Frequently Asked Questions

I am totally new to the Advanced Placement Program*, is this Institute for me?
Yes!  We have specifically designed courses for teachers new to AP*.  There are also courses with a mix of beginning and experienced AP* teachers.  These sections are great to glean experience from veteran teachers and an opportunity for experienced teachers to learn about updates to the Advanced Placement Program* such as the new digital submission process for Studio Art.

I am only able to attend part of the Institute. Can I still register?
Participants must attend all 30 hours of the Institute in order to receive a certificate of completion, attendance is monitored.  Courses begin promptly at 9:00 am and end at 4:30 pm each day.

What is the best way to get around Chicago?  Should I rent a car?
Chicago has an inexpensive and reliable public transportation system, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).  For just a few dollars you can take the CTA train from the airport to Columbia.  Once you are downtown this is also a good way to see the City as much of the train system is above ground.  Taxis are another good way to get around.  A trip from the airport runs about $40, and trips around town will run somewhere between $5-$10.  Car rental is not recommended as it is expensive and generally turns out to be more hassle than it is worth.  The best plan is to bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes as everything is within walking distance from Columbia's campus.

Is there parking on campus?
Neither Columbia nor the University Center Chicago have parking facilities. There are various pay parking lots near by.  Generally prices start at around $10 per day but can be up to $20 or more.  For a general guide try a website search engine such as Chicago Parking Map.

There are two airports in Chicago.  Which should I fly into?
Both Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) are convenient ways to fly into Chicago. Both have CTA trains that will transport you right to downtown.

What is the weather like?
July is one of the warmest months in Chicago. Temperatures ordinarily reach anywhere between 75 and 95 degrees with occasional thunderstorms. It can also be rather humid. We suggest you bring summer weather gear plus an umbrella.

What should I bring?
Once enrolled in the Institute you will receive the instructor's syllabus which will tell you what is necessary for you to bring to class. There are large, well stocked art supply stores with in walking distance of campus.

I have friends or relatives that live in Chicago.  Can I stay with them and still attend the Institute?
Yes.  It is not mandatory that you stay at the University Center, although if you search around you will soon find out that it is the best deal in town. Sleeping at the University Center also gives you the added advantage of more time to connect with colleagues from all over the country. For a reservation form and more information, visit the Housing page.

I attended a past AP* Summer Institute at Columbia and took my course for graduate credit. How do I get a transcript?
Transcripts are not automatically sent. In order to request a transcript you will need to contact our Records Office. They can be reached by phone at 312 369 7224. For detailed directions about this process, visit the Transcript Request page.

Last year when I attended the AP* Summer Institute I was not enrolled for graduate credit.  Can I change that now?
No. Participants must register for graduate credit before the start of the Institute.

My School/District is willing to pay for me to attend for non-credit. Can I pay the difference to register for graduate credit?
Yes. We can accept the additional payment by check or credit card.  Please give us a call (312-369-7421) and we can help you out with this option.

Do you accept purchase orders?
We do not accept purchase orders, but we will enroll participants whose School or District will be funding their tuition costs. The School/District will be invoiced directly once we receive the participant's registration form with requested details of whom and where to invoice. Payment by the School/District must be via check or credit card. PLEASE NOTE: Participants are ultimately responsible for tuition charges in the event that payment is not received from the School/District.

*College Board, AP, Advanced Placement Program, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board.  Used with permission.