Fall 2024 at Columbia: Get Ready to Make Your Mark

PhotoDance BFA students perform at Convocation.
A new semester is upon us. Get ready to explore new academic programs, discover vibrant campus art, and reconnect with friends.

The arrival of fall is more than just a change of seasons; it marks a brand new semester here at Columbia. Whether you are returning to the familiar rhythm of campus life or are joining us for the first time, we invite you to embrace this opportunity for growth and discovery. Read on for news, events, and important information. We can't wait to see where this year takes you. 

Convocation: A Beautiful Start to the Semester
On Friday, August 30, the incoming class gathered at the Student Center for a fun meet-and-greet. Classmates connected and re-connected, heard from our new Interim President and CEO, Jerry Tarrer, enjoyed student performances and explored valuable resources at the student services expo.  

New Murals Brighten Up Campus  
Get ready to be wowed. This summer, we transformed our campus and the surrounding neighborhood with several new eye-catching murals. Thanks to a partnership with Behr Paint, The Home Depot, and One Summer Chicago, our students and faculty created stunning works of art that reflect our community’s creativity and energy. Join us for the official unveiling party on Friday, September 5 from 4-5 p.m. at the Student Center.  

New Schools Established 
As part of Columbia’s Path Forward, starting this fall semester, Columbia is bringing some formerly separate departments under one roof – like theatre and dance – to take advantage of existing partnerships, encourage collaboration, and enhance students’ cross-disciplinary skills. Learn more about the new structure here.  

Important Dates and Resources  
Keep these dates and resources in mind when preparing for the Fall 2024 semester. Classes begin on Tuesday, September 3 and students can add classes until Monday, September 9. The deadline to drop classes is Monday, September 16 and students can withdraw until Friday, November 8. 

It will also be time to start preparing for future semesters.  FAFSA opens on Tuesday, October 1 for the 2024-2025 school year.   

Leading up to registration’s opening in October, check for account holds that will prevent registration. This could be for missing or out-of-date vaccinations, financial discrepancies, or other administrative issues. These issues can take some time to resolve, therefore, be sure to address prior to registration’s opening to help keep things moving smoothly.   

Throughout the semester, Columbia’s academic resources help prepare students for success in the present and the future. Take advantage of the College Advising Center, Career Center, and Academic Center for Tutoring.   

Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture 

Fall is an excellent time to enjoy activities downtown, and our South Loop location means you get access to affordable cultural events on and off campus.  Here are some places and activities you won’t want to miss:  

  • Chicago’s Museum Campus: Columbia’s campus is within walking distance of the world-famous museum campus. Many institutions offer regular free admission days, as do many other museums across the city.  
  • Chicago Jazz Festival: The Chicago Jazz Festival brings free jazz to Millennium Park and neighborhood venues. The range of artists includes jazz legends to influential modern masters. 
  • Chicago Live!: Navy Pier’s free two-day performing arts festival returns for the fourth year, with more than 110 artists and organizations performing throughout the lakefront space. 
  • Riot Fest & Carnival: One of Chicago’s biggest music fests, Riot Fest brings rock, punk, and a full carnival to SeatGeek Stadium in nearby Bridgeview. 
  • El Grito Festival: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with this downtown festival honoring the city’s thriving Mexican community. 
  • Hyde Park Jazz Festival: This free festival celebrates the rich tradition of jazz on Chicago’s south side, featuring a diverse group of musicians each year. 
  • Printers Row Lit Fest: The largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest features speakers and exhibitors across genres. 
  • Bike The Drive: Enjoy a scenic ride down Chicago’s scenic Lakeshore Drive, which is shut down to cars just one day each year. 
  • Chicago Summerdance: Learn to salsa, waltz, swing, and more during these free open-air dance lessons paired with live music in city parks. 
  • ARC Music Festival: This music fest in Union Park celebrates house music, a Chicago-born genre, over Labor Day weekend. 
  • Reeling Film Festival: Catch a diverse and inclusive lineup of films at the Reeling Film Festival, the second oldest LGBTQ+ film festival in the country. 
  • Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: The city’s Latino theater community is on display during this month-long festival. 
  • Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up: Jack’s is an over-the-top pop-up that includes a giant corn maze, carnival games, photo opportunities, axe throwing, bars, food trucks, and tons of pumpkins.

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