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On this page, you will find frequently asked questions regarding online learning. Click the arrow next to a question to see its answer. Check regularly for updates.
On this page, you will find frequently asked questions regarding online learning. Click the arrow next to a question to see its answer. Check regularly for updates.
Q: Is online learning better than in-person class? What kind of online learning is best?
A: The mode of learning that is best for you, as an individual, depends on you. See our Online Learning Overview for information about common online learning modalities.
Q: How can there be (closed-book) tests in online courses when I need my computer and internet to take the class at all?
A: Online courses often use other kinds of evaluation to check students' learning (such as papers or presentations). For online exams, instructors may choose to use proctoring programs, such as Honorlock to ensure students only reference approved materials.
Q: What computer can I use for online learning?
A: Canvas and Zoom will work on most computers 5 years old or younger. Canvas supports the last two versions of every web browser release; it is recommended you keep your browser up to date.
Canvas' specific system minimum requirements can be found in our Tech Check Presentation.
Zoom's system minimum requirements can be found on this page from Zoom support.
Q: I feel isolated and lonely with classes being online.
A: TC is working to maintain a community and look out for the health of our community, even when we are operating remotely.
Reach out to your instructors, department, and faculty; they are working to develop study groups within your classes and extracurricular activities outside of them.
For concerns about your physical, mental, or emotional well-being, refer to TC's Resources for Students.
For virtual events where you can interact with your peers and learn about a variety of topics, check your email regularly for TC Come Together.
Q: I really need to talk to somebody about what I'm going through right now.
A: TC's Student Support & Counseling services are available remotely. Fill out their contact form to request a phone appointment.
Columbia's Counseling and Psychological Services Center on main campus (CPS) is still open offering phone appointments. You can reach out to them at 212-854-2878 to schedule a first call with a counselor. Outside of office hours, you can still call 212-854-2878 at any hour, any day to speak with a counselor on call.
For any kind of emergency remember that you can always call Public Safety at 212-678-3333. They are the best way to contact any emergency service and they're there to help you.
Q: My internet connection is not good; I often get disconnected from my Zoom sessions.
Contact your instructor immediately and inform him or her of the situation; he or she will arrange an alternative way for you to participate in the course. Also, report the technical issues to the Services Desk (servicedesk@tc.columbia.edu) .
Q: I am in a different time zone and cannot participate in the synchronous session for my class.
A: Reach out to your instructor and inform them of the situation: they will arrange a way for you to participate in class, even if not synchronously.
COVID-19 online learning FAQ
COVID-19 online learning FAQ
Q: When when courses be in-person again?
A: The TC administration has decided that, for the safety of our community, classes for Spring 2021 be held primarily online. Summer classes may be fully online or offer hybrid options. Currently, Fall 2021 is planned to be primarily in-person.
Q: Can I defend my dissertation online?
Following a temporary change in policy at Columbia’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Provost Rowley has indicated that all TC doctoral students (both EdD and PhD) who have not yet held their dissertation defense and who are planning to do so during the Spring 2020 term may hold their defense remotely. (Check back for explicit confirmation this has not changed for Spring 2021). The Office of Doctoral Studies will be sending out emails with detailed steps to doctoral candidates who are planning to defend this term, and they are also available to answer any questions you may have.
The Defending your Dissertation using Zoom has details for setting up Zoom meetings.
Detailed information will be given to those Ed.D. and Ph.D. Candidates who have filed an Intention to Defend for the Spring 2020 term.
Q: Will I have graduation in person?
A: For Spring 2021, TC will hold its Convocation online.
Q: How can I apply to graduate with school being only online?
A: From the Office of the Registrar: the graduation application process for Advanced Certificate and master’s degree students (MA, MS, EdM) is changing. Beginning immediately, students will apply for graduation online via their MyTC portal. The process will no longer require sending hard or scanned copies of your students’ degree audits to the Office of the Registrar.
The process for doctoral students (MPhil, EdD, EdDCT, and PhD) will remain the same. They will not apply via the portal unless they are obtaining a master’s degree or Advanced Certificate.
Students should go over their progress with their advisors prior to submitting the application. After the deadline to apply for graduation for a given term lapses, the Office of the Registrar will send a list of applicants to the appropriate DAAs for dissemination.
Q: Is campus open at all?
A: From Provost Stephanie Rowley: If you are planning to return to campus, know that the campus is currently open, with access to the library, computer labs, and dining hall (for study space only). Anyone accessing campus must follow the health and safety guidelines outlined on the TC COVID Preparedness website. Campus housing is also available and can be requested through the Office of Residential Services.
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