M.S. and M.P.S. Degree Orientation Schedule

It is expected that all incoming students to the School of Professional Studies participate fully in their Orientation. 

  1. Pre-Orientation Requirements
  2. Virtual Workshop Series
  3. Academic Integrity Training
  4. Academic Program Orientation
  5. International Student Orientation

Please check your Columbia University email for continued updates.

1. Pre-Orientation Requirements

All new School of Professional Studies students are required to participate in the following pre-orientation trainings:

All incoming students to Columbia University must complete the university-required online tutorial, "Welcome to Columbia" hosted by University Life. This must be included before the first day of classes. You can access the training at preorientation.universitylife.columbia.edu. You will need to log in with your Columbia UNI and password. 

If you have any questions about the tutorial or require any assistance regarding University Life's pre-orientation requirement, please reach out to preorientation [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu. 

2. Virtual Workshop Series

The SPS New Student Orientation virtual workshops are designed to introduce you to important campus resources and policies in order to support your transition into graduate studies. All new SPS students are expected to attend as many workshops as possible or view the records of those for which they are unable to attend. Domestic students are not expected to attend either of the workshops designed for international students.

You must register for each workshop individually. If you are unable to attend any session, you are expected to view the recording before the first day of class. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE WORKSHOPS

3. Academic Integrity Training

At the School of Professional Studies, academic integrity is regarded as a key principle of intellectual development. The purpose of this training is to familiarize each incoming student with the expectations and standards for academic integrity at Columbia University. The modules will cover key terms, outline the consequences for students found in violation of Columbia's policies, and provide students with the opportunity to test their knowledge and judgement in exercising these standards throughout their time at the University.

Questions about this training should be directed to the Office of Student Support: sps-studentservices [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu. 

Complete Training

4. Academic Program Orientation: January 2026

The Academic Program Breakout Session is an opportunity to meet with leaders and representatives from your academic program, learn about your coursework, and get to know your fellow classmates. We expect your academic breakout to last approximately 2 hours. Registration for your program's session is required. 

REGISTRATION LINK TBD

If you have any questions, please reach out to sps-studentlife [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.

5. International Student Orientation: January 2026

SPS International Student Orientation is designed to give incoming international students to become familiar with the processes and procedures associated with being a student at Columbia University and the School of Professional Studies. We hope you find this in-person session informative and helpful as you begin your Columbia journey! Registration is required.

REGISTRATION LINK TBD