Make the Most of Student Life and Services

Fostering Community, Student Wellness, and Professional Success

In addition to providing a rigorous academic experience, Columbia’s School of Professional Studies works to ensure that students have access to a wide array of services and resources aimed at supporting their well-being and success. From housing to academic services, wellness initiatives to community building, the School of Professional Studies (SPS) supports its students every step of the way.

For many students, the first step in preparing for their time at Columbia is securing housing in New York City. Columbia Residential can help simplify this search. Full-time students may be eligible for a variety of housing options, including apartment shares and dormitory-style rooms conveniently located within walking distance of campus. For students looking for non-University housing, the Off-Campus Housing Assistance office provides support in locating housing options in the greater New York metropolitan area. “Columbia Residential & Off-Campus Housing provides essential support to ensure that our students find a place to live in NYC. With a wide range of resources and guidance, students can confidently navigate the housing process, whether they choose on-campus accommodations or off-campus options,” says Rollie Carencia, executive director of Student Life.

The safety and well-being of Columbia students are of paramount importance. The Columbia Department of Public Safety provides a number of services ranging from the dissemination of emergency information to campus escorts. Columbia offers several transportation services and information to the University community about how to get around the campuses, including shuttle routes and availability. Columbia Transportation and Public Safety have partnered with Via for an on-demand evening shuttle service through an app-based system. The Department of Public Safety also provides a Safety Escort Program at specific locations and times of day. All Columbia University Public Safety resources are conveniently available through Lion Safe, a user-friendly app available on smartphones or tablets.

Recognizing all important aspects of student well-being, the SPS Student Wellness Office  provides support, advocacy, and critical incident management to all students via wellness programs and resources—including drop-in hours, mental health services, and gender-neutral accommodations. Student Wellness also offers group workshops covering topics such as stress management and healthy sleeping habits. The office provides access to Columbia Health services, offering referrals to Disability Services, Alice! Health Promotion, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Medical Services. By prioritizing mental and physical health, Columbia fosters an environment where students can thrive in their personal lives.

For academic and professional guidance, Columbia’s Office of Advising collaborates with students, academic programs, and the entire SPS community to enhance the student experience. Acknowledging the many unique needs of the student population, the office provides mentorship and supports students as they navigate rigorous curricula and their career aspirations. Program-specific advisors connect to students in individualized and flexible ways, providing them with guidance on course planning, University resources, policies, and procedures.

The Office of Student Support also serves as a hub for academic resources. The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is a one-stop shop of academic resources for students, including invaluable assistance in areas such as academic writing and subject-based tutoring, ensuring that students have the tools they need to excel in their studies. Other assistance available includes resources for students with disabilities, resources for parents and caregivers, laptop loans, and fellowship support.

“The Office of Student Support offers workshops, tutoring appointments, and peer academic success coaching, as well as a number of webinars on topics such as financial literacy and balancing priorities,” says former SPS Student Government president Caitlin Lasher (’23SPS, Nonprofit Management).

The SPS Tutoring Program also offers English language lessons provided by the American Language Program. These programs facilitate a smooth transition for international students, fostering a sense of belonging within the Columbia community. 

For all students, the Columbia community extends far beyond the classroom, as meeting and engaging with classmates is a fundamental part of student life. SPS has more than 40 clubs and organizations that cater to diverse interests, so students have ample opportunities to meet and connect with their peers. There are clubs, organizations, and associations for individual degree programs, including, for example, Women of Wealth Management, the Columbia SPS Black Student Guild, and the Asian Sports Business Club.

Students can take part in shaping the University community through committees, task forces, the SPS Student Government, and the Interschool Governing Board (IGB) clubs and organizations. SPS students may also join the 500-plus diverse and active clubs offered by the broader University. These cover a wide variety of interests, such as the Chicanx Caucus; the Society of Hip-Hop; the Bach Society; the King’s Crown Shakespeare Troupe; the Journal of Politics & Society; and Columbia Queer Alliance, the oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer collegiate student organization in the world. 

The School also fosters a dynamic community through  the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Initiative and the Office of Student Life, which organizes more than 130 events per year, in person and online. Broadway shows, baseball games, museum trips, on-campus mixers, and virtual get-togethers are only a few of the offerings. Talks with guest speakers and panel discussions keep students and alumni abreast of the latest industry trends and developments and provide a forum for Columbia SPS community members to learn from one another. 

“We have events that range from online cooking classes, virtual tours, and trivia nights to happy hours and free food giveaways,” says Rollie Carencia, executive director of Student Life. “We’ll always make sure there are opportunities for all students to be part of the community.” 

Flexibility is the key to running these programs. “Many Columbia SPS students are working professionals,” Carencia says. “They have classes at varying times across many time zones, and a lot of our students are parents or take care of someone. We want to continue to provide flexible ways for all students to get involved and gain co-curricular experiences.”