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Student Handbook

Student Handbook · Grading 13 Grading Curve 14 Core Grade Distribution 14 Elective Grade Distribution 14 ... every effort is made to inform students before any change is implemented

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  • StudentHandbook

  • Contents

    About Our Office 3

    Columbia Business School Guiding Principles 4Honor Code 5Columbia Contract 5Columbia Core Culture 5

    The Academic Program 6Fulfillment of Degree Requirements 7Application for Degree 7Statute of Limitations 7Pace of Completion 7Maximum Time frame to Complete a Degree 7Academic Resources Canvas Course 8Curriculum 8Core Curriculum for the First Semester 8Core Curriculum for the Second Semester 8Course Load 8Course Exemption Eligibility and Policies 9Electives 9Global Immersion Program 9Block Week Electives 9Registration 9Student Services Online (SSOL) 10Cross Registration 10Independent Study 10Cross Cultural Seminar (International Students) 11Auditing 11

    Assignment types 11Individual and Group Work Guidelines 11Final Examinations 12Grading 13Grading Curve 14Core Grade Distribution 14Elective Grade Distribution 14Course Evaluations 14Academic Honors 14Academic Review: Minimum GPA Requirements, Probation, and Dismissal 15Minimum GPA Requirements 15Tutors 15Attendance Requirements 16Recordings: Classes and Events 16Interrupting Your Studies 16Transfers 18Disability Accommodation 18Student Leadership 18Student Organization Overview 18CampusGroups 18Clusters 18Cluster Leadership 18Cluster Programming 19Student Government 19Additional Leadership Opportunities 19

  • MBA Access 20Columbia University Student ID Cards 21Name Badges and Nameplates 21Student Business Cards 21Merchandise 21Lost and Found 21

    Milestone Events 22Orientation 23International Student Session 23Better Halves Orientation 23Graduation 24

    Columbia Business School Policies 26Alcohol Policy 27Policy on Hard Alcohol 27Emergency Contact Information 27Student Club & Organization Policies 27Contracts 27Logo 28Academic Discipline 28

    Columbia University Policies 29Disability Accommodation 30Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policies 30Student Privacy Policies 33Protection of Minors 36Religious Holidays 36

    Columbia Business School Essential Offices 37

    Columbia University Essential Offices 37University Operations And Emergency Procedures 38Addendum 39

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    About Our OfficeThe Office of Student Affairs manages student course reg-istration, academic and club advising, student progress and advancement, academic and wellness programming, tutoring coordination, major events, and all aspects of student com-munity life. In addition to organizing orientation, graduation, community service, and other programs, our office is home to more than 90 active student organizations, including the Student Government, networking and social groups, affinity clubs, professional clubs, and sports teams. In partnership with our student leaders, we offer a wide range of co-curric-ular programming and opportunities to get involved. We are here to help make your time at CBS unique, enjoyable, and balanced.

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    Columbia Business School Guiding Principles

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    Honor Code

    “ As a lifelong member of the Columbia Business School community, I adhere to the principles of Truth, Integrity & Respect. I will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.”Please visit the Honor website, www.gsb.columbia.edu/honor, for more information on where and how to get answers on Honor Code-related questions. The information includes what steps to take if a student has witnessed a Code violation, a resource outlining the expecta-tions of all students, a discussion forum to voice student opinions and a list of recommended books on leaders grappling with business ethics.

    Columbia ContractAs a lifelong member of the CBS community, I will commit myself to honorable and profes-sional conduct in and out of the classroom.

    As a student, I will respect the professors, administrators and my fellow classmates. It is my responsibility to contribute to the learning environment and refrain from any actions that are disruptive or contrary to the professors’ stated norms.

    As an ambassador of Columbia Business School, I will conduct myself with courtesy and integrity in all interactions with recruiters, alumni and the external community. I am proud to represent Columbia Business School because this is how I will be remembered.

    Columbia Core CultureThe purpose of the Columbia Core Culture is to promote a consistent classroom environ-ment of mutual respect, preparation and engagement. Our expectation of students in class is to be:

    Present: Student success depends on being on time and present for the entire class every session.

    Attendance will be part of the grade for class participation and students are expected to sit in their assigned seats.

    Prepared: Complete any pre-work needed for class discussion. Bring the student nameplate and clicker. Expect the professor to cold call students in class.

    Participating: Active participation calls for no electronic devices such as laptops, tablet com-puters, or smartphones to be used during class, except when the professor explicitly directs students otherwise as part of in-class work.

    http://www.gsb.columbia.edu/honorhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/honorhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/honorhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/honorhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/honorhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/honorhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/honorhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/honorhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/honorhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/honor

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    The Academic Program

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    The Columbia Business School MBA Program awards a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Columbia University. It is the responsibility of each degree candidate in the MBA Program to know and fulfill the degree requirements and regulations. In addition to these specific regulations, students are also governed by the general regulations of Columbia University. While the University reserves the right to amend these requirements and regula-tions at any time, every effort is made to inform students before any change is implemented. Students should consult their academic advisor well in advance of graduation to review their records and completion of requirements.

    Fulfillment of Degree Requirements The MBA degree is awarded upon completion of 60 credits taken in residence at Columbia Business School in four terms of full-time study, which includes 18 credits of required core coursework, and a minimum of 42 credits of elective courses. No transfer credits from other institutions may be applied toward the MBA degree.

    Students who exempt out of core courses replace them with electives to fulfill the MBA requirement of 60 credits of graduate-level courses taken in residence at the School in four terms of study. Fifty-four (54) of these credits must consist of Columbia Business School courses. Students may count a combined maximum of six (6) credits of B8800/B8802 Independent Study (excluding Internship-based Independent Study which is only graded P/F and cannot count towards MBA degree requirements), B8811/B8812/B8813 Cross-Cultural Seminar, and graduate-level courses from other Columbia schools toward the MBA degree. Graduate-level courses are denoted by a number of 4000 or higher. Dual degree students are required to complete 45 credits at the business school.

    Application for Degree Degrees are awarded three times a year: October, February, and May. Candidates for any Columbia Business School degree (except doctoral) or certificate must file a graduation ap-plication with the Office of Student Affairs. For the last day on which these applications may be filed each term, please refer to the Columbia University Registrar webpage http://registrar.columbia.edu.

    Statute of Limitations Students may not be degree candidates for more than five calendar years from the initial registration date. Those who fail to complete the degree requirements within this period must be readmitted to the Program through the Admissions Office.

    Pace of Completion Students must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of credit hours attempted each semester. This is calculated by dividing the cumulative credits completed by the cumulative credits attempted. For example, a full-time student who attempts 18 credits must success-fully complete at least 12 credits to meet the 67% requirement. Students who do not meet the pace of completion requirement may have consequences with federal loan eligibility. Withdrawals, incompletes and failing grades are used in calculating pace of completion.

    Maximum Time frame to Complete a Degree Students enrolled in the full-time MBA program are required to complete 60 credits for grad-uation. The maximum allowable time frame for receiving aid is equal to 150% of the length of the students’ academic program. Therefore, the student would reach the maximum time frame at 90 credits attempted. For a student in a dual degree MBA program, which requires 45 credits for graduation, the student would reach the maximum time frame at 67.5 credits attempted. Students who do not meet this requirement may have consequences with federal loan eligibility.

    https://www.registrar.columbia.edu/content/graduation-and-diplomashttps://www.registrar.columbia.edu/content/graduation-and-diplomashttps://www.registrar.columbia.edu/content/graduation-and-diplomashttps://www.registrar.columbia.edu/content/graduation-and-diplomashttps://www.registrar.columbia.edu/content/graduation-and-diplomashttps://www.registrar.columbia.edu/content/graduation-and-diplomashttps://www.registrar.columbia.edu/content/graduation-and-diplomashttps://www.registrar.columbia.edu/content/graduation-and-diplomas

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    Academic Resources Canvas Course All incoming MBA students have been enrolled in this informational course. Here you will find updates regarding excel, quantitative, and core resources along with quick links to useful academic support tools and PreMBA materials. As new information, videos, and workshops become available to students, this course will be updated for easy referencing.

    Curriculum Columbia Business School’s core curriculum is a required series of courses designed to give students a solid foundation in the academic disciplines and applied function areas necessary to compete in a global economy. The courses that make up the core represent 30 percent of the degree requirement and are taken during the first two terms.

    Incoming students are pre-enrolled into core courses by clusters of approximately 70 students who attend all first-year core courses together. These clusters, which reflect the heterogeneity of the School, foster a teamwork ethos as well as a long-term network.

    By the end of the second term, students will have completed all core courses, except those from which they were specifically exempted. First-term core courses are offered only in the Fall and Spring terms; Second- term core courses are offered only in the Spring and Summer terms.

    Core Curriculum for the First Semester

    Pre Term Lead: People, Teams, Organizations – (1/2 term equivalent)

    1st Half

    CorporateFinance

    FinancialAccounting

    ManagerialStatistics

    ManagerialEconomics

    StrategyFormulation

    2nd Half Marketing BusinessAnalytics

    Global Economic Environment

    Core Curriculum for the Second Semester

    1st Half OperationsManagement

    ½ Elective

    Elective 1 Elective 2 Elective 3

    2nd Half ½ Elective ½ Elective

    Course Load The standard course load is 15 credits, per term. During the first term, students are allowed to take up to 18 credits. In their second term they may take up to 19.5 credits with 7.00 GPA or above. This increases to 21 credits during their final two terms upon application, keeping in mind that at least 1.5 credits must be taken in their fourth term. Students requesting an increased or decreased course load should seek approval through the Office of Student Affairs. Good academic standing is required for any increased course load. Students on academic probation will not be permitted to register for an increased course load. Potential issues students should be aware of:

    — Financial aid implications for taking below six credits in a term

    — Taking between 6 and 12 credits results in half-time enrollment status

    — Student visa implications

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    Course Exemption Eligibility and Policies MBA Students are encouraged to attempt exemption exams for courses in which they have pertinent academic background or work experience. The Business School offers exemption exams for the following core courses: Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting, Managerial Statistics, Managerial Economics, Global Economic Environment, Business Analytics, Operations Management, and Marketing. Exemption exams are also available for select elective courses.

    In order to exempt from a course, students must pass an exam similar to a final exam in the course. No exemptions will be granted based on prior course work and/or experience in the subject area.

    Exemptions do not reduce the number of credits required for the MBA degree; they enable students to take additional electives. Exemption exam grades are final. No exemption exam may be retaken. Exemption exams must be taken prior to the term in which the student is scheduled to take the course.

    Prior to each term, current students can view the exemption exam schedule and study guide-lines on a designated Canvas page. New students will have access to Canvas, the Business School’s learning management system, after they have registered for the Pre-MBA Program and been notified by email that they can log on to the site. Students do not have to pre-regis-ter for exams.

    Electives Students can begin taking elective courses in their first term. Capital Markets and Investments is an enforced pre/co-requisite for many upper level finance electives, and as such, a popular elective choice for the first semester.

    Global Immersion Program Global Immersion Program (GIP) classes bridge classroom lessons and business practices in another country. These three credit classes meet for half a term in New York prior to a one week visit to the country of focus where students will meet with business executives and government officials while working on team projects. Upon return from the travel portion of the class, students will have at least one wrap up meeting at Columbia Business School. The Global Immersion Program fee noted in each course description provides students with double occupancy lodging, ground transportation and some meals; longer programs will have an increased fee. It does not cover round-trip international airfare. Attendance both in New York and in-country and regular participation are a crucial part of the learning experience and as such attendance is mandatory. Students who miss the first class meeting may be removed from the course, and will not have their program fee refunded to them. No program fee refunds will be given after the add/drop period has closed. Please visit the Chazen Institute website www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersion to learn more about the Global Immersion Program. All Global Immersion Program classes are available through course bidding just as they would for any other class.

    To learn how Global Immersion Program classes differ from Chazen International Study Tours, please visit: www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgip.

    Block Week Electives The MBA Program offers some elective courses in the block week format, which is a con-densed class structure offered in May, August, and January, immediately prior to the start of the regular semester. Courses are available through the normal bidding channels (see course registration process), and are offered for 1.5 or 3 credits.

    Registration All students are automatically pre-registered for core courses in their first term (see Core Curriculum above). Students who pass exemption exams will have the opportunity to add electives during the add/drop period.

    http://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/globalimmersionhttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgiphttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students/study_tours/toursgip

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    Course registration is managed through an online bidding process via the Business Online Selection System (BOSS) to provide students with the fairest method of allocating courses. The bidding process is based on the Dutch auction system. Each term, the Office of Student Affairs works with the EMBA program to reserve seats in select EMBA elective courses. These seats are open for bidding during the online registration process.

    Students may not contact faculty directly to reserve a seat in a course, and faculty may not grant seats in courses. Enrollment is managed exclusively by the online registration system, with the exception of some application-only courses.

    Student Services Online (SSOL)Student Services Online (SSOL) is the University site that allows students to view grades and registration status, account balance, and update address information: https://ssol.columbia.edu.

    Cross Registration Students may cross register in programs outside of the MBA Program. Please note that a maximum of six credits of the 60 credits required for graduation can come from a combi-nation of graduate level cross- registration, independent study, and cross-cultural seminar courses. For more details, check the degree requirements information.

    Only graduate level courses (4000 and above) apply to the MBA degree. Students may enroll in undergraduate courses as long as they are in addition to the 60 credits of graduate-level coursework required for the MBA degree; students do not receive credit toward their degree for undergraduate level courses, but the grade earned in an undergraduate course will be included in calculating student GPA. Courses must be taken for a letter grade; pass/fail is not permitted.

    MBA students are accommodated in other programs/schools if seats are available after the program’s students are registered. Other programs/schools publish their offerings on varying timetables, and students are bound by their add/drop deadlines. Please check the academ-ic calendars for the various schools, as the timeline may differ from the business school. Additionally, final examinations vary and it is the students’ responsibility to be aware of all dates.

    Each school has its own procedures for approving cross-registration requests. Most require obtaining the approval of the instructor and/or a representative of the school’s Office of Student Affairs. Since this usually takes place after classes begin (during the add/drop period), students may wish to bid for a full schedule of Business courses, and then drop one if they are approved for cross-registration. More information about cross-registration is available here: https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/academic-essentials/courses/cross-registration.

    Independent Study Independent Study is available to students who would like to explore a significant research problem related to their professional needs; the nature and extent of this independent study are determined by the student and a faculty sponsor. Sponsors should be faculty members at Columbia Business School; adjunct professors are also eligible to serve as sponsors.

    Students are expected to commit to the original project plan approved by the faculty spon-sor; any change to the topic or scope of the project must be agreed to by the professor. Students who fail to obtain this approval risk not receiving academic credit for the course.

    The student may register for up to three (3) credits of Independent Study per semester; the course may be taken for either 1.5 or 3 credits. The independent study is designed to be independent of the classroom experience; it may not be used as a means of adding a seat to a course with a full capacity.

    https://ssol.columbia.eduhttps://ssol.columbia.edu

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    Students may count a combined maximum of six (6) credits of Independent Study, Cross-Cultural Seminar, and graduate-level courses from other Columbia schools toward the MBA degree. For dual degree students, the maximum number of independent study credits is three (3). For more details, read the degree requirements information.

    Cross Cultural Seminar (International Students) Cross-Cultural Seminar offers students an opportunity to explore cross-cultural issues while studying or working in a country other than their country of citizenship for a minimum of six weeks. Students who have completed at least two semesters are eligible to take this 1.5 credit course.

    Students are required to gain approval for academic credit prior to registration for the course. To do this, they must contact their academic advisors to briefly describe the nature of their proposed cross-cultural experience. If it is work-related, students must provide a letter from the employer confirming the start and end dates of their internship. Students may only take this course three times during the MBA program, for a total of 4.5 credits. Note: students may count a combined maximum of 6 credits of Independent Study, Cross-Cultural Seminar, and graduate-level courses from other Columbia schools toward the MBA degree.

    Under current regulations, international students holding F-1 visas who enroll in the Cross-Cultural Seminar course can be authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provided they meet eligibility and procedural requirements. CPT is authorized employment pursuant to an internship elective that earns academic credit toward fulfilling degree requirements. To be eligible students must have completed at least two terms of study at the School. International students need to consult the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) regarding the procedures for international students who wish to be authorized for CPT.

    Auditing MBA and EMBA students and alumni, as well as their partners and spouses, may audit Business School electives with the instructor’s permission if there are open seats in the class after enrollment is complete (after the add/drop period), within the stated capacity of the course. Audited courses are not noted on the transcript; students do not receive academic credit and are not charged tuition. Auditing agreements are made between the student and the professor: the Office of Student Affairs does not require notification. To get Canvas access for an audited class, please be in contact with the Professor or their department’s administrative staff.

    MBA students who wish to audit a course in another school should contact the professor or the appropriate administrative office in that school for permission. It is the student’s responsi-bility to be fully informed of that school’s requirements for auditors, as policies vary accord-ing to program.

    Assignment types Assignments at the business school come in different varieties based on professor prefer-ences. This chart explains the breakdown of the assignment types.

    Individual and Group Work Guidelines

    Type Designation Grade Preparation of Submission

    Discussion of Submission*

    Discussion of Concepts**

    A Group Work Same grade for all group members

    By the group Permitted to dis-cuss (within group)

    Permitted

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    B1 Individual w/ Discussions of Concepts and Submission

    Individual grade Individualpreparation

    Permitted to dis-cuss; sharing solu-tions or submission files is not allowed

    Permitted

    B2 Individual w/ Discussions of Concepts Only

    Individual grade Individualpreparation

    Not permitted to share/discuss solu-tions or submission

    Permitted

    C Individual Individual grade Individualpreparation

    Not permitted to share/discuss solu-tions or submission

    Notpermitted***

    Submission means any work and/or output pertaining to the specific assignment. If an assignment submission contains a calculation or decision related to a specific set of data and setting, discussing the details of how to make this calculation or decision with regard to the data/setting is to discuss the submission. Providing another student with a draft of the calculation or decision is sharing the submission.

    ** Concepts mean any ideas, examples, readings, or other related materials from the class/course. Conceptual discussion should not be based on a specific set of data or setting related to a calculation or decision required in the assignment, but could be based on other related examples, preferably those from class/course materials.

    *** As no conceptual discussion is permitted, Type C is akin to a take-home exam.

    Final Examinations Exam Policy (effective Fall 2020)

    All students are expected to take their OSA-administered core and elective exams according to the schedule posted before bidding begins for each semester.

    OSA implements a 24 hour exam window for all online exams to provide students with great-er flexibility in taking their exams. Please note professor availability as well as ITG & CUIT support windows respectively in taking into consideration when to take your exam, as at certain times (such as 2am ET) these offices may not be able to attend to technical issues.

    If it is not possible to reschedule before the end of the exam period due to one of the reasons below (documentation needed if applicable), there are two “Exam Make-up Days” scheduled per term. Please see the MBA Exam area of BOSS for these dates. If the exams cannot be made up during either the exam period or these two days, a grade of zero will be entered for the final exam.

    Please note: Students who miss an exam or make-up exam for an unexcused reason and do not notify OSA beforehand will receive an F in the class.

    Exams may be rescheduled during the exam period for the following reasons:

    — Religious observance – no documentation needed

    — Military Service – letter from commanding officer

    — Court appearance – summons from the court

    — Illness – letter needed from student’s doctor stating when the illness began and for how long he/she should be staying home

    — Family emergencies, such as death or serious illness of immediate family member – OSA will determine what kind of documentation is required

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    Communication of an expected absence must be received by OSA by no later than two weeks before the exam period begins. Emergency absences will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Documentation is required as applicable.

    Grading The grading system at Columbia Business School is on a 10.0 scale. For all courses:

    H (Honors) 10.0 HP (High Pass) 7.0P1 (Pass) 4.0LP (Low Pass) 1.0F (Failure) 0.0

    The use of plus (+) and minus (–) will be allowed to be added to any grade except LP (and will have a standard weight of 1.0). When a forced curve is in place in the core, the number of pluses (+) added within each grade will be equal to or less than the number of minuses (–).

    — P1 (Pass): The P1 grade was created to distinguish between a P given for Pass/Fail courses within other divisions of the University.

    — F (Failure): A failed core course must be repeated; a failed elective may either be repeated or replaced by another. The grade is final and not subject to reexamination; it remains on the transcript with the new grade of the repeated course.

    — W (Withdrawal): Students may officially withdraw from a course after the end of the add/drop period. The exact withdrawal deadline for each course is posted on the homepage of BOSS. The course will remain on the transcript with a grade of W. A grade of W is not includ-ed when calculating GPA; however it is included when calculating the pace of completion.

    — IN (Incomplete): Incomplete grades are granted or denied at the discretion of course Instructors. If an instructor grants an incomplete for a course, the instructor and student must agree on a date in which the coursework will be completed. Note that students cannot be certified for graduation with a notation of incomplete (IN) on their transcript. The incomplete must be resolved by 1) the conferral date or 2) six (6) months from the date the incomplete grade was earned, whichever is earlier. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure a grade is submitted by the agreed upon date or the incomplete deadline as determined by the above. The instructor is not required to submit a grade for the course after the applicable deadline. The mark of incomplete (IN) is not a final grade. Therefore, if a final grade is not submitted by this date, the mark of IN will revert to F (Failure).

    Points associated with the H scale are as follows:

    H+ 11 P1+ 5

    H 10 P1 4

    H- 9 P1- 3

    HP+ 8 LP 1

    HP 7 F 0

    HP- 6

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    Grading Curve There are forced grade distributions in all courses. Please note: Grades of Pass appear on the transcript as P1 to differentiate from the Pass (P)/Fail (F) grading scale. +/- may be used in core grades with the following restrictions: there is no H+ in the core and the number of pluses must be equal to or less than the number of minuses.

    Core Grade DistributionH 25 - 30%HP 55 - 65%P1, LP and F 10 - 15%

    Elective Grade Distribution The required grade distribution for Elective Courses is as follows:

    H+ 2% of the class enrollment, rounded up to the nearest integerH+, H, H- less than or equal to 50%+/– may be used with elective grades without restrictions.

    The recommended grade distribution for Elective Courses is as follows:

    P1, LP, and F equal to or greater than 5%+/– may be used with elective grades without restrictions.

    Course EvaluationsThe Samberg Institute for Teaching Excellence manages the course evaluation process. At the conclusion of each course, students will complete an online course evaluation form providing feedback on the course and the instructor. This information is very useful to both the professor and to the School. To assist students in choosing electives, archival course evaluation summary data for elective courses is posted online on the Samberg Institute web site for students to view. Evaluations for each course can also be seen by clicking the “View course evaluation” link provided on individual course description pages.

    Academic Honors

    Dean’s List Dean’s List is awarded after the first term to all students who achieve a 9.0 weighted grade point average (GPA) or higher. In subsequent terms, Dean’s List will apply to all students who achieve at least a 9.25 weighted GPA for the term. Students must take a course load of 12 credits or more in order to qualify for Dean’s List.

    Graduation Honors There are two kinds of graduation awards. Dean’s Honors are awarded to the top 25% of the class based on cumulative GPA. Dean’s Honors and Distinction is awarded to the top 5% of the class based on cumulative GPA. If a student takes courses over the required 60 credits or takes courses out of the Business School, these courses would be included in the calculation for graduation honors and the Dean’s List. For dual degree students, eligibility for graduation honors is based on cumulative GPA earned only during their semesters in resi-dence at the Business School, and will include courses taken outside the Business School during these semesters.

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    Academic Review: Minimum GPA Requirements, Probation, and Dismissal During the academic review process at the end of each semester, the Office of Student Affairs monitors the academic performance of all students and makes available a support system for those in need of assistance.

    Students whose cumulative GPAs fall below the minimum requirements are subject to proba-tion or dismissal.

    Less than satisfactory academic performance in the MBA is determined as follows:

    Minimum GPA Requirements

    Timing GPA Requirement Consequence

    After Term 1 GPA equal to or less than 5.900GPA equal to or less than 4.800GPA equal to or less than 4.400

    Warning ProbationDismissal

    Subsequent Terms GPA equal to or less than 5.900GPA equal to or less than 5.20GPA equal to or less than 4.80

    Warning ProbationDismissal

    Graduation GPA greater than or equal to 5.50

    Please note: A student can be on probation for one semester, at most. A second proba-tion implies dismissal. A student can appeal his/her dismissal to the Academic Standards Committee that could allow the student to stay in the program under certain conditions. A student who was dismissed from the School might apply, via regular admissions procedure, to the program. If admitted, he/she might have the option of using credit for certain past courses taken at the School.

    For dual degree students, the Business School GPA is determined by the grades received while in residence at the Business School; and includes all courses taken in those semes-ters, even those offered by the student’s other school. Grades for Business School courses taken while in residence at their other school are not included in their cumulative GPA for the Business School.

    Those dismissed for academic reasons may appeal the decision by petitioning the Academic Standards Committee. Students are entitled to one such appeal during their tenure at the School. Appeals must be filed in writing within 5 working days of the student’s receipt of the decision and must clearly state the grounds for appeal. If reinstatement is granted and the conditions are not satisfied within a specified period of time, dismissal is automatic and not subject to further appeal.

    Students receiving federal financial aid should see the Office of Financial Aid’s information regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress: https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/sap

    Tutors Each student receives 20 hours of peer tutoring for core courses and the pre/co-requisite finance elective, Capital Markets and Investments. Students tutored in a group of two or more can pool their hours. Students may find a tutor by logging onto tutortrac.gsb.columbia.edu. The following core courses are included: Business Analytics, Financial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Managerial Statistics, Corporate Finance, Operations Management, Strategy Formulation, Marketing, and Global Economic Environment.

    https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/saphttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/financial-aid/tools/policies/sap

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    In all other courses students may ask the teaching assistant or professor to recommend stu-dents who have taken the course previously and done well. Students need to make their own arrangements regarding hours and the fee to be paid when working with previous students who are not formally part of the tutoring program. Students in academic distress should be in contact with the Office of Student Affairs regarding additional support.

    Attendance Requirements In addition to the requirements of the School and University, the MBA program requires students to attend each class. Students should reach out to the Office of Student Affairs regarding excused absences (for religious observances; personal, medical, and family emer-gencies; military service; court appearances such as jury duty).

    Unexcused absences may have ramifications on your grades and participation for the course, depending on the professor’s requirements.

    Recordings: Classes and Events

    RecordingsWatching class recordings is not a substitute for class attendance and cannot be guaran-teed. Students may not video or audio record courses with their own equipment without the explicit consent of the faculty member.

    Core ClassesCore classes are recorded and published on the course’s Canvas page under the echo360 tab. Students who are absent from a core class should fill out the Core Absence Form, locat-ed on each Core Course homepage on Canvas.

    Elective ClassesIf you need access to a class recording that is not already posted to Canvas, please contact the professor for the link.

    Religious HolidaysFaculty members are asked to accommodate observant students whenever possible. Students who wish to observe a religious holiday may miss class and request that their class(es) be recorded by filling out the forms found above. Students should also notify their professors of their absences.

    Event RecordingsIf your club or student organization would like to have an event recorded, please contact the Multimedia Group directly at [email protected].

    Interrupting Your StudiesWe understand that after joining CBS circumstances may change, resulting in the need to suspend studies for an extended period of time (leave of absence), take an unexpected pause from studies mid-semester (withdraw from a semester in-progress), or take fewer credits during a term and creating a need for more than four semesters of study (stretch). More information may be found here: https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/aca-demic-essentials/policies/interrupting-your-studies

    Leave of AbsenceStudents who have completed their first semester and wish to suspend their studies must apply for a leave of absence (LOA) by completing an LOA form and meeting with OSA prior to the semester during which they will take an LOA. In addition to a voluntary LOA, students may request a medical LOA or be placed on an Involuntary LOA. A medical LOA may have other implications, which will be discussed in the required OSA meeting. Columbia Business

    https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/academic-essentials/policies/interrupting-your-studieshttps://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/academic-essentials/policies/interrupting-your-studieshttps://columbia.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cCvtUZiCMv4cHWdhttps://columbia.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cCvtUZiCMv4cHWd

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    School is aligned with the University’s Voluntary Leave of Absence Policy and Involuntary Leave of Absence Policy.

    All LOAs must be requested by 5pm ET on the business day prior to the semester start date. All students in good academic standing have up to five (5) years from their date of matricula-tion to complete the MBA program.

    Note that students who begin the Full-Time MBA Program in August are permitted to take the summer off between their first and second years; this summer break is not considered an LOA. Those who begin the program in January are expected to complete four consecutive terms, without interruption.

    A leave of absence cannot be taken prior to the completion of the first semester of the program. Students in their first semester may be able to withdraw from a semester in-prog-ress; see details in the next section. Students must start the program at the entry point for which they were admitted. In the event students cannot begin the program at the entry point for which they were admitted, they should contact Admissions. Students may not come back from an LOA during the summer semester unless all first semester core classes are complete.

    Withdrawal from a Semester In-ProgressIn the event students need to interrupt their studies mid-semester, they may request to withdraw from a semester in progress. This request will be reviewed and students will be informed if the request is approved or denied within one week of submitting their request. Students in their first semester cannot request to withdraw from the semester in-progress until at least one (1) class is completed. If you are considering withdrawing during your first semester, please review the University’s refund rate for withdrawals and be sure to consult our Financial Aid office for further guidance.

    Regardless of the type of separation requested or enforced, students who suspend their studies will not have access to some CBS systems, CBS-specific services such as Career and Academic Advising, or University facilities and services outlined in the University Policy. While separated, students are not permitted to participate in CBS academic, career, club, community, or social events unless they are open to the general public. When preparing to return from a leave, students must notify OSA in writing with the expected semester of return to devise a plan for return.

    Students returning from a separation will not receive an additional opportunity to attempt exemption exams for withdrawn, incomplete courses or Core courses not yet attempted, as this opportunity occurs in advance of matriculation.

    Stretch PolicyStudents interested in decreasing the amount of credits they take in a term and studying for more than four semesters (otherwise known as a “stretch”), should meet with OSA as well as the Office of Financial Aid to understand the academic and financial implications of this decision. Be aware that all degree requirements must be met within 5 years of the date of matriculation and there may be tuition and fee, financial aid, student visa, student housing, and/or health insurance implications. Students on an F-1 or J-1 visa may not drop below full-time enrollment (12 credits) in a term that is part of their program (e.g.. J-term students during the summer term), However per ISSO, students can drop below 12 credits in their final term of a degree program if the student does not need a full-time course load to complete degree requirements. As noted that students who begin the Full-Time MBA Program in August are permitted to take the summer off between their first and second years; this summer break is not considered a stretch or leave of absence. Those who begin the program in January are expected to complete four consecutive terms, without interruption.

    https://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/involuntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/involuntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/involuntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/involuntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/involuntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/involuntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/involuntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/involuntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/involuntary-leave-absence-policyhttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://registrar.columbia.edu/content/refund-rate-withdrawalshttps://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policy?_ga=2.192098284.772957871.1592227504-154863398.1549488083https://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policy?_ga=2.192098284.772957871.1592227504-154863398.1549488083https://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/voluntary-leave-absence-policy?_ga=2.192098284.772957871.1592227504-154863398.1549488083

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    Transfers Due to the curricular requirements and formats of specific programs, a formal transfer to another program is discouraged. However, students with extenuating circumstances may be reviewed on an individual basis.

    Disability Accommodation Students seeking an accommodation for a disability should contact the Office of Disability Services at (212) 854-2388. Information on the services provided by the Office may be found online at https://health.columbia.edu/disability-services.

    Student LeadershipColumbia Business School has a robust community of 80+ student organizations as well as the Student Government, Cluster Officers, and much more. Students enjoy the opportunity to assume leadership roles in many facets of the school community.

    Student Organization Overview Student groups at Columbia Business School provide a rich and varied complement to aca-demic life. The Office of Student Affairs works with all student clubs, including the Student Government, to help students have successful events and meet organizational goals. A list of all the student organizations at Columbia Business School can be found here: www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groups.

    CampusGroupsCampusGroups is the club portal system used by Columbia Business School. Students are able to join clubs, view the events calendar, register for events, and more through CampusGroups. Club officers have administrative rights over their club portals allowing them to manage their membership, send club emails, and track event participation. CampusGroups can be accessed via this link.

    Clusters From the first day of New Student Orientation, clusters provide a close-knit community for students. Each class is broken into 11 clusters, A-H and X-Z, comprising approximately 70 students each. Cluster members build strong relationships through Orientation and Learning Team formation, and continue to take core classes together. Clusters are also seated togeth-er at the Recognition Ceremony.

    Cluster Leadership Each Cluster elects the following representative positions:

    Cluster Chair Oversees all Cluster RepresentativesChief of StaffInternal Community ChairCareerAlumniExternal Community ChairCitizenshipAcademicsSocial 1Social 2Global Citizenship

    http://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttp://www.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/student-groupshttps://groups.gsb.columbia.edu/home_login

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    Cluster Programming Each MBA cluster is given a Cluster Fund, which is managed by the Cluster Board and administered through the Office of Student Affairs. The Cluster Fund is intended to support events planned by members of the cluster intended to build community, and/or create net-working opportunities among the cluster/MBA community. Clusters are encouraged to pool their funds when planning cross-cluster community building events.

    Student Government The Student Government is the governing board of the student body. The Student Government council seeks to actively enrich and broaden the student experience. Interacting with students, administration, faculty, and the external community, the Student Government promotes an environment of energetic and engaged students who are proud to be lifetime members of the Columbia Business School community.

    Additional Leadership Opportunities Beyond student clubs, Student Government, and Cluster leadership opportunities, there are a variety of other leadership positions students may consider depending on their interests. Additional opportunities include:

    — Peer Advisors: Peer Advisors are students, selected through an application and interview process, who guide new students through Orientation. Peer Advisors go through extensive leadership training and work closely with faculty, departments, and the Office of Student Affairs as liaisons with the first-year class.

    — Nonprofit Board Leadership Program, Tamer Center for Social Enterprise: Each year, approx-imately 30 MBA students are selected through a rigorous application process and matched with an alumnus based on experience and interest. Past project topics have included: Community Development, Education, Public Radio, Young Women, and Healthcare.

    — CaseWorks Student Fellows Program: Fellows are selected in the spring for the coming academic year and work with CaseWorks staff and with faculty on case development. This opportunity is open only to second year students.

    — Student Leadership & Ethics Board of the Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Center: The Bernstein Center welcomes applications from MBA students interested in serving on the Student Leadership & Ethics Board. This Board helps shape Columbia Business School’s initiatives in leadership and ethics. Board members work with faculty, staff, alumni and other students to develop, support, organize and market extra-curricular activities including events to host high-profile speakers and experiential learning events that address topics including: Individual Leadership and Personal Integrity; Corporate Governance; and Corporate Social Responsibility.

    — Silfen Leadership Series: The David and Lyn Silfen Leadership Series is a unique collabora-tion between students, faculty members, and distinguished business leaders from around the world. Sharing their entrepreneurial sensibilities, management techniques, leadership styles, and wisdom, Silfen Leadership Series speakers continue to engage the entire Columbia Business School community. MBA students can apply for a position on the Silfen Board in the spring for the coming academic year

    Chazen Institute Study Tour Organizer: The Chazen Institute provides logistical advice and support throughout the study tour–planning process, but students themselves organize the trip. Tour organizers are responsible for everything from booking airlines and hotels to plan-ning the corporate visits. Tour organizers are expected to take full ownership of the study tour and to partner with the Chazen Institute to ensure a smooth process and accountability. For more information on the Chazen Institute and how to become a Chazen study tour orga-nizer, please visit www.gsb.columbia.edu/chazen/students

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    MBA Access

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    Columbia University Student ID Cards Student ID cards contain students’ official photos and are distributed at the start of their first term. If a student loses their ID card, they must purchase a new card from the ID Center located in Kent Hall. Student ID cards are required to gain access to Uris Hall, campus librar-ies, including Watson Library, various University and Columbia Business School sponsored events, and the Dodge fitness center. Each term, students may renew their term stickers in the Office of Student Affairs. As a benefit, Columbia University Student ID cards are provided with a current term sticker, which may be used for free admission to many museums in New York. A list of museums is located at https://artsinitiative.columbia.edu/museums/.

    Name Badges and Nameplates Name badges and nameplates are provided to students at the start of their first term. Replacements may be ordered through the Current Student Website, www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students. Please note: students assume the cost for replacement nameplates and name badges, orders may take up to 10 business days to arrive and are placed twice per month.

    Student Business Cards MBA students can order Columbia business cards through the following site: https://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cards

    Merchandise Columbia Business School merchandise is available for purchase in the University Bookstore, and a limited amount may be available for purchase in the Office of Student Affairs for club needs. To purchase Columbia Business School branded items, you may also visit the Gear Store at https://gear.gsb.columbia.edu/.

    Lost and Found The Operations department, located in Uris 217, is the central repository for items lost and found in Uris. Students can stop by the office to report a lost item and review the inventory of found items to help facilitate recovery of their belongings. Items that are lost in Warren Hall will be delivered to Warren Operations, Room 203. All unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill at the end of each term.

    If an item is not found in either Uris or Warren, or if it is an item of high value, it will be deliv-ered to the main campus Lost and Found housed in the Department of Public Safety in Low Library, Room 111.

    https://artsinitiative.columbia.edu/museums/http://artsinitiative.columbia.edu/city/museums/maphttp://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-studentshttp://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-studentshttps://columbiabusiness-my.sharepoint.com/Users/kp2615/Dropbox%20(Communications)/Collateral%20Team%20Folder/OSA/FY21/OSA_Student%20Handbook_FY21/Design/Live/httpshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cardshttps://print.columbia.edu/content/business-cards

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    Milestone Events

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    Orientation The MBA Orientation program serves to introduce and acclimate students to Columbia Business School’s culture and the three pillars of the student experience: academics, ca-reers, and community. It is an intense, two week period of classes, events, and activities — a total immersion into the Columbia Business School community. There are long days and plenty of activities in the evenings. The daytime programming is mandatory. Some evening programs are optional, but highly recommended, as they provide an essential opportunity to socialize with classmates.

    Orientation is a time for students to meet their cluster and Peer Advisors. This time allows students to get to know the Peer Advisors and provides a structured setting to build personal relationships with their peers.

    Peer Advisors are second-year students who have been selected to work closely with stu-dents during the transition into business school and throughout the first year. Peer Advisors are students’ best resource for everything from relocation and general graduate school advice to academic and career guidance.

    During Orientation, students will be assigned a learning team within their cluster, and will have many activities devoted to getting to understand their learning team members’ work styles and experiences. Learning teams will also be coached to develop common group goals to maximize learning experiences.

    The course sessions offered during Orientation will serve as an introduction to the academic program of the MBA. Students will cover the first components of the Individual, Business, and Society Curriculum (IBSC) , Leadership Lab sessions on group dynamics, diversity, inclusion and leadership, and gain experience using the case method. More information on the pro-grams can be found at www.gsb.columbia.edu/leadership/curriculum and http://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/leadershiplab.

    Many of the School’s important resources, including representatives from the Office of Student Affairs, the Career Management Center, the Executives in Residence Program, and more will be on hand to introduce themselves.

    International Student SessionAn International Student session is hosted on the first Tuesday during week one of the New Student Orientation Program. The International Student session consists of important immigration information which will help international students maintain their status through-out the MBA experience. It features speakers from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) who will share information such as defining status, maintaining status, travel, and more. The session will also feature the Career Management Center (CMC) who provide students with international careers data, tips on the job search, and upcoming workshop information.

    The University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) also provides essential information on visas, work authorizations, arriving in New York City, preparing for airports, housing, and family resources. For more information, students can visit their website at www.columbia.edu/cu/isso or contact the ISSO at (212) 854-3587 or at [email protected].

    Better Halves Orientation The Better Halves orientation program runs concurrently with the first week of MBA New Student Orientation. This orientation is co-organized and run by the Office of Student Affairs and the Better Halves Club. It serves as an introduction to the Columbia Business School partner and spouse community, the greater Columbia Business School community, and New York City. Programming is designed for partners and spouses to get to know each other and the city of New York.

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    Graduation During Commencement week, each school hosts its own ceremony — for the business school this is the Recognition Ceremony — to individually recognize graduates for their suc-cessful completion of degree requirements. This event will feature a notable guest speaker, a student elected speaker, award recognition and remarks by the Dean. Each graduating student will be formally called to the stage and recognized for their achievement.

    In addition to the business school Recognition ceremony, students are encouraged to par-ticipate in the Columbia University Commencement ceremony. Commencement is a centu-ries-old tradition in which the University President confers degrees en masse to graduating students from all schools, colleges, and affiliated institutions. During this ceremony, other remarkable members of the Columbia community will be recognized through the conferring of medals, awards, and honorary degrees.

    Graduating students are required to wear regalia (cap and gown) to participate in both the Recognition and Commencement ceremonies.

    For additional information, helpful tips, maps, the Graduate To Do List, and more, please visit the CBS Graduation Website: https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/graduation/

    Graduation Awards Service Awards (Selected by Students)

    — Columbia Business School Student Service Award - Honoring graduating students who have made outstanding contributions to the Columbia Business School community, as voted by the graduating students. [Distributed by OSA]

    — Excellence in Tutoring Award - Selected by the first-year class and given in recognition of a student’s outstanding skill, care and involvement in the tutoring program. This tutor has shown consistent commitment and dedication to the program and their fellow students with a minimum of 20 hours of service to the first-year students completed. This student exempli-fies compassion, respect, and the ability to accurately represent course material. [Distributed by OSA]

    — Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award - Selected by the first-year class and given in rec-ognition of a student’s outstanding skill, care and involvement in presenting class material. [Distributed by OSA]

    — Robert W. Lear Service Award - Presented annually to the faculty member or administra-tor who most clearly demonstrates commitment to students through accessibility and an overall contribution to the improvement of student life. Established by the Graduate Business Association in 1982 and named in honor of executive in residence Robert W. Lear.

    — Singhvi Prize for Scholarship in the Classroom - Selected by the graduating students and awarded to a full-time faculty member who exemplifies excellence in the classroom, based on his or her dedication to teaching and ability to communicate knowledge and encourage students.

    Community Awards (Selected by Administration)— Heffernan Award for Service - Given to graduating students who have made outstanding

    contributions to the operations of the School working “behind the scenes,” as selected by the administration. [Distributed by OSA]

    — New York Alumni Club Award - Selected from the top 10% of the graduating class based on outstanding character, scholastic achievement, participation in School affairs and potential for civic, business and professional leadership.

    — The Campbell Award – This award was established by the University Trustees and the Board of the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) to celebrate all who build Columbia University’s Spirit. The Campbell Award is presented by the CAA to a graduating student at each School who show exceptional leadership and Columbia spirit as exemplified by Bill Campbell ‘62CC ‘64TC, chair emeritus of the University Trustees and CAA co-founder.

    — Academic Awards (Selected by Faculty)

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    — Amena Elliot Webster Memorial Award - Awarded to a graduating woman who has shown overall academic excellence in the area of Marketing.

    — Award for Academic Excellence in Decision, Risk and Operations - Presented annually to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding work in the field of Decision, Risky and Operations.

    — Award for Academic Excellence in Management - Presented annually to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding work in the field of Management.

    — Eli Ginzberg Memorial Prize - Presented annually to a graduating student who has done outstanding work in the field of Economics or Human Resources.

    — Nathan Gantcher Prize for Social Enterprise - Presented annually to a graduating student best demonstrates leadership and dedication to social enterprise, and who has made out-standing contributions to the community at Columbia Business School and beyond.

    — Robert and Jacqueline Willens Tax Research Prize - Awarded for superior skills in the area of Tax theory, practice or research.

    — Robert H. Montgomery Prize in Accounting - Awarded for excellence in the area of Accounting.

    — Shuchman-Hulbert Award in Marketing - Recognizes a graduating student with an outstand-ing record in the study of Marketing who shows promise of future contributions to the field.

    — Suresh Balaraman Prize - Presented annually to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding work in the field of Finance.

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    Columbia Business School Policies

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    Alcohol Policy Columbia Business School permits the service of beer and wine (and beer and wine-based beverages) at school or student organization-sponsored events with the use of club or orga-nization funds, providing the following guidelines are met:

    — All spending must fall within the Columbia Business School guidelines for meals and events.

    — Clusters may not use their school provided funds on alcohol.

    — All guests at an event where beer and wine are served must be able to show proof of age 21 or over; anyone unable to provide proof of age must leave the event immediately.

    — No alcohol may be served before 5:45 pm.

    — Food and non-alcoholic beverages must be supplied when alcohol is being served. Events should be educational, cultural or social in nature. Drinking should not be the primary purpose of the event.

    — There may be no games of chance, contests, or other activities that induce, encourage, or result in the consumption of alcohol.

    — All events at which food or beverages are served must include cleaning services after the event.

    — Any event in Uris or Warren Halls with more than 15 attendees and with alcohol service may require an officer from the Department of Public Safety to be in attendance. Any event outside of Uris Hall but on campus, regardless of the number of attendees, is eligible to qualify for public safety patrol at the organization’s cost. All events of this nature should be discussed with an advisor in the Office of Student Affairs in advance to determine need. Fees are associated with Public Safety patrol.

    — Club and cluster-sponsored happy hours are not allowed in Uris or Warren Halls. Clubs and clusters wishing to host happy hours, or pre-happy hour events on Thursday night may go to an off-campus venue and have members pay with their own funds. As a reminder, cluster funds may not be spent on alcohol.

    — All events that include the service of alcohol must be properly registered in CampusGroups.

    — No alcohol may be served to a person who is disorderly.

    Policy on Hard AlcoholNo student organization may allocate or spend any club/organization funds on hard alcohol.

    Off-campus events hosted by student organizations may offer a cash bar for hard alcohol with approval from the Office of Student Affairs.

    Emergency Contact Information One of the most important tools in an emergency is reliable communications. The busi-ness school requires that all students provide both a cell phone number and an emergency contact number. At the start of the term, all students will be asked to provide confirmation of this information via the course management tool, CANVAS. Students may also link to the emergency contact information in their student links portal.

    Student Club & Organization Policies For information regarding student club and organization policies, including student group event policies, please reference the Student Leader Resources Website.

    Contracts Students may not sign contracts or agreements on behalf of Columbia Business School. When appropriate, a member of the Financial Planning Office will facilitate getting a contract

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    approved for an event. For more information regarding event management policies, please reference the Student Leader Resources Website.

    Logo Use of the official Columbia Business School logo is strictly governed; for specific guide-lines and to obtain logo files, see the School’s Identity Standards, located on the Columbia Business School website. The Marketing and Communications team must be consulted when using the logo for any invitations, programs, publicity, attire, etc. For more information, please contact Keshia Mark at [email protected].

    Academic Discipline In addition to Dean’s Discipline, each school or division of the University has established standards of academic progress and requirements for remaining in academic good standing. Progress and standing are monitored by the Dean’s Office of the respective school or divi-sion. For further information about academic standards and requirements, students should consult the bulletin of the school or division in which they are enrolled. The continuance of each student upon the rolls of the University, the receipt of academic credits, graduation, and the conferring of any degree or the granting of any certificate are strictly subject to the disciplinary powers of the University.

    https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/node/264https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/node/264https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/node/264https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/node/264https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/node/264https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/node/264https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/mba-students/node/264mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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    Columbia University Policies

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    The policies included in this section are excerpts from the Columbia University website ‘University Policies.’ Additional information may be found at: https://universitypolicies.colum-bia.edu/.

    The University Policies website is a useful reference to help students, faculty, and staff understand some of the policies and regulations of the University. Policies on this website pertain to campus safety (including harassment and discrimination), the confidentiality of student records, drug and alcohol use, student leaves, political activity, and more. This policy online reference guide is intended to provide information for the guidance of the Columbia community. Any questions regarding these policies should be directed to: [email protected].

    Disability Accommodation Students seeking an accommodation for a disability should contact the Office of Disability Services at (212) 854-2388. Information on the services provided by the Office may be found online at https://health.columbia.edu/getting-care/register-disability-services.

    Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policies

    Affirmative Action Columbia University is committed to providing a working, learning and living environment free from discrimination, and harassment and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth.

    Under Executive Order 11246, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA), on behalf of Columbia University, each year prepares and implements Affirmative Action Programs (AAPs) for the Morningside campus, the Medical Center and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Columbia’s programs include the cornerstones of effective Affirmative Action Programs: (1) equal opportunity, nondiscrimination and affirmative action policies which the University has established, implemented, and disseminated; (2) diagnostic proce-dures which allow the University to determine employment patterns and compare them to the composition of the relevant labor pool; and action-oriented programs designed to assure that women, minorities, veterans and those with disabilities are being employed at a rate to be expected given their availability in the relevant labor pool.

    https://eoaa.columbia.edu/

    Discrimination Statement and Policy Columbia University is committed to providing a learning, living, and working environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant commu-nity founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members.

    Consistent with this commitment, and with all applicable laws, it is the policy of the University not to tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment in any form and to provide those who feel that they are victims of discrimination with mechanisms for seeking redress.

    Also consistent with this commitment, Columbia University prohibits any form of discrimi-nation against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, citizenship or immigration status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, un-employment status, partnership status, military status, or any other applicable legally protect-ed status in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs and functions.

    Nothing in this policy shall abridge academic freedom or the University’s educational mission. Prohibitions against discrimination and discriminatory harassment do not extend to actions, statements or written materials that are relevant and appropriately related to course subject matter or academic debate.

    https://universitypolicies.columbia.edu/https://universitypolicies.columbia.edu/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://health.columbia.edu/getting-care/register-disability-serviceshttps://eoaa.columbia.edu/https://eoaa.columbia.edu/https://eoaa.columbia.edu/https://eoaa.columbia.edu/https://eoaa.columbia.edu/https://eoaa.columbia.edu/https://eoaa.columbia.edu/https://eoaa.columbia.edu/

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    This policy governs the conduct of all Columbia University students, faculty, staff and visi-tors that occurs on the University’s campuses or in connection with University-sponsored programs. This policy also governs conduct by Columbia University students, faculty, staff and visitors that creates, contributes to, or continues a hostile work, educational, or living environment for a member or members of the University community. To report an incident: https://eoaa.columbia.edu/

    Gender Based MisconductThe Policy and Procedures are designed to reflect the University’s commitment to a safe and non-discriminatory educational environment, consistent with Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”), and New York State Education Law 129-B. Here are several important points about gender-based misconduct that the Policy addresses:

    Sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, gender based harassment, stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence are all forms of gender-based misconduct. In some instances, these behaviors do not have to be sexual in nature to be considered gender-based misconduct.

    Gender-based misconduct can occur between strangers or acquaintances, or people who know each other well, including between people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship.

    Gender-based misconduct can be committed by anyone regardless of gender identity, and it can occur between people of the same or different sex or gender. Most fundamentally, the University does not tolerate any form of gender-based misconduct. Students who experience gender-based misconduct can seek help and bring complaints in the University process. Those found responsible will be sanctioned in accordance with this Policy. Students who experience gender-based misconduct can also pursue criminal and civil processes, in addi-tion to or instead of the University’s process under this Policy. This Policy and accompanying

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    Procedures are part of the University’s multifaceted approach toward eliminating gen-der-based misconduct from our community, which includes: (1) educational programs; (2) services and resources for those affected by gender-based misconduct; (3) accessible, prompt, and fair methods of investigation and resolution of reports of misconduct; and (4) protections designed to prevent recurrence. This Policy first specifies prohibited conduct and provides illustrative scenarios, which may be helpful in understanding the Policy’s scope. It then describes available resources for students.

    Please find full policy and procedure text:

    https://universitypolicies.columbia.edu/content/gender-based-misconduct-and-interim-ti-tle-ix-policies-and-procedures-students

    The Sexual Respect and Community Citizenship InitiativeThis initiative invites students to examine the link between sexual respect and membership in the Columbia community.

    Created by students along with faculty and administrators, the Initiative asks each of us to do what we can to promote a campus climate that reinforces sexual respect and rejects sexual harassment, sexual assault and other forms of gender-based misconduct.

    All Columbia students are strongly encouraged to participate, and students who are new to their schools must complete the Initiative.

    The goals of the Sexual Respect Initiative are to:

    — Increase knowledge of key concepts related to sexual respect, including healthy and prob-lematic behaviors, and the methods and potential impact of bystander intervention;

    — Increase awareness of University resources and community values; and

    — Provide opportunities to dispel myths about sexual violence, learn more about the link between gender stereotypes, harassment and violence, and foster awareness about sexual violence within our community and broader society.https://sexualrespect.columbia.edu/

    Additional Resources Columbia University offers a number of confidential resources to students who believe they were subjected to discrimination, harassment or gender-based or sexual misconduct, detailed below.

    Counseling Services Columbia Morningside (212) 854-2878 CUMC (212) 496-8491 https://health.columbia.edu/content/counseling-and-psychological-services

    Sexual Violence Response, (212) 854-HELPhttps://health.columbia.edu/content/sexual-violence-response Office of the University Chaplain, (212) 854-6242 https://ouc.columbia.edu/

    Health Services Columbia Morningside (212) 854-2284 Columbia Morningside clinician-on-call (212) 854-9797 CUMC (212) 305-3400 CUMC clinician-on-call (212) 305-3400 https://health.columbia.edu/

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    Student Privacy Policies

    Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)Policy on Access to Student Records

    1. Scope of the Act

    a. General. The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, and its implementing federal regulations affords to persons who are currently, or were formerly, in attendance at the University as registered students a right of access to their “educational records” that contain information directly related to such persons. Persons who unsuccessfully applied for admission to the University are not covered by the Act. An unsuccessful applicant for admission to one of the schools or divisions of the University is not considered to be a “student” of that school or division even if the applicant is in attendance at another school or division of the University. The Act also restricts the person