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Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently asked questions from across the offices supporting Columbia College and Columbia Engineering collected here in one place for your convenience. You can browse by topic/department or search by keyword.

Family Weekend, Parent and Family Programs

Family Weekend falls during the Jewish Holiday of Sukkot. Is there a Sukkah available for my family to eat in during the weekend?

Yes, there are three!  Barnard College outside of the Hewitt Dining Hall. The Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life (Hillel), 606 W 115th Street has two.  If you have any other questions in regards to Jewish Life on Campus or holiday/Shabbat accommodations – please contact The Kraft Center at info@hillel.columbia.edu

How do I get my tickets?

Please see below for whether your event requires tickets. Events will be added to this grid as they are confirmed.

Event Tickets required?
Family Weekend

NO
(online registration only)
Homecoming Carnival

NO 
(online registration only)
Homecoming Lunch

NO 
(online registration only)
Football tickets

YES

Tickets must be purchased via the Columbia Athletics website
NYC Double Decker Bus Tour

NO 
(online registration only)
Waitress the Musical

YES 
Tickets must be picked up at Family Weekend Check-in in the Broadway Lobby of Alfred Lerner Hall on Friday, October 21, 2016 no later than 5:00 p.m.
Walking Tour of Central Park

NO 
(online registration only)
School of Rock

YES
Tickets must be picked up at Family Weekend Check-in in the Broadway Lobby of Alfred Lerner Hall on Friday, October 21, 2016 no later than 5:00 p.m.
Cats

YES
Tickets must be picked up at Family Weekend Check-in in the Broadway Lobby of Alfred Lerner Hall on Friday, October 21, 2016 no later than 5:00 p.m.
What if I have other questions?

Email us! We are happy to help you plan your visit.

Where do I book a hotel and arrange for transportation?

Our Visiting Columbia webpage has lots of information to help you plan your trip to New York City.

Will coat check / storage be available?

Yes! On Friday, October 16, from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., coat check and limited bag storage will be available in Lerner Hall. As space is limited, we encourage you to leave larger items in either your hotel room or your student's residence hall room.

What's the refund policy?

Email us by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, October 3, and we will honor your refund request. We are unable to accept refund requests after this date.

Do I have to pre-register? Can I register and pay on site?

Guests unable to register online by this time are welcome to pay on-site on Friday, October 16, or Saturday, October 17, 2015.

Is campus accessible?

Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you require disability accommodations to attend an event at Columbia University, please contact Disability Services at (212) 854-2388 at least 10 days in advance of the event. (View the campus accessibility map.) 

What if I have a dietary restriction?

Email ugrad-family@columbia.edu to advise us of any dietary restrictions.

What about Broadway tickets?

We are excited to give families special access to discounted tickets. Starting in late Spetember, families will be able to select the show(s) that most excite you and your family!

How do I purchase tickets to the events not included in general admission?

During the Family Weekend registration process, you will have the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets for activities in New York City.

Can I sit with my student during the football game?

Students receive complimentary admission to the student seating section by showing their Columbia University ID. However, if you wish for your student to sit with you in general admission seating, you will need to purchase a football game ticket for your student. Check with your student to determine his/her preference.

Do I need to register for Family Weekend if I only plan to participate in Homecoming Activities?

No, you may purchase football and Homecoming Picnic and Carnival tickets on the athletics and alumni affairs websites, respectively.

What if I just come for Saturday?

Please register if you plan to take advantage of our Saturday offerings (lectures and tours).

When will the detailed schedule of events be available?

We are working hard to finalize the session titles for the Friday and Saturday programs. The schedule of events will be continuously updated as faculty members and University colleagues confirm their availability. We encourage you to check back often, and in the meantime, take a look at the 2015 schedule—the 2016 schedule will have many similar events!

What if my student has exams?

We are aware that some students have midterm examinations during Family Weekend. The date for Family Weekend is determined by Columbia University's Homecoming. We encourage you to speak with your student to learn about any academic or other commitments s/he may have during Family Weekend.

Will my student attend Family Weekend events with me? Does s/he need a ticket?

If your student's schedule permits, s/he is welcome to attend general admission Family Weekend events and will not need to be registered for Family Weekend. However, if your student plans to take advantage of any additional paid events, you will need to purchase a ticket for your Columbia student during the registration process. Be sure to check with your student in advance and confirm his/her interest.

Why do I have to pay a fee?

We understand that coming to New York can be expensive. The Family Weekend registration fee helps us to provide you with a quality experience and variety of refreshments and programs.

What does the Family Weekend registration fee include?

Family Weekend general admission includes all workshops and lectures on Friday and Saturday. The admission fee also includes refreshments and an evening reception on Friday, and a light breakfast on Saturday.

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