Summer School 2010

Explore International Human Rights at Columbia University in the City of New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend the Summer Session?

Anyone who enrolls may participate in the Summer Session. The courses are open to matriculated Columbia students, visiting students from across the nation, and any new and continuing non-degree students, including international students. However, because of the visa and registration requirements, students from outside the US are encouraged to apply 12 weeks in advance of the beginning of a session (preferably in March). If you are a prospective student from abroad, 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 Summer School website 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/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.

Is room and board 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 dates and times to check in and check out of housing, see http://www.columbia.edu/cu/housing.

For more information please see CU Housing's summer housing site.

What are the academic expectations for students?

All human rights courses are open to advanced undergraduate or graduate students. Attendance, completion of assignments, and critical engagement are expected of all students. The 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.

Do I have to take an exam or write multiple papers?

Because these courses are designed for advanced undergraduate or graduate students, professors will typically require long papers and/or exams.

How many credits is one course, and how can I tell if they will transfer?

All courses are three credits. Please refer to the Columbia Summer Session’s website on credit transfer for specific information on transfer of records.

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.

Where is the Building 80 Claremont?

80 Claremont is located across the street from ISHR’s offices in Riverside Church, at the corner of Claremont Ave and West 120th Street. Maps are available from Columbia (80 Claremont is the blue rectangle labled “Department of Religion”) and Google.

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