Navigating Columbia University: A Student Portal Guide

Columbia University, like many large academic institutions, provides its students with a centralized online portal to manage various aspects of their academic and administrative lives. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Columbia's student portal and related resources, ensuring a smooth and informed experience for all students, both domestic and international.

Accessing the Portal: UNI, PID, and Compass

The gateway to Columbia's online resources begins with understanding the key identifiers: the UNI and the PID.

UNI (University Network Identifier): The UNI consists of your initials plus an arbitrary number (e.g., AB123). It serves as your primary username for accessing many Columbia University systems.
PID (Personal Identification Number): The PID is a 9-digit number beginning with "C" (e.g., C. A. B.). You will receive this number from your admissions office or department.
Compass: Compass is Columbia's international case management software. Within 30 days of your DS-2019 start date, the ISSO (International Students and Scholars Office) Faculty and Scholar Services team will send you an ISSO PID. This is an internal ISSO identification number that you will use to request a temporary PIN to login to complete your application. If you do not receive your Limited Access PIN within a few minutes, please check your SPAM folder.

If you have an active UNI and password but are unable to log in to Compass, ensure you are clicking the correct campus Compass link. If problems persist, troubleshoot your browser.

New Student Orientation

New student orientation is designed to help incoming students transition to university life and familiarize themselves with Columbia's resources and expectations. The orientation consists of two parts:

Asynchronous (Pre-Orientation)

Pre-orientation is hosted on CourseWorks, Columbia's web-based learning management system. This segment comprises self-paced activities designed to be completed over several weeks during the summer. Students may be asked to complete quizzes, submit assignments, or mark tasks as complete. The content is organized by week to help students stay on track, and completion of the modules before Orientation Week is expected.

Read also: Columbia University Legacy

Synchronous (Orientation Week)

For most students, Orientation Week will take place over several days at the end of August and is in-person. Specific schedules based on degree and program will be posted to the student's portal in early August. Certain programs have different orientations and are not required to participate in orientation week. While Columbia strongly encourages all new students to attend Orientation Week, the university understands that certain circumstances may prevent participation. Please note that Orientation Week sessions are offered in person only, and virtual options are not available. Orientation Week is dedicated exclusively to incoming new students.

Columbia does its best to keep students well-fed and accommodate a variety of dietary needs during Orientation Week. Whether or not you pre-register for classes depends on your degree program. Some degrees, like the MPH, pre-register students for their fall classes, while others, like the MS, register for classes during Orientation Week.

MyColumbia Portal

Your MyColumbia portal is an online information resource with up-to-the-minute announcements and account information. This is your central hub for important updates and personalized information.

Student Account Summary

After registering for classes, you will have access to your Student Account Summary. This section is a planning resource that details estimated financial and direct educational costs such as tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans. For more tips on understanding your student account summary, download the guide provided in the portal.

Financial Aid Awards

This resource informs you about projected financial aid for a specific semester. Keep a close eye on this section to understand your financial aid package and plan accordingly.

CCCPay

CCCPay is Columbia's online billing, payment, and direct deposit resource. Direct Deposit is the fastest and most convenient way to receive your refund. Columbia encourages you to sign up for this fast, easy, and secure resource.

Book Charge Program

Enrolled students have the option to charge books to their Campus Card at the beginning of each academic term. For more information about the Book Charge program, click here within the portal.

Important Considerations for International Students

International students face unique challenges and considerations. Here's a breakdown of essential information:

Financial Matters

Banking: When opening a bank account, ensure the bank officer is aware that you are a non-resident. There are many bank locations in the Columbia neighborhoods. Building a credit history (record of paying your bills) is important in the US.
Scams: Scammers are very creative and skillful in seeking access to your money and/or personal information by either gaining your confidence (“con artist”) or threatening you. Be aware that a government agency would never ask you to send money a certain way or purchase gift cards. Resist their pressure to act immediately before you have time to think or check their information.

Communication

Mobile Phone: Obtain a SIM card at a US airport, from a mobile provider, or a prepaid card online. There are many phone service provider stores in the Columbia neighborhoods.

Safety and Security

Personal Safety: Be well-informed about your personal safety. New York presents the same security concerns as any other large city worldwide. In case of an emergency, contact Public Safety.

Academic Integrity

Academic Honesty: Academic integrity is taken seriously, and violations may have harsh consequences, including being expelled from the university.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Application Pending: If your application is still "pending," you can go back to your form and hit the "cancel" button. Hitting "cancel" will cancel your request. If you have submitted a form and it is "approved," you may submit a form again.
Record Not Found: If you were recently accepted to Columbia, your record may not be in the system. Make sure you have accepted your offer of admission and paid your deposit, if applicable.

Read also: Paying for Columbia
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