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Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently asked questions from across the offices supporting Columbia College and Columbia Engineering collected here in one place for your convenience. You can browse by topic/department or search by keyword.

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Time Away, Berick Center for Student Advising

Does Columbia offer credit for internships?

Students in Columbia College and Columbia Engineering who have declared their majors and completed certain Core requirements may be able to earn a limited number of credits for coursework connected to internships. Contact your Advising Dean for more information.

How do I study abroad?

Please contact Undergraduate Global Engagement to learn about your options for study abroad.

How do I take a leave of absence?

Be sure to talk to your Advising Dean if you are contemplating a leave of absence.  

Voluntary Leaves are taken for a variety of reasons.  For more information, review our Voluntary Leave of Absence Policy.  If you wish to take a Voluntary Leave once the semester has already started, you must discuss your plans with your Advising Dean and present a petition to the Committee on Academic Standing. 

Medical Leaves are granted to students whose health interferes with successful full-time study. For more information, review our Medical Leave of Absence Policy. 

For further information about these and other types of leaves of absence, please refer to the Columbia College Bulletin or Columbia Engineering Bulletin.  

 

 

How do I take a summer class/take a class outside Columbia?

Talk to your Advising Dean.  

Classes, Berick Center for Student Advising

How do I add a class?

During the Change of Program period (the first two weeks of the semester), you may freely add and drop courses during your assigned registration times in Vergil. Click here for help using Vergil's course registration features.

After the Change of Program period, you will need instructor permission to add a course.

After your school's drop deadline, courses can no longer be added. Find academic deadlines for your school here.

How do I audit a class? (For CC Seniors only)

The mark of "R" or registration credit is equivalent to auditing a course.  Please note that no points/credits are earned.  The "R" credit option is available only to Columbia College seniors who submit a completed petition found HERE.  

"R" credit petitions will only be authorized if:

  • the courses are in excess of the 124 points required for the B.A. degree
  • the courses are not used to fulfill a requirement for the B.A. degree, and
  • the student has the permission of the course instructor.

For more information regarding the "R" Credit option, please see your Advising Dean.

How do I drop a class?

During the Change-of-Program period (also known as Add/Drop): You can use normal web registration procedures.

After the Change-of-Program period and before the drop deadline (also known as the Post-Change of Program Add/Drop Period): Students may request to add and drop certain courses*, subject to approval by their school and/or the instructor, through Vergil.  For more information, please review the Post-Change of Program Period Student Quick Guide.  

*Please note: The deadline to drop Columbia College Core Curriculum courses is the second week of the semester.

Find your school's academic deadlines here.

How do I go over points?

To take more than 18 (CC) or 21 (SEAS) credits during a single semester, submit the Petition to Register Above the Credit Limit form to your adviser in the CSA. Find the required forms and instructions here.

Students must complete at least one term at Columbia before petitioning to exceed the credit limit.

How do I Pass/D/Fail a class? How do I uncover a P/D/F grade?

Columbia College Students

Pass/D/Fail:

The purposes of the Pass/D/Fail option are to encourage students to take courses of interest to them outside of their field of specialization and to permit those who have not decided upon a major to test their talents in a particular field that may be of interest. Instructors are not informed if a student in their classes elect to use the Pass/D/Fail option. 

Courses used to meet the stated degree requirements (except those only given on a Pass/Fail basis) may not be taken for a Pass/D/Fail grade. All Core Curriculum courses (i.e., Literature Humanities, University Writing, Frontiers of Science, Contemporary Civilization, Art Humanities, Music Humanities), as well as courses for the Global Core Requirement, Science Requirement, and Foreign Language Requirement, must be taken for a letter grade.

All courses used to meet the requirements of a major, concentration, or minor including courses in other departments that fulfill requirements for a major, must also be taken for a letter grade, with the possible exception – to be determined by the relevant academic department or program – of the first one-term course taken by students in their eventual major.

All students registered in Columbia College during the regular academic year may elect one course each term during the regular academic year to take on a Pass/D/Fail basis (in addition to any courses that are graded only on a Pass/Fail basis). Students who do not utilize both Pass/D/Fail options during the academic year may elect, in the summer immediately following, to take one Columbia Summer Session course on a Pass/D/Fail basis. No more than one course may be designated to be taken on a Pass/D/Fail basis at any point in a given semester.

Students who wish to exercise the Pass/D/Fail grading option may designate in Student Services Online (SSOL) a single course for the grade of Pass/D/Fail until the Pass/D/Fail deadline specified on the Academic Calendar. After that deadline, students seeking to exercise the Pass/D/Fail grading option must petition the Committee on Academic Standing for an exception. Students should consult their advising deans in the Berick Center for Student Advising about the petition process.

In order to encourage students to engage more fully in the courses they elect to take for a grade of Pass/D/Fail, students are allowed to uncover a grade of Pass in SSOL until the end of the Change of Program period of the following semester. Students have until the end of the Change of Program period in the Spring semester to uncover the grade of a course taken in the previous Fall term, and until the end of the change of program period in the Fall semester to uncover the grade of a course taken in the previous Spring or Summer term. Seniors who graduate in May have until June 1 to uncover the grade of a course taken in their final Spring semester. Students who wish to uncover a grade of Pass can do so in Student Services Online (SSOL).

The grade of Pass is not included in the calculation of grade point averages; the grades of D and Fail are included in the calculation of grade point averages.

Columbia Engineering Students

Pass/Fail:

Columbia Engineering students can take up to two non-technical elective courses pass/fail and the courses will count towards their non-tech requirement. Courses must be at the 3000-level or higher. Students should check that the department offering the course allows courses in their department to be taken pass/fail. Students cannot take any core classes or language instruction classes pass/fail. Only one class per semester may be taken pass/fail. (This restriction does not include courses that are only offered pass/fail.) The course grade in a 3000-level or higher non-technical elective may be uncovered by the stated deadline. Specifically, students are allowed to uncover a grade of Pass in a 3000-level or higher non-technical elective via SSOL until the end of the Change of Program period of the following semester. Students have until the end of the Change of Program period in the Spring semester to uncover the grade of a 3000-level or higher non-technical elective taken in the previous Fall term, and until the end of the change of program period in the Fall semester to uncover the grade of a course taken in the previous Spring or Summer term. Seniors who graduate in May have until June 1 to uncover the grade of a 3000-level or higher non-technical elective taken in their final Spring semester. Students who wish to uncover a grade of Pass can do so via Student Services Online (SSOL).

SEAS students may not uncover a P that they have earned in any other class; the option to uncover a P (by the stated deadline) exists only for 3000-level or higher non-technical elective courses.

Courses in which a student has earned a P cannot count toward a minor; all courses taken for a minor must have a letter grade in them on the student's transcript.

Before the Deadline

The Pass/D/Fail deadline is the last day of classes for Columbia College students and in the 10th week of classes for Columbia Engineering students. Students may elect to change the grading option via SSOL on the P/D/F Grading tab. Students should reach out to their Advising Dean with any questions. 

After the Deadline

Students must petition the Committee on Academic Standing. Find all instructions and forms online.

How do I take classes that overlap?

Students who wish to register for courses that overlap must submit a Course Overlap Petition to their CSA Adviser before the end of the Change of Program period. Find all forms and instructions HERE.

 

 

Where can I find a tutor or other extra academic help?

If you are struggling in a course, you should always first contact your professor or teaching assistant to discuss expectations, go over previous exams and papers, and clarify concepts and the material. It's also a good idea to contact your advising dean, who can help you review your study habits and create a plan. 

For more assistance, you can look for a tutor or visit a help room. Help rooms are sponsored by the academic departments and are staffed by graduate students. They are open at various times for students to drop by and ask questions about homework and material.  There are also a variety of tutors available. Academic Success Programs offers a free group tutoring service in a variety of subjects. Here is a list of department-sponsored private tutors and help room information.

Majors, Berick Center for Student Advising

How do I change programs of study?

Columbia College: Complete the CC Change of Program Form and bring it to the CSA in 403 Lerner.

Columbia Engineering: Complete the SEAS Change of Program Form, get departmental approval and a signature, and bring the form to the CSA in 403 Lerner.

How do I declare a major?

Columbia College and Columbia Engineering students declare their majors online during the major declaration period in their sophomore year.  Engineering students declare in October; CC students declare in March.  Look for an email from your Advising Dean with a clickable link.

Some College majors require departmental signatures to finalize online major declaration.  If your major is housed within one of the following departments, download the CC Major Declaration Form and bring it to 403 Lerner:

  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art History and Visual Arts
  • Astronomy
  • Astrophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Comparative Literature & Society
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama and Theater Arts
  • Earth & Environmental Sciences
  • East Asian Languages & Cultures
  • Film Studies
  • Hispanic Studies
  • Italian
  • Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies
  • Physics
  • Portuguese Studies
  • Sustainable Development
  • Urban Studies
How do I find out more information about a department or program?

Each department and academic program in Columbia College has a Director of Undergraduate Studies, a faculty member who can answer your questions about requirements for the major, concentration, or minor, guide your choices about placement level, discuss opportunities to study abroad, and assist you in planning your program. A complete list of names and contact information is here.

Each academic department in Columbia Engineering has either a Student Affairs officer or faculty member who serve as the point of contact for inquiries on each Engineering major. A list of the Engineering departments and their corresponding points of contact can be found here. 

Graduation and beyond, Berick Center for Student Advising

How do I get a recommendation letter?

If you are applying to graduate school and would like the CSA to gather and send out recommendation letters on your behalf, use the Dossier Service.

If you are applying to law school or health professional school, please contact the Office of Preprofessional Advising.

How do I get information about the 3-2 Combined Plan Program?

You can find information about the 3-2 Program in this brochure.  Take a look and contact your CSA adviser if you have further questions.

How do I get information about the 4-1 Program?

You can find more information about the 4-1 Program in this brochure. Additionally, you can learn about the 4-1 Program in the Columbia College Bulletin and the SEAS Bulletin.

How do I get information about the SIPA 5-Year MIA/MPA Program?

Read the CSA fact sheet regarding the SIPA 5-Year MIA/MPA Program. Contact your CSA adviser if you have further questions.

How do I plan for graduate school?

Read the CSA fact sheet regarding the graduate school application process.

Columbia Engineering, Berick Center for Student Advising

I’m a SEAS student. What classes should I take my first semester?

All first-semester SEAS students will be pre-registered for University Writing OR Art of Engineering. You should also plan to take General Chemistry; Calculus I or II; Physics; and one other class in consultation with the SEAS Bulletin.

Can I change the order in which I take Art of Engineering and University Writing?

No.  You must take these classes in the order in which they are assigned to you.  

 

Columbia College, Berick Center for Student Advising

What’s the difference between major, concentrations, and minors?

Columbia College students who matriculated prior to Fall 2024 may choose either to major or concentrate in a discipline. Concentrations usually have fewer requirements and thus free up a student’s schedule to take other classes of interest. These students do not need to have a major to graduate and may instead choose a concentration. Please note that in the case of "Special Concentrations" (for example, the Special Business Management Concentration), a student must choose a major or a concentration in addition to the special concentration in order to graduate.

Columbia College students who matriculated starting in Fall 2024 or beyond must have a major to graduate and can additionally choose to add one or two additional programs of study (as long as they are not electing three majors). Minors involve less requirements and free up students' schedule to pursue a range of subjects. 

I want to major in economics. What should I take?

A sample schedule may include: Principles of Economics and Calculus I or Calculus III.

I want to major in a discipline in the humanities or social sciences. Which classes should I take?

Take courses in the subject matters of interest. For example, if you are interested in history, take some history classes that sound interesting. Typically, it is a good idea to take introductory classes that are 1000- or 2000-level.. Classes in the 3000- or 4000-level, especially seminars, are often taken by juniors and seniors who are more advanced in the subject matter.

I’m a CC student and am not sure what I want to major in. I’m interested in many things! Which classes should I take?

Take a variety of classes that interest you! Your first year is a great time to explore classes and to figure out what you are really passionate about. Peruse the Directory of Classesand the CC Bulletin, make a list of classes that interest you, and then put them intoVergil to see what might work best with your schedule. You may also take classes that fulfill your core requirements, such as a foreign language, a Global Core class, or a class that fulfills the science requirement.

I want to major in one of the hard sciences. What should I take?

Consult the requirements for your prospective major in the CC Bulletin. Students planning to study biology, chemistry, or physics should plan to take General Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus their first semester.

How do I request to change my section of Literature Humanities or Frontiers of Science?

Can I change my section of Literature Humanities?

To change your section of Literature Humanities, use the CHANGE SECTION feature on SSOL when your registration window opens.  If that fails, the Core Office in 202 Hamilton will accept requests to change sections starting at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of classes, Tuesday, September 8 through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14.   The Core office will accept pairs of petitions from students wishing to swap sections with each other. The method of receiving requests is TBA. 

Can I change my Frontiers of Science discussion section?  

To change your Frontiers of Science discussion section, use the CHANGE SECTION feature on SSOL when your registration window opens.  If that fails, the Core Office in 202 Hamilton will accept requests to change sections starting at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of classes, Tuesday, September 8 through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14.   The Core office will accept pairs of petitions from students wishing to swap sections with each other. The method of receiving requests is TBA. 

How do I request to change sections of University Writing?

University Writing Sections cannot be changed on SSOL.  Requests must be made by petitions submitted to John Stobo in the Undergraduate Writing Center. Process for submitting a petition is TBA.

 
Can I switch the order in which I take University Writing and Frontiers of Science?

Requests to exchange University Writing for Frontiers of Science will be considered. Reach out to your Advising Dean to inquire. 

FAQs for All Incoming Students, Berick Center for Student Advising

Where can I find a list of class offerings?

Please consult the Directory of Classes.

How do I know what classes are required for a program of study?

Please consult the CC Bulletin or SEAS Bulletin.

I plan to be pre-med. What classes should I take?

A sample schedule may include: General Chemistry I and Calculus I. Please consult the pre-med curriculum for more information. You should also attend the Pre-Health Workshop during the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP).

What should I do if the class I want to take is full?
  • Don’t panic! During NSOP and once classes begin, it is likely that more spots will open up as all students finalize their schedules. The first two weeks of classes are known as the Change of Program period. You'll be able to add courses to your schedule during that time. 
  • You should check to see whether or not the course has a waitlist; if so, add yourself to the list.
  • If you still want to get into a class that is full, it is essential to attend the first class.
  • In case a seat does not open up, you should plan to attend the first class meetings of the next best options on your list. Twelve credits is the minimum required for all students. If you drop below 12 points, you risk being withdrawn from the term (except in your last term, when you are permitted to go below 12 points).
What should I do if I do not like the time/day a class is offered?

Everyone has their ideal schedule and class time preferences. However, sometimes you have to take classes at a day or time that is not your first choice. You can certainly try to join the waitlist for a section that is more preferable. However, if you are not added to the class from the waitlist, consider taking the class at a different time. Who knows, that class could wind up being your favorite class!

Placement Exams: How do I know which level of a math, science, or language class to take?

Placement exams will be given during the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP). You will receive a list of all placement exams during NSOP. For languages, you may consult the Academic Planning Guide to see if AP or SAT II scores place you into either a higher level or place you out of the language requirement.

For the subjects below, please consult the appropriate department’s website for more information:

How do I purchase textbooks?

Students often purchase textbooks from the Columbia Bookstore or Book Culture.

I have AP/IB or other outside credit. How can I add that to my transcript?

Typically, advising deans add AP/IB and other outside credit to a student’s record the summer after his/her first year at Columbia. Please consult the Academic Planning Guide to see if AP credit or SAT II scores may place you into a higher level class or give exemption to a requirement.

I have non-academic questions about preparing for Columbia.

Please see the FAQs on the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) website.

FAQ Topics