The agenda on this page provides a brief overview of a standard Summer Advising session. Though sessions vary slightly depending on location, each session is expected to run approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

I. Check-in

Light refreshments will be provided and guests have the opportunity to mingle with one another, current Columbia students and families, alumni, and administrators. Check-in begins 30 minutes prior to each session.

II. Welcome and Introductions

Several Columbia staff members will be present to welcome guests and introduce them to the roles of and services provided by individual offices.

III. Advising Sessions for Incoming Students*

Incoming students will meet with an advising dean from the Center for Student Advising for an orientation to academic life at Columbia. Students will learn about academic and community expectations, receive an in-depth explanation of degree requirements, begin planning for fall classes, and obtain resource and contact information to use over the summer.

This session is an important step toward understanding the first-year undergraduate curriculum and planning course selections. It is also a great way to meet new friends in the Class of 2016!

IV. Panel Discussion for Parents and Families*

While students meet with an adviser, parents and family members will participate in a panel discussion. Following brief remarks, a representative from the Division of Student Affairs will lead a discussion on the transition to college as well as highlight the resources available to students and families at Columbia.

Current students and parents will address frequently asked questions, share perspectives on their own experiences, and offer helpful suggestions via a panel presentation. This portion of the program is an opportunity for families of entering students to meet and learn from one another.

V. Presentation of Books*

Alumni will present each incoming Columbia College student with a copy of The Iliad, which has been read by every Columbia College graduate since the early 1900s.

Alumni will present incoming Columbia Engineering students with Studying Engineering: A Road Map to a Rewarding Career.

*Please Note: Most book presentations for international Summer Advising locations will be held at the Columbia Alumni Association reception.

VI. Closing Remarks

Representatives from Columbia will close the program with brief remarks and will be available to answer questions following the event.

VII. Resource Fair (NYC Only)

Representatives from a wide variety of campus offices will be available to answer questions and address concerns. Represented offices will include Housing, Health Services, Financial Aid, Center for Career Education, Center for Student Advising, Residential Programs, Orientation, Alumni Affairs, and more. At all other sessions, families are welcome to use this time to mingle with Columbia staff and alumni and ask any remaining questions.

*The Summer Advising Sessions in international locations are modified programs to meet the specific needs of international families. At these locations, a joint student/parent session will be facilitated by a Dean from the Division of Student Affairs.