Congratulations and Welcome to the School of Professional Studies! On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, we are thrilled to have you join our Columbia family. We hope you recognize what an accomplishment it is to be admitted, and you should be proud of this achievement—we definitely are! Our team has crafted the below timeline so you know what’s to be expected of you over the coming months. There are a lot of steps to ensuring you start off on the right foot so please use this guide to help you stay on track!
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New Student Timeline Receive Your Admissions Letter
Confirm Your Enrollment and Submit Your Tuition Deposit Activate your UNI & LionMail Account
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY
Apply for your I-20 or DS-2019 through ISSO Complete CU Health Requirements Immunizations, COVID-19 Protocols, Health Insurance
Required of on-campus or hybrid international students only
Explore On and Off-Campus Housing Options Submit a Photo to the Student ID Center Register for New Student Orientation & Access Online Orientation Pre-Orientation Online Portal and University Tutorials
4–8 Weeks Before Classes Begin 2–3 Weeks Before Classes Begin
Meet your Advisor and Register for Classes
New Student Orientation Workshops and Academic Program Breakout Sessions
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Next Steps for New Students
1a Confirm Your Enrollment Enrollment Confirmation Secure your place in the academic program by completing the required enrollment form and submitting your tuition deposit within the online application system. Submit Enrollment Form & Deposit
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Submit Official Admissions Documents
Activate your UNI & LionMail Account
Finalized transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
Your UNI (University Network ID) is your key to accessing all technology at Columbia University. Please allow approximately 7–10 business days after confirming your enrollment for your UNI to be created. You will need your UNI to access things like your LionMail Account, tuition bill, course registration, and the CU Health Patient Portal.
Before being permitted to register for classes, you must provide official verified transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended for academic credit. Students currently enrolled in courses should wait until after their semester has completed and final grades have posted before sending their Official Transcripts. For instructions on how to complete this step, please visit our website. How to Submit Documents
PLEASE NOTE: Moving forward, all Columbia-related emails will be sent to your LionMail account so it is important that you check this account daily. Activate Your UNI
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4 Complete CU Health Requirements Immunizations There are several immunization requirements that all studentsregardless of credit load-must meet. You will not be permitted to register for classes until you have met all immunization requirements. This includes documenting proof of vaccine or requesting a medical or religious exemption for measles, mumps, rubella, seasonal influenza, and COVID-19. In addition, students must submit a decision regarding the meningitis vaccine. Submit Immunization Documentation
Health Insurance
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Required of on-campus or hybrid international students only
Apply for your I-20 or DS-2019 through ISSO Submit a completed Certificate of Eligibility to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). If you have questions about the visa application process (or other types of visas such as J visas) you can email the ISSO at newintlstudent@columbia.edu. Submit a Cerfiticate of Eligibility
If you are enrolling full-time (12 credits or more each term), you must confirm your enrollment in a Columbia Health Insurance Plan or request a waiver. Please note, all international students are required to enroll in a CU Health Insurance plan. If you are enrolling in fewer than 12 credits each term, you may opt-in to receive health insurance through Columbia but are not required to do so. Enroll or Waive Insurance
COVID-19 Protocols All community members must follow University Public Health Protocols, which include getting vaccinated, ongoing testing, completing a daily attestation, reading and signing of the CU Health Compact, and completing required trainings. For the most updated list of requirements, we encourage you to visit the COVID-19 Resource Guide. COVID-19 Resource Guide
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5 Explore On and Off-Campus Housing Options On-Campus If you are enrolling full-time (12-credits or more) and in a degreeseeking program you may be eligible for on-campus housing provided by Columbia Residential. Housing is allocated on a first-come, firstreserve basis so we encourage you to apply early. How to Apply for On-Campus Housing
Off-Campus All other students are encouraged to work with Columbia University’s Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) program which can assist you in your search for rental housing in and around the New York metropolitan area. Visit the Off-Campus Housing Marketplace
6 Submit a Photo to the Student ID Center To access libraries and secure campus locations, to purchase services at campus cafés and the University bookstore, and to take advantage of cultural discount programs in New York City, you must have a Columbia ID card. PLEASE NOTE: ID cards will not be printed for students enrolled in fully online programs. Executive students will receive their ID’s on the first day of their on-campus residency. Submit a Photo
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7 Register for New Student Orientation and Access Online Orientation To ensure your academic and professional success, all students are required to participate in New Student Orientation. Students will be emailed approximately 4-8 weeks before the start of their first semester with a schedule of Orientation events and registration instructions. Once you receive the email, you may begin the first part of Orientation, which includes a fully online Pre-Orientation Portal and University tutorials. Learn About Orientation & Access Pre-Orientation
8 Meet your Advisor and Register for Classes You will be introduced to your academic advisor leading up to the start of the semester. Following an introduction to your advisor, you will be expected to attend a required Pre-Registration Advising Webinar. During the webinar, you will meet your Advisor and they will share information on your course curriculum, how to register for classes, and will share important University resources. These webinars typically take place 4–8 weeks prior to registration. Registration for classes typically takes place 4–6 weeks prior to the semester starting. We encourage you to review the academic calendar for a comprehensive list of registration dates and other important deadlines. Overview of Course Registration
9 Attend New Student Orientation Workshops and Academic Program Breakout Sessions In an effort to support your transition to graduate studies, we have designed various virtual workshops. Whether you are learning how to finance your degree, navigate your academics, or are seeking guidance on professional development, we have a session just for you! All new SPS students are expected to attend as many workshops as possible. The Academic Program Breakout Session is an opportunity to meet with your academic program teams, learn about your coursework, and get to know your fellow classmates. Students will be notified of their program session’s date and time with a registration link. We expect these sessions to last approximately two hours. View the Orientation Schedule
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Contacts and Services for Students SPS Student Affairs Admissions
212-854-9666
inquire@sps.columbia.edu
Academic Advising
212-854-9666
spsadvising@columbia.edu
Academic Support
212-854-9666
sps-studentservices@columbia.edu
Student Life
212-854-9666
sps-studentlife@columbia.edu
Student Wellness
212-854-9666
sps-wellness@columbia.edu
Career Design Lab
212-854-1102
careerdesignlab@columbia.edu
SPS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Initiative
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spsdiversity@columbia.edu Important Resources for New Students
Health & Well-Being Medical Services
212-854-7426
health@columbia.edu
Counseling & Psychological Services
212-854-2878
health@columbia.edu
Disability Services
212-854-2388
disability@columbia.edu
Student Health Insurance
212-854-3286
studentinsurance@columbia.edu
Immunization Compliance
212-854-7210
immunizationcompliance@columbia.edu
Dodge Fitness Center
212-854-7149
perec@columbia.edu
212-854-4400
ssc@columbia.edu
Morningside Campus Map Gender-Neutral Restrooms Lactation Rooms On-Campus Eateries CU Libraries Columbia Bookstore
Student Service Center Student Financial Planning
212-854-7040
sfp@columbia.edu
University Registrar
212-854-4400
registrar@columbia.edu
Columbia Residential
212-854-9300
residential@columbia.edu
International Students and Scholars Office
212-854-3587
newintlstudent@columbia.edu
Office of Religious Life
212-854-2184
religiouslife@columbia.edu
Office of the University Chaplain
212-854-1493
chaplain@columbia.edu
Columbia Dining
212-854-4076
dining@columbia.edu
Military and Veteran Affairs
212-854-3161
veterans@columbia.edu
University Life
212-853-1628
universitylife@columbia.edu
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