The amended Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 prohibits release of educational records without the written consent of the student. For certain exceptions and further restrictions, consult Facts About Columbia Essential To Students (FACETS) at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/facets/.

The following information should be included with each request: current and former names; Social Security number; schools attended and dates of attendance; degrees awarded and dates awarded; number of transcripts desired and complete address for each; a current address and telephone number; and a signature authorizing the release of the transcript. Students may also order transcripts in person at 205 Kent Hall on the Morningside campus (9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday). Students may also obtain transcripts online via the Student Services page at http://ssol.columbia.edu/ or registrar@columbia.edu.

All students pay a one-time transcript fee of $45 upon their first registration at the University. There is no charge for issuing transcripts. The normal processing time for transcripts is two to three business days. If a request for a transcript is sent by U.S. mail, several additional days should be allowed for delivery to and from the University.

Students may also order certifications of their enrollment and degrees via mail, in person or online, as described above. When requesting a certification by mail, include the notation Attention: Certifications on the envelope. There is no charge for certifications. See http://www.columbia.edu/cu/students/ for further information.