Dean of Students

Many issues between student and instructor can be resolved between the student and instructor directly. The first step is for the student to reach out to the instructor via email or speak with them before/after class to discuss the issue. If the student has not received an email reply within two business days, they should try again or a different method of reaching the instructor.

If a student is still struggling to resolve an issue with their instructor, their next step is to contact the academic school director for that specific class. The director will help the student resolve outstanding issues between the student and instructor.

Department faculty and school directors can be found here by clicking on the approrpiate department name:

If a student believes they are being treated unfairly by their instructor, their first course of action should be to address the issue with the instructor directly. The staff in Student Assistance & Community Standards can help a student with developing a strategy if needed.

Request Assistance

If a student believes they are being discriminated or harassed by an instructor, they are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Equity Issues to explore options, learn about resources and possible accommodations.

Contact Equity Issues

Any student who believes that they have been discriminated against because of a disability by any Columbia personnel may contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office or Columbia’s current 504 Coordinator: Dr. Douglas Eck, Dean of Students

Email: deck@colum.edu
Phone: (312) 369-8595
In Person: 623 S Wabash Ave, Suite 301 (check-in at room 304)

Grades are important and we understand that. It's always helpful to keep in mind that students earn their grades based on how well they meet course learning outcomes and complete required assignments and projects. Students should read their syllabus carefully and completely to understand how course grades are calculated and earned as well as to note specific due dates.

If a student believes a grade they have received is incorrect, they should reach out to their instructor for clarification or to dispute the earned grade. If resolution to the grade is not agreed upon, the student's next course of action is to file a grievance of the grade with the specific school's director. A list of all faculty and school directors is provided in the "Instructor" tab above.

Academic Life Coaching is a program for students who are committed to their own personal growth. The program aims to support students and to ensure they get the most out of their Columbia experience. Students will collaborate with an Academic Life Coach to establish and fulfill their academic, social, professional, and personal goals.

You deserve equal access to the classroom! Registering with the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office ensures you'll have the support and resources you need to succeed! It is recommended that any student with disabilities complete the accommodation process with SSD, even if they do not choose or plan to request any services or accommodations. Registering with SSD enables SSD staff to act more efficiently and knowledgeably on a student’s behalf.

Most students will register for classes two times each academic year (in mid/late fall for Spring term and mid/late Spring for the Fall term). All undergraduate and graduate students will register for their classes through their MyColumbia portal during the preceding semester. You’ll receive detailed information, including registration appointment times, via email.

Non-degree seeking students will register after continuing degree-seeking students.

Students have a limited time to add and drop classes each semester. Registration deadlines vary depending on the duration and start date of the specific course. Students may make changes to their class schedules (i.e., add or drop classes) at any time prior to the end of the official revision period.

Students should be aware of the difference between dropping and withdrawing from a class and the impact it may have on their financial balance, financial aid eligibility, on-campus housing eligibility, and progress toward degree completion. Before dropping a class, ensure you understand the impact on whether you will drop below "full time" student status (12 credit hours), as you may lose scholarships and/or grants that require you to maintain a full time enrollment status.

Please consult with Columbia Central to explore your options for dropping a course and what (if any) impact that may have.