Frequently Asked Questions

First, go to the login/create account page and create an account using your personal email address or your UNI. Then identify the course you want to take by browsing the course catalog. Review the course description, prerequisites, and fee to ensure it is a good fit for you. To register for the course, select the "Enroll" button in the course banner. You will be prompted to provide basic contact information, and if there is a fee, to submit payment through the SecurePay system.

No, it is not mandatory to register with a UNI to access the online courses. However, it is recommended to do so. If you are a Columbia student or alumni and have an active UNI, you will be prompted to verify your login through DUO, a multifactor authentication process on your mobile device. Whether you choose to register with your UNI or with your personal email address, there will be no difference in your access to the courses or materials. If you experience any issues while logging in with your UNI, you can seek assistance from CUIT.

If you've created an account on Columbia+ with your UNI, but are unable to access your Columbia email, you can still access the courses you registered for by visiting courseworks.columbia.edu and signing in with your UNI.

For tips on accessing your Columbia email, please review these troubleshooting steps.

The prerequisites for the courses offered on Columbia+ can vary depending on the level of the course. Some courses may have no prerequisites, while others may require familiarity with specific concepts, skills, or computer programs. In some cases, prior completion of other courses may be required. To determine the prerequisites for a particular course, please review the recommendations provided on the course page before enrolling.

Once you have enrolled in a course on Columbia+, you will have access to the course syllabus that provides detailed information about the required readings and materials for the course. The syllabus will outline any textbooks, articles, or other resources that you will need to access to participate in the course.

For the majority of courses offered on Columbia+, there is no time limit for completing the course materials. Courses are designed to be self-paced, giving you the flexibility to complete the coursework at your own pace and schedule.

There is no limit to the number of courses you can enroll in at once on Columbia+. However, if you plan to take courses that follow a set schedule, make sure to check for overlapping timelines and commitments.

The requirements for assignments and assessments in Columbia+ courses can vary depending on the specific course. To determine if there are assignments and assessments required for a particular course, please check the "What You Will Learn'' section on the course page. Note that while assignments and assessments may be present, Columbia+courses are designed to be self-paced and are not monitored, supported, or graded by instructors.

There is no penalty for not completing a course on Columbia+. If you encounter difficulties completing a course or find that it is not suitable for your learning objectives, you can reach out to the CUIT Service Desk for support and information about a course refund.

If you have any questions about the course material, you can reach out to the Columbia+ team by sending an email to [email protected] or by utilizing the discussion board provided for the course. Note that while there are resources available to help answer your questions, courses are designed to be self-paced and are not instructor supported. This means that there is no formal instructor assigned to the course who can answer questions or provide individualized support.

To obtain a certificate after completing a course, you will need to successfully complete all the required modules, assessments, and assignments. Once you have completed all the coursework, you will receive a digital certificate via Accredible, a digital certification platform for online learning. The certificate will include an individual certificate number, which can be used to verify the authenticity of the certificate. You can choose to print or share your certificate online.

Canvas supports most mobile browsers and also offers a mobile app. For information on specific browsers and devices, visit the Mobile Devices information on the Canvas support page.

Canvas follows the guidelines for W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative. For more information, review the Canvas accessibility standards.

For any technical support issues,  please email [email protected] or call a support representative at (212) 854-1919.

To pay for a course on Columbia+, you will need to submit your payment online using SecurePay. After entering your contact information on the enrollment page, you will use the SecurePay portal to complete the payment process. SecurePay is a secure and easy-to-use online payment platform that is designed to ensure the safety and security of your personal and financial information. For more information on the features and benefits of SecurePay, you can review the information provided on payment collection.

SecurePay supports payments from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club International.

To apply a discount code, enter the code before checkout in the enrollment process. Before applying the code, ensure that it corresponds to the correct school and course, and that it is not expired. Please note that only one discount code can be applied per transaction. If you experience any difficulties applying a discount code, you can contact the CUIT Service Desk for assistance. Courses hosted outside of the platform may not be eligible for discounts, and may be subject to specific terms and conditions.

Note to Alumni: Alumni will be provided a $50 discount at launch, valid until August 31, 2023. The $50 discount will be applied during the checkout process, thus making $50 courses free to alumni. The $50 discount code can be applied to each and every course hosted on Columbia+.

If you find that you are unable to complete a course, or the course is not meeting your learning objectives, you may be eligible for a refund. To request a refund, you can contact the CUIT Service Desk.

Columbia+ is committed to ensuring the safety and security of your personal and financial information. All payments made through the platform are encrypted to protect your payment information during transmission. The collected funds are automatically directed to the chart string specified by the user. For more information on the security and privacy measures used to protect your payment information, you can review the payment collection information page on SecurePay.