What is the format of instruction for Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 semesters?

• Please read Dean Amale Andraos’s message to students of March 30, 2021 for an update on the School’s plans for the coming semesters.
  
• At this time, GSAPP is preparing to continue the School’s current hybrid model for teaching and learning in the Summer 2021 semester, blending in-person and remote instruction in accordance with Columbia University and New York State health and safety guidelines. The hybrid model currently in effect allows students to attend a mix of in-person classroom and studio-based teaching alongside remote instruction.
  
• For international students who are impacted by COVID-19 challenges such as travel restrictions and delays in obtaining visas, GSAPP remains committed to offering flexibility, and you will be able to start remotely.
  
• As outlined in President Lee Bollinger’s message of March 17, 2021, Columbia University expects to have the capacity and supply to vaccinate all Columbia affiliates by the fall, and has the goal to resume in-person academic activities across its campuses: “We are dedicated to coming as close to this reality as is safely possible, recognizing that events beyond our control may intervene and that we will need to have an adequate and sympathetic accommodation process in place for faculty, staff, and students, especially our international students who may not be able to return to campus.”
  
• Additional information regarding the Summer and Fall 2021 format of instruction will be shared with incoming and continuing students as soon as it becomes available.
  

Will GSAPP change the start date of the MSAAD, MSAUD, and MSRED programs in 2021?

• The deferral of the 2020 start date was a one-time exception approved by the New York State Education Department. The 2021 start date for the MSAAD, MSAUD, and MSRED programs is June 1, and the University’s academic calendar cannot be altered by a school.
  
• The three semesters of the MSAAD, MSAUD, and MSRED programs are sequential, and students need to enroll in the first semester in order to progress through the program.
  

Is it possible for students to participate remotely if they are unable to be on campus?

• Students are expected to take advantage of the hybrid model and attend in-person instruction when offered.
  
• GSAPP remains committed to accommodating students who are impacted by COVID-19 challenges such as travel restrictions, delays in obtaining visas, or health concerns, and will provide remote access to students unable to participate in any in-person teaching.
  

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 tuition and fees be adjusted for students studying remotely?

• Tuition fees are for academic instruction and are charged based on registration status. GSAPP’s master’s degree tuition rates are on a flat fee for full time students registered for 12-19 points.
  
• Adjustment to University Fees and other measures that Columbia University Student Financial Services is taking to address student and family needs in response to COVID-19 can be found on the Student Financial Services website, where updated information regarding changes to fees for the Summer 2021 semester is posted.
  
• For students studying remotely, the GSAPP is offering remote desktop protocol to access computers and software in the design studios, remote fabrication support in the Making Studio, as well as collection scanning and online access to library holdings. (See details below.)

Will there be studio or course-related travel in the Summer 2021 semester?

• At this time, Columbia’s Travel Restrictions suspending all University-related domestic and international travel to safeguard against the COVID-19 threat remain in effect. GSAPP will make determinations regarding future travel based on University guidance.