Countdown to Columbia: Family Orientation and Preparing for Your Move
Dear Columbia families,
It’s almost here! Move-in for the Class of 2017 is upon us. Undoubtedly, this is a time of mixed emotions for you and your family. On one hand, you are excited to celebrate the beginning of your son or daughter’s transition to young adulthood and the start of her/his college career. On the other hand, your family is about to experience a time of change, which is not always easy. Parent and Family Programs is here for you — as a resource, to answer your questions, and to ensure that your time as a Columbia family is memorable, engaging, and exciting.
Your student recently received a email from Columbia Student Affairs with lots of detailed information about his/her upcoming move to campus and the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP). This is a great time for you, as a family, to discuss your expectations about keeping in touch throughout move-in process and the college years.
I also encourage you to connect with as many different Columbians as possible — including faculty members, staff, students, alumni, and other families. Make the most of your time on campus, and stay connected to us through social media and visits to Morningside Heights. We’ll be posting pictures daily on Facebook and Twitter using the #ColumbiaFamily hashtag and encourage you share your own photos and stories!
To help you plan for your upcoming travels, please read the important information that follows. As always, please contact Parent and Family Programs with any questions. Our Family Orientation schedule is available online for your review. If you have not already done so, please confirm your participation by registering yourself and all your guests in advance.
I wish you all safe travels and I can’t wait to greet you on campus in the coming week!
Sincerely,
Matthew Patashnick
Director of Parent & Family Programs
Columbia University
Email: mp3039@columbia.edu
Phone: 212-854-2446
Pre-Orientation Arrival Information
Columbia Urban Experience (CUE): CUE students will check in on Sunday, August 18, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on College Walk. Columbia staff will be on-site to direct your vehicle and assist with unloading. Additional information about the CUE program information is available online.
Columbia Outdoor Orientation Program (COÖP): COÖP students will check in on Wednesday, August 21, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Van Am Quad (in front of the Hartley/Wallach residence halls). Columbia staff will be on-site to direct your vehicle and assist with unloading. COÖP families are invited to join Parent & Family Programs on Van Am Quad at 1:00 p.m. for our Move-in Scoop In ice cream social! Additional information about the COÖP program is available online.
International Student Orientation Program (ISOP): ISOP students and families will check in at the Hartley Hall lounge on Wednesday, August 21, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Columbia staff will be on-site to direct your vehicle and assist with unloading. ISOP families are invited to join Parent & Family Programs on Van Am Quad at 1:00 p.m. for our Move-in Scoop In ice cream social! ISOP student and parent events continue on Thursday, August 22, at 9:00 a.m. in the 2nd floor cinema of Alfred Lerner Hall. Additional information about the ISOP program is available online.
First Year Student Early Move-in (Sunday, August 25)
First year students with a confirmed arrival date of Sunday, August 25, are welcome to move in to their residence halls from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. As you arrive to campus in your vehicle or taxi, you will be directed by Columbia staff members to one of our unloading areas. Columbia Orientation Leaders (OLs) will assist you and your family in unloading your car and completing the check-in process. Students will need to retrieve their key, ID card, and orientation materials at residence hall check-in stations. Parents and family members will need to visit the Family Orientation tent on Butler Plaza to pick up their nametags and orientation materials.
Breakfast will be served from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. and lunch will be served from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on the Hamilton Lawn. Be sure to pick up your nametag first! Bed Bath & Beyond shuttle buses will depart from 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Family Orientation sessions will take place in the Northwest Corner Building from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. A full schedule is available online and a printed schedule will be provided to you at Family Orientation check-in. If you have pre-ordered Broadway tickets, be sure to visit the Family Orientation tent on Sunday, August 25, before 5:00 p.m. to retrieve your tickets as they will not be available for Will Call at the theatre.
First Year Student Move-in and Convocation (Monday, August 26)
All students are welcome to move-in to their residence halls from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. As you arrive to campus in your vehicle or taxi, you will be directed by Columbia staff members to one of our unloading areas. Columbia Orientation Leaders (OLs) will assist you and your family in unloading your car and completing the check-in process. Students will need to retrieve their key, ID card, and orientation materials at residence hall check-in stations. Parents and family members will need to visit the Family Orientation tent on Butler Plaza to pick up their nametags and orientation materials.
Breakfast will be served from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. and lunch will be served from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on the Hamilton Lawn. Be sure to pick-up your nametag first! Bed Bath & Beyond shuttle buses will depart from 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Family Orientation sessions will take place across campus from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. A full schedule is available online and printed schedule will be provided to you at Family Orientation check-in.
The Columbia University Convocation Ceremony will take place from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. EDT (seating opens at 2:00 p.m.) on the South Field Lawns. The ceremony will be webcast live online for all families and guests who are unable to join us in person. Please note: During the Convocation Ceremony, no move-in activity will be permitted.
At the conclusion of the Convocation Ceremony, students and parents are encouraged to say “goodbye for now” as the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) begins promptly at 4:15 p.m. We invite all parents and guests to join us for a reception in the Low Memorial Library before departing campus. The reception will provide you with an opportunity to connect with Columbia staff members and socialize with other Columbia families.
