We recognize that parents provide a great deal of financial and emotional support to their children while they are students at Columbia. However, we must balance this recognition with the fact that Columbia students are legally adults and their legal rights must be fully respected, particularly with concern to their privacy rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Common Parent Concerns

I’d like to know my child’s grades.

The schools of Columbia University do not mail grades to students or to their parents, but rather make them available for students to view online through Student Services Online (SSOL), the University’s password-protected information system. Students wishing to share their grades with their parents can submit a request for a transcript through SSOL, which then will be mailed to an address of their choice.

I’d like to know my child’s address and phone number.

Address, email and phone number information for students is available via the Columbia Directory. Information that your child has not designated as private will be presented to you. 

My child will be traveling abroad and needs to have transcripts sent to graduate schools and potential employers.

Columbia transcripts are considered private under FERPA. Therefore, only students may request transcripts. Requests can be made through Student Services Online or in person at the Office of the Registrar.

My employer and insurance companies require proof that my child is attending Columbia University in order to continue benefits and to receive a good driver's discount.

An academic certification is an official document provided by the University Registrar verifying dates of attendance, award of degree, and student status (full-time or part-time) by term. Students can request an academic certification either in person or online through Student Services Online. There is no fee for this service.