This publication, designed by the Office of Graduate Student
Transcription
This publication, designed by the Office of Graduate Student
Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science This publication, designed by the Office of Graduate Student Services, is meant to provide an introduction to your voyage at SEAS. Please read through all the materials as there is information that requires your prompt follow-up. A. Admission Response Confirmation 1. New Graduate Student Orientation 2. Provisional Status 3. English Certification Test Requirements page 3 B. Fall 2009 Academic Information 1. Registration Timeline page 4-5 C. New Student Check-List 1. Email and SSOL Account Activation 2. MMR Form 3. Student ID 4. Financial Services & Billing 5. Student Information Updating 6. Campus Ministries page 6-12 page 6 page 7-8 page 9 page 10 page 12 page 12 D. English Certification Test (ECT) Information 1. Testing Dates 2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) 3. Language Resources in New York page 13-16 page 13 page 14-15 page 16 E. Housing Information 1. On-Campus Housing (UAH) FAQ’s 2. Brief Alternative Housing Solutions 3. International House Application (I-House) 4. Exhaustive Alternative Housing Solutions page 17-34 page 17-19 page 20-21 page 22 page 23-34 F. Engineering Graduate Student Council (EGSC) page 35 1. Welcome Letter A. Webpage, www.seas.columbia.edu/egsc Fall 2009 Admission Greetings! We are pleased to confirm the receipt of your Admission Response Form for the Fall 2009 class of the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at Columbia University. As you plan your upcoming semester, you may have questions about life at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. In order to assist you, please make note of the following email correspondence; respond where necessary. I. We have scheduled a New Graduate Student Orientation program to be held: • Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 through Friday, September 4th, 2009. • Please RSVP on the following website: https://www.college.columbia.edu/calendar3/priv/rsvp/rsvp.php?EventID=8396 • Schedule is subject to change, students will be notified. • Classes begin on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009. At orientation, you will learn more about campus facilities and services. You will have an opportunity to meet with departmental faculty and/or administrators to plan your academic program and course of study for the Fall semester. II. Provisional Status Students (Previous transcripts and degree conferral). • If you know that we are missing any final and/or official transcripts, official degree certificate or other materials, have these items forwarded to us as soon as possible. • If unsure about transcript status or this process, please contact Jonathan Stark, jrs2139@columbia.edu • An official transcript and degree certificate, which indicates the confirmation about your degree being awarded along with final grades, must be sent in a sealed envelope from the institution in which the degree was awarded to the following address: Jonathan Stark, Student Affairs Officer Office of Graduate Student Services Columbia University School of Engineering & Applied Science 500 West 120th Street, MC 4708 New York, NY 10027 Alternatively, you may request that your institution give your final official transcripts directly to you in a stamped and sealed envelope. If you select this option, you must keep the transcript in the original sealed envelope and deliver to our address provided above. You will not be permitted to register for classes beyond your first term if we do not receive all required documents by October 15th, 2009. You may also incur late registration fees as a result of this. Your academic department will be notified of your status. If you will need more time to obtain the official documents, please stop by our office prior to registration to discuss this matter. III. English Certification Test (ECT) Requirement. • Students who have earned their undergraduate degree at an institution located in a country where English was not the primary spoken language, you must take the ECT and attain the following level of proficiency before graduation. If you are unsure as to whether you are required to take the ECT, please contact Jonathan Stark, jrs2139@columbia.edu. Level 8: Level 10: M.S. and Professional (and MS portion of MS/PhD track program) Ph.D. and Eng.Sc.D. (and PhD portion of MS/PhD track program) The ECT will be offered during orientation at no charge. Students must take it during their first semester of study. If the required level of proficiency is not met, arrangements to retake the test will be the responsibility of the student. You must wait a period of six months after the original test date to retake the exam. See section of New Student Checklist on ECT. If you have any questions about any of these items in this notification, do not hesitate to contact the Office of Graduate Student Services at (212) 854-6438. We look forward to welcoming you in August! Sincerely, Jonathan R. Stark Student Affairs Officer Jrs2139@columbia.edu COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY THE FU FOUNDATION SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCE ~Fall 2009 Information~ Class Schedules: Classes begin on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009. Fall 2009 class schedules are available through internet and through SSOL (Student Services Online). To access either, please use the following means: Internet: www.columbia.edu/cu/students or www.columbia.edu/cu/bulletin SSOL: https://ssol.columbia.edu/ On-Campus: University Registrar - Kent Hall, 2nd Floor Academic Advising and Registration: Students should report to their academic departments to review their course selection with a faculty advisor prior to registration. Course registration at Columbia is conducted via the Internet and telephone. Fall registration for new students will be available on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009. Please note that the last day to register for classes to avoid a late registration fee is Friday, September 4th, 2009. Registration for International Students: You are expected to maintain full-time registration throughout your program of study. For further information about this requirement, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). Drop/Add: The last day to add a class is Friday, September 18th, 2009. The last day to drop a course without financial penalty is Friday, September 12th, 2008. Students are responsible for paying full tuition for courses dropped after this date. The last day to drop a course without academic penalty is Thursday, November 19th, 2009. Withdrawals: Refunds are assessed by the date the student’s completed withdrawal paperwork is received by the Office of Graduate Student Services. Please note that some fees are not refundable and that all students who are registered for courses and who are withdrawing from School will be charged a withdrawal fee of $75. For additional information, please contact the Office of Graduate Student Services. Students planning to resume their studies at a later date should consult their department regarding an official Leave of Absence. Holds on your record: Your acceptance to Columbia is contingent upon receipt of your undergraduate and prior graduate transcripts. If you have not submitted all final and official transcripts, please contact your institution(s) immediately and have them forward an official transcript(s) with a confirmation of degree awarded in a sealed envelope to the Office of Graduate Student Services. If all transcripts are not received by the end of the Fall 2009 term, you will not be permitted to register for Spring 2010 courses. ID cards: ID cards can be obtained in 204 Kent Hall. Please note that students are eligible to receive their ID cards only after they have registered for classes. Students must have their ID cards validated, every term in which they are enrolled, in order to utilize campus resources. Lockers: There are a limited number of lockers available in the Mudd Building. Arrangements for lockers are made by the Graduate Student Services Office. Preference is given to commuter students and they are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Also, Butler Library hosts a lottery for lockers during the month of August, please review link for more: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/indiv/butler/lockers/ Academic Honesty: Because intellectual integrity is the hallmark of educational institutions, academic dishonesty is one of the most serious offenses that a student can commit at Columbia and is punishable by probation, suspension, or dismissal. In making Columbia’s policy on plagiarism and academic dishonesty clear, it is not feasible to include all the various forms that these actions may take--they are innumerable. Please refer to the Policy on Conduct and Discipline in the SEAS bulletin and the Code of Academic Integrity. Graduate Student Services does require a signed copy of our Integrity Code to show that you’ve read and understand Columbia University’s policies. Personal Information: In order to receive campus mailings and registration announcements, please notify the Registrar or your academic department each time you change your address. Changes can also be updated using your SSOL account. Graduate Announcements: There are Graduate Student Bulletin Boards on the 5th Floor of the Mudd Building. General announcements and information about activities, fellowships, and resources are posted throughout the year. Each academic department also maintains their own bulletin boards. Other news resources are the Columbia Spectator student newspaper, Columbia web page, and the University Record. The Fu Foundation School also maintains a graduate student e-mail list-serve that is used to send out important administrative messages. Tuition & Financial Aid Payment of tuition will be due upon registration. If you are receiving financial aid from your academic department it will be available for disbursement shortly after you register and have your ID card validated. If you have not yet applied for Federal Student Aid (i.e.: loans and work-study positions) and would like to, please contact Financial Planning in 407 Lerner Hall. Columbia University Bookstore The University Bookstore is located in the basement of Lerner Hall, which is located off Broadway between 114th and 115th Street. Childcare Facilities Columbia University helps support 5 local day-care centers in the Morningside Heights, West Harlem, and Washington Heights area. A full listing of these centers and others is available in a comprehensive brochure published by the Office of Public Affairs in 301 Low Library, (212) 854-4469. Places of Worship The Earl Hall Center is the spiritual and humanitarian center of Columbia University. As home to the United Campus Ministries, denominations of Christian, Jewish, Islamic and Eastern practices are fully represented through out the Earl Hall Center and provide services on a regular basis. For further information about services and other places of worship in the area, please visit Earl Hall. Disability Services Columbia University is committed to serving the needs of students with disabilities. Services for permanent or temporary disabilities are coordinated by the University Office of Disability Services in alignment with the academic program and standards of the school. For further information, please contact either the University Office of Disability Services at (212) 854-2388, Lerner Hall 8th Floor, or the SEAS Graduate Student Liaison in the Office of Graduate Student Services. Security at Columbia Columbia University prides itself in being a reasonably safe and crime-free urban campus environment. Security officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day. Additionally, the Columbia Escort Service will send escorts to accompany students residing near campus to their door anytime between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. For an escort, call 854-2798. Crime statistics are available from the Campus Security Office in 111 Low Library. Contact Information: Office of the University Registrar, 205 Kent Hall (212) 854-4330 ID Office, 204 Kent Hall, (212) 854-4323 Financial Planning, 407 Lerner Hall, (212) 854-3711 Bookstore, Lerner Hall Basement, (212) 854-4131 Earl Hall Center, Earl Hall, (212) 854-3574 University Office of Disability Services, Lerner Hall 8th Floor, (212) 854-2388 Campus Security, 111 Low Library (212) 854-2796 Office of Graduate Student Services 524 S. W. Mudd * 500 West 120th Street * (212) 854-6438 Columbia University email and Student Services Online (SSOL) are two of the most essential tools for our Graduate students in Engineering. Please activate your UNI , which is the prefix to your email address, as soon as possible. Step 1 Obtain your UNI Use the following web-link to locate your UNI: https://www1.columbia.edu/sec/acis/manageaccount/lookup.html Type your name into the field. Locate your profile & UNI (if available). Available no earlier than 72 hours after we have received your deposit for admissions. Incoming Fall students may have to wait until late May before UNI’s are generated and accessible for activation. Please be patient. Step 2 Activate your UNI This process activates both your email and “SSOL” -Student Services Online (Billing & Registration) accounts Use the following web-link to activate your UNI: https://www1.columbia.edu/sec/acis/manageaccount/create.html? Fill in the following fields: • UNI • Social Security Number (International Students must contact Jocelyn, jm2388@columbia.edu) to obtain a temporary number. • Date of Birth • PIN Å Leave this blank • Uni Activation Code Å Leave this blank • Choose a Password • Retype your chosen password Step 3 Access and use your Columbia Accounts (Email and SSOL) Use the following web-links to utilize accounts: EMAIL: https://cubmail.cc.columbia.edu/horde/imp/ Then type your UNI & Password SSOL: https://ssol.columbia.edu/ Then type your UNI & Password health services at columbia Columbia University Measles, Mumps and Rubella Form Instructions and explanations are available on the reverse side of this form and at www.health.columbia.edu Student Name: (Last, First, M.I.) Birth Date: Social Security Number: MM/DD/YY Columbia School You Will Attend: Did you attend High School in the United States? YES NO If Yes, State where High School is located: Name of High School: State Year of Graduation: New York State Public Health Law 2165 REQUIRES all Students born on or after JANUARY 1, 1957 who will register for 6 or more credits to prove immunity to Measles, Mumps and Rubella. ALL OF SECTION A OR SECTION B BELOW MUST BE COMPLETED BY A PHYSICIAN OR OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDER Section A: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) 1st MMR DOSE: Administered after first birthday AND after 1/1/1972 Month Day Year Month Day Year Month Day Year Month Day Year AND 2nd MMR DOSE or 2nd Live Virus Measles Dose: Administered after 15 months of age and at least 28 days after 1st dose. Section B-Part 1: MEASLES 1st Live Virus Dose: Administered after first birthday AND 2nd Live Virus Dose: Administered after 15 months of age and at least 28 days after 1st dose OR History of Illness documented by Health Care Provider OR Immunity Proven by Serologic Testing - MUST SUBMIT COPY OF LAB REPORT Section B-Part 2: MUMPS Live Virus Dose: Administered after first birthday AND after 1/1/1969 OR History of Illness documented by Health Care Provider OR Immunity Proven by Serologic Testing - MUST SUBMIT COPY OF LAB REPORT Section B-Part 3: RUBELLA (German Measles) Live Virus Dose: Administered after first birthday AND after 1/1/1969 OR Immunity Proven by Serologic Testing - MUST SUBMIT COPY OF LAB REPORT Note: History of Illness is NOT acceptable The Information on this form is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Physician/Provider Name (Please Print) Physician/Provider Stamp & Lic. # Physician/Provider Signature Please Return To: Health Services at Columbia 519 West 114th St., MC 3601 John Jay Hall New York, NY 10027 212 854-5078 (fax) Measles, Mumps and Rubella Form Instructions and Explanations New York State Public Health Law 2165 requires all students born on or after January 1, 1957 and registered for 6 or more credits to document proof of their immunity to Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Instructions Students: Complete the top portion of this form. Once your physician or health care provider has completed this form, make a copy for your records and return the original to the Immunization Office at the address or fax number listed on this sheet. Be aware that this form is not valid without your social security number and birth date and will not be processed without a health care provider’s signature, stamp and license number. Physician or other Health Care Provider: Complete all parts of Section A OR Section B. For each section, please put a check beside the relevant documentation being provided and provide the date of immunization, illness and/or serologic testing, in the corresponding box to the right. Please note the date format of Month/Day/Year (MM/DD/YY). All immunizations must have been received after the first birthday. Laboratory results must be provided if proving immunity by serologic testing. This form will not be processed without a health care provider’s signature, stamp and license number. Explanations 1. Vaccines Measles: 2 doses of live measles virus vaccine, the first dose administered after the age of 12 months and the second dose administered more than 28 days after the first dose and after 15 months of age. Measles vaccine doses administered prior to 1968 are not valid unless documentation specifically states it was a LIVE vaccine. Mumps: 1 injection required. Vaccine was not available in the U.S. until 1/1/69, therefore no statement of immunization administered before that date is acceptable. Rubella: 1 injection required. Vaccine was not available in the U.S. until 1/1/69, therefore no statement of immunization administered before that date is acceptable. THE MMR COMBINED VACCINATION FULFILLS THE REQUIREMENT FOR 1 MEASLES, 1 MUMPS & 1 RUBELLA IMMUNIZATION; A SECOND MEASLES SHOT IS REQUIRED. MMR WAS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE UNITED STATES BEFORE 1/1/72; THEREFORE, NO IMMUNIZATIONS ADMINISTERED BEFORE THAT DATE ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR U.S. STUDENTS. 2. Documented History of Illness If diagnosed by a physician, a history of having had the disease (measles and/or mumps) is acceptable proof of immunity. The physician or provider must enter the dates of initial diagnosis on the immunization form. A diagnosis of previous rubella disease is not acceptable proof of immunity under the New York State Health Code. 3. Immunity Proven by Serologic Testing Immunity to all of the three diseases may be proven by a blood test for antibodies. You must submit a copy of the actual laboratory report with this form. 4. Exemptions Medical Exemption from the Immunization Requirements: A letter from your physician giving the specific diagnosis and/or treatment which you believe precludes further immunizations must be submitted. The final decision to grant an exemption lies with Health Services at Columbia. Religious Exemption from Immunization Requirements: Most religious groups which object to immunizations will provide you with a standard form indicating such objection. Alternatively you may submit a letter explaining the religious basis of your objection. The final decision to grant an exemption lies with Health Services at Columbia. Although the following immunizations are not required by law, they are recommended prior to enrollment at Columbia University: 1.Hepatitis B Vaccine: Recommended for all young adults who have not been previously vaccinated. 2.Tetanus Vaccine: Primary series recommended for all persons who never completed the series during childhood; booster dose recommended for all adults every ten years. 3.Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD): Recommended for persons who have resided in an area of the world where there is a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB). (Please note: Some programs in Social Work and at Teachers College may require a tuberculosis skin test before placement. Please check with your school). Health Services at Columbia 519 West 114th St., MC 3601 John Jay Hall New York, NY 10027 212 854-5078 (fax) health services at columbia Columbia University in the City of New York STUDENT SERVICES ID CENTER New York, N.Y. 10027 204 KENT HALL MAIL CODE 9209 COLUMBIA CARDS The Columbia University ID Center, located in 204 Kent Hall, welcomes you to the Morningside Campus! In our efforts to provide you with the most efficient service possible, we would like to be able to have your ID Card ready for you upon your arrival on campus. To make this happen, you will need to activate your Columbia UNI (email account) and submit a recent passport-style color picture of yourself. The color photo must be passport-style: facing forward with your head and shoulders clearly visible. No photos with sunglasses or hats will be accepted. You will receive your University ID card upon arrival to campus during your scheduled orientation. Don’t waste important time waiting in line at the ID Center during orientation; make sure to submit your photo by the deadline. The University ID card is your passport to Columbia. It grants you access to the Library and secure campus locations, allows you to purchase services at campus cafes and the University bookstore and enables you to take advantage of cultural discount programs in New York City. In order to get your University ID card, please submit a jpeg photo online at www.columbia.edu/cu/id beginning in mid-May. You will need your UNI to log-in to the secure site. You can activate your UNI online at uni.columbia.edu (see instructions in New Student Checklist). It is important to submit the photo as soon as possible, so that we are able to produce your card in a timely manner. During the first week of classes, there is a potential for long lines with a considerable wait time to get your ID Card. You can avoid this by submitting your photo now. We will not accept any online photo submissions after July 20, 2009. Email questions to idcard@columbia.edu or for more information visit: www.askus.columbia.edu. The photo deadline is Monday, July 20, 2009. Students unable to meet this deadline can come to the ID office upon arrival to campus. Don’t Forget! ID Pickup Date: Starting Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 ID Pickup Location: Graduate Student Services, FF-SEAS, 524 Mudd For detailed information, please utilize the following link: www.columbia.edu/cu/sfs/ Student Financial Services webpage highlights the following: •E-billing (Guide and Payment Options) •Academic Financial Calendar & Guide •Tax and Learning Credits •Guide for Sponsored Students •Direct Deposit Information •Federal Work Study Information •Federal Student Loan Interviews •Tuition Exemption for University Employees •Staff Contact Information You must access this information online as the Office of Graduate Student Services does not receive the published material in time for this mailing. Online billing is accessible through SSOL (Student Services Online). Question about paying your university balance? Office: (212) 854-4206 or Online FAQ’s: www.askus.columbia.edu COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY FU FOUNDATION SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCE Information Update Sheet Please provide us with your most current information so that we can update it in our systems. For future reference, once you have access to SSOL (Student Services Online), you can make changes directly to your student account. Please PRINT CLEARLY. Thank you! First Name: Last Name: Date of Birth: Gender: Local Address: Local Phone Number: E-mail address: Social Security Number: (if this is a new number, please attach a copy of your card for verification purposes) Please mail or fax this form back to us: Columbia University Office of Graduate Student Services Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science 500 West 120th Street, MC 4708 New York, NY 10027 Fax: 212-854-5900 Or bring it with you to Orientation in August. We look forward to seeing you then! ECT English Certification Test All new graduate SEAS students are being reminded if you received your bachelors degree in a country where English is not the primary language, you are REQUIRED to take the ECT. No exceptions are granted; this includes students who have earned a masters degree in the U.S. or other country where English was the primary spoken language. Masters students must obtain a level 8, and Doctoral students must obtain a level 10. One of your requirements to graduate on time is obtaining the appropriate score on the ECT. For your convenience, the Office of Graduate Student Services is offering a group administration of the ECT. Please choose ONE of the following sessions: SESSION A: Monday, August 24th, 2009: 9:00 A.M.: https://www.college.columbia.edu/calendar3/priv/rsvp/rsvp.php?EventID=8387 SESSION B: Monday, August 24th, 2009: 2:00 P.M.: https://www.college.columbia.edu/calendar3/priv/rsvp/rsvp.php?EventID=8388 SESSION C: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009: 9:00 A.M.: https://www.college.columbia.edu/calendar3/priv/rsvp/rsvp.php?EventID=8389 SESSION D: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009: 2:00 P.M.: https://www.college.columbia.edu/calendar3/priv/rsvp/rsvp.php?EventID=8390 SESSION E: Wednesday, August 26th, 2009: 9:00 A.M.: https://www.college.columbia.edu/calendar3/priv/rsvp/rsvp.php?EventID=8391 SESSION F: Wednesday, August 26th, 2009: 2:00 P.M.: https://www.college.columbia.edu/calendar3/priv/rsvp/rsvp.php?EventID=8392 SESSION G: Thursday, August 27th, 2009: 9:00 A.M.: https://www.college.columbia.edu/calendar3/priv/rsvp/rsvp.php?EventID=8393 SESSION H: Thursday, August 27th, 2009: 2:00 P.M.: https://www.college.columbia.edu/calendar3/priv/rsvp/rsvp.php?EventID=8394 SESSION I: Friday, August 28th, 2009: 9:00 A.M.: https://www.college.columbia.edu/calendar3/priv/rsvp/rsvp.php?EventID=8395 To register (RSVP) for the group administration of the English Certification Test, please use the web-links provided no later than Friday, August 21st, 2009. Please do not register for more than one session. Students who anticipate difficulties with English proficiency are encouraged to take the ECT on the earliest date available so your test can be scored sooner in the event you decide to register for a language course during the Fall 2009 term. If you do not take this opportunity for the group administration, you will be required to make arrangements on your own to take the ECT during your first term. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FAQ for the ECT Do I need to take it? Admitted graduate students who are required to submit official TOEFL results are required to take the English Certification Test (ECT) administered by the American Language Program (ALP) at Columbia University. Columbia Video Network (CVN) students are exempt from this requirement. Are the ECT and EPT the same thing? The American Language Program changed the exam from the English Proficiency Test (EPT) to the English Certification Test (ECT). While some may refer to the exam as the EPT, SEAS students now take what is called the ECT and it is considered the same exam. The test is now administered using a computer rather than paper-based which has shortened the time required to administer the exam. Can I be exempt from the ECT if…I scored high on the TOEFL and/or GRE? No, students will still be required to take the ECT regardless of their previous test scores from the TOEFL and/or GRE. …if I received a waiver for the TOEFL and/or GRE? Rarely do students receive waivers for GRE or TOEFL for admissions. If a waiver is granted, the student will still be required to take the ECT and pass at the appropriate level of proficiency prior to degree conferral. …if I received a masters or doctorate degree from an institution that is located in a country where English is the primary spoken language? No, the ECT is a requirement that is based on your undergraduate degree program, regardless if advance degrees were later rewarded. Is the ECT an academic requirement? Yes, the ECT is an academic requirement for students who are required to take it. Masters and Professional degree students must score level 8 proficiency prior to degree conferral. Doctoral students must score level 10 proficiency prior to degree conferral. There may be additional requirements for Teaching Assistants to pass the oral/spoken exam (students should inquire with their departments). How do I study for it? There is no prescribed way to study for the English Certification Test. Please contact the American Language Program for guidance. http://www.ce.columbia.edu/alp/ When do I take it? The ECT must be taken at Orientation. A student who misses this administration of the ECT must take the exam at the beginning of the first semester enrolled. How much does it cost? The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) will pay for the scheduled exam during Orientation. The student is responsible for the expense if the exam is taken at any other time. The current cost is $40.00. Please refer to the American Language Program in the event of a price change. What can I expect from the ECT? What is it comprised of? The ECT is composed of two parts: o o o o A multiple-choice section testing listening, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. An essay section. The test is now administered using a computer. There is only one exam (rather than two separate parts). How do I find out my score? If you take the ECT during Orientation, you will receive your score report via email from the Office of Graduate Student Services. Please save this e-mail for your records. If you take the ECT at any other time, you will need to contact the American Language Program directly to obtain your score report and request score to be forwarded to our office. What score do I need to have? M.S. and Professional Degree candidates must reach level 8; Ph.D. and Eng.Sc.D. candidates must attain level 10 on the English Certification Test (ECT) offered by Columbia’s American Language Program (ALP). Do I need to give my score to anyone? You must provide a copy of your score report to the Office of Graduate Student Services (524 Mudd) if you take the exam at any time other than Orientation. Please contact the American Language Program to ensure that we receive a copy of your results. How do you track student’s scores? Students are required to submit a copy of their score report to the Office of Graduate Student Services in 524 Mudd, as well as to their Academic Department. Students are required to take the ECT during their first semester of study, but have until degree conferral to obtain the required proficiency level for their degree program. Students who neglected to take the ECT during their first semester of study may have a hold placed on their course registration for the next academic term. The Office of Graduate Student Services, in conjunction with the student’s Academic Department, will send periodic reminders to students regarding their status with the ECT. Students who need to obtain a copy of their score report should contact the American Language Program in Lewisohn Hall. When can I take ECT again? The American Language Program regulates how often the exam can be taken. Current policy dictates that the ECT can only be taken once in a six-month period. When and how often is the test administered? Incoming students are provided with a free test administration just before the New Graduate Student Orientation. Otherwise, the American Language Program offers the testing at various times during throughout the year. Students who do not take it during Orientation must make arrangements directly with ALP as well as pay for the cost of the exam on their own. For more information: http://www.ce.columbia.edu Do I have to take ALP courses? It is strongly recommended that students enroll in an appropriate ALP course if they have not achieved the required proficiency after the first examination. The International Student and Scholars Office (ISSO) will require students to register for an ALP course as a condition of half-time study where half-time study is unavoidable due to the student’s academic program progress unless they have passed the ECT. The Office of Graduate Student Services can also provide students with a listing of English Language Resources in New York City. Note, SEAS students are charge SEAS tuition for ALP courses and this can be expensive. Please plan ahead. What if I do not pass at the required proficiency level? Students who do not pass at the required proficiency level must continue to make an effort to meet the higher level of proficiency. ALP requires that students wait 6 months before they are eligible to retake the ECT. Because of this, we require students to take the ECT early on in their academic program during the first semester to ensure they are eligible to retake the exam prior to graduation. As a condition of half-time study, a student will be required by ISSO to take an ALP course during their final semester of study if they have yet to meet their required ECT level prior to the start of the final term. Do you provide study guides or test preparation for the ECT? Unfortunately we do not provide study guides or test preparation for the ECT. Students are encouraged to: take a course with the American Language Program, find a tutor, utilize library writing resources, or accredited language programs in NYC. Please contact the Office of Graduate Student Services in 524 Mudd if you need additional recommendations. Will I still be able to graduate if I do not pass ECT? No. You must reach your required level of proficiency before you will be eligible for either OPT (Optional Practical Training) or cleared for graduation. What if I passed at the appropriate level and received my degree but am now working on another degree program at SEAS, am I required to take the ECT all over again? If you are beginning a new degree program, your previous ECT score can be used provided the Office of Graduate Student Services has a record of your previous ECT score. For example, if you received an M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering and received a level 8 on the ECT during that program, your level 8 would also be acceptable for your new M.S. degree in any other department at SEAS. If, however, you only received a level 8, but have been admitted to a doctoral degree program, you will be required to increase your proficiency to the new degree program, which would be a level 10 proficiency requirement. What if I know I took the ECT but lost record of my score? Students who took the ECT and would like a copy of their score report, can obtain a copy by requesting this through the American Language Program in Lewisohn Hall. What is the cost of an ALP course? SEAS students will pay SEAS per-credit tuition for ALP courses while still registered and enrolled in their SEAS graduate program. Funded students must check with their department’s requirements as funding for ALP courses is not guaranteed and varies by department. The cost of ALP courses for doctoral students might be covered by your residency unit, however, please check with your advisor and department before registering. When should I register for an ALP course? ALP course registration is typically much earlier than registration appointment times for SEAS course registration. Students are encouraged to inquire with ALP a couple of weeks before the start of an academic term to inquire about process and timeline for ALP course registration. How do I know what ALP course to register for? If you have decided or required to take an ALP course, students should contact the American Language Program’s Academic Director to receive guidance and advisement of what course would be appropriate based on your current proficiency level. Who can I contact for more information? You can contact the Office of Graduate Student Services at 212854-8930 or the American Language Program at 212-854-3584. On-Campus Housing (UAH) Frequently Asked Questions: University Apartment Housing 1. Is on-campus housing available for graduate students? Yes, housing on-campus is available for our graduate students – however – housing is extremely limited and is not guaranteed. Housing is made possible through an online application through UAH (University Apartment Housing). www.columbia.edu/cu/ire Students will need a username, password, and CUID# to obtain access. Please contact the Office of Graduate Student Services for this information. 2. What are the specifics pertaining to the online housing application process (how, when)? The online application becomes available well before the start of a new academic term. Late October for Spring term housing. Late February for Fall term housing. There is no housing application available for the summer. Students will need a username, password, and CUID# to obtain access. Please contact the Office of Graduate Student Services for this information. 3. What is the likelihood of getting on-campus housing? As a whole, on-campus housing is extremely limited and the vast majority of our students do not receive on-campus housing. The Fall term application offers an increased chance of obtaining an approval versus the Spring term. Typically, priority for housing is given to incoming doctoral, doctoral- track, and funded students. Housing is not guaranteed for any population of students. 4. How are the housing approvals made? Since priority is given to incoming doctoral students, doctoral-track, and funded students, the housing approval process typically begins with this population. If space is still available, approvals for other applicants will be made taking into account factors such as, but not limited to: o Academic Department Recommendation o Distance From Campus o Time of Housing Application o Time of Admission Deposit Typically, housing approvals for the Fall term will begin in late-April and continue through mid-July. Students that have not been approved by the School will be automatically waitlisted and eligible for the UAH waitlist process which will begin in late-August. Spring Term approvals will begin in midDecember and may continue through early-January if space is still available. 5. Is there anything I can do to increase my chances of getting housing? Incoming students are reminded that your housing application will not be considered until we have received your Admission Response Form, and tuition deposit. International Students must have received their I-20 from ISSO before a housing application will be considered. 6. Does it matter if I selected single, shared, or couples housing? Your preferences for housing that you indicated on your application are not a factor for the School’s housing approval process. The only exception to this is that Spring term housing applicants seeking couples housing may be declined if UAH has capped the number of approvals for couples housing (as Spring term units are more limited). 7. If I am NOT approved for housing, what kind of assistance is available? Columbia University has the Off-Campus Housing Assistance Office (OCHA) which aids in assisting students to secure off-campus housing by providing guidance as well as an off-campus housing database. The database is accessible by a separate username and password that students can contact the Office of Graduate Student Services for. Additionally, the Office of Graduate Students Services provides supplemental short and long-term housing options that are available in New York City. 8. What if I am approved for housing, but decline, can I give my space to another student? Students who decline a housing offer from the School, relinquish all rights to that allocation for that term, as well as future terms. Subsequently, the School also loses the right to that allocation and is unable to award that housing approval to a fellow engineering student. Because of this, we encourage students to only apply for housing if they are absolutely sure they need it and will take the unit assigned. 9. What if I am approved for housing, but decline, can I reapply for another term? All full-time students are eligible to apply for housing. Students that were previously approved that declined a housing offer from the School will not automatically receive housing if they reapply in the future. Housing is not guaranteed. 10. What if I am approved for housing, but I am unhappy with the unit available? If you decline the offer, you lose your housing approval. We encourage students to take the unit available. UAH does have a transfer process for housing twice a year that is available for students wishing to reside somewhere other than their current unit. Transfer application restrictions do apply. Please review UAH webpage or contact UAH for details. Applications for the transfer process are not guaranteed. 11. What if I was approved for singles housing, but in the future would like couples housing? Plan ahead! Students who reside in single housing and plan to have a significant other or dependants later join them, must proceed through UAH transfer application process. Transfer application restrictions do apply. Please review UAH webpage or contact UAH for details. Applications for the transfer process are not guaranteed. 12. How do I know if I am considered a “New Student” or “Continuing Student”: A. You are a new student if: o …you never studied at Columbia before. o …starting a brand new degree/academic departmental program. B. You are a continuing student if: o …you are continuing on with the completion of a degree program. o …you graduated with your M.S. but have recently been admitted to a higher degree level of the same department/program. 13. Do “New” or “Continuing” students get priority for housing? New incoming students generally have priority over continuing students. This is because most continuing students have had some time to become acclimated to the area and are better suited to getting around in NYC and finding available off-campus housing. 14. Are there conditions that need to be met to maintain my on-campus housing status? Yes, students approved and residing in on-campus housing should be aware of the following: o You must maintain full-time student status (12 credits per term) during the academic year in order to maintain your student housing. o Housing is granted for a maximum of 5 years or the length of your original admitted degree program (whichever is less). o Doctoral-Track, PhD, or Eng.Sc.D. students who are enrolled in the degree program beyond the maximum housing limit, must petition to request a housing extension. A letter is required from the student's faculty advisor outlining the status of the student's academic progress and timeline as to when the doctoral degree will be completed. This letter must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Student Services at the beginning of the fifth year in housing. An extension may be granted for a maximum of one year at a time, renewable annually at a maximum to the 7th year. o M.S.-only students approved for housing are not automatically guaranteed housing if they later apply to an advanced degree beyond the M.S. level (i.e. Professional, Doctoral Track, or Ph.D. program). You must reapply for housing as a continuing student for the term in which you will begin your new degree level. o Students approved for housing and then later change or are admitted to a new academic department within SEAS (i.e.. Mechanical to IEOR) are not automatically guaranteed housing for their new program. You must reapply for housing as a new student for the term in which you will begin the new academic program. o Students approved for housing who later failed to graduate for their designated term are not automatically guaranteed continuance of housing. These students must contact the Office of Graduate Student Services regarding extensions. o Students who request and are approved for a Leave of Absence relinquish their housing through UAH. The student must vacate the assigned unit, and reapply as a continuing student upon their return from an approved Leave of Absence. o Students who withdraw or are withdrawn relinquish their assigned unit through UAH and must vacate as instructed by UAH. o Students that will be graduating will be required to relinquish their assigned unit through UAH at the end of the month the degree is conferred and must vacate as instructed by UAH. So, plan ahead! If you still have questions pertaining to housing, please contact: • • University Apartment Housing, (212) 854-9300, uah@columbia.edu Office of Graduate Student Services, (212) 854-8930, jrs2139@columbia.edu In Search of Housing Off-Campus Housing Assistance Office www.columbia.edu/cu/ire/ocha 419 West 119th St. (Lower Level) (212) 854-5333 Other Housing Resources: www.craigslist.com (Select New York from the list of cities and begin your search) www.nytimes.com New York Times www.villagevoice.com Village Voice www.rent.net (Conduct a search “By College” and use ”Columbia University”) www.columbia.edu/cu/ire/sublease/subregistry.html (Database of those who are wishing to sublet their room and/or apartment) DORM-STYLE/HOSTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: (This type of accommodation usually has fully furnished private or shared rooms, shared bathrooms, and sometimes a kitchen available. There is usually a maximum stay of 28 days. Check with each residence regarding policies and rates prior to making a reservation.) BIG APPLE HOSTEL 119 W. 45th Street (between 6th and 7th Ave) (212) 302-2603 www.bigapplehostel.com BLUE RABBIT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE 730 Saint Nicholas Avenue (at W. 146th Street) (212) 491-3892 BlueRabbit@hostelhandbook.com HARLEM YMCA 180 W. 135th Street (between 7th and Lenox Ave) (212) 281-4100 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CENTER 38 W. 88th Street (at Central Park West) (212) 787-7706 CHELSEA CENTER HOSTEL 313 W. 29th Street (between 8th and 9th Ave) (212) 643-0214 JAZZ ON THE PARK 36 W. 106th Street (between Central Park West and Manhattan Ave) (212) 932-1600 www.jazzonthepark.com CHELSEA INTERNATIONAL HOSTEL 251 W. 20th Street (between 7th and 8th Ave) (212) 647-0010 www.chelseahostel.com SUGAR HILL INTERNATIONAL HOUSE 722 St. Nicholas Avenue (at 146th St) (212) 926-7030 Sugarhill@hostelhandbook.com DE HIRSCH RESIDENCE (Operated by the 92nd Street YM-YWHA) 1395 Lexington Avenue (at 92nd St) (212) 415-5650 www.92ndsty.org 3 E. 3ST. DORM 3 E. 3 Street (between 2nd and 3rd Ave) (212) 533-7749 WEST SIDE YMCA 5 W. 63rd Street (at Central Park West) (212) 787-4400 ACCOMMODATIONS RUN BY NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: (Usually private furnished rooms with shared bath. No cooking facilities but may have some meals provided. Check with each residence regarding their application and reservation procedures.) THE BRANDON 340 W. 85th Street (212) 496-6901 brandon@voa-gny.org *Women only KOLPING HOUSE 165 E. 88th Street (212) 369-6647 *Men only PENNINGTON FRIENDS HOUSE 215 E. 15th Street (near 3rd Ave) (212) 673-1730 TEN EYCK-TROUGHTON MEMORIAL RESIDENCE 145 E. 39th Street (212) 490-5990 *Women only SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD INTERNATIONAL HOUSE 500 Riverside Drive (at W. 122nd St) (212) 316-8473 www.ihouse-nyc.org UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY LANDMARK GUEST ROOMS 3041 Broadway (at W. 122nd St) (212) 280-1313 www.uts.columbia.edu TEACHERS COLLEGE – WHITTIER HALL 1230 Amsterdam Avenue (at W. 120th St) (212) 678-3235 This list is for convenience only and does not imply any endorsement of these establishments. Prepared by the Office of Graduate Student Services, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, March 2005. International House is a residence and program center for graduate students, interns and trainees over the age of 21. During the summer session we admit undergraduate students at least 18 years of age. Our community is comprised of 700 resident members from approximately 100 countries, including the United States, each academic year attending any graduate program or participating in an internship program anywhere in the New York City area. We offer a variety of room types with a wide range of prices. We are located on Riverside Drive and 122nd Street in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Academic institutions in the area include Columbia University, Manhattan School of Music, Bank Street College, Union Theological Seminary, Jewish Theological Seminary and City College. . Applications for the academic year are reviewed on a regular basis by the Admissions Committee in a selective process. Applications for the summer session are reviewed between April and July on a first-come first-served basis. There is a minimum stay of 30 days during the summer session. Scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 are offered during the academic year to maintain the diversity of the community. More than just an apartment, International House is an international post-graduate residential community with in-house cultural programming, support services, leadership training, organized excursions, distinguished speakers' series, career networking opportunities, international dining fare, musical performances and language exchange groups. At I. House, your neighbors come from more than 100 countries, work and train at 72 organizations, study at 33 institutions and can teach you French, African Dance or Tai Chi. You can meet Madeleine Albright over lunch, have dinner with a corporate CEO or U.N. Ambassador, or learn the intricacies of Azerbaijani folk music. Suddenly, placing a price tag on the value of the I. House experience becomes more complex http://209.2.51.217/NewApp.asp For more information: http://www.ihouse-nyc.org/about/index.html Looking for another Engineering student as a possible roommate? EGSC would encourage you to use our interactive “Facebook.” Once you have a Columbia University email, you can register yourself for this service. Once you are activated with a Facebook account you can join the EGSC group page. During the academic year, EGSC posts updates and encourages students to get involved with the Engineering community, both on-campus as well as online. In the discussion board of the EGSC group page on Facebook, you can post your request for housing under the subject “Looking for housing?” If you’re not looking for a roommate, but would like to join up with other students to explore New York City housing together, we welcome you to use Facebook to coordinate this as well. Nonetheless, as an online community, always use your judgment and caution when posting information online. We hope you find this service helpful. http://columbia.facebook.com/login.php Long-Term Accommodations – For Men & Women The International House staff, 500 Riverside Avenue, New York, NY 10027, compiled this listing. This listing is meant for reference purposes only to assist in securing long and/or short term housing. Residences & Apartments Rates AMSTERDAM RESIDENCE (212) 873-9402 207 West 85th Street New York, NY 10024 Fax: (212) 799-7820 amsterdam.residence@gte.net Weekly single: Shared bath $275 BROADWAY BRESLIN (212) 685-9600 1186 Broadway (At West 29th Street) New York, NY 10001 Fax: (212) 779-4737 DE HIRSCH RESIDENCE (212) 415-5650 (800) 858-4692 1395 Lexington Avenue (At 92nd Street) New York, NY 10128 Fax: (212) 415-5578 www.dehirsch.com dehirsch@92y.org Monthly: $500-$1400 30-45 days: Single: $50 per day Double: $40 per day Small double: 35 per day 46 days and longer: Single: $1095 Double: $765-895 per person EDUCATIONAL HOUSING SERVICES STUDENT HOUSING CENTER 31 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10010-9998 www.studenthousing.org Rates from $3,500.00 per semester FSL SCHOLARSHIPS FOUNDATION NY STUDENT RESIDENCES at Manhattan School of Music (212) 629-7300 134 Claremont Avenue New York, NY 10027 Fax (212) 736-7950 dhenning@studygroup.com Daily: Single - $79 Shared rooms- $69 Weekly: Single - $315 Share - $275 Notes Doubles are available with shared bath. 24 hour security, air conditioning,TV, refrigerators and sinks in each room, laundry room,must provide own towel. $10 key deposit required. Total capacity: 100 rooms. Unfurnished studio apartments only. Minimum one-year lease. Total capacity: 240 apartments. Operated by 92nd St.YMYWHA. All rooms have air conditioning. Shared bath, kitchen, 24-hour security, laundry room, maid service, library,cultural activities, swimming pool, gym. Handicapped accessible. Total capacity: 375 beds. Student friendly, convenient locations in the New York City area.Fully furnished residences featuring: air conditioning color TV, 24hour security, kitchens laundry facilities, computer centers,communication packages, health club options. Daily tours of each residence available. Please call and/or visit our website for various properties and descriptions. Single and shared rooms contain a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe and chest of drawers. Facilities include, shared shower and restrooms on each floor, wheel chair access, Internet access and 24 hour security.Cafeteria on site. Student lounge with a large screen TV, DVD or video player. Minimum stay: 1 week. Total capacity: 135 INTERNATIONAL HOUSE (212) 316-8400 Monthly: Single: $625-738 Open to full-time graduate students only during academic 500 Riverside Drive (At 122nd Street) New York, NY 10027 Fax: (212) 316-1827 www.ihouse-nyc.org admissions@ihouse-nyc.org Shared apartment: $849-1,155 Studio apartment: $1,2271,367 One-bedroom apartment: $1,457-1,672 Extra-large apartment with private bathroom: $1,199 LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY Residence Hall (718) 488-1046 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Fax: (718) 488-1548 Double room:$2,400 per semester Guest rooms: $60 per night PENNINGTON FRIENDS HOUSE (212) 673-1730 215 East 15th Street (Near 3rd Avenue) New York, NY 10003 Monthly: $660-1,031 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY (718) 260-3240 Metrotech Center Brooklyn, NY 11202 Fax (718) 260-3755 www.poly.edu/reslife summerhousing@poly.edu Daily per person: SuitesDouble: $40, Single: $60 ApartmentsDouble: $50 Single: $75 Weekly per person: SuitesDouble: $200, Single: $300 ApartmentsDouble: $300 Single: $400 Monthly per person: SuitesDouble: $600, Single: $900 ApartmentsDouble: $825 Single: $1,100 Private or semi-private room available from $500-900 per month SUGAR HILL INTERNATIONAL HOUSE (212) 926-7030 722 St. Nicholas Avenue New York, NY 10031 Fax: (212) 283-0108 www.sugarhillhostel.com info@sugarhillhostel.com Daily: Single: $80 Double: $115 year;undergraduates welcome in summer. Application necessary for stays of 30 days or more. Handicapped accessible. Total capacity: 700 beds. The L.I.U Brooklyn Campus provides housing accommodations of higher education in the New York City area. Separate meal plan, if desired.Guest rooms are also available throughout the year for individuals,couples and small groups visiting the New York City area. Handicapped accessible. Total capacity: about 600. Operated by Quaker community, residents are responsible for sharing in housework. Two meals per day (except Saturday) are included in all rates (breakfast and dinner). Long waiting list, reserve early. Total capacity: 25 beds. Accommodation is available during the summer from June 1 to August 15 at the 400 bed Othmer Residence Hall. For international students only. Valid passport required for check-in. Interested students and travelers should submit an itinerary with arrival and departure dates. Long-Term Accommodations – Women Only Residences & Apartments Rates THE BRANDON (212) 496-6901 340 West 85th Street (Between West End & Riverside Drive) New York, NY 10024 Daily $60 Monthly $895-1067 CENTRO MARIA RESIDENCE (212) 757-6989 539 West 54th Street (Between 10th & 11th Avenues) New York, NY 10019 Fax: (212) 307-5687 cenmariany@mindspring.com Daily per person: Single $55 Weekly per person: Single $175 Double $150 EL CARMELO RESIDENCE (212) 242-8224 249 West 14th Street New York, NY 10010 Fax: (212) 242-7233 Double only (for 3 weeks or more) $50 per person per day.3-12 weeks: $160 per week. Over 3 months: $120 per week. JEANNE D'ARC RESIDENCE (212) 989-5952 253 West 24th Street New York, NY 10011-1788 Fax: (212) 691-0257 Subject to change; Reasonable, low rates. JUDSON POST HALL YWCA (718) 875-1190 ext.223 30 Third Avenue (Between Atlantic Ave & State St) Brooklyn, NY 11217 Daily: Single $55 Monthly: Single $540 Notes Must call or mail for application in advance. Two meals included in rates. Linen service optional. $50 one-time flat fee. No maximum stay. Total capacity: 124. Operated by the Religious Sisters of Mary Immaculate. Curfew: 11:30pm Sun.-Thurs.; 12 midnight Friday and Saturday. Breakfast and dinner included in rates. Saturday breakfast only. Sunday breakfast and lunch only. Single women only, 18 to 26 years old. Minimum stay: 4weeks. Total capacity: 80 beds. Letter of recommendation required. Curfew: 11 pm Sunday-Thursday; 12midnight Friday-Saturday. Breakfast and dinner included in rates.Meals are Monday-Friday only. Ages 18-35. Total capacity: 36 beds. Monthly rates payable in advance, must pick up application, long waiting list. Laundry, drink machine, kitchen, dining room. Total capacity: 140. Annual membership fee of $50 is required for stay of 2 weeks or more($25 with school ID). $20/month for phone. 8-week deposit for unemployed students. Large communal kitchen, laundry facility,handicapped accessible. For long term stay must pay 1 month rent & 1month security in advance. Key deposit $20. Reference letter required. Total capacity: 214 rooms. MARKLE EVANGELINE RESIDENCE (212) 242-2400 123 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 Fax: (212) 229-2801 Weekly per person: Single: $230 Large Double: $180 Small Double: $159 Triple: $153 Quad: $138 Operated by the Salvation Army. 24-hour security, maid service, 2 meals per day. Each room has a private bath and telephone. Minimum stay is 31 days for weekly rate. Less than 31 day stay: Single: $73/day or $436/week; Double: $105/day or $634/week. 4 week security deposit required. PARKSIDE EVANGELINE RESIDENCE (212) 677-6200 18 Gramercy Park South New York, NY 10003 Fax: (212) 388-7515 Weekly per person: Single $222 Double $198 $1000 security deposit $25 non-refundable reservation fee SACRED HEART (212) 929-5790 432 West 20th Street New York, NY 10011 Fax: (212) 924-0891 Weekly per person: Double or single $240 ST. MARY'S RESIDENCE (212) 249-6850 225 East 72nd Street New York, NY 10021 Fax: (212) 249-4336 stmarysres72@aol.com Daily: (3-11 nights) $70 per night Weekly: (2-11 weeks) $215 per week Weekly: (for 12 weeks or more) $172 per week (2 weeks' rent and $192 deposit due on arrival) Total capacity: 280 beds. Operated by the Salvation Army. 2 meals per day included. 3 months minimum stay during academic year; 4 weeks minimum stay in summer. Age range: 18-35. Total capacity: 292 beds. Breakfast and dinner included Monday through Friday only. Curfew: Sunday-Thursday 11 pm; Friday-Saturday 12 midnight. Total capacity: 28 rooms. Minimum stay 3 nights. All single rooms. Shared bathrooms. Smoke free building. Kitchen and lounge available. Write, call or fax to receive an application. Total capacity: 147. Long-Term Accommodations – Men Only KOLPING HOUSE (212) 369-6647 165 East 88th Street New York, NY 10128 Fax: (212) 987-5652 residence@kolpingny.org Daily: $60 Weekly: $175 A $50.00 non-refundable registration fee is required to reserve a room. Monday-Friday one meal a day included lunch or dinner). Shared bath. Two letters of reference required. Students need letter from parents guaranteeing payment. Ages 21-35. Reservations should be made 2-3 months in advance. Maximum stay: 3 months Total Capacity: 88 beds. Short-Term Accommodations Hostels & Hotels AMSTERDAM INN (212) 579-7500 340 Amsterdam Ave (At 76th Street) New York, NY 10024 Fax: (212) 579-6127 www.amsterdaminn.com amsterdaminn@nyinns.com Rates Daily per person: Single w/shared bath:$79 Double w/shared bath: from $99 Private baths: from $109 BIG APPLE HOSTEL (212) 302-2603 119 West 45th Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenues) New York, NY 10036 Fax: (212) 302-2605 www.bigapplehostel.com bigapple@concentric.net Daily: $91.50 per room (one or two people) $34.50 dormitory bed (per person, four people to a room). All rates tax inclusive. Rates subject to seasonal change. CARLTON ARMS HOTEL (212) 679-0680 160 East 25th Street (Off 3rd Avenue) New York, NY 10010 www.carltonarms.com Daily: Single: $70-85 Double: $85-99 Triple: $110-120 Quad: $130-140 Weekly: Single: $440-536 Double: $536-624 Triple: $693-756 Quad: $819-882 Notes Advance reservations required. Color/cable TV, telephones, air conditioning, 24-hour concierge, multilingual staff, fax & copy service at front desk. Cash, credit cards or travelers checks accepted. Maximum stay: 21 days. Total capacity: 28 rooms. 24 hour reception, free linen, lockers for valuables, laundry room,international call and fax service, common room, Internet access,fully equipped kitchen, and back yard. Total capacity: 100beds. Pay for weekly rental upon arrival and receive a 10: discount. Shared and private baths available. Each room has a sink. Total capacity: 54 rooms. CENTRAL PARK HOSTEL (212) 678-0491 TOLL FREE: (877) 727-5233 19 West 103rd Street New York, NY 10025 Fax: (212) 678-0453 www.centralparkhostel.com info@CentralParkHostel.com Daily per person: $29-75 CHELSEA INTERNATIONAL HOSTEL (212) 647-0010 251 West 20th Street (Between 7th & 8th Avenues) New York, NY 10011 Fax: (212) 727-7289 www.chelseahostel.com reservations@chelseahostel.com Daily per person: Dorm $28-32 Private Room (2 people max) $70 FLUSHING YMCA (718) 961-6880 138-46 Northern Boulevard Flushing NY 11354 Fax: (718) 445-8392 www.ymcanyc.org/ flushingguestrooms@ymcanyc.org GERSHWIN HOTEL (212) 545-8000 7 East 27th Street (Between Madison & 5th Avenue) New York, NY 10016 Fax: (212) 684-5546 www.gershwinhotel.com reservations@gershwinhotel.com Studio apartments: $99-129 daily Each room holds 4, 6, 8 or 10 beds. Private 2-bed rooms are available with shared bath. Cash or travelers checks only. No credit cards. A foreign passport or international student ID required to check in.Tours and airport transfers can be booked at front desk. 24-hour security, linens included, airconditioning, lockers, recreation room with pool table & TV lounge. Studio apartments with private bath, TV, and kitchenette. Total capacity: 200 beds. Some rooms available with air conditioning. Passport required to check in. Hostel provides linen, but no towels. Lockers are available. Please bring your own lock. Common kitchen area with coffee and tea available. Recreation room with TV, courtyard,Internet access, laundry facility. Weekly: Single: $300 Double: $420 Maximum stay: 14 days. Total capacity: 325. Clean, comfortable, safe and very affordable guest rooms for men and women. Daily housekeeping services, air conditioning and cable TV.Shared bath. Handicap Accessible. Easily accessible by public transportation. Daily per double: Economy: $99-119 Standard room: $99-139 Superior: $139-159 Suites: $159-209 Maximum stay 25 days.Total capacity: 127 rooms. Dorm rooms of 4 or 10 beds. TV room is air-conditioned. Linens supplied, bring your own towel. $33 (+ tax) refundable key deposit. Dorms only: $33-53 Total capacity: 150 rooms. Daily: Single $50 Double $70 Triple: $80 GREENPOINT YMCA (718) 389-3700 99 Meserole Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11222 Fax: (718) 349-2146 www.ymcanyc.org/ grpbnb@ymcanyc.org Daily per single: Economy: $40 Deluxe: $58 Double Occupancy: $70 Weekly per single: Economy: $231 Deluxe: $300 Double Occupancy: $350 Monthly per single: Economy: $840 Deluxe: $1170 HARLEM YMCA (212) 281-4100, ext 216 180 West 135th Street (Between Adam Clayton Powell & Lenox Avenue) New York, NY 10030 Fax: (212) 491-3178 www.ymcanyc.org/ HarlemGuestRooms@ymca.nyc.org HOSTELLING INTERNATIONALNew York (1-800) 909-4776, ext. 146 (US only) (212) 932-2300, ext. 155 891 Amsterdam Avenue (At 103rd Street) New York, NY 10025 Fax: (212) 932-2574 www.hinewyork.org reserve@hinewyork.org INTERNATIONAL HOUSE (212) 316-8473 500 Riverside Drive (At 122nd Street) New York, NY 10027 Fax: (212) 316-1827 www.ihouse-nyc.org guestrooms@ihouse-nyc.org Double occupancy: $1300 Daily: Deluxe $55 Double $95-125 Dorms per night/person: 4 bed dorm: $35 6-8 bed dorm : $32 10-12 bed dorm: $30 Special Rooms per night: "Family Room" (1 queen bed, 1 bunkbed): $120 "Private Room" (1 queen bed, 1 bunkbed, private bath): $135 Dorm room: $45-50 per night Guest suite: Single: $120 Double: $130 Triple:$ 150 Guest Suite: Single:$130 Double: $145 Triple:$160 Quad: $175 5 person:$190 Economy room includes only single bed. Deluxe room includes double bed, air conditioning,TV, breakfast. Double, triple, & quad rooms available. Access to pool, sauna, fitness center & weight room. $20 key deposit. No cooking in rooms. Shared bath. Maximum stay: 28 days. Total capacity: 100. $15.00 key deposit. Shared bath. Color TV and air conditioner in all rooms. Access to Health Center. Call for special weekly rates for students. Maximum stay: 28 days. Total capacity: 226 rooms. Reservations should be made 7 days in advance. There are a few private rooms for families (sleep 4). Add $3.00 if not an International Youth hostel member. For one year membership: seniors (54 yrs. and up)$18.00, adults (18 yrs-54 yrs.) $28.00. No curfew. Maximum stay: 28days. Total capacity: 624 beds. Maximum stay: 20 nights. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CENTER (212) 787-7706 38 West 88th Street (At Central Park West) New York, NY 10024 Fax: (212) 580-9283 www.nystudentcenter.org info@nyustudentcenter.org JAMAICA YMCA (718) 739-6600 89-25 Parsons Boulevard Jamaica, NY 11432 Fax: (718) 298-6241 www.ymcanyc.org/ Daily per person: Dorms $30 Daily per person: Single: $49 Double: $60 Limited number of rooms available at monthly rate for full-time students studying in New York. Written application required for student rate. JAZZ ON THE PARK (212) 932-1600 36 West 106th Street New York, NY 10025 Fax: (212) 932-1700 www.jazzonthepark.com info@jazzonthepark.com Daily per person: LANDMARK GUEST ROOMS UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (212) 280-1313 3041 Broadway (At 121st Street) New York, NY 10027 Fax: (212) 280-1488 www.uts.columbia.edu Daily: Single: $55 Double $85 Dorm(4 beds): $32 Dorm (6-8 beds) $29 Dorm (10-14 beds) $27 Single:$125 Double:$145 Women 6-8 bed dorms.Men 8-10 bed dorms.Communal kitchen and lounge. No lockers, but there is a safe and bag storage area. Bring own towel. Maximum stayssummer: 7 days; spring/fall/winter: 2weeks. Total capacity: 50 beds. Private rooms with shared showers or baths, single and double rooms available. Conveniently located near subways, LaGuardia and kennedy Airports. Free gym facility, laundry facilities across the street.$10 refundable key deposit. Total capacity: 266 beds. Price per person includes sheets, towels, blankets and a light breakfast. All rooms have air conditioning. Jazz Cafe and coffee bar,roof top terrace and garden, Internet access. Pizza party once a week. Summer keg parties in the Jazz Cafe: all you can eat and drink for $5. Total capacity: 310 beds. Single and double rooms available. Rooms have refrigerator,cable TV, phone (w/ free local calling). Some rooms have kitchenettes. No maximum stay required. Total capacity: 25 rooms/40people 1291 ACCOMMODATION MANHATTAN YOUTH CASTLE (212) 831-4440 1596 Lexington Ave (At 101st Street) New York, NY 10029 Fax: (212) 722-5746 www.youthcastle.com info@youthcastle.com 1291 ACCOMMODATION SWISS HOSTEL (212) 394-9686 November to July: Rates start at $12.91 per night, plus tax. Packages of 6 nights available. $32 per night; $220 special weekly rate. Private rooms $80 and up. (212) 394-5011 337 West 55th Street (Betw/ Times Square and Columbus Circle) New York, NY 10019 Fax: (212) 956-1619 www.1291.com 1291@1291.com Female dorm available, 6 bathrooms, common room with fridge,microwave and table to eat, TV room, Internet access, all rooms airconditioned, hard-wood floors. Safety deposit lockers ($1 per stay) are provided, linens, blankets, and towels included. Washing machine & dryer. Passport & ID required for check in. Maximum stay:24 days. Total capacity: 42 beds in 5 rooms. 28 private rooms and 21 dormitory beds available. Common room with fridge, microwave and dining table, TV room, Internet access, free local telephone, and large garden. All rooms newly renovated. Linens, blankets and towels included. Washing machine and dryer. Passport and ID required for check in. MURRAY HILL INN (212) 683-6900 143 East 30th Street New York, NY 10016 Fax: (212) 545-0103 www.murrayhillinn.com info@murrayhillinn.com NEW YORK BED & BREAKFAST (212) 666-0559 134 West 119th Street New York, NY 10026 Fax: (212) 663-5000 newyorkBandB@aol.com Daily: Single w/shared bath $91 Single or double w/private bath from $129-179 (price do not tax) Maximum stay: 28 days. Reservations necessary, cash & travelers checks only. Weekly singles subject to availability. Maximum stay: 21 days. Total capacity: 46 rooms. Daily: $65 Private room available, shared bathroom. Private rooms available, shared bathrooms. Maximum stay: 7 days RIVERVIEW HOTEL (212) 929-0060 113 Jane Street New York, NY 10014 Fax: (212) 675-8581 www.hotelriverview.com hriverview@aol.com Daily: Single: $40.65-56.70 Double: $66.75-94.80 Weekly: Single: $213.20 Double: $318.05-438.45 Manager Gisele Allard can help students find long-term accomodations upon request. Rooms are private with a shared bath. $5 key deposit. Maximum stay: 21 days. Total capacity: 208 rooms. SEAFARER INTERNATIONAL HOUSE (212) 677-4800 123 East 15th Street (At Irving Place) New York, NY 10003 Fax: (212) 353-0526 www.sihnyc.org res@sihnyc.org Daily: Single with shared bathroom: $76 Single with private bathroom: $106 Double with shared bathroom: $96 Advance reservations required. Visa/Mastercard guarantees reservation. For a discount on some rooms, students can bring a letter from their school verifying current registration and a valid student ID card. Maximum stay: 21days. Total capacity: 84 beds. Double with private bathroom: $126 THREE EAST THIRD CORPORATION (212) 533-7749 3 East 3rd Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenues) New York, NY 10003 Fax: (212) 673-5387 www.yloria.com yloria@aol.com Weekly: Singles $210 TWELVE TOWNS YMCA (718) 277-1600 570 Jamaica Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11208 Fax: (718) 277-2081 www.ymcanyc.org/ 12townsguestrm@ymcanyc.org Daily: $40 Weekly: $280 UPTOWN HOSTEL (212) 666-0559 239 Lennox Avenue (At 122nd Street) New York, NY 10027 giselesuptown@aol.com www.uptownhostel.com UNION SQUARE INN (212) 614-0500 209 East 14th Street (At Third Avenue) Fax: (212) 614-0512 www.unionsquareinn.com jarroyo@nyinns.com Daily per person: $25 Daily: Single: $109 Double:$129159 Dormitory style w/ communal bathrooms. Fully furnished, fridge,vanity, TV. Wireless internet available for $5 per week. For single persons only.1 week security deposit required. Must call for appointment (call 9 am-7 pm EST) Total capacity: 28 beds Private rooms with shared baths. Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance. Maximum stay: 28 days Total capacity: 97 rooms 4-6 people per room, shared bath. Maximum stay: 7 days Total capacity: 10 rooms. 45 rooms with private bathrooms. 24 hour bellman service. VANDERBILT YMCA (212) 756-9600 224 East 47th Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Avenues) New York, NY 10017 Fax: (212) 752-0210 www.ymcanyc.org/ygny/index.html Daily: Single: $79 Single w/ bath: $110 Double (bunkbed): $89 Double w/ bath: $110 Newly renovated room: Single: $92 WEST END STUDIOS (212) 749-7104 850 West End Avenue (Between 101st & 102nd Streets) New York, NY 10025 Fax: (212) 865-5130 www.westendstudios.com info@westendstudios.com WEST SIDE YMCA (917) 441-8800 5 West 63rd Street (At Central Park West) New York, NY 10023 Fax: (212) 579-4200 www.ymcanyc.org/ygny/index.html wsguestrooms@ymcanyc.org Shared bath for most rooms. Washers and dryers for guest use. Access to fitness center. Internet access available. Reservations need to be made in advance. Double with semi-private bath:$98 Daily per person: Dorm room: weekday:$29.95 weekend: $14.95 Double $99.95 Double Twin: $19.95 Double Double (4 people): $130 Daily: Single w/ shared bath: $79 Double w/ shared bath & with bunk-beds: $89 Double w/ private bath: $105-130 Maximum stay: 25 days. Total capacity: 542 rooms. No credit cards. 4 baths located on each floor for guest use. Color TV with cable, Internet access, laundry service. Kitchenettes available upon request. Linen and towels provided. Maximum stay: 21days. Total capacity: 80 rooms. Shared bath for most rooms. TV in each room. Access to fitness center. Handicapped accessible. Prices are subject to change. Maximum stay: 25 days. Total capacity: 460 rooms. Fall 2009 Welcome! On behalf of the Engineering Graduate Student Council (EGSC), I would like to congratulate you on your decision to pursue your studies at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)! As you are aware, SEAS offers unparalleled opportunities to investigate a range of academic and outside interests. The EGSC is committed to having students make the best of these opportunities. The EGSC is a recognized group that consists of representatives from each of the nine academic departments at SEAS. The objectives of the EGSC are to foster interaction among graduate engineering students, to serve as a voice for graduate engineering students and to sponsor social and educational events of interest to the graduate engineering community. As a SEAS graduate student, you are automatically an associate member of the EGSC. However, we encourage you to become an active member and participate! The EGSC sponsors a range of social and educational programs throughout the academic year. More specifically, we organize four major socials to foster interaction between students, faculty and administrators. We also invite guest speakers from academia and the business world for professional and personal development workshops. We are currently in the process of updating our website so that students can be informed about upcoming events, view pictures of past events, provide suggestions for future events, and contact us. We invite you to join and to contribute to the enthusiasm and energy of the EGSC and we hope that your experiences will be just as fun and rewarding as ours have been. We look forward to seeing you in the Spring! If you have any questions about the EGSC or SEAS, please feel free to contact us www.seas.columbia.edu/egsc Sincerely, The Engineering Graduate Student Council (EGSC)