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FAQs

Artwork: Justus Roe MFA ’08

FAQs

For many students, Summer at Columbia is their first college experience and along with that may come different processes and expectations than those from high school. This Frequently Asked Questions section will be continually updated to provide answers to common questions we receive from both students and their families.

If you don't see an answer for your specific question or concern, feel free to email us at summer@colum.edu.

Program Details

  • What type of program is Summer at Columbia?

    First and foremost, Summer at Columbia is a college-level academic experience. Students enroll in a freshmen course that has also been taught during the regular academic year, complete coursework (including homework and projects), and receive a grade that becomes part of a student’s permanent transcript. Summer at Columbia students are subject to the same expectations, academic rigor, and learning outcomes as those of the regular ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ school year.

  • How do I apply?

    Summer at Columbia is an open enrollment program. The application asks students to provide the demographic information we are required to collect in order to create a student record. Students must determine on their own if they are prepared and willing to work at the college level prior to registration.

  • How do I know if I'm ready for Summer at Columbia?

    Students interested in participating in Summer at Columbia are advised to consult with their family, teachers, and/or high school guidance counselors when determining their ability to successfully complete college coursework. In addition to academics, students must also posses the independence and maturity to communicate with faculty and Columbia staff, navigate college processes, and operate according to the ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ .

    Below are general guidelines to help students determine if they are prepared for the Summer at Columbia program:

    • Your GPA is 3.0 or higher

    • Your participation is recommended by a school counselor and/or instructor

    • You have demonstrated experience or knowledge in one of the Summer at Columbia programs

    Please note the above are for reference purposes only and are neither minimum requirements to enroll nor a guarantee of successful completion of the Summer at Columbia program.

  • Will college students be in the courses?

    No, Summer at Columbia courses are exclusive to the program and not open to currently enrolled ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ undergraduate students.

  • What are the age requirements?

    Summer at Columbia is open to high school students who will be entering their junior or senior year in fall 2026 and who will be fifteen to eighteen years old during the program dates.

  • How do grades and credits work? 

    Faculty assign grades to students using the same metrics as the regular school year and expectations will be reviewed with students in the first class session. Faculty complete grading shortly after the conclusion of the program and grade reports are mailed to a student’s home. Please note grade reports do not serve as official transcripts. Click here for more information on requesting official transcripts.

  • Do you provide accommodations for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)?
    The Services for Students with Disabilities office coordinates support services for students with disabilities and assists in providing a successful educational experience while attending ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ, including Summer at Columbia. Please to learn more about the accommodations available and reach out to a representative who will be happy to assist.
  • What is FERPA?
    FERPA is the Federal Education Records Privacy Act, and it applies to all accredited college courses, including those offered during the Summer at Columbia program. for more information about FERPA.

Life on Campus

  • Does Summer at Columbia provide on-campus housing during the duration of the program?
    No. Summer at Columbia does not offer on-campus housing, and students are responsible for arranging their own accommodations during the program.
  • Is Summer at Columbia gender-inclusive?

    Summer at Columbia welcomes students across all gender identities and/or expressions, including transgender, questioning or gender non-conforming students. For additional gender-inclusive resources at Columbia, please or email us at summer@colum.edu.

  • Should I bring any spending money?

    Yes, and we recommend having it in the form of a debit or credit card. The costs for required activities like classes, enrichment field trips, and community events are provided by ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ but students are responsible for the purchase of their own CTA pass which is used for transportation to and from events off campus. CTA passes can be purchased upon arrival in any CTA station. 

  • Are any meals provided?

    Weekday lunches are provided for students. 

  • What do I need to know about transportation to and from campus?

    Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus. Columbia is conveniently located near CTA lines that serve Chicago’s main transportation hubs and is accessible by taxis and ride share services (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Schedule and Supplies

  • What is the daily schedule?

    Courses convene every weekday from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seminar cohort placement, course schedules, and community events in the evenings will be communicated to you prior to the start of the program.

  • Will I have any free time?

    Though much of the day will be dedicated to class and creative projects, you will be responsible for managing your own schedule outside of those times. This means finding a balance between homework, self-care, optional community events, and exploring Chicago. Some students may not be quite ready for this independence and we strongly recommend discussing expectations with your caregiver prior to enrolling.

  • How much homework will I have?

    This varies between cohorts as each has its own projects, approach to discussions, field trips, guest speakers, and other factors that affect how a faculty structures assignments. You can expect to have some type of homework every day.

  • Why does the schedule say Monday - Friday 9am-5pm when I register?

    This is a default schedule (business hours) in the registration system and not an accurate reflection of contact hours or work load. All students will receive a course syllabus from faculty which will provide details on projects, assignments, and due dates.

  • Will I be able to participate in Summer at Columbia and other summer activities or work a part-time job?

    Potentially but this will vary by student. Similar to the college experience, students are responsible for building and managing their individual schedules and must adhere to all deadlines.

  • What if I’m traveling or have a schedule conflict?

    Students are expected to complete all assignments and actively participate in their classes for the duration of the program. Please communicate with your faculty if you anticipate missing an in-person session.

  • Do I need a laptop?
    Equipment requirements vary based on the course you are registered for.
  • Do I need to purchase books or supplies?

    Additional supply requirements, if any, will vary by cohort and faculty will communicate these directly with students. Please note that faculty are prepared to work with the varying levels of access students have to materials and/or software.

Transportation

  • How will I get to class each morning?
    Students will be responsible for getting themselves to their respective class buildings or any other pre-designated meeting points each day for the duration of the program. A digital map of Columbia buildings is also available by clicking here.
  • What is the best way to get to campus each day?

    Whenever possible, we recommend students use public transportation to get to our campus. ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ is an urban campus in the heart of downtown Chicago. As such, we have access to excellent public transportation systems including CTA trains and buses, as well as being located reasonably close to the two main Metra stations, Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation center.

  • I'm a commuter student and need to drive. Is there parking on campus?

    Columbia does not have its own parking lot but there are plenty of pay lots and metered street spots throughout our campus. If driving, prepare for traffic delays and allow plenty of time to commute and park.

  • Where do I go each day and when do I need to be there?

    Summer at Columbia students will meet in their respective classrooms each weekday unless otherwise directed by their faculty member. Students should plan to arrive no later than 8:45am. Supplemental required activities often occur in the afternoons and evening on weekdays but there may also be one or two on the weekends. Faculty will notify students of these events on the first day of class so they can plan accordingly. Optional events will also happen throughout the program and meeting points may differ. These will be communicated in advance via the admitted students page.

  • I'm flying into Chicago to attend Summer at Columbia. What do I need to know?

    • Purchase a refundable ticket. This is a necessary precaution in the event you are no longer able to attend the program, or a cohort must be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances and you select not to enroll in an alternate course. Costs associated with travel to and from Summer at Columbia will not be reimbursed.

    • Allow plenty of time to travel to and from Chicago airports. It can take upwards of an hour and half in heavy traffic.

    • Select a return flight that leaves after 3pm on Friday, July 24 or plan to find alternative accommodations for Friday night and leave on Saturday morning. Students may be in class until noon on the final Friday and move-out will immediately follow.

Safety and Security

  • Will Summer at Columbia students be supervised at all times?

    Student safety is the number one priority at Summer at Columbia. That being said, Summer at Columbia is also an opportunity for students to start developing independence and a sense of responsibility within a college and urban environment. Flex time will occur occasionally for students to work on special projects, attend staff-led optional events, or explore Chicago independent of immediate supervision. Because of this, it is imperative that Summer at Columbia attendees possess an exemplary level of maturity. High school students attending Summer at Columbia are…

    • Strongly advised not to explore or take public transportation alone

    • Encouraged to remain on campus or the surrounding area in order for program staff or campus security to assist them in an emergency. This area spans to the interior of Lake Shore Drive, down to Roosevelt Road, west to Clark Street, and north to the interior of the Loop.

  • What do you do to ensure the safety of Summer at Columbia Students while they are on campus?

    Campus buildings are staffed with fully licensed and vetted security guards during hours of operation. A Columbia College ID must be presented to gain admittance to any college building during the summer months. We also strongly recommend caregivers discuss their own behavioral expectations with their students prior to arrival. Summer at Columbia policies are strictly enforced to ensure the safety of all students. Students who fail to respect these policies risk immediate removal from the program.

  • Do students receive a ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ ID?
    Yes, all Summer at Columbia students receive a photo ID on the first two days of the program. Columbia student IDs provide full access to campus buildings and can often be used for discounts in the neighborhood. More information on Columbia ID discounts will be provided to students upon arrival.
  • How do you collect emergency medical and contact information?

    We collect signed waivers including medical and emergency contact information post-admission and at least two-weeks before classes begin. Participants will find the waivers in their Summer at Columbia student portal

Registration and Billing

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