Official University Regulations

Reservation of University Rights 

This handbook is intended for the guidance of Columbia students and faculty. The handbook sets forth in  general the manner in which the University intends to proceed with respect to the matters set forth herein, but the University reserves the right to depart without notice from the terms of this handbook. The  handbook is not intended to be, and should not be regarded as, a contract between the University and any  student or other person. 

Attendance 

Students are held accountable for absences incurred owing to late enrollment. 

Religious Holidays 

It is the policy of the University to respect its members’ religious beliefs. In compliance with New York  State law, each student who is absent from school because of their religious beliefs will be given an  equivalent opportunity to register for classes or make-up any examination, study, or work requirements  that the student may have missed because of such absence due to religious beliefs, and alternative means  will be sought for satisfying the academic requirements involved. 

Officers of administration and of instruction responsible for scheduling academic activities or essential  services are expected to avoid conflict with religious holidays as much as possible. If a suitable  arrangement cannot be worked out between the student and the instructor involved, they should consult  the appropriate dean or director. If an additional appeal is needed, it may be taken to the Provost. 

Academic Discipline 

See policy on Conduct and Discipline. 

The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

See Transcripts and Certifications. 

Columbia University Ombuds Office 

The Ombuds Office is a neutral and confidential resource for informal conflict resolution, serving the  entire Columbia University community - students, faculty, and employees. 

As an institution, Columbia University is committed to the principles of equity and excellence. It actively  pursues both, adhering to the belief that equity is the partner of excellence. Columbia University’s goal is  a workforce and student body that reflects the diversity and talent of New York City, the larger  metropolitan area, and the nation. In furtherance of this goal, Columbia has implemented policies and  programs which seek to ensure that its employment and educational decisions are based on individual  merit and not on bias or stereotypes. 

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) works to prevent and respond to  discrimination and harassment by developing and implementing policies and procedures that address  discrimination, harassment, gender-based misconduct, prohibit certain romantic and sexual relationships,  require the duty to report and the duty to act, in accordance with relevant federal, state, and local anti discrimination laws.

Columbia University Non-Discrimination Statement and Policy 

Columbia University is committed to providing a learning, living, and working environment free from  unlawful discrimination and fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental  dignity and worth of all its members. Consistent with this commitment, and with all applicable laws, it is  the policy of the University not to tolerate unlawful discrimination in any form and to provide persons  who feel that they are victims of discrimination with mechanisms for seeking redress. 

Columbia University prohibits any form of discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color,  sex, gender, pregnancy, religion, creed, marital status, partnership status, age, sexual orientation, national  origin, disability, military status, or any other legally protected status in the administration of its  educational policies, admissions policies, employment, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and  other University-administered programs. 

Nothing in this policy shall abridge academic freedom or the University’s educational mission.  Prohibitions against discrimination and discriminatory harassment do not extend to statements or written  materials that are relevant and appropriately related to the subject matter of courses. 

This policy governs the conduct of all Columbia University students, faculty, staff, and visitors that  occurs on the University's campuses or in connection with University-sponsored programs. This policy  also governs conduct by Columbia University students, faculty, staff, and visitors that creates, contributes  to, or continues a hostile work, educational, or living environment for a member or members of the  University community. 

Consensual Romantic and Sexual Relationships 

Columbia University maintains policies prohibiting romantic and sexual relationships between faculty  and undergraduate, graduate students, and other relationships. 

• Policy on Romantic and Sexual Relationships Between Faculty/Staff and Undergraduate  Students
• Policy on Romantic and Sexual Relationships Between Faculty/Staff and Graduate Students  
• Policy on Romantic and Sexual Relationships Between Staff Members 

For additional information on these issues, policies, and resources, please visit Equal Opportunity and  Affirmative Action. 

Disability Accommodation 

Students seeking access, accommodations, or support services for a disability should contact Disability  Services at 212-854-2388. Information on the services provided by Disability Services may be found online. 

University Immunization Policy 

New York State public health law and University policy require that all students complete several  immunization requirements and submit documentation prior to registering for their first term. Columbia 

University expects all requirements to be met prior to arriving on campus for the respective academic  term, not when they arrive in New York City. 

Columbia University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive experience for all  students and recognizes medical contraindications to vaccination as well as student observance of their  faith as it pertains to the practice of immunization. 

More information about immunization requirements and exemptions can be found on the Columbia  Health website. 

Formal Complaint Procedures 

Procedure for Complaint Against Another Student 

Gender-Based Misconduct and Interim Title IX Policies and Procedures for Students  Complaints against students for gender-based misconduct are processed in accord with the Gender-Based  Misconduct and Interim Title IX Policies and Procedures for Students by Student Conduct and  Community Standards. Students who attend Teachers College as well as Columbia University are covered  by these policies. The use of the term “gender-based misconduct” includes sexual assault, sexual  harassment, gender-based harassment, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence. 

Columbia University Non-Discrimination Statement and Policy 

Dean's Discipline procedures will be used to investigate and respond to allegations that a student has  engaged in discrimination or discriminatory harassment as set out in the Columbia University Non Discrimination Statement. For more information about the Dean's Discipline process, please visit Student  Conduct and Community Standards of the Office of Engineering Student Affairs in order to speak with a  staff member. 

Procedure for Complaints Against a Student Organization 

Students who wish to file a complaint of discrimination or harassment against a student organization  should do so in consultation with the Dean of their own school; the Dean will identify the appropriate  procedure and channels and assist the student in pursuing the complaint. 

Procedure for Complaints Against a Member of the Faculty or Staff 

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action 

Visit EOAA online to speak with a member of the Office, learn more about filing an incident report, the  investigative process, or how to find resources for support.