Course registration occurs via Student Services Online (SSOL), the University’s student portal.  Students are assigned individual registration times during which they can access the system. Across the university and registration assignment times are staggered. At SIPA, initial registration times are assigned based on a student’s semester of residency. In general students who are closest to graduation are provided earlier registration times.

You can review your registration appointment times in SSOL. Registration appointment times on the first day of registration are determined by a student's number of semesters in residency at SIPA.  Please see time allocations below. Note: Registration appointment times are randomly assigned after the first day.

Continuing Student registration times
3+ semesters: 9:30AM registration appointment
2 semesters: 9:30AM registration appointment
1 semester: 10:30AM registration appointment

Posted below are registration specific dates which you should bear in mind. 

Spring 2019 Important Registration Dates

Academic Calendar

Month	Day	Event
November 12-21		Pre-registration for non-SIPA courses only
January 10-16		SIPA course registration available to continuing SIPA students only
January 17		SIPA course registration available to new SIPA students only
January 18 - February 1		SIPA course registration available to all SIPA students
February 1		Deadline to add/drop full-semester SIPA courses. Last day of registration.*
February 26		Deadline to withdraw from full-semester SIPA courses*
March 28		Deadline to change course grading option to pass/fail or letter grade. Note: there is a maximum of two grading option changes per course.**

*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.
Note: Short courses can be registered anytime prior to the first session.  Short courses must be dropped prior to the second session. If dropped after this students will incur a "W".
**Law school courses must be taken for a letter grade.

View all registration deadlines

Find Courses

Course Syllabi & Previous Course Evaluations

Find course syllabi using Vergil or View Previous SIPA Course Syllabi and Course Evaluation Results.

Check Your Registration Times on Student Services Online (SSOL)

Register Courses

Register Using SSOL:

• Log into SSOL
• If you have a registration appointment time, select "Register" to begin registering for courses.
• During a scheduled registration appointment, students can add/drop a course by typing in the call number. (Call numbers can be found using the SIPA Course Directory or Columbia University Directory of Classes.
• View your final course schedule

Need help navigating SSOL? View the SSOL Registration tutorial (PowerPoint)

Reminder: 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.

Permission Required Courses:

Some courses are not available for registration on SSOL.  These courses fall into two categories:

1). SIPA Instructor Permission Courses
Certain SIPA courses require approval by the instructor before a student is permitted to register. Reasons for Instructor Permission Courses include checking pre-requisites, giving priority to second-year students, and/or to maintain a class size appropriate for the course. These SIPA Instructor Permission Courses are listed on the SIPA Instructor Permission Course page. Students can apply for these courses through the SSOL waitlist process. Students who apply will be notified of the instructor's decision via e-mail.  If a student is selected for the course they will be automatically registered for the course.

2). Non-SIPA courses
The process for registering courses outside of SIPA varies depending on the School or Department.  All non-SIPA courses are blocked from online registration except:

• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Courses. (For a list of GSAS departments and programs click here.)
• Teachers College Courses
• Selected Language Courses (Please refer to the specific language department for their registration policy)

Complete information regarding each School's cross-registration process is provided on  the cross-registration page.  

Verify Your Course Schedule Prior to the End of the Add/Drop Period

Things to Keep in Mind

Cross-registration for SIPA Students

SIPA students may register for courses at other schools throughout Columbia University. Each School has its own registration requirements and procedures, please make sure to 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.

• Business
• Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Journalism
• Language Courses
• Law
• Public Health
• Social Work
• Teachers College

Business School

There are two phases to the Business School Cross-Registration Process. 
1. Priority Seat Cross-Registration:
OPENS: August 28, 2018 10:00AM EST
CLOSES: August 29, 2018 04:00PM EST

2. General Cross-Registration - Dates: See the  Business School cross-registration page.

Note:

• Non-Business School students may take no more than 3 credits of business school courses (this includes Block Week, MBA, PhD, and EMBA courses) per semester and no more than 12 credits during their entire Columbia course of study.
• Students must adhere to the registration rules and regulations of the Columbia Business School.

Priority Seat Registration:
There are a limited number of guaranteed seats  available in specific Business School courses for SIPA students. The application process for these seats occur prior to the general Business School Cross Registration Process. Students apply using the Business School cross-registration application. Once logged in students will be able to view those priority seats which are available for SIPA. Note: The general list of course available for cross-registration will not be available via until the general cross-registration process begins. Please note the following regarding the process:

• Students can request a maximum of three courses. Students can only be approved and register for a maximum of three (3) credits  through this process. 
• Requests will be processed on a first come first served basis. Students are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible. 
• Students will be notified of registration status on a rolling basis.
• Any course approved through the priority registration process counts toward the 3 credit limit for Business School course

General Cross-Registration Process
Complete information regarding directly applying to the Business school, including available courses and prerequisites is available on the Business School cross-registration page.

Prefix Code: B
Last day to drop a course: See  Business School cross-registration page
 

Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP)

Cross-Registration Process: In person registration at GSAPP.  
The list of courses open for cross-registration is posted outside of Room 400 Avery Hall.  Please complete the add/drop form to request registration in open courses and submit it at the reception desk.  Your registration request will be processed by GSAPP.

Prefix Code: A
Course Directory
Course System: Courseworks
Contact Info: GSAPP Admission Office | 400 Avery Hall | P: (212) 854-3414

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Cross-Registration Process: SSOL
Note: Columbia University graduate level courses begin at the 4000 level with the exception of the Economics Department.   Economics Department graduate level courses begin at the 6000 level. 

Prefix Code: G or W
Course System: Courseworks 
Contact Info: Various Departments

School of Journalism

Cross-Registration Process: Journalism School Application form. Note: You will be automatically enrolled if request is approved.

Prefix Code: J  
Course Directory
Course System: Courseworks
Contact Info: Dean Melanie Huff | 207C Journalism Bldg. | P: (212) 854-3861

Language Courses

Cross-Registration Process: SSOL, (exception: Student must get permission to register Arabic language courses. These courses cannot be registered online)

Note: Barnard College Intermediate French courses do not satisfy the MIA language requirement. 

Prefix Code: Varies by dept.
Course Directory
Course System: Courseworks

Contact info: Contact specific language department

Law School

Cross-Registration Process: Law School Application Form .

1. Get instructor signature on Law School cross-registration form.
2. Submit the form to the Office of Academic Services at Warren Hall (1125 Amsterdam Avenue at 115th Street) in Room WJW 500.
Note: Students must adhere to Law School registration deadlines.

Prefix Code: L
Course Directory
Course System: Courseweb
Last day to drop a course: See Calendar (Note. Students must adhere to the Law School drop/withdrawal deadlines)
Last day to withdraw (with a notation of a "W"): See Calendar 

Contact Info: registrar@law.columbia.edu
William and June Warren Hall | 1125 Amsterdam Ave. 5th Floor Suite 500 | P: (212) 854-2668 | F: (212) 854-1135

School of Public Health

Cross-Registration Process: Instructor Permission and Approval of  school of Public Health Office of Student Affairs  Required.

1. Non Mailman School students interested in taking public health courses must complete the cross registration form which may be downloaded from their website.

   Note: Students are limited to 2 courses per semester and no more than 12 credits in total during their Columbia University course of study. Students must first seek approval of the department coordinator or instructor of the course and obtain final permission from the Office of Student Affairs. The student then takes the cross-registration form to their school's Registrar to be registered.

2. Students must get the Department Coordinator or instructor signature on the cross-registration form
3. After receiving initial permission students must receive a final permission and signature from and the Office of Student Affairs at Public Health. 
4. Submit the registration request and accompanying documentation showing permission via the Registration request form.  

Prefix Code: P
School of Public Health
Course System: Courseworks

Contact Info: Office of Student Academic Affairs | 722 West 168th Street, Suite 1014 | P: 212-305-3927

School of Social Work

Cross-Registration Process: Social Work Cross-Registration Approval Form 
Students can apply only for the courses listed. If approved for a course students will be registered and notified. Students will also be notified if not approved.

Prefix Code: S
Course Directory
Course System: Courseworks

Contact Info: swstudentservices@columbia.edu

Teachers College

Cross-Registration Process: Registration request form

1. Students must receive written permission from the course instructor.
2. Submit the registration request and accompanying documentation showing permission via the Registration request form. 

Prefix Code: Y
Course Directory
Course System: Moodle
For questions regarding course offerings please contact Office of the Registrar | 324 Thorndike Hall | 525 W 120th Street | P: 212-678-4050 |registrar@tc.columbia.edu. For additional  information on the registration process contact the Office of Student Affairs at SIPA (Suite 610 IAB). Note: Courses taken at Teachers College must be relevant to the SIPA degree.

Cross-registration for Non-SIPA Students 

SIPA Courses Available for Cross-Registration (Register via SSOL): 

Non-SIPA students are permitted to register for a maximum of 9 credits per semester. The courses listed below are open for registration to non-SIPA students for Spring 2019. Additional courses will be added to this list throughout the change of program period, beginning January 22, 2019. Please continue to check the site for newly added courses. Note that some courses below have pre-requisites.  All other SIPA courses EXCEPT those listed below are closed to cross-registrants. SIPA core courses are never available for cross-registration.

Course List

Code	Title	Points
		Points
Spring 2019
SIPA course registration begins on January 10, 2019 at which time this list will populate. SIPA COURSES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR REGISTRATION PRIOR TO THIS DATE.

Registration Process:

Students register courses via SSOL, with the exception of students from the schools listed below:

• Teachers College -  Students must register through the Teachers College registrar.  No permission is required for open courses. Any Teachers College student admitted into an instructor permission course will be notified by e-mail. Please take this e-mail to the TC registrar as proof of admission. 
• Law School - Please e-mail the Law school registrar or go in person at 500 WJW Hall for cross-registration information and processing.
• Business School - Please e-mail the Business School's Office of Student Affairs or go in person to 105/111 Uris Hall  for cross-registration information and processing.
• Undergraduate students - must also receive instructor permission to register in any SIPA courses available for cross-registration at the 6000-level and above. If permission is granted, please complete and submit a SIPA registration request form along with documentation indicating instructor permission.

Questions

Email SIPA's Office of Student Affairs with registration questions: siparegistration@columbia.edu 

Registration Tools

• Register Courses Online (SSOL)
• Registration Request Form 
• Concentration/Specialization Change/Declaration Form
• Course Evaluations
• Find Courses
  • SIPA Course Search
  • Vergil
  • Columbia University Directory of Classes
• Important Registration Dates: SIPA Academic Calendar
• Order Transcripts
• SIPA Final Exam Schedule and University Final Exam Schedule

Policies and Procedures

• Instructor Managed Courses 
• Cross-registration for SIPA Students
• Cross-registration for Non-SIPA Students
• University Academic Certification/ Enrollment Verification
• University Refund Rates for Withdrawal
• University Registrar

Help

• Registration FAQS
• Contact the SIPA Office of Student Affairs: siparegistration@columbia.edu
• Academic Advising Site
• Need help navigating SSOL? View the SSOL Registration tutorial (PowerPoint)

Course Registration

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. 

How do I register a course online?

Online registration takes place in SSOL.  Students primarily register courses using the unique 5 digit call number which is assigned to each course. The call number is included in course listings and can be found on the SIPA course search page (for SIPA courses)  or on the Vergil Course Search page(for general University courses).  Once logged into the registration section of SSOL students can also search for courses by name. 

Can I register all my courses online?

SIPA students can register all SIPA course online with the exception of instructor managed courses. There are some non-SIPA courses which can be registered online however, the majority of non-SIPA courses require permission and are blocked from online registration. Please refer to the cross-registration webpage for more details.

What is Student Services Online (SSOL)?

Student Services Online (SSOL) is an online portal. Students register online through SSOL using their University network ID. The University network ID (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 their personal information, including student account balances, grades, degree audit reports (DAR), course schedules, and registration appointment schedules. Students are able to request transcripts, account balance refund and certification of enrollment through SSOL.

I missed registration. What should I do?

Registration appointment times are assigned during the first three weeks of the semester. You should register during your next appointed time. To view your registration schedule, go to Student Services Online (SSOL).

You will need to see your Advisor in the Office of Student Affairs on the sixth floor of the International Affairs Building. Note:  There is a $100 late registration fee if a student registers after the end of the change of program period.

Can I register outside my listed registration times?

No. If you attempt to register online before your appointment time begins or after your appointment time ends, you will not be able to register.

Can I register more than one time 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 not able to register. To view your hold status check the Student Services Online Web site 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 to one and a half (1.5) credits. Students can register for short courses during the registration period online. After registration ends, students can register for short courses using the registration request form as long as the course has not yet started.

Can I register in courses which overlap?

In general students should not register in courses which 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 my internship and/or fieldwork for credit?

To register your internship, you should use the five-digit call number available on SIPA's Course Search  and Vergil Course Search to add the internship to your schedule. Students can register an internship in either the semester in which the internship is being completed or any semester thereafter. Internships completed in the summer must be registered either in the Spring semester prior or in any of the semesters following the completion of the summer internship. No more than 3 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.

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 . For registration some courses are restricted to students in a specific concentration/specialization. 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 appear 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 would like to change sections of a course (for example, INAF U6804, the discussion section of Conceptual Foundations, has ten sections) you may 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 that this is the case, and you will remain in your original section.

Waitlists 

The waitlist automatically becomes active once a course fills. There are two types of waitlists; automated and managed.

1. What is the difference between a managed and automated waitlist?
   In the case of automated waitlist, students are automatically registered from the waitlist in the order in which they joined the list; as seats become available.  There is no automatic registration from a managed waitlist even if there are available seats. Instructors must manually approve any registration from a managed waitlist.
2. How would I know if a waitlist is automated or managed?
   When a students adds their name to an automated waitlist a number will appear confirming the student's position on the list. In the case of a managed waitlist  a "pending approval" note will appear once a student's name is added to the list. 
3. How many waitlists can I be on?
   A student can add themselves to a maximum of 3 course waitlists
4. Is there a limit to the number of students who can be added to a course's waitlist?
   No there is no limit to the number of students who  can be on a waitlist.
5. Am I likely to get a seat in a course if I am on the course's waitlist?
   This depends on a variety of factors such as type of waitlist and a student's position on the list.  There is no guarantee that a student will get a seat if they are on a waitlist. 

Cross-Registration, Instructor Managed courses 

For detailed Cross-Registration instructions, please click here

1. How do I know which courses require instructor approval?
   SIPA's Course Search, Vergil Course Search, and the SIPA Registration Web site each specify the types of approval required before registering for classes.
2. How do I apply for instructor managed courses?
   All instructor permission courses require that interested students to join the waitlist in SSOL prior to official registration. Please refer to the SIPA Registration Web site for complete information on the process including the deadline.
3. I am a dual degree student registered at another school this term. How do I register for SIPA courses?
   You should follow the registration guidelines for your current school to register for their courses. To cross-register for SIPA courses, you should contact your Advising Dean in SIPA's Office of Student Affairs with a list of the SIPA courses you plan to cross-register for each term. 
4. I'm from another school. How do I cross register for SIPA courses?
   Complete information is provided on the SIPA  "Cross-Registration" webpage.
5. How do I cross-register for non-SIPA courses?
   Detailed information on the various cross-registration processes is located on the Cross-Registration  webpage.

 Classes

1. What classes should I take?
   For information on classes, degree requirements, and advice, you can use one of the following sources: SIPA's Course Search  which provides a complete listing of available courses and the requirements they satisfy. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) for questions related to Core Requirements, Concentration or Specialization directors, and the  Vergil Course Search. 
2. The bulletins and Web sites of other Columbia schools. An individual school's bulletin or home page is the best place to find course information.
3. How can I view course evaluations?

   Course evaluations are located here.  

4. How can I view syllabi ?
   During the add/drop period (first 3 weeks of classes) 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. 

5. How does a course fit into my degree requirements?
   Students in the full-time two-year MIA or MPA program are encouraged to use the SIPA's Course Search  that categorizes courses by requirement. Students in the full-time  two-year MIA or MPA and MPA-DP programs can verify that a course will be used to fulfill a core requirement by viewing their Degree Audit Report on Student Services Online.

6. What is a closed class?
   Once the number of enrollments in a given class has equaled the capacity of that class, a class becomes closed. For example, if there are 30 seats in a class, the class is closed when 30 students register for that class. However once this occurs students have the option of adding themselves to the waitlist of the course.
7. What if there are empty seats in the classroom?
   A class may be still be closed even when there are empty seats in the classroom.
8. What if two classes I want to take overlap?
   The online registration system will not permit students to register for classes that meet at the same time or for classes that overlap. Students who are required to register overlapping courses must obtain written permission from instructors of both classes.  After receiving consent please submit your registration request along with the documented permission from the instructors via the registration request form. 
9. How many credits can I take as a full-time student? ?
   SIPA students can take up to 18 credits a semester.   Students who wish to register over the 18 credit maximum must receive permission from their OSA advisor. Any registration over 18 credits  will result in additional tuition charges, assessed on a per point basis.
10. How can I view my class schedule?
    To see your schedule, go to Student Services Online. Changes are not necessarily immediately available on SSOL.  You will need to wait 24 hours to view changes to your schedule.  CourseWorks information may not be accurate. It can take up to two weeks for information to be updated to your profile.

When are finals? How can I determine my final exam schedule?

Generally, final exam times are posted by the University Registrar after midterms. This information may also be available in the course syllabus. The final exam schedule can be found in the SIPA Bulletin or on the University Registrar's web site. Students should not make any travel plans prior to the last day of final exams until your final exam schedule has been finalized.

Grading Options

1. Can I audit a course?

   SIPA does not officially allow students to ‘sit-in’ on courses (i.e., attend classes without being registered for the course). Students who audit (receive R-credit) a course must be registered for the course in SSOL and appear on the grade roster. If students are not officially registered, they 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. Registration priority in SIPA courses should be given to students who wish to take the course for full-credit. Instructors are not obligated to grant R-credit; however, if permission is granted, the student must meet course requirements established at the discretion of the instructor. Upon successful completion of the course, the instructor will submit the grade of R for these students. Should students not meet course requirements or fail to attend class, instructors have the option of submitting a grade of UW or F. 

2. What is R credit?
   R stands for "registered, not for credit." Students must receive permission from an instructor to take a course for "R" credit.   "R" credit courses are registered like all other classes. However, at the end of the course, the instructor posts an "R" instead of a letter grade.  Please be advised that classes taken for R credit do not count toward completion of your degree, however it does count toward the 18 point credit maximum. Students enrolled for R credit receive no academic credit, and R credit courses may not be repeated later for credit. For complete information on grading please click here.

3. Can I take a course pass/fail?
   Courses that fulfill the MIA and MPA core, or concentration and specialization requirements cannot be taken pass/fail. The MIA and MPA core courses of Conceptual Foundations, Politics of Policy-making, Economics, and Quantitative Analysis are, by default, letter grade only and cannot be taken pass/fail under any circumstances. All other courses, unless otherwise noted by an instructor/department can be taken pass/fail. Students can choose the grading option for a course ( pass/fail or letter grade) via SSOL up to the pass/fail deadline.  Note that the grading option for some courses cannot be changed. 
4. When are the add/drop deadlines?
   Please refer to the academic calendar  for scheduling information. Short courses do not adhere to the drop deadline noted on the academic calendar. Students can drop a short course without penalty anytime prior to the day of the second session. Requests to drop a short course after the stated deadline will be processed as withdrawals and a "W" will be posted for the course.
5. Do I need instructor's permission to drop a class?
   No. However, if it is past the drop deadline, you will receive a "W" on your transcript. Please refer to the academic calendar for the withdrawal deadline. Withdrawal requests should be submitted through the registration request form .
6. When can I change the grading option to pass/fail or R credit?
   Please refer to the academic calendar.