Student Affairs is the collective name for offices that work closely with students in the out-of-class learning environment. Student Affairs consists of the offices of the Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students, Chaplain, Counseling Services, Multicultural Affairs & Community Resources, Residence Life and Housing, and Student Activities. Services provided by these offices are generally offered at little or no charge to students. Student Affairs staff members provide students with a variety of opportunities, activities, programs, and events that support learning in and out of the classroom, assist the student in becoming engaged in the campus community, enhance a student’s leadership skills, and promote success during and after college. Detailed descriptions of the individual offices can be found in the Student Handbook.
The policies listed below are related to the work of the Student Affairs division. These policies are reprinted here for convenience. If there are any discrepancies between the content in this section and similar material in the Student Handbook, the Student Handbook is considered to contain the correct wording of the policies.
Residency Requirements
A first-time college student (21 years of age or under) is required to live on campus during the first two years of enrollment at Columbia College (note that students who enter Columbia College directly from high school and have earned dual enrollment college credit are considered “first-time college students” at Columbia College). A first-year or second-year student may choose to live off campus if they are living with a legal guardian within Richland or Lexington Counties and are living at the address on record with the College as their permanent address. First-year and second-year students who are married and/or who are living with dependents will also be exempted from the residency requirement but may be asked to submit verification.
All other exceptions to the residency requirement must be requested in writing and will be reviewed and approved by the Director of Residence Life and Housing and/or a committee. A form requesting an exemption to this requirement is available through the Office of Residence Life & Housing.
Immunizations: Required
All students entering Columbia College must present a valid immunization certificate (dated, signed, or stamped by a health care professional/office) documenting that the student has received those immunizations required by the College. Failure to comply will result in delayed registration for the subsequent semester.
Pursuant to South Carolina law, the Columbia College institutional policy, and endorsement by the American College Health Association, the following immunizations and screening tests are REQUIRED:
Students born after December 31, 1956:
- 2 Measles (Rubella), 1 Mumps, and 1 Rubella (2 MMR doses meet this requirement)
- Tuberculosis Screening (PPD) within the last 6 months. If you are an international student. If you have traveled outside the United States, a PPD is required three months after you return to the States. A PPD is required regardless of prior BCG inoculation.
Several options are available to achieve compliance with the Columbia College Immunization Policy.
- Private Physician
- Medical Centers
- Your local Health Department can provide the second MMR, Td booster and tuberculosis screening.
Columbia College will keep a student’s immunization record on file for the duration of their tenure at Columbia College. Any student wishing to receive a copy of their immunization record should contact the Division of Student Affairs at 803.786.3856.
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation is a three-part process, with the first session held in June, July, or August and the second session held just prior to the start of the academic year in August. The final segment of the program is in the form of a two-hour credit course - LA 100 - First Year Experience I: Strategies for Success - held during the fall semester. During Orientation, students become acquainted with other new students, faculty, and staff; receive information designed to assist them in achieving academic and personal success; and select courses for the fall semester. New students are expected to attend and participate in the entire three-part orientation process. Transfer students attend a specially designed Welcome Program offered in August (fall start) and January (spring start). Evening and Graduate students participate in a half-day Orientation program before the start of each semester.
Statement Regarding Health Services
Columbia Community Family Practice provides primary and preventative services for students, in addition to behavioral health counseling. This practice, which is open to the community, is located at 4808 Colonial Drive. Most health insurance is accepted, and the practice has a sliding scale payment program for those who qualify. Call 803-888-1106 to make an appointment.
Student Identification Cards
All Columbia College students are issued a student identification card (ID). The ID card is used to access student residence halls, check out library materials, obtain reduced student rates at College events and theatre productions, allow students access to certain academic buildings on nights and weekends, and serve as the meal card for students on a meal plan. The ID is non-transferable and must be carried at all times. When requested by a College official, a student must present their ID. Further information about the ID can be found in the Student Code of Conduct and Policies section of the Student Handbook.
Identification cards are issued by the Columbia College Police Department (CCPD) during normal business hours (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday). CCPD is located next to the Godbold Center. Office staff can be reached at 803-786-3343.
Lost or stolen identification cards must be reported immediately to the Columbia College Police Department. If the card is not found by the end of the day, the student needs to have another identification card made. The cost for the replacement card is $25.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Columbia College competes as a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s and men’s cross country, women’s and men’s golf, women’s and men’s soccer, softball, women’s and men’s swimming, women’s and men’s tennis, women’s and men’s track & field, cheerleading, and women’s volleyball. Scholarships are available to qualified student athletes. If interested in trying out as a walk-on for a sports team, please contact the specific coach of the team you are interested in prior to the start of the season. Contact information is available on the website at www.gokoalas.com.
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