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College and University PoliciesSince polices and procedures are subject to change, please check the Web site for FACETS, the University student handbook,for the most current information. Reservation of University RightsThis bulletin is intended for the guidance of persons applying for or considering application for admission to Columbia University and for the guidance of Columbia students and faculty. The bulletin sets forth in general the manner in which the College and University intend to proceed with respect to the matters set forth herein, but the College and University reserve the right to depart without notice from the terms of this bulletin. The bulletin is not intended to be and should not be regarded as a contract between the College and/or University and any student or other person. Immunization RequirementsMeningococcal Meningitis DecisionNew York State public health law requires that students receive information from their institutions about meningococcal meningitis and the vaccine that protects against most strains of the disease that can occur on university campuses. Columbia students must make an informed decision about being vaccinated and certify their decision online. Full instructions are given online, and the process takes two to three minutes to complete. Students must formally indicate their decision about being vaccinated before they will be permitted to register for classes. Certify your meningitis decision online before registration begins. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)New York State public health law requires that students taking 6 or more points provide documentation of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) before their first term of study. There are several ways to document immunity. In all cases, the Columbia University MMR form must be completed and submitted to 402 John Jay Hall no later than the specified deadline. Please note: the MMR form requires a physician’s signature. The blood test or MMR immunizations can be obtained at Primary Care Medical Services. If you have any questions about these requirements, please email us at hs-enrollment@columbia.edu or visit Health Services Web site. Additional ImmunizationsIn addition, Health Services at Columbia recommends that all students be properly immunized against or have immunity to the following: hepatitis B (three-dose series), varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, and all routine childhood diseases. These immunizations are available at Primary Care Medical Services, and students enrolled in the Health Service Program are charged for the cost of the vaccine. For more information, please visit Health Services Web site. Disability ServicesThe Office of Disability Services (ODS) empowers students with disabilities to realize their academic and personal potential by facilitating equal access and coordinating reasonable accommodations and support services for eligible students. Reasonable accommodations are adjustments to policy, practice, and programs that “level the playing field” for students with disabilities and provide equal access to Columbia’s programs and activities. Examples include the administration of exams, services such as note-taking, sign language interpreters, assistive technology, and coordination of accessible housing needs. Accommodation plans and services are custom designed to match the disability-related needs of each student and are determined according to documentation and the student’s program requirements. Registration includes submission of both the Application for Accommodations and Services and disability documentation. The application and disability documentation guidelines are available online and at the ODS office. Students are encouraged to register within the first two weeks of the semester to ensure that reasonable accommodations can be made for that term. Please note that students are not eligible to receive reasonable accommodations until the registration process is complete. Disability Services Liaisons are representatives from the student’s respective school and assist ODS in coordinating the provisions of reasonable accommodations. For further information, contact the Columbia University Office of Disability
Services: 212-854-2388; 212-854-2378 (TTY); 212-854-3448 (fax); The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)The University abides by the provisions of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This act insures a wide range of rights, including but not limited to: information about student records that the University maintains, who maintains them, who has access to them, and for what purposes access is granted. The act also permits the University to release “directory information” without a student’s consent. In addition, the act guarantees students access to their records and restricts the access of others. Students who wish to restrict access to their directory information may do so at the Registrar’s Office, 205 Kent. The guidelines are also available on ColumbiaWeb and in FACETS, the University student handbook. Questions about the interpretation of the guidelines should be referred to the University’s General Counsel, 412 Low Library. Campus Safety and SecurityAt Columbia University, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is an important priority. Columbia’s campuses and their environs are safe and have a relatively low crime rate for an urban university. The University is required by federal law to publish an annual security report containing information with respect to campus security policies and statistics on the incidence of certain crimes on and around our campuses. This information is available in FACETS, the University student handbook; at the Web site for the United States Department of Education; by requesting a copy of the report from: Campus Crime Report, Department of Public Safety, Columbia University, 111 Low Library, Mail Code 4301, 535 West 116th Street, New York, NY 10027; or on the Public Safety Web site. Rules of University ConductThe Rules of University Conduct (Chapter XLI of the Statutes of the University) provide special disciplinary rules applicable to demonstrations, rallies, picketing, and the circulation of petitions. These rules are designed to protect the rights of free expression through peaceful demonstration while at the same time ensuring the proper functioning of the University and the protection of the rights of those who may be affected by such demonstrations. The Rules of University Conduct are University-wide and supersede all other rules of any school or division. Minor violations of the Rules of Conduct are referred to the normal disciplinary procedures of each school or division (“Dean’s Discipline’’). A student who is charged with a serious violation of the Rules has the option of choosing Dean’s Discipline or a more formal hearing procedure provided in the Rules. All University faculty, students, and staff are responsible for compliance with the Rules of University Conduct. Copies of the full text are available in FACETS, the University student handbook, and at the Office of the University Senate, 406 Low Memorial Library. DisciplineThe continuance of each student upon the rolls of the University, the receipt of academic credits, graduation, and the conferring of any degree or the granting of any certificate are strictly subject to the disciplinary powers of the University. Although ultimate authority on matters of student discipline is vested in the Trustees of the University, the Dean of the College and his staff are given responsibility for establishing certain standards of behavior for College students beyond the regulations included in the Statutes of the University and for defining procedures by which discipline will be administered. It is expected that in and out of the classroom, on and off campus, each student
in the College will act in an honest way and will respect the rights of others.
Academic IntegrityAcademic integrity defines an intellectual community and its educational mission. As members of such a community Columbia College students are expected to honor intellectual work and respect its origins. A Columbia College education has two complementary: mastery over intellectual material within a discipline and overall development of moral character and personal ethics. Engaging in forms of academic dishonesty therefore violates Columbia community standards and severely inhibits a student’s chance to mature academically, professionally, and socially. Consequently, academic dishonesty is one of the most serious offenses a student can commit at Columbia. Academic dishonesty may be intentional or unintentional and most commonly includes:
A student alleged to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to the Dean’s Discipline Process. If at the conclusion of that process the student is
Students found responsible for academic dishonesty may expect reports of such offenses on future recommendations for law, medical, or graduate school. The parents or guardians of students found responsible may also be notified. Columbia’s disciplinary approach to academic dishonesty is educative and is informed by its expectations that students must take full responsibility for their Disciplinary ProceduresThe Office of Judicial Affairs (located within the Division of Student Affairs) is responsible for all disciplinary affairs concerning undergraduate students that are not reserved to some other body. Many policy violations that occur in the residence halls are handled by the associate directors of the Office of Residential Programs; however some serious offenses are referred directly to the Office of Judicial Affairs. Similarly, most violations of rules concerning fraternities or sororities as organizations are handled by the assistant director of Greek life and leadership; but some serious offenses are referred directly to the Office of Judicial Affairs. In matters involving rallies, picketing, and other mass demonstrations, the Rules of University Conduct outlines procedures. The purpose of the dean’s discipline process is educative and it is used to determine students’ responsibility for alleged violations of College or University policies. Since the dean’s discipline process is neither adversarial, nor legalistic, the technical rules of evidence applicable to civil and criminal court cases do not apply. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Office of Judicial Affairs determines whether dean’s discipline is appropriate or if the complaint should be referred elsewhere. At this time students against whom complaints have been made may be removed from housing and/or placed on interim suspension by the student affairs staff if it is determined that these students’ behavior makes their presence on campus a danger to the normal operations of the institution, to their own safety, or to the property of the University or that of others. As part of the dean’s discipline process, students are informed in writing of the complaint made against them and of the time and place of their disciplinary hearing. At the hearing at least two members of the staff of the Dean of Student Affairs Office present information which supports the allegation that they have violated College or University policies. Students are then asked to respond and are provided opportunities to present information on their behalf. Utilizing the standard of proof principle termed “preponderance of evidence,”
the hearing administrators will make a determination of responsibility for the Students will be notified of the outcome of the hearing in writing and have the
right to request an appeal of the decision and the resulting sanctions. There are ConfidentialityIn general, under University policy and federal law, information about dean’s disciplinary proceedings against a student is confidential and may not be disclosed to others. A limited exception to this principle is that the outcome of dean’s disciplinary proceedings alleging a crime of violence may be disclosed both to the accuser and the accused. The Columbia College Committee on Academic StandingThe Columbia College Committee on Academic Standing implements academic policies and regulations for Columbia College students as set forth by the faculty Committee on Instruction, the University Senate, or the faculty as a whole. The Committee on Academic Standing is expected to uphold the policies and regulations of the Committee on Instruction. The Committee on Academic Standing is composed of advising deans and the associate dean for student advising. Academic ProbationAt the end of each term the Committee on Academic Standing reviews the records of all students enrolled in the College to determine who will be placed on academic probation and who will be required to withdraw from the College. Students may be placed on academic probation for the following reasons: failure to complete with passing grades 12 points in a term; a term or overall grade point average below 2.0; or failure to make normal progress toward the degree. The advising deans offer the support necessary to help students on academic probation return to good standing. Students who are on academic probation are not eligible for study abroad. Parents are notified when students are placed on academic probation or suspension or are academically dismissed from the College. Academic Suspension/DismissalStudents with extremely poor records in a term, or who fail to improve after being on academic probation, will be required to withdraw from the College for at least a year. Conditions for readmission are specified at the time of suspension. If a student is readmitted after having been suspended and again fails to achieve satisfactory grades or to make normal progress toward the degree, he or she will be dismissed from the College. International Students in F-1 or J-1 status are not allowded to remain in the United States while suspended or dismissed from the University. Any international student who is dismissed or suspended should immediately contact the International Students and Scholars Office to discuss any options available Voluntary WithdrawalWithdrawing from college temporarily often has a salutary effect on a student’s undergraduate performance. Appropriate reasons for such a course of action range from financial to experiential. Often students of considerable ability perform well below their capacities because of burdensome personal or family problems or because they have not made career decisions that would give direction to their studies. Such students frequently are better prepared to make the most of their academic work at Columbia after a year or more away from school. A student who withdraws is not guaranteed housing upon readmission. It is expected that students will return within two years. Failure to return within two years will result in a permanent withdrawl from the College. Students considering a voluntary withdrawal must discuss this option with their class dean. An international student in F-1 or J-1 status who withdraws from the University is not allowded to remain in the United States without immediately transferring to another university. International students should contact the International Students and Scholars Office for procedures to be followed in their particular situation and to insure that the appropriate information is entered into SEVIS, the Department of Homeland Security database. Medical Leave of AbsenceA medical leave is granted to a student whose health prevents him or her from successfully pursuing full-time study. Documentation from a physician or counselor must be provided before such a leave is granted. Upon return from a medical leave the student must submit proof of recovery, as well as meet all other conditions as outlined in their leave. Most medical leaves are for a minimum of one year, but rarely are granted for more than two years. Failure to return within two years will result in permanent withdrawal from the College. International students in F-1 or J-1 status should contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) before taking a leave of absence to obtain the necessary information needed to stay in valid student non-immigrant status and to verify that SEVIS, the Department of Homeland Security database, has been notified of the approved leave. Once the student plans to return to Columbia and has obtained the necessary approval from the school, the student must contact the ISSO to request a new visa certificate (form I-20 or form DS-2019) that reflects the new completion of studies date. Leave for Military DutyAny student who is a member of the National Guard or other reserve component of the armed forces of the United States or of the state organized militia and is called or ordered to active duty will be granted a military leave of absence for the period of active duty and for one year thereafter. Upon return from military leave of absence, the student will be restored to the educational status attained prior to being called or ordered to such duty without loss of academic credits earned, scholarships or grants awarded, or tuition or other fees paid for the period of the military leave of absence to the next enrollment period or will refund the tuition and fees paid to the student, at the student’s option. Students in need of a military leave of absence should contact the Dean of Students for their school. ReadmissionStudents seeking readmission to Columbia College must submit evidence that they have achieved the purposes for which they left. Consequently, specific readmission procedures are determined by the reasons for the withdrawal. Further information is available in the memorandum “Readmission to Columbia College,’’ available in the Center for Student Advising. Students applying for readmission should complete all parts of the appropriate readmission procedures by June 1 for the fall term or October 1 for the spring term. Once an international student in F-1 or J-1 status is readmitted, the student should contact the International Students and Scholars Office to obtain a new visa certificate (form I-20 or form DS-2019). Religious HolidaysIt is the policy of the University to respect its members’ religious beliefs. In compliance with New York State law, each student who is absent from school because of his or her religious beliefs will be given an equivalent opportunity to register for classes or make up any examination, study, or work requirements that he or she may have missed because of such absence on any particular day or days. No student will be penalized for absence due to religious beliefs, and alternative means will be sought for satisfying the academic requirements involved. Officers of administration and of instruction responsible for scheduling of academic activities or essential services are expected to avoid conflict with religious holidays as much as possible. If a suitable arrangement cannot be worked out between the student and the instructor involved, they should consult the appropriate dean or director. If an additional appeal is needed, it may be taken to the Provost. Transcripts and CertificationIn order to release a transcript, a student must provide written consent. You may obtain an official transcript of your academic record at Columbia University by writing to: Student Service Center, Columbia University, 205 Kent Hall, Mail Code 9202, 1140 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, Attention: Transcripts. Please include the following information with your request: current and former names; personal identification number (PID) if known; schools attended and dates of attendance; degrees awarded and dates awarded; number of transcripts desired and complete address for each; your current address and telephone number; and your signature authorizing the release of your transcript. You may also order transcripts in person at 205 Kent Hall on the Morningside campus (9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday). Currently enrolled students may order transcripts for themselves and for colleges and universities via the Student Services page. There is no charge for issuing transcripts; however, all students pay a one-time transcript fee of $75 upon their first registration at the University. The normal processing time for transcripts is two to three business days. If you mail in your request for a transcript, you should allow several additional days for delivery to and from the University. Currently enrolled students may order certifications of their enrollment and degrees in person or on the Student Services page on the Web as described above. Certifications are provided while you wait if you come to 205 Kent to request them. There is no charge for certifications. The Registrar’s Office no longer handles requests by noncurrent students, by
alumni, or by third parties. Their requests should be made either by calling the GraduationThe B.A. degree is awarded three times during the year: in February, May, and October. There is one commencement ceremony in May. Application or Renewal of Application for the DegreeStudents pick up and file applications for their degree at the Academic Advising Center. General deadlines for applying for graduation are August 1 for October, November 1 for February, and December 1 for May. (When a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.) Students who fail to earn the degree by the conferral date for which they applied must file another application for a later conferral date. DiplomasThere is no charge for the preparation and conferral of an original diploma. Your name will be printed exactly as it appears on your transcript. Check your transcript, and if you find errors, contact the Registrar (210 Kent) before you file the degree application. If you wish to change your name, you must submit the Name Change Affidavit located on the back of the degree application form. The affidavit must be notarized and filed by the application deadline. If your diploma is lost or damaged, there will be a charge of $100 for a replacement diploma. Note that replacement diplomas carry the signatures of current University officials. Applications for replacement diplomas may be requested by calling the Office of the Registrar, Graduation, Degree Audit, and Diploma Division, 212-854-1454. For additional information see the following Web sites: Application for Degree or Certificate (on the University Registrar Web site) Equal Educational Opportunity and Student Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures on Discrimination and HarassmentThe University’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) has overall responsibility for the University’s Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policies and has been designated to coordinate compliance activities under these policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Students, faculty, and staff may contact the EOAA Office to inquire about their rights under the University’s policies, request mediation or counseling, or seek information about filing a complaint. Complaints by students against students are governed by the Equal Educational Opportunity and Student Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures on Discrimination and Harassment, which are printed here. Complaints by students against employees are governed by the Equal
Employment Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures on For further information and assistance, contact: Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 103 Low Library, MC 4333; 212-854-5511. Equal Educational Opportunity and Student Nondiscrimination PoliciesColumbia University is committed to providing a learning environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members. Consistent with this commitment and with applicable laws, it is the policy of the University not to tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment in any form and to provide students who feel that they are victims of discrimination or harassment with mechanisms for seeking redress. Columbia University does not discriminate against any person in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs or permit the harassment of any student or applicant on the basis of race, color, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), pregnancy, religion, creed, marital status, partnership status, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military status, or any other legally protected status. Nothing in this policy shall abridge academic freedom or the University’s educational
mission. Prohibitions against discrimination and harassment do not All members of the University community are expected to adhere to the applicable policies and to cooperate with the procedures for responding to complaints of discrimination and harassment. All are encouraged to report any conduct believed to be in violation of these policies. All students and applicants for admission are protected from coercion, intimidation, interference, or retaliation for filing a complaint or assisting in an investigation under any of the applicable policies and laws. Subjecting another to retaliatory, intimidating, or coercive conduct for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation is prohibited and may be addressed as a separate violation. DefinitionsFor purposes of these policies and procedures, discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and sexual harassment are defined as follows: DiscriminationDiscrimination is defined as:
Discriminatory HarassmentDiscriminatory harassment is defined as substantially interfering with an individual’s educational experience by subjecting him or her to severe or threatening conduct or to repeated humiliating or abusive conduct, based on his or her membership in a protected class. This includes sexual harassment, which is described below in further detail. Sexual HarassmentUnwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
Consensual, romantic relationships between faculty and other employees and students are generally not considered sexual harassment and are not prohibited by University policy. Individuals should be aware, however, that these relationships are susceptible to being characterized as nonconsensual, and even coercive, if there is an inherent power differential between the parties, and can lead to complaints of sexual harassment. For further information, students and employees should consult the Romantic Relationship Advisory Statement. Student procedures on discrimination and harassmentThe University offers a number of options for those seeking the assistance or intervention of offices and individuals authorized to respond to complaints of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment. Any person who believes that he or she has been the subject of discrimination or harassment may choose initially to deal with the alleged offender directly through a face-to-face discussion, a personal telephone conversation, e-mail correspondence, or letters. In some cases, this approach may effectively resolve the situation; in those cases where it fails or falls short, the individual may pursue the other options provided. Students with questions as to the appropriate procedure in a particular situation should contact the Dean of Students for their school. Confidential guidance and assistanceThe University has crafted a “safe haven” for those individuals who want to approach a knowledgeable person for confidential conversations. Individuals who wish to take advantage of this option may contact either the University Ombuds Officer or a member of the University Panel on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment. These officers are not authorized to conduct formal investigations. University Ombuds OfficeThe Ombuds Office is an informal, safe, and confidential place to voice concerns. The Ombuds Officer will listen, offer information about Columbia University policies and resources, and help visitors evaluate a range of options for resolving a problem. The visitor selects the course of action, if any. The Ombuds Officer may, with permission, participate in informal conflict resolution and may mediate if all parties agree. The Ombuds Office provides information about formal grievance procedures in other offices and is a resource for any kind of issue, including concerns that fall outside the scope of formal complaint channels. In some situations, the Ombuds Officer may help find ways to convey information while maintaining the anonymity of the source. Discussions with the Ombuds Officer are off-the-record and do not constitute notice to the University. For more information, see the Ombuds Web site. University Panel on Discrimination and Sexual HarassmentThe University Panel on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment is composed of trained, experienced, and accessible members of the Columbia community. Members of the Panel provide an informal, impartial, nonadversarial setting in which problems can be addressed through confidential counseling or mediation. Any student may approach any Panelist to discuss his or her concerns and seek advice. The Panelist may also meet with persons other than the student to ascertain facts relevant to appropriate resolution of the complaint or to seek an informal resolution to situations in which there are allegations of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment. Discussions with Panelists are confidential and do not constitute notice to the University. For more information, refer to the list of the current Panelists. MediationStudents may choose to resolve their complaints through mediation by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, the University Ombuds Office, or the Mediation Clinic at Columbia Law School. Mediation is an informal, voluntary, and confidential process where parties can participate in a search for a fair and workable solution. For more information, refer to the Guidelines for mediation by the EOAA Office and Mediation Clinic. Formal complaint procedures against another studentDean's DisciplineStudent complaints of discrimination or harassment against another student should be filed with the Dean of the school in which the accused student is enrolled. Complaints against students are investigated under the appropriate Dean’s Discipline procedure of the accused student’s school, with the exception noted below. Students found to have engaged in discrimination or harassment will be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion. Disciplinary Procedures for Sexual AssaultComplaints involving nonconsensual physical contact of a sexual nature by a student against a student must be filed under Dean’s Discipline or the Disciplinary Procedures for Sexual Assault. A copy of the Disciplinary Procedures for Sexual Assault may be obtained from the Program Coordinator of the Disciplinary Procedures for Sexual Assault, 701A Alfred Lerner Hall. Procedure for complaint against a student organizationStudents who wish to file a complaint of discrimination or harassment against a student organization should do so in consultation with the Dean of their own school; the Dean will identify the appropriate procedure and channels, and assist the student in pursuing the complaint. Procedure for complaint against an employeeOffice of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative ActionStudent complaints of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment against a member of the University’s staff or faculty should be filed with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. Complaints filed with the EOAA office are governed by the Equal Employment Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures on Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment, and Sexual Harassment. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action is located at 103 Low Memorial Library and can be reached by telephone at 212-854-5511. Grievance proceduresStudents should consult their school’s policy for the appropriate procedure to
complain about a faculty member’s conduct in an instructional setting. School Independent investigationThe University, at the discretion of the General Counsel, may conduct an investigation independent of or in addition to the procedures provided herein at any time. The investigation may involve complaints or allegations concerning discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment against the University or any of its employees or students. Statement of compliance with laws promoting equal educational opportunity and prohibiting discrimination and harassmentIn accordance with all applicable laws and pursuant to its own policies and operating procedures, Columbia University provides for equal opportunity and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment. The applicable laws include:
Any person wanting to file a complaint under any of these laws should consult the Web site of the relevant government agency listed below: Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education Sexual Assault PolicyOn February 25, 2000, the University Senate adopted a Sexual Misconduct Policy and Disciplinary Procedure that can be used as an alternative to Dean’s Discipline. Renamed the Sexual Assault Policy, it applies to all students in all schools of the University. The Disciplinary Procedure for Sexual Assault applies to all students, with the exception of those enrolled in the Law School, but including the students of Teachers College and Barnard College. The policy prohibits sexual assault by any student and provides for comprehensive education of students, faculty, and administrators about the issue of sexual assault. Copies of the policy and procedure are available from the Administrative
Program Coordinator of the Disciplinary Procedure for Sexual Assault, 701 Columbia University Policy Statement against Sexual AssaultColumbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College do not tolerate sexual assault of any degree or kind. The University community is committed to fostering a healthy and safe environment in which every member of the community can realize her or his fullest potential. The University defines sexual assault as nonconsensual, intentional physical contact of a sexual nature, such as unwelcome physical contact with a person’s genitals, buttocks, or breasts. Sexual assault occurs when the act is committed either by (1) physical force, violence, threat, or intimidation; (2) ignoring the objections of another person; (3) causing another’s intoxication or impairment through the use of alcohol or other drugs; or (4) taking advantage of another person’s incapacitation, state of intimidation, helplessness, or other inability to consent. Sexual assault is a serious problem on college campuses throughout the country. To counteract this problem, the University provides educational and prevention programs, resources for individuals dealing with sexual assault, and accessible methods of complaint resolution. The University encourages students who believe they have been subjected to nonconsensual physical contact of a sexual nature to report these incidents, whether or not they choose to file an official complaint. Reporting enables the University to protect the complainant and the larger community by taking appropriate actions. In recognition of the sensitive nature of sexual assault cases, and the difficulties inherent in reporting them, the University provides students with three options in seeking recourse. To fall within the jurisdiction of the University administrative procedures, the alleged sexual assault must have been committed by a student on a student. Complaint Resolution OptionsA student may choose to initiate disciplinary proceedings though Dean’s
Discipline, in which case s/he will file a complaint with the Dean of the school of If a member of the community believes s/he has been sexually assaulted by an
employee of the University, s/he is advised to contact Helen Arnold, Romantic Relationship Advisory StatementColumbia University’s educational mission is promoted by the professionalism in its faculty-student and staff-student relationships. Faculty and staff are cautioned that consensual romantic relationships with student members of the University community, while not expressly prohibited, can prove problematic. While some relationships may begin and remain harmonious, they are susceptible to being characterized as nonconsensual and even coercive. This sometimes occurs when such a relationship ends, and is exacerbated by the inherent power differential between the parties. A faculty or staff member involved in a consensual relationship with a student
is expected to remove him/herself from academic or professional decisions
concerning the student. This expectation arises because the relationship may impair, or may be perceived as impairing, a faculty or staff member’s ability to The Provost has authorized some departments to adopt more restrictive policies, given the special nature of the relationship between their students and faculty or staff. Individuals are, therefore, encouraged to contact their department head if they have any questions about whether a more restrictive policy applies to them. Departments that wish to establish more restrictive policies should contact the Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action before implementation. Should a romantic relationship with a student lead to a charge of sexual harassment against a faculty or staff member, the University is obligated to investigate and resolve the charge in accordance with its Equal Employment Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures on Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment, and Sexual Harassment. Questions regarding this Advisory Statement may be directed to Susan Rieger, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 103 Low Memorial Library, Mail Code 4333, 535 West 116th Street, New York, NY 10027, 212-854-5511. Policy on Academic Concerns, Complaints, and GrievancesThe following procedures are part of a process to ensure that student concerns about experiences in the classroom or with faculty are addressed in an informed and appropriate manner. Due to the size and diverse nature of our scholarly community, each school maintains its own processes for addressing a variety of student life issues, including students' concerns about experiences in the classroom or with faculty at their school. Experience has shown that most student concerns are best resolved in a collaborative way at the school level, starting with the advising dean or dean of students, as explained below for your particular school. If a student's concerns are not satisfied through this process, or if the student
believes that a direct complaint to the Vice President for Arts and Sciences is For academic complaints relating to Arts and Sciences faculty, the Arts and
Sciences procedures, like those of other schools, have the provision for a final If the instructor at issue is not a member of the Arts and Sciences faculty, the
student should consult the instructor’s particular school for its procedures. Columbia College Proceess for Expressing Academic Concerns, Complaints, and GreivancesColumbia College students are members of a University community committed to fostering intellectual inquiry within a climate of academic freedom and integrity. Students and faculty alike are expected to promote these goals in the context of inclusiveness, mutual respect, and tolerance for others, as ideas are explored, facts gathered, opinions weighed, and conclusions drawn. We work together with the understanding that we are, first and foremost, an educational community with teaching and learning at the heart of our enterprise and many educational opportunities beyond the walls of the classroom. Central to all of our procedures is our educational mission, and it is this educational mission which also informs our process for dealing with academic concerns, complaints, and grievances. From time to time a student may have concerns about a particular classroom experience, a specific curricular matter, or a faculty member’s actions that seem not to be consistent with the highest ideals of our community. Different kinds of academic concerns and complaints will require different approaches to resolve them satisfactorily. The student should speak first with his or her advising dean who will help the student determine how best to proceed. It may, for example, be the case that the issue is best taken up with the student's instructor. If, after a discussion with the advising dean, it is clear that the student does not feel comfortable speaking directly with the instructor, the advising dean will then advise and support the student in a different course of action. For all procedures that are handled in the College, we attempt first to resolve
issues on an informal and educational basis, making sure that those involved Concerns about Grades or Other Academic AssessmentsThe awarding of grades and all other academic evaluations rests entirely with the faculty. If a student has a concern relating to a particular grade or other assessment of his or her academic work, the student first should speak with the instructor of the class to understand how the grade or other evaluation was derived and to address the student's specific concern. If the student does not feel comfortable speaking with the class instructor about the matter, he or she should bring the issue to the attention of the department chair, the director of undergraduate studies, or his or her advising dean in order to seek advice on how best to address the issue. If the student is unable thus to resolve the matter to his or her satisfaction and believes that a procedural issue is involved, the student should bring the matter to the attention of the Dean of Academic Affairs. The dean will work with the student and the faculty to determine whether there has been a procedural breach and, if so, take immediate steps to remedy the matter. If relevant faculty other than the instructor, together with the dean, decide that the grade or other academic evaluation was appropriate, given class assignments and circumstances, the student will be informed and the decision will be final. Complaints Involving a Faculty MemberThe Columbia faculty hold themselves to the highest professional standards, but from time to time there may be concern that their professional conduct is not consistent with the standards that the faculty have established for themselves. Those rights, duties, and obligations are delineated in the University Statutes and in the Faculty Handbook. Consistent with those duties and obligations, conduct that is grievable under these procedures include:
If a student believes that a faculty member has acted in an unprofessional manner, he or she should first speak with his or her advising dean who will work with the student to review the claim, establish the substance of the complaint, and come to a decision about how best to address the concerns raised by the student. If appropriate, the advising dean will refer the student to the Dean of Academic Affairs who, working with relevant faculty, will investigate the matter fully and attempt to resolve the matter. If the matter remains unresolved and the dean decides that further action is warranted, he or she may refer the matter to the Vice President for Arts and Sciences. If at any time a student believes the process is not working in a constructive or
timely fashion, the student may always call the Dean of the College. If the student
is not satisfied with the outcome of the College procedure, or believes that a
direct complaint to the Office of the Vice President for Arts and Sciences is more
appropriate, the student may submit a formal grievance in writing to the Associate
Vice President for Arts and Sciences, in accordance with the procedures described
at the Vice-President's Office For Arts and Sciences. If the instructor is not a member of the Arts and
Sciences faculty, the advising dean will assist the student to identify the appropriate
faculty and the right procedures. Each school has its own grievance procedures The University has alternate procedures to address other specific concerns. If the alleged misconduct involves discrimination and sexual harassment, the complaint should be filed with the Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity and Complaints against the school's faculty that allege scientific or scholarly
misconduct are also evaluated using other procedures. These are contained in The policy on romantic relationships can be found in the Romantic Relationship Advisory Statement or in this bulletin. Timeframe for ProceedingsA student should ordinarily bring any concern or complaint within thirty (30) days of the end of the semester in which the offending conduct occurred or by the beginning of the following semester. The school process will ordinarily take thirty (30) days. ConfidentialityAt every level, those involved recognize and respect a student’s need for confidentiality when addressing certain kinds of concerns. If the student wishes complete confidentiality, any concern may be raised with the University’s Ombuds Officer, a neutral complaint handler for the University. The office offers a range of options and communication channels. Students, however, must be aware that the Ombuds Office has no authority to adjudicate a complaint; it is there as a confidential resource to students, faculty and administrators to advise on various avenues of redress and to mediate disputes, if both parties agree. Columbia University Ombuds OfficeThe Ombuds Office is a neutral and confidential resource for informal conflict resolution, serving the entire Columbia University community—students, faculty, and employees. For further information, contact Ombuds Officers Marsha Wagner or Associate Ombuds Officer Bathabile Mthombeni-Njenga at 660 Schermerhorn Extension; telephone: 212-854-1234; fax: 212-854-6046; e-mail: ombuds@columbia.edu. Further information is also available on the Ombuds Office Web site and in FACETS, the University student handbook. On Wednesdays an Ombuds Officer is at the Columbia University Medical Center, 101 Bard Hall, 50 Haven Avenue; telephone: 212-304-7026.
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