Questions Below
Who can enroll in summer courses?
Who can participate in the certificate program?
Do I need to participate in the certificate program to take human rights courses this summer?
Is housing available for summer students?
What are the academic expectations for students?
Can I use the libraries on campus?
How many credits is one course, and how can I tell if they will transfer?
Is financial aid available to students?
What dates and deadlines should I remember?
Where is the Institute for the Study of Human Rights?
FAQ Answers
Who can enroll in summer courses?
The courses are open to matriculated Columbia students, visiting students, non-degree students, and newly accepted students.
International students are welcome, but must be enrolled full-time. International students would be considered full-time if they take two courses each session. Because of the visa and registration requirements, international students are encouraged to apply 12 weeks in advance of the beginning of a session (preferably in March). If you are a prospective international student, please go here for more information.
When/how can I enroll?
Registration can be completed by Columbia students online or by telephone during the regular registration dates for the D and Q sessions. Please check the Continuing Education Summer Sessions webpage if you are not currently a Columbia student (even if you have been accepted for the upcoming fall term).
Generally, non-Columbia students fall into one of four categories: visiting undergraduate students and visiting graduate students (currently enrolled in another college or university), post-baccalaureate studies scholar (holds at least a bachelor’s degree but is not currently enrolled at a college or university), and visiting high school students.
Non-Columbia students must apply for admission before enrolling in a summer course. The on-line application form can be found on the Summer Term website for each of these categories.
Who can participate in the certificate program?
Columbia degree students, non-degree students, visiting students, and newly accepted students are eligible to participate in the certificate program. Students who are pursuing human rights degrees or concentrations at Columbia University can apply summer courses toward either their degree requirements or the human rights certificate, but not toward both.
Do I need to participate in the certificate program to take human rights courses this summer?
No. Students can take classes on an ad hoc basis as well as to fulfill requirements for other programs.
Is housing available for summer students?
Current CC/SEAS students are eligible for summer housing. Summer housing will be based on availability at the time of your selection and cannot be guaranteed.
Applications are available in 125 Wallach or at CU's Housing website. Summer and interim housing charges for current Columbia students will be billed automatically to a student's account. Housing applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all beds are filled.
Summer housing is assigned in two six-week blocks. For more information information, please see CU Housing's summer housing site.
What are the academic expectations for students?
These courses are designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Attendance, completion of assignments, and critical engagement are expected of all students. Specific requirements for each course are determined by the instructor.
Can I use the libraries on campus?
All resources available to current students are also available for enrolled visiting students, including on-campus libraries and access to Lerner Hall, the student activities center.
How many credits is one course, and how can I tell if they will transfer?
All courses are three credits. Students should contact their individual programs for additional information regarding the transfer of credits. However, most Columbia University programs will allow the transfer of a limited number of credits toward a degree program.
Human Rights Studies MA students and prospective students who are interested in transfer of credits should refer to the academic policies and requirements page of the program’s website.
Is financial aid available to students?
Please refer to the Columbia Summer Session’s website for information on financial aid for summer students. The Student Financial Planning office can assist in finding and applying for private loans.
What dates and deadlines should I remember?
Please refer to the School of Continuing Education's Calendars for a full list of important dates.
Where is the Institute for the Study of Human Rights?
ISHR is located in Riverside Church, on Claremont Avenue between 120 St. and 122 St. Walking directions from campus and near-by subway stations are available here.
