Communication to Students

Throughout the semester the OSA will communicate with students on events and activities as well as on important matters pertaining to registration, academic policies, and graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to be informed of these announcements so as not to miss any important deadlines. OSA uses e-mail to communicate these messages. E-mail, the official mode of communication at the University, should be checked regularly.

Academic Advising

Each student is assigned an academic advisor from their department upon admission. Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with their advisors for academic advisement. Faculty advisors are assigned to ensure informed choices, reasonable uniformity within areas of concentration, and optimal utilization of University and School resources

Personal Advising

The Office of Student Affairs and Student Life have professional staff who are trained to support students through their time here. Graduate students living in the New York City and surrounding areas all have lives that go beyond the Mailman School. Occasionally situations might arise that interrupt a student's progress. These might include health or medical problems, family crises, issues of personal well-being and stress management, as well as simply negotiating through the Columbia, Washington Heights, or New York City environment. Students are encouraged to meet with the OSA staff regardless if any such difficulties arise. They offer one way amongst many to stay connected to the Mailman School community.

Dual Degree Advising

Negotiating University and School resources while a dual degree student can be a complex process. Specific academic concerns about course selection and departmental requirements are done within a student’s department. Student Affairs staff can advise on general policies and procedures related to dual degree study.

Academic Progress Advising

Each semester, the staff in Student Affairs reviews student grades to ensure students are progressing toward completion of their degrees in accordance with Mailman School policy. Please see policies for grading procedures.

Maintaining Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) for Masters Students

DARS is a Web-based advising tool that students can access through Student Services Online. It is meant as an unofficial review of progress toward completion of the master’s degree. [Please note that the Mailman School does not utilize all of the functions of this tool. As a result, it should be considered a basic snapshot of a student's progress and not a comprehensive assessment].

To access DARS log on to: https://ssol.columbia.edu