SEAS Student Handbook 2020-2021

earned during the summer. To count as credit toward the degree, a course taken
elsewhere must have an equivalent at Columbia University and the student must
achieve a grade of at least B. An exception to this policy is made for students enrolled
in an approved study abroad program. Students in an approved study abroad
program will receive transfer credit if they earn a grade of C or higher. To transfer credit,
a student must obtain prior approval from his or her CSA adviser and the department
before taking such courses. A course description and syllabus should be furnished as a
part of the approval process. Courses taken before the receipt of the high school
diploma may not be credited toward the B.S. degree. A maximum of 6 credits may be
applied toward the degree for college courses taken following the receipt of a high
school diploma and initial enrollment at Columbia University.
Master degree students are not eligible for transfer credits. Students possessing a
conferred M.S. degree upon entry into a Ph.D. program may be awarded 2 residence
units toward their Ph.D., as well as 30 points of advanced standing toward their Ph.D. or
Eng.Sc.D. with departmental approval.
Examinations
• Midterm examinations: Instructors generally schedule these in late October and
mid-March.
• Final examinations: These are given at the end of each term. The Master
University Examination Schedule is available online and is confirmed by
November 1 for the fall term and April 1 for the spring term. This schedule is sent
to all academic departments and is available for viewing on the Columbia
website. Students should consult with their instructors for any changes to the
exam schedule. Examinations will not be rescheduled to accommodate travel
plans.
• Note: If a student has three final examinations scheduled during one calendar
day, as certified by the Registrar, an arrangement may be made with one of the
student’s instructors to take that examination at another, mutually convenient
time during the final examination period. This refers to a calendar day, not a 24-
hour time period. Undergraduate students unable to make suitable
arrangements on their own should contact their CSA adviser. Graduate students
should contact the Office of Graduate Student Affairs.
Transcripts and Certifications
For information on the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974,
please visit the Essential Policies website. Information on obtaining University transcripts
and certifications will be found as a subhead under Essential Resources.
Report of Grades
Grades can be viewed by using the Student Services Online feature located on the
Student Services website. If you need an official printed report, you must request a
transcript (please see Transcripts and Certifications above).
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