Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am on track to graduate?

There are two key parts to the degree: (1) the Core and (2) the major. To check your progress on Core requirements, students should access their Degree Audit Report (DAR) through Student Services On-Line (SSOL). If there is any discrepancy between the DAR and what students think the DAR should say, students must contact the Junior Senior Advising Center immediately. Remember, cumulative grade point averages must be 2.0 or higher and students must earn 124 points (CC) or 127 (SEAS) in order to graduate.

To check on the progress made towards fulfilling the major and/or concentration requirements, students should speak with their departments, which are responsible for verifying the completion of major requirements. Students using a study abroad course to fulfill a major requirement or who have had substitute courses approved by their departments must verify that the documentation has been added to their departmental files so that the department will be able to sign-off stating that they have fulfilled their major requirements.

How do I fix a mistake on my Degree Audit Report (DAR)?

Students who have DAR problems with their major or concentration, should contact their department; only the departments can change this section of the DAR. For any other questions or discrepancies, students must see the Junior Senior Advising Center as soon as possible.

How do I take the swim test?

The swim test is given the first Friday of every month between 12-2pm and at various times posted during the semester at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cuathletics/phy/phy_req.html. Please note that the pool will still be under repair as the Fall 2004 semester begins and should re-open later in September. Please check their website for updates.

Should I take less than twelve credits during the second semester of my senior year?

Students may take less than twelve points in your final term IF they need fewer than 12 credits to complete the 124 point (CC) or 127 point (SEAS) requirement to graduate at the end of that term. Students will retain their eligibility for university housing. However, they should be aware of the drawbacks and disadvantages, and decide accordingly. Students who are not sure should register for 12 or more points and then drop to fewer points when the issue has been clarified. However, students must drop the extra classes by the drop deadline. No late petitions will be considered.

Can I audit courses?

Only Columbia College seniors are eligible to audit courses for “R” credit. SEAS students may not audit courses for R credit. The mark of "R" stands for "registration credit" which is equivalent to auditing a course. The course appears on your transcript with the grade of R. You do not earn points for courses taken for R credit. Instructors may decline permission to take their courses for R credit or may set specific requirements to earn the grade of R, although the latter is not common. Please be aware that other restrictions on auditing courses for R credit do apply.

I have no idea what I want to do after graduation. Should I get a job? Go to grad school? Apply for a fellowship? How do I begin to decide?

There are many campus resources to help students define a post-graduation plan, such as academic departments, the Center for Career Education (CCE), the Junior Senior Advising Center, the Scholars and Fellowships Office), current and previous employers, and mentors. Students should investigate all possibilities.

The Center for Career Education provides students and alumni with programs and services that enable them to identify and meet their career goals. Located in the lower level of East Campus, the Center offers a continuum of programming beginning with self-assessment and career exploration. The Center maintains a Web site that contains information on careers, full- and part-time jobs, internships, job search tools, and much more.

How can I apply for honors for graduation?

Students do not apply for Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) or Phi Beta Kappa in the College or for graduation honors in SEAS. The Committee on Honors reviews students' files during their final semester and analyzes student performance, taking into account the difficulty of students' programs in addition to the grades they received.

Some departments in CC require a thesis or research project as well as a specific GPA in order to be eligible for departmental honors. Students should check with their departments.

What happens at graduation?

There are three main ceremonies at May graduation: the Baccalaureate Ceremony, Class Day, and University Commencement.

The Baccalaureate Service is a nondenominational service that takes place in St. Paul’s Chapel for students of Columbia College, SEAS, the School of General Studies, and Barnard College that celebrates the completion of your undergraduate experience.

Class Day exercises are school specific ceremonies for Columbia College and SEAS that celebrate the accomplishments of your class. It is at Class Day that you hear your name read aloud as you walk across the platform, have your photograph taken, and receive a Class pin. The programs also include presentation of several awards and remarks by a featured speaker, the Dean, and several students. A reception for families and guests immediately follows each ceremony.

Degrees are officially conferred on graduates of all schools of Columbia University at the University Commencement ceremony on the Great Lawn. Remarks are given by the President of Columbia University.

Diplomas are distributed to graduates immediately following the ceremony. For dates, details, and FAQ's about graduation, please visit the GraduationZone Web site.

What does it say on my diploma, and when do I get it?

Diplomas indicate the degree received, meaning Bachelor of Arts (Columbia College) or Bachelor of Science (SEAS). Majors, concentrations, and minors are noted on transcripts, not diplomas. Transcripts also indicate the date that the degree was conferred. Diplomas for CC students are in Latin with an English translation in the diploma envelope. Diplomas for SEAS students are in English. Distribution of actual diplomas will follow University Commencement. Students must pick up their diplomas directly following the University Commencement ceremony. For more information, please see the Graduation Information section of the Junior Senior Advising Center Web site.