Graduate Orientation
Welcome to Columbia College Chicago!
This Fall you will join our vibrant community of scholars and artists, innovators and thinkers, learners and educators. To help ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge and information you need to make the most of your time as a graduate student at Columbia, we have designed an Orientation program that will connect you to your faculty, your department and your peers.
At Orientation, you will learn how to design your first schedule of classes and how to register for them online. You will also hear about the services and opportunities that are available to you through the college. Because this information is critical, Orientation is a mandatory event for new students. It is also the best way to begin your creative journey.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus on August 29th.
Orientation Quick Links
What You Can Expect
Getting Ready
RSVP for Orientation
Where to Stay
How to Get Here
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
New Graduate Student Orientation is a full day of programming planned to address the needs of incoming graduate students and to fully prepare you to begin your studies at Columbia. For that reason — and because space is limited — we recommend that you attend this event on your own.
Doors open at 8:00 am. Orientation begins at 9:00 am and continues until approximately 4:00 pm please plan to participate the entire day.
Check-in and Campus Card
Check-in begins at 8:00 am in the 1104 South Wabash building.
During check-in you’ll have the opportunity to have your picture taken for your Campus Card, which is your key to many services at Columbia and student discounts at local businesses.
Morning
The program begins at 9:00 am.
Hear from senior administrators in the College about graduate student life, both on and off Columbia’s campus. Learn about graduate student organizations, campus employment opportunities, and the innovative Portfolio Center, designed to help students document, record and package their work effectively.
Representatives from Student Financial Services will also be available to answer questions about financial aid, paying your tuition bill, and finalizing your financial plan.
Afternoon
Over lunch, current graduate students will share practical information and advice about the college, the city and life on campus — how do they get involved with student organizations? What neighborhood do they live in? How do they get around Chicago?
Later, you will meet in small groups with faculty in your department to learn more about your program and your peers. During this meeting you’ll received guidance on what classes to enroll in this Fall, and you’ll also be ‘cleared’ to register on line for your first semester.
Registration
Register for your classes! Two labs on campus will be available for this last important step.
You can expect to finish up the day around 4:00 pm, fully armed with all the tools you need to succeed now—at the start of your time at Columbia—and throughout your graduate experience.
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GETTING READY
You should be working through the New Student Checklist that you received earlier this summer.
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RSVP FOR ORIENTATION
RSVP through your VIP page at www.colum.edu/vip!
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WHERE TO GO
Columbia occupies 22 buildings in the South Loop of Chicago and you’ll have plenty of time to get to know most of them. For now, we’ve identified six that you might need to visit either the day of Orientation or in the first few weeks of classes.
View Columbia College Chicago's Orientation Map
1. 1104 S. Wabash (EC)
Check In & Computer Lab 1
Most of the day’s activities will take place here. One of the computer labs that we’ve reserved for the day is also in this building.
2. 600 S. Michigan (ACC)
Student Financial Services, Graduate Office, Records Office
Many of our administrative services are located here and are open Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
3. 618 S. Michigan (SE)
Multicultural Affairs & Computer Lab 2
Visit this newly renovated space for Multicultural Affairs and the second computer lab we’ve reserved for registration.
4. 624 S. Michigan (S)
Book Store & Library
The Library is a great resource so stop by and get to know your way around. The Book Store is the place for textbooks, supplies, and Columbia gear.
5. 33 E. Congress (C)
Apple Store
We have an Apple Store on campus with representatives to answer all your questions.
6. 623 S. Wabash (W)
Shop Columbia
We give Columbia students the opportunity to sell their artwork, goods, and products, so come by and support your fellow grad students!
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WHERE TO STAY
Recommended Hotels:
Hilton Chicago
720 S. Michigan Avenue
Reservations 877-865-5320
Palmer House Hilton
17 East Monroe
Reservations 877-865-5321
Crowne Plaza Silversmith
10 S. Wabash Avenue
Reservations 312-372-7696
Residence Inn by Mariott
201 E. Walton Place
Reservations 312-943-9800
Hotel Blake
500 S. Dearborn
Reservations 312-986-1234
Homewood Suites by Hilton
40 E. Grand
Reservations 312-644-2222
Best Western Grant Park
1100 S. Michigan
Reservations 312-922-2900
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HOW TO GET HERE
Since it’s located in the South Loop area of Chicago, Columbia College is easily accessible from both land and air.
Visit www.colum.edu/directions for detailed info on getting to campus.