In addition to registering for classes each semester, it is required to register for the appropriate RU or ER. Register for any Residence Unit just like you register for a class.  Find the call# of the particular Residence Unit.

To find the call number for the kind of Residence Unit you want, look in the Columbia Course Directory type   “Richard Slusarczyk” – (Assc. Dean-Academic Affairs, GSAS) as the “instructor” for GSAS residence units.  Choose the correct semester from the drop-down menu.  Then choose the particular RU: 

• RU: 20 points maximum (provides full-time status)
• ER: 20 points maximum (provides full-time status) ER is taken after completing 2 RUs in GSAS. 
• HR ( ½ RU) allows up to three courses (part-time students only)
• QR (¼ RU) allows up to two courses (part-time students only)

GSAS RULE:  After completing a total of two RUs, all students who wish to continue taking classes must register for ER in subsequent semesters.  One can register for ER for more than one semester (e.g., Summer Term and Fall Term). 

See FAQs below for full-time and part-time students. 

Read about Residence Units.  For more information about Residence Units, see also Tuition & Fees  and the GSAS Website. 

Besides registering for classes each semester, it is required to register for the appropriate RU or ER. 

After completing a total of two RUs, all students who want to take more classes in subsequent semester(s) must register for ER.  One can register for ER for more than one semester (e.g., Summer Term and Fall Term). 

To find the call number for the kind of residence unit you want, look in the Columbia Course Directory under Richard Slusarczyk – (Assc. Dean-Academic Affairs, GSAS) who will be listed as the “instructor” for GSAS residence units.  Choose the correct semester from the drop-down menu.  Find the call # for Extended Residence Unit (ER). 

It is the student’s responsibility to stay on track with graduation requirements, and to make sure the Faculty Adviser approves course selections.  During the first three weeks of classes (or during preregistration for the Spring Semester and Final Fall Semester), each student should send the MA Program Course Checklist to their Faculty Adviser.  Please don’t expect an immediate answer.  Allow a week for your Faculty Adviser to answer. 

• Here are details about the Statistics MA Program requirements.
• Here are approved electives.
• Here is information about Cross Registration.
• Here are electives grouped according to interest area, such as finance, data science, public health, insurance, or Ph.D., I’m looking to continue studying after graduation. 
• Here is a list of courses that will not count for the MA Degree in Statistics.

The Elective Course Request Form can be used if a class is not on the “Approved Electives” list, but you feel that it should be under consideration.  Before filling out that form, it is advisable to have a conversation with your Faculty Adviser. 

You may add classes until the last day of the “Change of Program Period” which is the last day of the second week of the semester.  This is the day the Wait Lists end. 

The GSAS Academic Calendar indicates the general dates that students can register.  The system will allow students to register only during specific registration appointment times on Student Services Online (SSOL) (accessed with UNI and password).  “REG APPTS” reveals the designated times.  These appointments are at the same times for all MA Statistics Students. 

HERE is information about the post-Change of Program Period.

• The first two weeks of the semester is called the “Change of Program Period” because students may add and drop classes in SSOL.
• You should not need to ADD any more classes after the end of the “Change of Program Period.” 

• Refer to the Academic Calendar for add/drop and other deadlines.
  • No classes may be dropped after the LAST DAY TO DROP.  There are no exceptions. 
    • Classes dropped before the LAST DAY TO DROP will not appear on the transcript. 
    • Dropping a class is a two-step process. You will receive an email to confirm. 
    • Refer to the Post Add/Drop Tool.
    • Check SSOL to make sure class has been officially dropped. 
  • No classes may be changed to R or Pass/Fail after the DEADLINE to change to PASS/FAIL or R.

• Half- Semester Courses
  • The deadlines for half- semester courses are different, to remain in proportion to the deadlines for full-semester courses.
    • Half-semester courses must be dropped within the first two weeks.
    • The deadline for Pass/Fail or for R credit is the first day of the fifth week. (Remember that core classes may not be taken for Pass/Fail or R credit.  Nor may they be taken over to receive a higher grade.)
  • Students who stop attending a course without officially dropping will be assigned a grade.