About Student Conduct Records
Student Conduct maintains records related to disciplinary proceedings at Columbia University. This page explains how disciplinary information is maintained and reported, how to request a disciplinary certification, and when a disciplinary matter may result in a transcript notation.
Who at Columbia may have access to my record?
Student records may be disclosed to university officials that have a legitimate educational interest. It is within the university's discretion to determine what qualifies as a legitimate educational interest and whether a student's privacy outweighs such interest. This may include, but is not limited to honors, prizes, and/or fellowships.
How long does Student Conduct report disciplinary matters?
Records of student disciplinary proceedings conducted by the university are subject to FERPA. Student Conduct reports records of disciplinary matters that result in the change of a student’s good disciplinary standing at Columbia University. Matters where students maintained good disciplinary standing are not reported unless otherwise specified by the student.
Important: Columbia's reporting practices do not change your responsibility to answer questions on applications or questionnaires accurately and honestly. Carefully review what an institution, program, or employer is asking you to disclose.
Current and former students may request an official disciplinary record certification from Student Conduct. This certification may be for personal record or required by a program, institution, or employer.
Upon conclusion of the disciplinary appeal process, a permanent transcript notation will be placed on a student’s record for cases resulting in suspension or expulsion. Students who withdraw from the University without resolving a pending disciplinary matter will also receive a transcript notation. Notations will be indicated as follows: Disciplinary Suspension; Disciplinary Expulsion; or Withdrawal with Conduct Charges Pending.
A student may formally request that a transcript notation be removed. This is a significant decision that the University does not take lightly. The removal of a notation is reserved for cases where a student demonstrates extraordinary reflection, meaningful accountability, and substantial positive change during their time away from Columbia. The decision to remove a notation signals the University’s determination that the student’s growth and contributions have been compelling enough to warrant this exceptional outcome.
Requests for removal may be made by submitting an appeal via this form after the following minimum periods have elapsed:
- at least one year following the completion of a Disciplinary Suspension, or
- at least one year following a Withdrawal with Conduct Charges Pending.
Transcript notations for Disciplinary Expulsions are not eligible for appeal. Requests will not be considered prior to the expiration of these minimum time periods and are reviewed by the Associate Vice President for the Center for Student Success and Intervention and the Dean of the student’s school.
While there are no specific content requirements, requests must be 10 pages or less and include a personal statement. Requests may also include, though are not limited to, the following:
- Letters of support;
- Proof of community involvement;
- Certified completion of related individual or group treatment program (e.g. alcohol or other drug, anger management, individual counseling, etc.); or
- Any other indicators of changes in life circumstances.
A student may make a total of two requests per transcript notation before they are no longer eligible for appeal. The appeal review process may take between 4-6 weeks.
Please submit your appeal via the Transcript Notation Appeal Request Form.