SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

Open House

Each spring SIPA holds a day long reception for newly admitted students. This is a chance for admitted applicants to get a feel for SIPA, Columbia University, and New York City before making a final decision on which program to enter. During the course of this program, admitted applicants will have time to interact with alumni, current students, faculty and administration on such issues as concentration choices, financial aid, housing, course offerings, career services and student life.

Applicants who choose to visit the Open House are responsible for making their own housing and transportation arrangements. Breakfast and lunch will be provided along with a light supper and refreshments at the evening reception. There is no registration fee to attend, but space is limited and priority will be based upon when the registration form is submitted. You will receive a follow up email message to let you know your attendance has been confirmed.

The Open House this year will take place on Tuesday, April 14th. Plan to arrive by 8:30 a.m. The formal program will start at 9:00 a.m. Events will last all day and will culminate with a reception from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Attendance is limited to applicants only.  Due to space constraints we cannot accommodate friends or family members. New York City is filled with exciting things to do for family members and/or friends.

Fall 2009 Open House Schedule:

Draft of SIPA Open House for Admitted Students Program Schedule.
Note: the program will be available in print form when you arrive. The final program is subject to slight modification in the days prior to the event.

Register for Open House

For specific questions related to the Open House, contact sipa_new@columbia.edu

Directions to SIPA | Hotel Information

View Videos

The following videos were filmed during the opening segment of the 2009 SIPA Open House for Admitted Students. Included is the following:

• A greeting from the Director of Admissions, Dean John Coatsworth, and the SIPA MIA and MPA Student Body Presidents, and a presentation regarding the curriculum at SIPA by Senior Associate Dean Rob Garris (Time - 32:45)

• A faculty panel focused on the Concentrations offered at SIPA (Time - 64:50)

• Question and Answer period for Concentrations offered at SIPA (Time - 17:12)

• A faculty panel focused on the Specializations offered at SIPA (Time - 42:30)
  
  

• Question and Answer period for Specializations offered at SIPA (Time - 23:12)

SIPA Message Board

The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid will provide access to an Internet based message board for admitted students. The board will provide the opportunity for prospective students to interact with current SIPA students. Any admitted applicant is welcome to participate. When the message board is setup, you will receive an email from our office with instructions on how to participate.