Is GSAPP planning to be completely online, hybrid, or in-person in the Fall 2020 semester?
- As described in the Dean’s letter of July 7, GSAPP will be using a hybrid learning model.
How will existing classes be adapted to take advantage of the hybrid model?
- The GSAPP faculty has been working on hybrid pedagogy and blended learning for Fall 2020 classes: seminars, lectures, and studios.
How are “crucial lectures and colloquia” defined or determined?
- Each program is currently defining the crucial classes which need to be in-person and fulfill the SEVP requirements for in-person instruction. For example, studio-based programs will offer in-studio time, thesis-based programs will offer thesis in-person.
- Programs will post the mode of instruction for specific classes in the syllabus before registration begins September 1.
- Confirmed hybrid courses with an in-person component are:
- MARCH I: ARCHA4001 Studio
- MARCH II: ARCHA4003 Studio
- MARCH III: ARCHA4005 Studio
- MSAAD: ARCHA4005 Studio
- MSAUD: ARCHA6849 Studio
- MSCCCP I: ARCHA4032 CCCP Colloquium I
- MSCCCP II: ARCHA4040 CCCP Thesis I
- MSHP I: ARCHA4510 Studio I
- MSRED: PLANA4310 Finance I
- MSUP I: PLANA4578 GIS Labs
- MSUP II: PLANA6918 Thesis/ Capstone Workshop
- MARCH I: ARCHA4001 Studio
How many courses are students able to take in the hybrid model?
- GSAPP has received approval to allow students to take more classes within the same tuition rate in the 2020-21 academic year, which will allow each student to register for up to 25 points instead of 19 points per semester (the equivalent of 2 extra classes).
Does the increase in maximum points from 19 to 25 in the 2020-2021 academic year affect the length of study?
- GSAPP degree eligibility requires a minimum number of semesters of full-time enrollment (at least 12 points per semester), in addition to a cumulative number of points earned and the completion of required courses. Using the increased number of available points to enroll in additional classes in any one semester will not shorten the duration of the overall degree program, but allows students to broaden their study through additional electives.
- The program-specific degree requirements and semesterly progress can be found on the respective program pages.
What are the meeting times and how will studio courses function?
- All GSAPP seminars and lectures will remain as scheduled, unless noted in the Fall 2020 course syllabus and Directory of Classes.
- GSAPP is planning three rotations of studios daily, with cleaning breaks in between.
- Room schedules and studio rotations are posted online here.
I live in a different time zone; will asynchronous learning be an option?
- GSAPP will accommodate students via taping and flipped classes, although all courses will not be available in alternate formats. Students attending classes online from a different time zone should contact the Student Affairs Office at studentaffairs@arch.columbia.edu. A program adviser can be assigned to meet with the student before registration to ensure the most appropriate schedule is available.
When will Studio Faculty be confirmed and when will studio prompts be shared with students for lottery consideration?
- As usual, specific Fall courses, studio instructor information, and syllabi will be announced at the program level closer to registration starting on September 1.
- GSAPP’s online course listing is regularly updated and shows confirmed faculty assignments. The Columbia University online course listing is Bulletin.
How will mid- and final reviews be facilitated?
- Studio Faculty will continue to be responsible for determining the best format, platform, and process for individual studio reviews. The dates and times of mid- and final reviews are posted on the GSAPP academic calendar.
How will grading be handled in the Fall 2020 semester?
- The Fall 2020 semester will follow GSAPP’s regular grading policy, as posted online.
Can I choose to do the entire year online?
- Students are expected to take advantage of the hybrid model and attend in-person instruction when offered.
- Students impacted by COVID-19 challenges such as travel restrictions, delays in obtaining visas, or health concerns should contact the Office of Student and Academic Affairs at studentaffairs@arch.columbia.edu.
Will I receive full credit if I need to participate remotely from abroad and can’t join in-person instruction?
- Yes, course credits are the same regardless of format of instruction.
Will there be studio or course-related travel in the Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 semesters?
- Mindful both of the University’s service mission and of its need to safeguard against the COVID-19 threat, the University has suspended all Columbia-related student travel until further notice (international and domestic Columbia-related travel). GSAPP will make determinations regarding future travel based on University guidance.
What are the plans for the Spring 2021 teaching model?
- No determination has been made regarding the format of the Spring semester.