirmed so we can work with you for a solution.
What if i can’t complete my application due to transcripts being incomplete or unavailable, or IELTS centers being closed?
We understand that, due to circumstances beyond your control, you might not be able to gather all the supporting documentation for your application to our degree-granting programs at this time. In these instances, please be in contact with an enrollment officer who can discuss the status of your application with you and possible alternative documentation.
Do you admit students from areas that have been affected?
Sotheby’s Institute does not discriminate against any individual, regardless of what region they are from. It is also important to keep in mind that the situation is rapidly evolving. However, we will follow every precaution and advice of health officials to ensure that our community remains safe and healthy to the best of our ability. We will communicate to our students, families, and wider community at every step of the way.
What will happen if someone at SIA is affected?
If someone within our community is infected, the school will provide all support possible to that individual while maintaining their privacy. We will work with health officials to follow all protocols deemed necessary. We are committed to acting responsibly and communicating transparently in every eventuality.
Where can I get more information?
We will communicate with current and future students, staff, and SIA community directly through email and other means available. Updates will be posted to the SIA website as they develop.