SIPA course registration is conducted via Vergil, the University’s student portal. Each student is assigned a specific registration time, which is staggered across the University. At SIPA, these times are allocated based on the student’s semester of residency, with those closest to graduation receiving earlier registration slots.
You can review your registration appointment times in Vergil. Student registration start date and time is determined by the number of semesters completed. See the schedule below for details. Note: After the first day, registration appointment times are randomly assigned.
Fall Semester
3+ semesters: 9:30 AM registration appointment
2 semesters: 1:00 PM registration appointment
1 semester: 9:30 AM registration appointment (the subsequent business day)
Spring Semester
3+ semesters: 9:30 AM registration appointment
2 semesters: 10:00 AM registration appointment
1 semester: 10:30 AM registration appointment
Some courses are restricted by concentration or specialization during the initial part of the registration cycle. These restrictions are noted in Vergil and the SIPA Bulletin.
Posted below are registration-specific dates that you should bear in mind.
| Month | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| November 18 | First Day of Continuing-Student Course Registration - times vary by semester standing | |
| November 18- January 14 | Continuing-Student Course Registration | |
| January 15-16 | New Student Course Registration ONLY | |
| January 17-24 | Registration Open to All SIPA Students | |
| January 21 | First Day of Classes | |
| January 31 | Deadline to add/drop full-semester SIPA courses. Last day of registration.* | |
| February 25 | Deadline to withdraw from full-semester SIPA courses* | |
| March 27 | Deadline to change course grading option to pass/fail or letter grade. ** | |
| May 5 | Last Day of Classes | |
| May 9-16 | Final Exams |
*Note: The add/drop and withdrawal deadlines noted above do not apply to short courses. For non-SIPA courses, please refer to the respective school’s academic calendar for deadlines.
Can be registered anytime before the first session.
Must be dropped before the second session. If dropped after this, students will incur a “W.”
Some restrictions may remain after the initial registration date. The date of restriction removal for individual courses will be noted in Vergil and the SIPA Bulletin.
Registration for SIPA courses takes place in Vergil during the add/drop period. Check the academic calendar for specific dates.
After the add/drop period, you can no longer add/drop courses via SSOL. Any changes must be submitted using the SIPA registration request form. You can still use SSOL to change grade options (e.g., pass/fail or letter grade).
The registration process for courses from other university departments and schools may differ and may not be available through Vergil.
Cross-registration details for select schools and departments can be found [here]. Check the individual school/department website if the school is not listed.
Students are only able to register online during their appointed registration times. Students will have varying registration appointment times. To view your registration appointment times, you will need to:
Log in to Vergil using your UNI and password
Select "Registration Appointments" from the left-hand menu to view your designated registration appointment times.
Always remember to check for HOLDS on your account. A hold will prevent you from registering and can be placed for various reasons, including an account balance, immunization compliance, etc.
There are several course search options available to students.
Vergil provides a comprehensive listing of University course offerings, a calendar/planner for course scheduling, and allows the export of selected courses directly into SSOL.
Columbia University Directory of Classes provides a comprehensive listing of University course offerings, searchable by department or subject area, with course enrollment information and special permissions.
Note: You must have the course call number to register via SSOL. Also, note any special permissions that may be required for courses.
Find course syllabi using Vergil or View Previous SIPA Course Syllabi and Course Evaluation Results.
Important Notes:
After the add/drop period ends, students can no longer process course requests via SSOL. All SIPA add/drop requests must be submitted via the SIPA registration request form.
The registration process for non-SIPA courses may vary. See the cross-registration page or the specific school's/department's website for details
1. Log into Vergil
2. During your registration appointment, select "Registration" to begin registering for courses.
3. Enter the call number of a course directly or approve registration from your course wishlist.
Reminder: Check for holds on your account before registering.
Review your schedule on Vergil before the end of the registration period to ensure accuracy.
During the add/drop period, view real-time schedule information in the "Registration" section of SSOL. The "class schedule" section is updated every 24 hours.
Do not use CourseWorks to confirm your schedule immediately, as updates may be delayed. If issues arise, email courseworks@columbia.edu.
For questions or assistance with registration, visit the Office of Student Affairs (610 IAB) or email siparegistration@columbia.edu. (Note: This email is not actively monitored during school breaks.)
SIPA students may register for courses at other schools throughout Columbia University.
Each school has its own registration requirements and procedures.
Please follow all instructions carefully.
Students must adhere to SIPA drop/withdrawal deadlines for courses registered at any Columbia University school. The exception is courses registered at the Law School or Business School. Students registered for courses at these schools must adhere to their deadlines.
For schools/departments not listed below, please contact the relevant office of the school/department to confirm their cross-registration process.
| School | Cross-Registration Process | Prefix Code | Where to Find Courses | How to Register | Who to Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Business School (CBS) |
1. SIPA PRIORITY VIA SSOL/VERGIL: SIPA students will be provided priority access to register for CBS courses on Friday, August 30th, 2024 at 5:30 pm. After this time CBS courses will open to the University for cross-registration. Students are encouraged to register as early as possible, as seats may be limited. Students must adhere to the registration rules and regulations of the Business School. Please see the CBS cross-registration page for complete information. After the priority registration period ends,. SIPA students will continue to have access to register courses via SSOL/Vergil. Note: The MBA Course Directory provides access to full course descriptions and whether a course has a pre-and/or co-requisite. Instructors do not manage the enrollment of academic courses. Only courses with appropriate open capacity will be made available for cross-registration. If a course is not listed by CBS as available to cross-registrants, there is no other form of appeal to gain access to the course. |
B | Select 8000 level courses. See cross-registration page | SSOL/Vergil (Priority and General Registration) | CBS Office of Student Affairs crossreg@gsb.columbia.edu |
| Columbia Law School (CLS) | Please reference the Law School cross-registration page for information on cross-registration policies and procedures and the link to the cross-registration application form. The Law School processes law school registrations. Students should not submit requests to SIPA. Note: Students must be registered full-time to be eligible to enroll in Law school Courses. Students must adhere to Law School registration deadlines. | L | Law School Course Guide | Law School Cross-Registration Application Form | CU Law School Registrar registrar@law.columbia.edu 212-854-2668 Room 500 William June Warren Hall |
| Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) | A list of courses approved for cross-registration is posted on the GSAPP site. Students can register or waitlist courses designated as open to cross-registrants directly via SSOL. | A | GSAPP Cross-Registration Site | Student Services On-Line (SSOL) | GSAPP Office of Student Affairs studentaffairs@arch.columbia.edu 212-854-3414 400 Avery Hall |
| Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) | View course offerings in Vergil. Students can register for courses directly or may need to use a form depending on if instructor permission is required. | GR or GU | Vergil | Student Services On-Line (SSOL) or Registration Adjust Form (RAF) (if instructor permission is required) | Depending on the department |
| Graduate School of Journalism | Cross-Registration Process: Journalism School Application Form. Note: You will be automatically enrolled if the request is approved. | J | Journalism Cross-Registration Site | Cross-Registration Application Form | Dean Melanie Huff mgh2@columbia.edu |
| Language Courses (any CU school) | View course offerings in Vergil. Students can register for courses directly or may need to use a Registration Adjustment Form (RAF), depending on if instructor permission is required. | vary | Vergil | Student Services On-Line (SSOL) or Registration Adjust Form (RAF) (if instructor permission is required) | Specific language department's Office of Student Affairs |
| Mailman School of Public Health | 1. Non-Mailman School students interested in taking public health courses must complete the cross-registration form, which may be downloaded from their website. 2. Students must get the Department Coordinator or instructor's signature on the cross-registration form. 3. After receiving initial permission, students must receive final approval and signature from the Office of Student Affairs at Public Health. 4. Once all approvals have been received, submit the form via e-mail to ssc@columbia.edu or, if possible, in person to the University Registrar in Uris Hall for the registration to be processed. Note: There may be a cap on the number of courses students can register for. |
P | Vergil | School of Public Health Cross-Registration Form | Mailman Office of Academic Affairs msph-osa@columbia.edu 212-305-3927 722 West 168th Street, Suite 1014 |
| School of Professional Studies (SPS) | 1. The instructor and/or department must indicate permission to register for the course by signing the Registration Adjust Form 2. Once approval is received, submit the form via e-mail to ssc@columbia.edu or, if possible, in person to the University Registrar in Uris Hall for the registration to be processed. |
K or PS | Vergil | Registration Adjust Form (RAF) | SPS Division of Student Affairs sps-studentaffairs@columbia.edu 212 854 9666 203 Lewisohn Hall |
| Social Work | Students can apply only for the courses listed on the Social Work Cross Registration Form. If approved for a course, students will be registered and notified. Students will also be notified if not approved. | T | Social Work Cross-Registration Form | Social Work Cross-Registration Form | Social Work Student Services Office swstudentservices@columbia.edu |
| Teachers College | 1. The instructor and/or department must indicate permission to register for the course by signing the Registration Adjust Form 2. Once approval is received, submit the form via e-mail to ssc@columbia.edu or, if possible, in person to the University Registrar in Uris Hall for the registration to be processed. Note: Courses taken at Teachers College must be relevant to the SIPA degree. e.g., No Ceramics, Art, Music, etc. |
Y | Teachers College Course Search | Registration Adjust Form (RAF) | Teachers College Registrar registrar@tc.olumbia.edu 212 678 4050 |
Non-SIPA students can register for SIPA courses during the second week of the semester, from Monday, January 27, 2025, to Friday, January 31, 20254, via SSOL and Vergil. A maximum of 9 SIPA credits per semester is allowed.
Important Notes:
Courses not listed below are generally open for cross-registration, though some may have prerequisites or restrictions.
Students must register for SIPA courses or join a waitlist through Vergil. For students from schools that do not use SSOL or undergraduate students, follow the registration process outlined below.
Registration Process:
Spring 2025 Dates for Non-SIPA Students: Non-SIPA students can register for SIPA courses from Monday, January 27, 2025, to Friday, January 31, 2025.
SSOL and Vergil: Most non-SIPA students can register via SSOL and Vergil.
SIPA Registration Request Form: This form is required for students without an SSOL account or for those with a pre-requisite course exception and have secured instructor permission to waive the pre-requisite course. The SIPA Registration Request Form for non-SIPA students will only be accepted during the cross-registration period of January 27 and 31, 2025.
Specific School Instructions:
Teachers College: Register through the Teachers College registrar. No additional permission is required for open courses. Students admitted to application courses will be notified via email; bring this email as proof of admission to the TC registrar. will be notified by e-mail. Please take the e-mail indicating approval to the TC registrar as proof of admission.
Law School: Students must submit the SIPA registration request form for all registration requests.
Undergraduate Students (Columbia College, General Studies, SEAS, and Barnard College):
Instructor permission is required for any SIPA course registration above the 4000-level. For registration requests that cannot be transacted in SSOL, submit the SIPA registration request form.
The following courses are never available for cross-registration for non-SIPA students:
| Code | Title | Points |
|---|---|---|
| EMPA U6010 | Accounting for Public Affairs | |
| EMPA U6035 | Open Economy Macroeconomic Analysis | |
| EMPA U6040 | Cost Benefit Analysis | |
| EMPA U6223 | Political Environment of Policymaking | |
| EMPA U6237 | Global Context of Policymaking | |
| EMPA U6310 | Quantitative Techniques | |
| EMPA U8200 | Effective Management in the Public Service | |
| EMPA U8201 | Financial Management | |
| EMPA U8213 | Microeconomics and Policy Analysis I | |
| EMPA U9000 | Capstone Workshop for Executive MPA | |
| EMPA U9225 | Public Management Innovation | |
| EMPA U9500 | Portfolio Presentation Workshop | |
| ENVP U6111 | Principles of Ecology | |
| ENVP U6112 | Urban Ecology | |
| ENVP U6115 | Climatology | |
| ENVP U6116 | Hydrology | |
| ENVP U6220 | Environmental Chemistry | |
| ENVP U6221 | Risk Assessment ＆ Toxicology | |
| ENVP U6241 | Earth Systems and Environmental Policy, Politics, and Management | |
| ENVP U6246 | Analytics in Environmental Science Policy | |
| ENVP U6225 | Global Environmental Ethics for Development Practice | |
| ENVP U6310 | Quantitative Techniques and Systems Analysis in Policymaking | |
| ENVP U8201 | Financial Management | |
| ENVP U8213 | Microeconomics and Policy Analysis I | |
| ENVP U8216 | Microeconomics and Policy Analysis II | |
| ENVP U9229 | Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management I | |
| ENVP U9230 | Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management II | |
| ENVP U9232 | Capstone Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Policy Analysis | |
| IAIA U6800 | Conceptual Foundations of International Politics | |
| INAF U6022 | Economics of Finance | |
| INAF U6043 | Sustainable Development Policy and Practice | |
| PUAF U6100 | Politics of Policymaking: Global Perspectives on Policy Analysis ＆ Design | |
| or PUAF U6102 | Politics of Policymaking: Issues in Comparative Politics - Discussion | |
| PUAF U6110 | Politics of Policymaking: American Institutions in Comparative Perspective | |
| or PUAF U6112 | Politics of Policymaking: American Institutions in Comparative Perspective - Discussion | |
| PUAF U6120 | Politics of Policymaking: Developing Countries in Comparative Perspective | |
| or PUAF U6122 | Politics of Policymaking: Comparative Politics - Discussion | |
| PUAF U6130 | Politics of Policymaking: Issues in Comparative Politics | |
| PUAF U6411 | Universal Food Security | |
| PUAF U6254 | Development Practice Lab I | |
| PUAF U6255 | Development Practice Lab II | |
| SIPA U4010-SIPA U4012 | Topics in Excel | |
| SIPA U4040-SIPA U4045 | Professional Development | |
| SIPA U6003 | Analysis of Public Sector Organizations | |
| SIPA U6005 | Effective Management in the Public Service | |
| SIPA U6011 | Strategic Management of Nonprofit Organizations | |
| SIPA U6014 | Strategic and Entrepreneurial Management | |
| SIPA U6015 | Sustainability Management | |
| SIPA U6016 | Leading ＆ Managing in Moments of Adversity ＆ Opportunity | |
| SIPA U6017 | Effective Management in the Public Service | |
| SIPA U6200 | Accounting for International and Public Affairs | |
| SIPA U6300 | Microeconomics for International and Public Affairs | |
| or SIPA U6301 | Macroeconomics for International and Public Affairs | |
| SIPA U6310 | Nonprofit Financial Management | |
| SIPA U6320 | Budgeting ＆ Financial Management for Government | |
| SIPA U6400 | Microeconomic Analysis for International and Public Affairs | |
| or SIPA U6401 | Macroeconomic Analysis for International and Public Affairs | |
| SIPA U6500 | Quantitative Analysis I for International and Public Affairs | |
| SIPA U6501 | Quantitative Analysis II for International and Public Affairs | |
| SIPA U9000 | Capstone Workshop | |
| SIPA U9001 | Capstone Workshop in Sustainable Development Practice | |
E-mail SIPA's Office of Student Affairs with registration questions: siparegistration@columbia.edu
Certain SIPA courses require instructor approval for registration, indicated as "Instructor Approval Required" in the course directory. Students cannot register for these courses directly and must first join the waitlist in SSOL.
Apply Online: Complete the form at https://fs23.formsite.com/SIPA/InstructorManagedReg/index.html
Join the Waitlist: Register on SSOL.
Instructor Review: Instructors approve students from the waitlist.
Notification: Approved students will be automatically registered and notified via email.
Courses requiring the above application:
| Code | Title | Points |
|---|---|---|
Spring 2025 | ||
| INAF U6129 | Storytelling and The Art of Creating Social Impact Campaigns | |
| INAF U6506 | Data Science ＆ Public Policy | |
| INAF U6514 | Text as Data | |
| INAF U6539 | Law and Politics of Spying and Lying | |
| INAF U6544 | Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change | |
| INAF U6614 | Data Analysis for Policy Research Using R | |
| INAF U6692 | Sustainable Finance II: System-level Investing | |
| INAF U6946 | Writing and Delivering Speeches | |
| INAF U8488 | Contemporary Russian Security Policy | |
| INAF U8877 | Nuclear Weapons in Practice | |
| INAF U8909 | Environment, Conflict & Resolution Strategies | |
| SIPA U4011 | Advanced Techniques in Excel | |
Contact the SIPA Office of Student Affairs: sipa_osa@columbia.edu or siparegistration@columbia.edu
When does registration begin?
Please refer to the academic calendar for complete information about the registration schedule, including drop, withdrawal, and grading option change deadlines.
What is Student Services Online (SSOL)?
Student Services Online (SSOL) is an online portal. Students register online through SSOL using their University Network ID (UNI). The UNI is the beginning portion of a Columbia e-mail address (e.g., “rom23”). The password is the same password used to access Columbia e-mail. Students may only register during their designated registration appointment times. SSOL also gives students access to personal information, including student account balances, grades, degree audit reports (DAR), course schedules, and registration appointments. Students can request transcripts, account balance refunds, and enrollment certification through SSOL.
How do I register for a course online?
Online registration takes place in SSOL. Students register for courses using the unique five-digit call number assigned to each course. The call number is included in course listings and can be found on the Vergil Course Search page. Once logged into the registration section of SSOL, students can also search for courses by name.
Can I register for all my courses online?
SIPA students register for SIPA courses via SSOL. Note that some courses have course or program pre-requisites. Students who do not meet these pre-requisites will be blocked from registering these courses via SSOL. Some non-SIPA courses can be registered online; however, most non-SIPA courses require permission and are blocked from online registration. Please refer to the cross-registration webpage for more details.
I missed a registration appointment. What should I do?
Registration appointment times continue through the first two weeks of classes. If you miss a registration appointment during this time, you can register during your next appointment. Go to Student Services Online (SSOL) to view your registration schedule.
Can I register outside my listed registration times?
No. You will not be able to register online if you attempt to register before your appointment time begins or after your appointment time ends.
Can I register more than once per appointment?
Yes. You can make as many changes as you like during your appointment times.
There is a hold on my account. Can I register?
Students on registration hold are unable to register. To view their hold status, check the Student Services Online website and contact the appropriate office to have the hold removed.
What are short courses, and when can I register for them?
Short courses are courses that do not meet for the entire semester. In most cases, short courses range from one (1) to one and one-half (1.5) credits. Students can register for short courses online during the registration period. After registration ends, students can register for short courses using the registration request form if the course has not started.
Can I register for courses that overlap?
In general, students should not register for courses that overlap. If there is an overlap, students must receive permission from the instructor of the course (s), which will be affected to register in the overlapping course.
How do I register for my internship or fieldwork for credit?
To register for your internship, you should use the five-digit call number available on Vergil Course Search to add the internship to your schedule. No more than three credits of fieldwork can count toward the degree. Submitting internship paperwork to the Office of Career Services (OCS) does not constitute registration of the internship or fieldwork. Additional information and policies governing internship registration are located here.
Do I need to declare a concentration/specialization?
All students are required to declare a concentration and specialization. Students can declare/change their Concentration or Specialization via the Concentration Specialization Declaration Change Form. Some courses are restricted to students in a specific concentration/specialization for registration. In addition, this information is used by programs to populate their mailing list to keep students apprised of events and job opportunities within their concentration/specialization. Concentration/Specialization appears on your record in SSOL.
Note for International Students:
Please check with the International Students and Scholars Office regarding registration requirements for paid internships.
How do I change sections of a course?
If you want to change course sections, use the “Replace” option on the online registration menu. You will be prompted to enter the five-digit call number for the new section. The system will check your program for the old section of the same course and attempt to replace it with the new one. If the section you want to transfer to is full, the system will indicate this, and you will remain in your original section.
Once a course fills, the waitlist automatically becomes active. There are two types of waitlists: automated and managed.
For detailed Cross-Registration instructions, please click here.
Course evaluations are available on Courseworks.
How can I view syllabi?
During the registration period, Students can view syllabi for classes regardless of whether they have registered for the class during registration periods. To view current semester syllabi, use Vergil. To view course syllabi for prior semesters, please click here.
How does a course fit into my degree requirements?
Students are advised to use their Stellic audit to manage and track degree requirements.
The Office of Academic Affairs posts final exam times after midterms. This information may also be available in the course syllabus. The final exam schedule can be found in the SIPA Bulletin or the University Registrar’s website. Students should not make any travel plans before the last day of final exams until their final exam schedule has been finalized.
Students can audit a course with the permission of the instructor. Students approved to audit (receive R-credit) a course must be registered for the course in SSOL and appear on the grade roster. Note that SIPA does not permit students to ‘sit in’ on courses (i.e., attend classes without being registered for the course). Students who are not officially registered will not have access to CourseWorks. Students who wish to receive R-credit for a course must request permission from the instructor during the registration period. Priority in SIPA courses should be given to students who want to take the course for full credit. Instructors are not obligated to grant R-credit; however, if permission is given, the student must meet course requirements established at the instructor's discretion. Upon successfully completing the course, the instructor will submit an R grade for these students. If students do not meet course requirements or fail to attend class, instructors can submit a grade of UW or F.
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