New Student Orientation
Monday, August 31 - Sunday, September 6
Register
The GS New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) for the Fall 2026 semester will be held in person on the Morningside Heights Campus. Mandatory requirements will also be available online via the GS Orientation CourseWorks page in advance of Orientation.
Convocation
Monday, August 31, 8 a.m. ET
Roone Arledge Auditorium, Lerner Hall
Mandatory Orientation Schedule*
*Please Note: All new students must attend mandatory Orientation programming as it is required by the University and in some cases by federal guidelines.
CourseWorks
In the weeks leading up to Orientation you will receive an email notification from "Columbia University Canvas" with instructions about how to access CourseWorks@Columbia, which is the University’s learning management system and how you will access mandatory self-paced trainings and resources prior to Orientation. In addition, you will use CourseWorks to access course materials for your upcoming classes
To access CourseWorks, you will need an active UNI* and password. Once your account has been uploaded into the GS Orientation portal, you will receive an email notification from "Columbia University Canvas" with instructions about how to access Courseworks.
You must complete all "priority" items on the New Student Checklist before you will gain access to Courseworks.
*Note: Incoming students who have accepted their offer of admission and submitted their tuition deposit are issued a University Network Identification (UNI) by Columbia University IT (CUIT) generally within one week of completing those steps. Once your UNI has been created, it must be activated on the CUIT website.
Orientation Week Schedule
The full schedule for GS New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) events will be available the week prior via Guidebook, an interactive app guide accessible via iOS and Android. You can learn more about navigating Guidebook on their website.
Additional Orientation Information and Events
Optional events are great ways for incoming students to learn about additional resources at Columbia University and within GS, and to meet their peers and the GS Orientation Leaders.
Please regularly revisit this page for more information and updates as they are made available. Our office also sends regular emails to new students with updates and relevant information.
For questions regarding Orientation, please contact [email protected].
International Student Orientation
Friday, August 28, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Incoming students are invited to attend a half-day orientation aimed at introducing international students to the resources and support available at Columbia. At this program you will learn how to create a meaningful and balanced lifestyle as you navigate Columbia.
Veteran and Military-Connected Orientation
Friday, September 4, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Incoming military veteran and military-connected students are invited to attend an orientation designed to introduce to them to their peers, as well as the many resources available to support their transition to student life at Columbia.
Family Orientation
Monday, August 31, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
We recognize that the GS community extends well beyond the University, and invite your families and significant others to join us for Convocation and Family Orientation, which features special programming for family members, including welcome remarks from Dean Rosen-Metsch and a faculty lecture, a presentation by the Dean of Students Office, an alumni/student panel, and a campus tour.
Please note that separate registration is required for each family member and the deadline to register is Friday, August 28 at 12 p.m.
Campus Access
Access to Columbia’s Morningside campus is restricted to CUID holders and preauthorized guests. You will be required to show a government-issued photo ID and date-specific QR code to Columbia Public Safety at a campus entrance gate in order to enter campus. Additionally, all current CUID holders will be able to swipe in to access campus. If you have any questions about campus access or about picking up your CUID, please email [email protected].
Prior to each Orientation event, all incoming GS students will receive a QR code with additional instructions via email to your Columbia University email address from “CU Guest Access” before the event date. This QR code is only valid for the date specified in the email and cannot be transferred. We recommend starring this message in your email or printing a physical copy ahead of time if possible.
Learn More about New Student Orientation Programming
The New Student Orientation Program is mandatory for all entering students. The week includes a series of events that provide an introduction to the stimulating intellectual and social environment at Columbia, as well as the abundant resources available at GS and the University. The primary goals of Orientation are to help students navigate the University environment and meet fellow incoming students.
The New Student Orientation Program is designed to:
- Familiarize students with University standards and principles of our academic community
- Present tips and key information that will make students' first days at Columbia, and their transition to GS, go smoothly
- Introduce students to resources critical to personal and academic success at Columbia including administrators and faculty members
- Provide an opportunity to meet other new and continuing GS students, many of whom will become part of a network of support at Columbia
- Acquaint students with GS traditions within the context of University history
- Provide students with the opportunity to meet peers in Barnard College, Columbia College, and Columbia Engineering
- Share a portrait of the incoming class in all its diversity and richness as new students are welcomed into the vibrant GS community
For questions regarding Orientation, please contact [email protected].
Orientation Accessibility Statement
The School of General Studies is committed to providing an Orientation experience that is accessible for all. If you have any questions, or would like to request accommodations, please email [email protected]. We also encourage you to register with Disability Services, as they will be able to assist with comprehensive accommodations for your entire Columbia experience.