Updates and Guidance
For operational updates and health guidance from the University, please visit the COVID-19 Resource Guide.
To learn more about our spring term, please visit the Updates for Undergraduate Students page.
For operational updates and health guidance from the University, please visit the COVID-19 Resource Guide.
To learn more about our spring term, please visit the Updates for Undergraduate Students page.
The first week of registration for courses in Summer A and B sessions is March 8 – March 12, 2021.
As a reminder, students enrolled full-time in fall and spring can also enroll in summer courses at no additional tuition cost, for a maximum of 40 credits per student for the academic year. Students can earn a maximum of 6 points of credit in each of the two sessions: Summer A and Summer B. If a student enrolls in more than 40 credits for the 2020-2021 academic year, tuition will be charged for summer credits on a per-credit basis for any point above 40.
Students are encouraged to speak with their academic adviser before they register. International students should consult with the International Students and Scholars Office, located at 524 Riverside Drive (+1-212-854-3587) for more information.
Please read Vice Dean Morrison’s email.
Please also see Our Path Forward: FAQs for Fall 2020.
Undergraduate degree programs are being adapted to take advantage of the announced three-term format: Fall/Spring/Summer (A and B) to offer new flexibility in individual schedules.
Students may enroll in a full course schedule during the fall and spring; the expanded calendar offers additional flexibility to spread courses over the three terms and/or take additional courses over the arc of three terms. Each SEAS department will be offering courses across Fall/Spring/Summer A to enable flexibility for all majors to take advantage of the expanded academic calendar. Indeed, every major will add classes to Summer A while also providing course offerings during Fall and Spring. Furthermore, Summer B will offer a selection of SEAS courses of broad interest.
We expect that all students will take a minimum of 12 credits in the Fall and 12 credits in the Spring (satisfying full-time status requirements), enabling them to stay on track for completion of degree requirements.
We will be offering courses in Summer A for every major and we encourage students to consider taking two immersive seven-week courses in the Summer A period. The three-term alternative offers the advantage of spreading courses out over three terms.
Students may choose to complete normal schedules over the Fall and Spring, and either leave the Summer free for other opportunities or use the Summer to expand their course portfolio. If interested, students may choose to enroll in as many as 40 credits over Fall/Spring/Summer (A and B) and use the expanded academic calendar to pursue a minor or other interest.
Seniors who desire to complete their degree requirements by the end of Spring term will be able to do so. Summer A completes by June 18 which enables a full July and August summer internship, field, or research opportunity.
All Fall 2020 classes for undergraduate students will be taught online. Courses for undergraduate students that were planned as hybrid or in-person courses will be changed to fully online courses. If the change to a fully remote undergraduate curriculum results in any change to a particular class (e.g., a change in schedule), students enrolled in the class will be notified immediately. Please let your adviser know if you have concerns about your academic schedule in light of the move to a fully remote curriculum.
Spring 2021: The majority of courses will be taught in remote mode; some hybrid courses will be made available. Information about spring courses and modes of instruction will be shared soon. Course registration will begin December 1.
Decisions about Summer 2021 courses will be finalized as public health guidance develops over the coming months.
Faculty have been actively engaged in preparations throughout the summer to ensure the richest academic experience possible, in keeping with Columbia's standards of excellence. We have reviewed student feedback about remote learning in the spring, and faculty are reflecting on ways to continue to improve the learning experience for everyone. The University has also created a resource site for students that offers strategies and tips for a successful experience in online courses. Students are also encouraged to talk with the instructor of each of their courses about the different ways in which you can participate effectively in online class meetings and assignments.
Faculty are sensitive to the concerns of students who may be studying in time zones that are quite distant from New York City, and they are considering the use of asynchronous materials so that students can access course content at different times of day. Faculty will make individual decisions about the ways that they will deliver their classes (for example, some faculty will record class meetings or lectures, while others may not — the decision is that of the individual faculty member). Students can learn more about the synchronous and asynchronous elements of a course by looking at the course’s syllabus when it is posted on CourseWorks and by attending the first class session. Information will be shared in mid-August about the online process for the “shopping period” at the beginning of the semester. Students should also talk with their adviser about any concerns they have about their schedule of classes and access to course meetings and materials.
We are developing ways to accommodate students in remote mode, including development and deployment of experiment kits for some classes.
Advisers from the James H. and Christine Turk Berick Center for Student Advising (CSA) are here to help students navigate their college experience both in and outside of the classroom. Given that most classes will be taught entirely or partially online, we have compiled these tips for online learning. Advisers will be checking in regularly with their student advisees once the school year commences, to offer support and discuss strategies for success. Please also check the CSA website for updates about the upcoming academic year.
Programs, activities, and services across undergraduate student life will continue, however, they will look different than in previous years. Opportunities will be offered to connect virtually with creative new programs under development.
We will continue to provide virtual research experiences for undergraduates. SEAS will continue to offer Design Challenges, as well as small projects and research experiences that focus on the intersection of engineering and applied science with the pressing issues of our time—from Pandemics to Climate Change to Social Justice. The Office of Undergraduate Global Engagement has also introduced the Columbia Global Collaboratory to further engage undergraduates across Columbia in complex global issues.
Undergraduate and Graduate students will also hear more about opportunities through our Professional Leadership Development (PDL) program, Venture Competitions, hackathons, and a new program on conversations with technology leaders in the coming weeks and months.
Students who had been approved for spring housing will be contacted by Columbia Housing with updates regarding the status of their housing assignment. Adherence to health protocols and agreement to the Columbia Community Health Compact are still required for anyone who will live on campus.
Students who enroll in the 2020-2021 academic year but do not live on campus will still maintain guaranteed housing for the next academic year.
To adhere to physical distancing requirements, students approved to live in residence halls this upcoming year will be assigned to single rooms and spaced appropriately throughout residence halls. Students will only be given swipe access into their assigned residence hall and will not have access to other halls. In addition, students living on-campus will not be permitted to sign-in or host guests, including Columbia students living in another residence hall, Columbia students living off-campus, or family members.
Columbia Dining will be serving students on campus this year. Food service will be take-out only to start the year. Options will include hot and cold foods, as well as an enhanced selection of prepared grab-and-go items.
For comprehensive FAQs about housing, residence life, facilities and more, visit Columbia Housing and Columbia Dining for more information.
In summer, we anticipate that campus will continue to be managed in a de-densified manner, despite the progress being made with new vaccines and inoculation around the country. Strict enforcement of public health protocols and the Columbia Community Health Compact will continue to be upheld throughout the summer term, along with regular twice-weekly Covid-19 testing for students, faculty or staff on campus premises.
Students are eligible to apply for summer housing if they enroll full-time in summer courses with at least 6 credits, and have guaranteed housing. As in the past, we’ll prioritize students with exceptional circumstances who require campus facilities and housing in order to succeed academically, along with these populations:
Students approved for housing during Summer A may also be eligible for Summer B housing if they also enroll full-time in the second session, with at least 6 credits. A student’s full-time enrollment for Summer A and B will be verified in April as part of the summer housing confirmation process.
Campus housing will not be offered for students enrolled only in Summer B. This is due to the turnover window between Summer A and B sessions, which is too short for Columbia to fully implement public health restrictions for a second wave of residents.
If space permits, Columbia Housing may be available for students participating in Columbia sponsored programs and research. Updates will be shared if this is confirmed.
More details about housing and the application process will be shared with students by March 10.
The University has extended the suspension of all international Columbia-related travel for all affiliates until further notice. For students, domestic Columbia-related Travel continues to be suspended. Additionally, all Columbia affiliates are strongly urged to postpone any non-essential personal travel abroad, and to follow state guidance for personal domestic travel.
The University has introduced the Columbia Community Health Compact, a compact for all Columbians to agree to abide by the public health protocols as part of our culture and in the interest of the health and safety of everyone.
Faculty, students, and staff on campus must be aware of and follow all public health protocols in the interest of the health and safety of the entire community:
See the Enhanced Health and Safety Policy.
These protocols are mandatory and will be updated regularly following any new updates in conditions and best practices.
This guidance addresses questions related to the University’s Enhanced Health and Safety Policy on face covering, physical distance, and related issues that went into effect on June 22, 2020 and will continue to evolve as we near the fall.
When you remove your face covering to eat or drink, you must be at least 6 feet (2 arms’ length) from others. Being side by side at that distance is fine, but try to avoid being directly across from someone else. If you smoke, this same rule applies—and only in outdoor areas on campus where smoking is permitted.
Keep as much space as you can, wear your face covering and keep moving.
Elevator capacity will be limited. Follow the instructions on the sign nearby whatever elevator you plan to use. If the elevator permits more than one person at a time and you’re in the elevator with someone else, stay as far apart as the space allows, and keep your face covering on. Everyone will know that this is about keeping our community safe. And if you are able, take the stairs instead.
Keep your face covering on.
Keep your face covering on, both inside and outdoors. We understand it can get hot – if you need to pull your face covering down for a moment to wipe off your face, be sure you’re more than 6 feet from others.
Keep your face covering on and keep six feet between you. Even if you’re with a roommate, partner or family member, keep your face covering on and keep at least six feet from other individuals or groups.
Keep your face covering on unless you are alone in an enclosed office with the door closed.
Keep your face covering on and stay 6 feet (2 arms’ length) apart.
Keep your face covering on. It’s important for your health and the health of others and it’s required by NY law in public places whenever you cannot keep 6 feet apart. Avoid crowds and remember to use hand sanitizer too.
Information on self-monitoring can be found on the University’s COVID-19 resource website.
Cleaning and Disinfecting information can be found on the University’s COVID-19 resource website.
Students who enroll for the academic year must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits in the Fall and in the Spring. This constitutes full-time status and will also ensure successful progression towards completion of your degree requirements. Fall and Spring will have the normal tuition structure.
For undergraduate students enrolled full time in both Fall and Spring, Summer (A and B) courses will not incur tuition. Students may enroll in up to 40 credits over the Fall/Spring/Summer (A and B) terms.
Student financial aid packages will accommodate enrollment in courses over this expanded three term calendar. This expanded three-term structure then gives students flexibility to either spread their full set of courses over three terms and/or to pursue additional courses towards a minor and explore wider interests across the academic year.
We recognize how challenging this time is for many in our community. In response, Columbia will absorb the previously communicated 2% tuition increase, bringing the 2020-2021 undergraduate tuition rate flat to last year's value.
To enhance the experience of attending Columbia in this unprecedented academic year, Columbia Engineering students who enroll in both fall and spring will also be able to take classes for a third term, Summer 2021, for up to a total credit limit of 40 credits at no additional tuition charge. Note that most Columbia Engineering students typically take 30, 33, or 36 credits in an academic year. Taking advantage of the summer term enables students to spread their coursework over three terms to further progress their degree and/or to take additional courses to explore other areas of interest.
Further note, in accordance with past academic policies, SEAS students may also continue to take up to 21 credits in each of the Fall and Spring semesters as an overload—a long-standing policy utilized by a small percentage of students.
Students who were planning to live in residence but must now remain off-campus will have their financial aid award recalculated to reflect their revised costs. This will include removing Room and Meal Plan costs as well as travel allocations for those who will no longer be on-campus. These changes will include an off-campus living allowance of $4,000 per semester to help with living and technology expenses related to remote learning.
For students who applied and were approved for full-year housing (for both fall and spring terms) due to special circumstances and will be provided with Columbia Housing in Fall 2020: Room and Board for 2020-2021 will be $15,130 for first-year students. This covers on-campus living charges for the fall and spring semesters. Upper class rates will vary based on meal plans selected.
In recognition of challenges that students and families may be facing during this pandemic, Columbia is offering the following additional support in the upcoming year:
All financial aid questions should be directed to the Financial Aid and Educational Financing office at (212) 854-3711 or ugrad-finaid@columbia.edu
While Columbia College and Engineering undergraduates do not typically receive financial aid for summer coursework, limited aid will be provided in recognition of the three-term 2020-2021 academic year. Students are eligible for summer financial aid if they currently have taken less than 40 credits, were recipients of a Columbia University grant (CUG) in both fall and spring, and are registering for full-time enrollment (minimum of 6 points) in Summer A or Summer B.
More information about financial aid for summer will be shared soon with eligible students.