Dear First_Name,
 

You will be registering for your first semester classes at SIPA in less than three weeks!

 

By now, you should have familiarized yourself with the requirements for your MIA or MPA degree, including requirements for your concentration and specialization. You may also have started selecting classes, preliminarily, for the fall using Vergil.

 

The next step is to learn how to use Columbia University’s systems to register. Vergil/SSOL is Columbia University’s primary student platform and where you can find:

• Your academic adviser/advising dean
• Course schedule planner
• Course information (with the ability to search based on open/closed sections, course levels, types, and instruction modes) and links to syllabi and past evaluations.

 

The courses you enter in the planner can be exported to SSOL where they are queued up for registration. In SSOL, you can view and confirm your registration appointment time. All new students will have a registration appointment time of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27. Registration times will be posted the week of August 19. Once posted, please check to confirm you have the correct registration time.

 

The following video will walk you through the registration process and introduce you to another advising tool, Stellic. Stellic is the degree audit platform which helps to map out your requirements and it is unique to you.

Please watch this short video on how to register>>

 

During your group advising session on day one of orientation, your advising dean will review the steps to register and your degree requirements so you are set up for a smooth registration the following day. There will be time for Q&A during that session. Your Peer Advisors will also be with you when you register to help troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Proficiency and Placement Exams: Students wishing to test out of some core SIPA courses are able to register for SIPA OSA Placement and Proficiency Exams. Read more information about the exam processes and procedures in the Bulletin.

Concentration/Specialization Change Requests: You can request a change to your concentration or specialization using Campus Groups.. Please note, some programs require the completion of courses with a minimum grade before entry. See here for more information on changing academic programs.

 

Upload a photo for your ID card: Before submitting your ID photo, new students must first activate their Columbia University ID (UNI).Once activated, please submit your photo for your Columbia University ID card (CUID) no later than August 15. You will receive your CUID card on the first day of Orientation on August 26. Please see CUID instructions for instructions.

 

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In case you want to review any of the previous "Starting at SIPA" weekly emails, you can find them all here>>  

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SIPA Stories

SIPA Students interning at the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation met with World Bank President Ajay Banga during the organization’s 80th anniversary celebration recently. 

See our post here>>
 

A reminder to check your pre-arrival checklist (which can be found in the Welcome Portal -- password: WelComeFall24). Before you arrive in August, remember to complete all items, but in particular, complete the below as soon as possible:

1. Submit Your Immunization Records Immediately. Without proof of certain required immunizations, you will not be able to register for classes. Documentation can take up to 30 days to review, so submit NOW. Read More »