Registration is the mechanical process of reserving seats in particular classes for eligible students or of selecting an academic status such as Residence Unit (RU), Extended Registration (ER), or Matriculation and Facilities (M&F). It is accomplished by following the procedures announced in advance of each term’s registration period. Please note that all students must enroll for a registration status. If students wish to enroll in classes, they must register for specific classes as well. While registration is a necessary prerequisite for enrollment in a class, registration alone does not constitute enrollment, nor does registration alone guarantee the right to participate in a class. In some cases, students will need to obtain the approval of the instructor or of a representative of the department that offers a course.

Enrollment is the completion of the registration process and affords the full rights and privileges of student status. Before a student may be certified as enrolled in good standing, he or she must also satisfy administrative obligations such as paying prior term bills and demonstrating compliance with New York State’s public health law requiring immunity from measles, mumps, and rubella, and certification regarding Meningococcal Meningitis (see University and GSAS Registration Requirements and Expenses—Immunization Requirements for All Students in section VIII.H.).

According to University regulations, each person whose registration has been completed will be considered a student of the University during the term for which he or she is registered unless the student’s connection with the University is officially severed by withdrawal or otherwise. No student registered in any school or college of the University shall at the same time be registered in any other school or college, either of Columbia University or of any other institution.

The privileges of the University are not available to any student until he or she has completed registration. A student who is not officially registered for a University course may not attend the course. No student may register after the stated period unless he or she obtains the written consent of the appropriate dean or director.

The University reserves the right to withhold the privilege of registration or any other University privilege from any person with an unpaid debt to the University.

Students are held accountable for absences incurred owing to late enrollment.

The following registration categories are considered full time: Residence Unit, Extended Residence, and Matriculation and Facilities.

Before attending classes, each student must register in accordance with the procedures established for the term in question. Anticipated dates of registration are listed in the Academic Calendar in section II.A.. Any changes in these dates will be announced by the Registrar in advance of the registration period. All students are asked to give Social Security numbers when registering in the University. However, Social Security numbers are required of international students only when those students will be receiving remuneration from the University. International students should consult the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), at 524 Riverside Drive, just north of 122nd Street, for further information. Other students who do not have Social Security numbers should obtain them from their local Social Security offices well in advance of registration.

Students who are not citizens of the United States and who need authorization for special billing of tuition and/or fees to foreign institutions, agencies, or sponsors should go to the International Student Adviser in ISSO with two copies of the sponsorship letter. Special billing authorization is required of students whose bills are to be sent to a third party for payment.