Application Guidelines Degree Programs Master of Arts Master of Philosophy > Orals Reading Lists Doctor of Philosophy Program Particulars Registration Courses Teaching & Fellowships Leaves of Absence Prizes & Travel Grants Placement & Employment Dept Organization Department Officers Staying Informed Graduate Student Directory Graduate Student Council Carnegie Initiative University Resources Libraries & Computing Centers & Organizations Student Services STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS, in 109 Low, serves students seeking advice on non-academic issues: Students with problems or questions that fall outside clearly defined academic or financial aid concerns should contact the Dean John Axcelson, 854-3923. (For example, he issues "Blue Seal" letters for students doing research at foreign libraries.) All housing issues should be directed to the Housing Assistant, Craig Knobles, 854-2889. HOUSING accommodations for graduate students range from dormitory rooms to apartments for both single and married students. FINANCIAL AID OFFICE, located at 107 Low, provides information about loans, work-study, and fellowships. The financial aid office for the English Department is Janet Moy (moy@columbia.edu). OMBUDS OFFICE provides resources for conflict resolution and fair practice at Columbia University; independent of existing administrative structures and reporting directly to the President of the University, it is a confidential place to voice concerns. Contact: 854-1234. OFFICE OF MINORITY AFFAIRS in the Graduate School serves as an information and support center for minority students in GSAS. Contact: 107 Low, 854-3791. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS OFFICE (ISSO) offers many services for international students as well as American citizens and permanent residents educated abroad: pre-admission counseling, immigration-related and document services, social activities, Orientation (late August or early September), information about student clubs and cultural activities in NYC (including reduced-rate tickets for plays and concerts). Contact: 2960 Broadway, Mail Code 5724, New York, NY 10027; 854-3587. INTERNATIONAL HOUSE (I-House) is a world-renowned residential community of American and international students who offers a wide array of cultural and social programs and events. Through arrangement with ISSO, Columbia's enrolled international students enjoy the privilege of complimentary Affiliate Membership in I-House. Contact: 500 Riverside Drive. DISABILITY SERVICES ensures full access to programs of study and related activities; services include counseling, access information, and other accommodations. Contact: 854-2388. HEALTH AND RELATED SERVICES include general medical services, Women's Health Division, Counseling and Psychological Services, and a Health Education Office. Payment of the health fee entitles students to unlimited access. At an additional cost (per visit or per semester), medical care is available to students' spouses. DINING SERVICES offers board and a la carte plans; there are three main dining halls on campus. Students not opting for one of the plans may use any of the facilities on a cash basis. GRADUATE STUDENT LOUNGE in 301 Philosophy is a place to read, study, or meet classmates. The lounge has computer terminals, a piano, and periodicals. GSAC-the Dean's Graduate Advisory Committee-also has an office in 301. The Lounge is open M-F, 10am-6pm, and tea is served every afternoon. BOOKSTORES in the neighborhood (where faculty order course material) are: Labyrinth Bookstore on 112th between Broadway and Amsterdam, Papyrus on 114th and Broadway, and the Columbia University Bookstore (Barnes and Noble) in Lerner Hall.EARL HALL CENTER sponsors spiritual and humanitarian programs (e.g., Community Impact), and serves as a center for many campus activities (providing space for over 40 students groups and the United Campus Ministries). ATHLETIC FACILTIES on campus, housed at the Dodge Physical Fitness Center, include swimming pools; basketball, squash and handball courts; weight and exercise rooms; saunas; a running track. Locker facilities may be rented daily or per semester. The University also has tennis courts both on the Morningside campus and at the Baker Field athletic complex at 218th Street.