The SPS Academic Resource Center (ARC) is a one-stop shop for all the academic resources you need to support your success at Columbia University. Below you will find valuable information about the various services, departments, and University resources available to you as a student at the School of Professional Studies. Use this virtual guide to navigate your graduate school experience in New York City!
Student Support Workshops on SPS Engage
The Office of Student Support partners with departments across campus to offer a number of workshops throughout the year that are open to current SPS students. Examples of these workshops include:
- A Financial Wellness Workshop covering financial literacy topics, resources, and tools, including iGrad, a free, web-based Financial Literacy platform that provides personalized financial resources for Columbia University students.
- A Library Resources Workshop provides an overview of library resources and covers the basics of navigating the library website, searching in CLIO, and more.
- An Introduction to Academic Writing Workshop which focuses on grammar strategies, overcoming writer's block, and how to avoid plagiarism.
SPRING 2022 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Navigating Columbia & Graduate School 101 | Weeks of Welcome
Thursday January 20th from 11:00am - 12:00pm
Join the SPS Student Support team for a presentation on all things Columbia graduate school! During this session, students will learn about Columbia resources like SSOL and peer tutoring, as well as helpful study tips and time management tools.
Introduction to Academic Writing | Weeks of Welcome
Wednesday January 26th from 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join the Office of Student Support for for a workshop focused on academic writing. During this session, participants will gain information on grammar strategies, reading techniques, and more.
Watch Recording
Business Research Workshop | Weeks of Welcome
Tuesday February 1st from 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Need business information for your SPS projects? In this workshop, led by SPS Student Support and Kae Kratcha from Columbia libraries, you will learn about business research resources that you can't find through Google, provided for free to students through Columbia Libraries. Find out how to locate industry information, competitor information, market size, and more!
Research and Citations Workshop | Weeks of Welcome
Tuesday February 8th from 11:00am - 12:30pm
Join SPS Student Support and SPS Librarian Kae Kratcha to learn about research and citation techniques, including how to utilize Zotero for proper citation!
Financial Wellness and You | Self-Love Week
Wednesday February 16th from 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join Student Financial Services and the Office of Student Support for this financial wellness workshop! Financial literacy topics, resources, and tools will be presented to equip attendees with the information and skills needed to achieve Financial Wellness. Learn about effective budgeting, understanding credit, retirement planning & investing, student loans, and more!
Balancing Priorities Workshop | Self-Love Week
Thursday February 17th from 11:30am - 12:30pm
Managing work, life, school and other responsibilities can be a challenge, which is why Student Wellness and Student Support are here to help! Join Danielle Pompili, Associate Director of Student Wellness, for a discussion on balancing priorities and what you can do to find the equilibrium between your personal life and professional work.
[Recording Not Available]
Transferable Skills Workshop | Grad Appreciation Week
Monday April 4th from 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Are you changing careers, entering the workforce for the first time, trying to secure a job, or just want to learn more about yourself? Join the Office of Student Support for a conversation about transferable skills. We will discuss what transferable skills are, why they are important, and how you can use them to market yourself to new employers.
Watch Recording
Imposter Phenomenon Workshop | Grad Appreciation Week
Tuesday April 5th from 11:00am - 12:00pm
Feel like a fraud? You're not alone. 7 out of 10 graduate students wrongly attribute their success to luck. Join the Office of Student Support and Danielle Pompilli, Director of Student Wellness, for a discussion on imposter phenomenon and what you can do to manage it.
Preparing for Post-Graduate Prosperity | Grad Appreciation Week
Thursday April 7th from 2:00pm - 3:00pm
The transition from an academic to professional career can seem overwhelming. For many students, this period of transition includes changes in geographic location, profession, and financial resources. Join the Office of Student Support and Student Financial Services as we discuss financial literacy topics to support you as you begin planning for the next step in your journey. We’ll cover important topics including budgeting, student loan repayment, and planning for long-term success using the no-cost resources, tools, and learning opportunities available to you through iGrad: the university's free financial literacy platform.
SPS Tutoring Program Information
Tutoring for the Spring 2022 Semester ends Friday, May 6th.
The SPS Tutoring Program is intended to compliment classroom instruction and promote student success by creating educational environments that encourage independent learning and individual growth. The program’s core services include subject-based tutoring and English Language tutoring.
- Programming - Python, R, SQL, Machine Learning
- Finance - accounting, introductory finance
- Mathematics - foundational mathematics
- Statistics - foundational statistics, probability theory
- Advanced Excel - statistical analysis, data management
- English Language Speaking & Writing - provided by American Language Program faculty
To learn about scheduling an appointment and/or how to apply to be a tutor, visit the SPS Tutoring Page linked above.
Questions? Email: sps-tutoring [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
For additional assistance in higher level mathematics, visit the CU Department of Mathematics Help Room.
For additional assistance with academic writing at the graduate level, visit the CU Writing Center.
The goal of the SPS English Language Conversation Tables is to provide students with an opportunity to improve their confidence speaking English both inside and outside of the classroom. This initiative allows students to benefit from learning about the various cultures and customs that exist within the SPS community, and it provides students with the opportunity to build meaningful connections with others through shared experiences and circumstances.
The SPS English Language Conversation Tables program is traditionally a four-day event series that takes place during the two weeks prior to the start of both the fall and spring semesters. This timeline allows students to make friends, practice conversational English, adjust to living in NYC with a cohort of peers, and learn about studying at Columbia University before classes begin.
For more technical assistance with English Language speaking and writing, try the SPS Tutoring Program!
Note: Spring 2022 applications are now CLOSED. Applications for Summer 2022 will be announced at the beginning of the Summer semester.
Through active engagement and reflection, experiential learning allows students to gain real world experience, acquire valuable knowledge and skills, and develop meaningful connections with their course materials. By serving as a financial resource, the SPS Academic & Professional Development Grant aims to support students in pursuing tailored, hands-on learning experiences aligned with their academic programs that include, but are not limited to: graduate research, capstone projects, and experiential learning/professional development opportunities (e.g. internships, co-ops, conferences, events, etc.).*
Academic and/or professional development opportunities must be related to the student’s field of study and are required to have academic program approval (administrative representatives only). Additionally, the experience should demonstrate a strong commitment to the recipient’s developing academic and/or professional aspirations, with ample opportunity to bring back and contribute relevant learnings to the classroom. Funds may be used to cover costs including but not limited to: transportation, lodging, meals, registration fees, and research project materials.
Funds may NOT be requested as a substitution for income (whether it be salary or hourly pay) but can be used to offset related costs. Please also note that awards may not be used to cover tuition, University fees, or personal expenses.
All grant recipients are required to submit a follow-up report describing how their opportunity benefited them professionally.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact sps-scholarships [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
Award Amount Per Person
Awards range from $200 to $3,000 based on the availability of funds and academic program approval. Awards may not be used to cover tuition, university fees, or personal expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
- Currently enrolled Master of Science (MS) and Master of Professional Studies (MPS) students who will have completed at least 12 credits towards their degree by the beginning of the Spring 2022 term and a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
- Students must be in good academic, administrative and behavioral standing at the time of application and for the duration of the award.
- Academic and/or professional development opportunities must be related to the student’s field of study and have academic program approval.
- Students must submit a completed application and all associated components by the deadline.
- This funding is for the Spring 2022 term. Academic and/or professional development opportunities that will not utilize the funding during this term will not be considered.
Required Documents
- a copy of your resume
- a PDF document that confirms your acceptance/involvement in the academic and/or professional development opportunity
- a signed PDF copy of the Academic Program Approval Form. Fill this form out and have an administrative representative from your Academic Program sign the document. Only Program Directors, Associate Directors, Assistant Directors, and Deputy Directors may sign this form. Applications without a completed Approval Form will not be considered.
- a detailed statement (500 word maximum) explaining how the academic and/or professional development opportunity aligns with your personal and professional goals (to be copied/pasted into the application form).
- a detailed statement (500 word maximum) providing more detail on how you will utilize the funds and why you should be selected to receive this grant (to be copied/pasted into the application form).
- please log in with your Columbia email account to download the budget sheet template as an Excel file (or make a copy on Google Sheets) and fill it out to submit with your application. This document should contain the actual (or estimated) costs tied to your academic and/or professional development opportunity. Note: This is a total budget and not reflective of the amount, if awarded, you will receive.
*In accordance with University COVID-19 guidelines: https://covid19.columbia.edu.
Study Spaces for SPS Students - The Office of Student Support provides a Study Space guide for all SPS students in order to navigate the campus and surrounding areas. Download this PDF for a full list of libraries, cafes and other appropriate study areas throughout the various Columbia University campus locations. This guide includes quiet study spaces and has been updated based on COVID-19 guidelines.
Columbia Health Disability Services (DS) oversees accommodations for all students at the University. They serve over 2,700 students annually across campus, from first-year undergraduates to doctoral candidates completing their dissertations. They work with students with all types of disabilities: physical, hearing, visual, chronic medical conditions, psychological, temporary, ADHD, and learning disabilities. They partner closely with medical providers to determine eligibility for accommodations and services; DS aims to support the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of University life.
The Office of Student Support coordinates with Disability Services, students, and faculty to ensure that accommodation needs are being met. To learn more about the registration process and student accommodations, click here.
The School of Professional Studies DS liaison is: Phong Luu, Director of Student Support at SPS
Register with Disability Services
Work with a Learning Specialist - Aside from classroom accommodations, eligible students can work with a learning specialist to develop compensatory strategies and academic skills. Students must first register with Disability Services to determine eligibility for this accommodation.
Working From Home as a Parent/Caregiver
Caring for someone while in school, and possibly while working, can be a major challenge. We hope you will find the PDF above helpful as your navigate your time at the School of Professional Studies both as a student and a caregiver. Read the document for recommendations, resources, and links as you come up with a plan that will be manageable for you.
The SPS Student Handbook brings awareness to key community policies, practices, resources and services for the student body of the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein; however, accuracy is not guaranteed and the information presented in this handbook is subject to change. The School of Professional Studies reserves the right to depart without notice from any policy or procedure referred to in this handbook. This handbook is not intended to and should not be regarded as a contract between the School of Professional Studies and any student or other person. If you have questions or need guidance during your time with us or have suggestions for future handbook editions, you may submit them to spsadvising [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu. If you have general thoughts concerning your student experience, we encourage you to submit them on the Listening Owl as well.
Loaner laptops are intended for emergency, short-term loans only. With only a few loaner laptops for all SPS students, the pool can be used in no other manner. Please note, the laptop loaner program is only available to those students who have paid the Technology Fee for the current semester. Additionally, priority will be given to students in Master's programs.
The loan is for a maximum of seven calendar days unless otherwise discussed and agreed upon with Student Affairs. A student may request an extension if a laptop is available.
The loaner laptop must be returned to Lewisohn Hall, Room 203 by 5:00pm on the specified due date in the condition it was borrowed. If the system is not returned within the agreed upon time, the user's CU network account and access to support will be suspended. A hold will be added to student record, which may affect registration and graduation.
The student accepts full financial responsibility if the computer and/or any peripherals are missing or damaged upon their return. The replacement system will be:
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Identical to the lost computer (if available from the manufacturer); or
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A comparable computer from the same manufacturer.
All students must agree to, sign, and upload the SPS Loaner Laptop Program Lease Agreement (found here).
You may also access a number of computer labs across Columbia's campus, as well as in the Student Lounge in Lewisohn Hall, Room 208.
Below are documents created by the Office of Student Support to assist you in navigating your experiences at the School of Professional Studies.
Academic Integrity at SPS - Learn about academic integrity, see examples of potential violations, and take the Academic Integrity Pledge!
Academic Writing Checklist - Before submitting an academic paper, refer to this checklist for general guidelines and reminders to ensure your paper is in good shape. While some requirements may be different based on your assignment, this is a good place to start.
Academic Writing - Sample Outline - Are you struggling to create an outline for your academic paper? Refer to this document to see an example!
Accommodations and Disability Services at SPS - Learn about Columbia Health Disability Services, their registration process, and the available accommodations for SPS students.
Comprehensive Guide to Remote Learning - This concise yet comprehensive guide is a just-in-time resource created for SPS students to get ready to access and participate in their courses remotely. This guide is meant for immediate use and is focused on essential information for the first week of transitioning to remote learning.
How to Talk to Faculty - Approaching faculty members can be intimidating, but it is an essential part of being a successful student. Check out this PDF including the “Do’s & Don’ts” for communicating with faculty members at SPS!
Maximizing Your Success: Graduate School Seminars - Discussion based courses can be intimidating, especially if English is not your first language. Read this document for academic success tips to use in your SPS seminar courses!
Stress Management Tips - Feeling stressed out? You are not alone! Check out these stress management tips.
Tips for Online Learning - Learn best practices to succeed in your online courses at SPS.
Zoom Guide for Students - Need help accessing or using Zoom? Use this guide!
Want to see more? Email us with your suggestions at sps-studentservices [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
The Office of Student Support collaborates with university stakeholders and fellowship organizations to bring various prestigious fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Program and Peace Corps, to SPS students. The office can provide guidance and help students prepare their applications in order to submit a comprehensive application. Students seeking information and an interest in applying for fellowships should contact the Office of Student Support (sps-studentservices [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu).
