www.colum.edu/newstudents
Emily Easton, Director
623 South Wabash Avenue, Room 303 | 312.369.8675
At Columbia, we understand the first year transition can be daunting, even frightening. That is why we created an office dedicated to helping you and your parents replace any fears and anxiety with excitement and understanding. The Office of New Student Programs and Orientation exists to meet this challenge. Together, with the Division of Student Affairs, our office will plan for your arrival and make sure you have access to the most current information.
Orientation & Registration
This information filled, day-long, mandatory program is for new students. Orientation is a day dedicated to acclimating you to your new home away from home. Students attend programs to help gain an understanding of academic departments, co-curricular opportunities, and student life. Also, students are welcome to bring along a parent or a guest or two. Parents and family attend sessions on partnering with Columbia staff and faculty, their student’s body of work, and the student transition.
Weeks of Welcome
Weeks of Welcome take place the few weeks right before classes start each semester. These weeks are specifically designed to help you meet other students and connect you with the city of Chicago. So do you want to know your way around Chicago and avoid getting trampled on the El? Do you want to get to know a faculty member? Do you want to meet some friends? Do you want free food? Do you want to know where your classes are so you don't look like a lost freshman or transfer student? Yes, we thought so. So take advantage of these programs. So get to your computer and take a gander at colum.edu/wow.
First Year Experience
You're lucky because Columbia College offers ongoing experiences geared toward first year students: to continue their transition, to learn more about Columbia, and to enhance the first year on campus. First year students will continue to get lots more information on what opportunities your first year experience can include. Throughout the year, visit colum.edu/newstudentinfo to continue to check for ongoing events, opportunities, and programs only for first year students-- both transfer and freshmen.
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
The Office of New Student Programs and Orientation advises the Columbia chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCD). The group is one of the largest student organizations on campus. It is the only organization on campus that honors students for their academic achievements. Freshmen and sophomore students with a 3.4 GPA or better and who rank in the top 20% of their class are invited to join.