New Student Orientation
Monday, January 8 - Sunday, January 14
Register for New Student Orientation
The GS New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) for the Spring 2024 semester will be held in person on the Morningside Heights Campus. Mandatory requirements will also be available online via the GS Orientation CourseWorks page in advance of Orientation.
Mandatory Orientation Programming
Convocation
Monday, January 8
9 a.m. EST
Columbia University Morningside Campus
Mandatory Orientation Schedule*
*Please Note: All new students must attend mandatory Orientation programming as it is required by the University and in some cases by federal guidelines.
CourseWorks
In the weeks leading up to Orientation you will receive an email notification from "Columbia University Canvas" with instructions about how to access CourseWorks@Columbia, which is the University’s learning management system and how you will access mandatory self-paced trainings and resources prior to Orientation. In addition, you will use CourseWorks to access course materials for your upcoming classes
To access CourseWorks, you will need an active UNI* and password. Once your account has been uploaded into the GS Orientation portal, you will receive an email notification from "Columbia University Canvas" with instructions about how to access Courseworks.
*Note: Incoming students who have accepted their offer of admission and submitted their tuition deposit are issued a University Network Identification (UNI) by Columbia University IT (CUIT) generally within one week of completing those steps. Once your UNI has been created, it must be activated on the CUIT website.
Orientation Week Schedule
The full schedule for GS New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) events will be available in the week prior to GS Orientation via Guidebook, an interactive app guide accessible via iOS and Android. Please follow the below steps to get started.
- Visit the Google Play Store (for Android) or App Store (for iPhone and iPad) and search for and download “Guidebook”
- Spring 2024 Guidebook details will be shared in the week prior to GS Orientation
You may also learn more about navigating Guidebook on their website.
Additional Orientation Information and Events
Optional events are great ways for incoming students to learn about additional resources at Columbia University and within GS, and to meet their peers and the GS Orientation Leaders.
Please regularly revisit this page for more information and updates as they are made available. Our office also sends regular new student newsletter emails with updates and relevant information.
For questions regarding Orientation, please contact [email protected].
International Student Orientation
Friday, January 5, 10 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Incoming students are invited to attend a half-day orientation aimed at introducing international students to the resources and support available at Columbia. At this program you will learn how to create a meaningful and balanced lifestyle as you navigate Columbia.
Veteran and Military-Connected Orientation
Friday, January 12, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Incoming military veteran and military-connected students are invited to attend an orientation designed to introduce to them to their peers, as well as the many resources available to support their transition to student life at Columbia.
Family Orientation
Monday, January 8, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
We recognize that the GS community extends well beyond the University, and invite your families and significant others to join us for Convocation and Family Orientation, which features special programming for family members, including welcome remarks from Dean Rosen-Metsch and a faculty lecture, a presentation by the Dean of Students Office, an alumni/student panel, and a campus tour.
Please note that separate registration is required for each family member.
Learn More about New Student Orientation Programming
The New Student Orientation Program is mandatory for all entering students. The week includes a series of events that provide an introduction to the stimulating intellectual and social environment at Columbia, as well as the abundant resources available at GS and the University. The primary goals of Orientation are to help students navigate the University environment and meet fellow incoming students.
The New Student Orientation Program is designed to:
- Familiarize students with University standards and principles of our academic community
- Present tips and key information that will make students' first days at Columbia, and their transition to GS, go smoothly
- Introduce students to resources critical to personal and academic success at Columbia including administrators and faculty members
- Provide an opportunity to meet other new and continuing GS students, many of whom will become part of a network of support at Columbia
- Acquaint students with GS traditions within the context of University history
- Provide students with the opportunity to meet peers in Barnard College, Columbia College, and Columbia Engineering
- Share a portrait of the incoming class in all its diversity and richness as new students are welcomed into the vibrant GS community
For questions regarding Orientation, please contact [email protected].
Orientation Accessibility Statement
The School of General Studies is committed to providing an Orientation experience that is accessible for all. If you have any questions, or would like to request accommodations, please email [email protected]. We also encourage you to register with Disability Services, as they will be able to assist with comprehensive accommodations for your entire Columbia experience.