Bookstore
The main campus Bookstore, located on the first floor of the Student Commons, carries a wide range of textbooks, trade books, art supplies, study materials, college memorabilia, personal grooming products and snacks.
Textbook Policy
Columbia College (“College”) students have different options to access textbooks each semester as described in this policy. In addition, students are informed of their options to access textbooks in the College Catalog and on the College’s website.
The options for students to access textbooks vary depending on the venue of their courses (e.g., Traditional vs. Non-traditional). Many students who receive federal financial aid can apply available aid to purchase textbooks through the last day to add classes; however, students must be awarded financial aid before they can utilize the financial aid funds for textbook purchases.
In all cases, students are required to have the required textbooks for the start of each course and failure to do so may impact their ability to satisfactorily complete coursework.
I. Columbia College Nontraditional Venue Textbook Program
As part of the cost of tuition, the College provides textbooks for undergraduate and graduate courses offered at Nationwide locations and Online (i.e., nontraditional venues). Most textbooks for Nationwide and Online courses are digital textbooks that students have access to through the College’s learning management system no later than the Friday before the course begins, or within 24 hours of registration being finalized for the course, should the student register after the Friday before the course start date. In the event a digital textbook is not available, a printed copy of the textbook will be provided to the student. The printed textbook will be shipped to the student at least seven days before the course start date, or within 24 hours of registration being finalized for the course, should the student register within 13 days of the course start date.
Nontraditional-venue students who also simultaneously enroll in a traditional venue course will follow the nontraditional venue textbook program for nontraditional venue courses.
A. Opting In
By default, all eligible students taking a course at a Nationwide or Online venue will be enrolled in the nontraditional venue textbook program for that course. This program is not available to Traditional “Day” students. A student who opts out of the nontraditional venue textbook program, but who would like to reenroll in the program will have the opportunity to opt in at the beginning of each academic year. Students who desire to opt back in to the nontraditional venue textbook program at a time other than the beginning of an academic year may appeal to the Enrollment Service Center. Students are allowed one appeal and whether to grant the appeal is entirely at the discretion of the College. Students who receive textbooks as part of their tuition do not have to submit a request for a textbook voucher to receive the required textbooks for courses.
B. Opting Out
Nationwide and Online students may elect to opt out of the nontraditional venue textbook program by communicating this intent to their academic advisor and by submitting a completed Textbook Program Opt-out form before enrolling in courses at the College for the semester. After communicating intent to opt out with the academic advisor, the student will receive an email from the academic advisor with a link to the opt out form. Opting out of receiving textbooks through the nontraditional venue textbook program applies to all courses for which the student registers after opting out. Once a student registers for at least one course for the semester, the next opportunity to opt out is before registering for the following semester. Students who opt out will receive a $20 per credit hour reduction on their student account and will be responsible for obtaining all required textbooks and required materials on their own. Students receiving Military Tuition Assistance who opt out of the Textbook Program will not receive a $20 per credit hour reduction on their student account because their textbook cost is in addition to tuition and covered by a $20 per credit hour institutional grant. Students who receive reduced tuition rates pursuant to the College’s Employee Educational Grant or Graduate Education Grant and opt out will not be charged $20 per credit hour for the nontraditional venue textbook program regardless of their tuition reduction amount; these students who opt out of the nontraditional venue textbook program are responsible for purchasing required materials on their own.
Campus Safety
The Columbia College Campus Safety Office provides safety and security services for the main campus located in Columbia, Missouri. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: after-dark escorts, parking and traffic control, opening and securing buildings and rooms, campus patrol and safety inspections. They also act as the liaison with local law enforcement agencies and other emergency services. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is published by the director of Campus Safety and may be viewed at: http://www.ccis.edu/offices/campussafety/reportsandstats.aspx. For more information, visit the Campus Safety website or call (573) 875-7315.
Computer Classrooms
Two classrooms for instructional use are maintained by Technology Services in Buchanan Hall. Classes using computing resources, such as English, Computer Programming and Accounting, are conducted in these facilities. Students are able to complete assignments outside of class using the computer resources in the student computer lab. In addition, instructional labs are available in the Tenth Street Center and Federal Hall.
Computer Lab
The Technology Services computer lab is open to all registered students. Student e-mail accounts may also be set up here. The lab is closed anytime classes are not in session, primarily during semester breaks and holidays. For Computer Lab questions, call (573) 875-7333.
Copy Machines
Copy machines are available for student use in the library.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services is located on the second floor of the Atkins-Holman Student Commons (AHSC, Room 210).
Confidential counseling is provided free of charge by licensed professionals to assist students with personal, developmental, or psychological concerns related to personal growth and making academic progress. Students use our services to seek assistance with matters such as anxiety/panic, test anxiety, depression, stress and time management, developing healthy relationships, sleep issues, conflict resolution, grief, eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, attention difficulties, and more. Counseling Services is a confidential resource for dating violence, domestic violence, sexual violence and harassment. Our office also provides referrals to community resources when appropriate. For additional information and online resources, see the counseling services webpage: www.ccis.edu/counselingservices. Appointments are available Monday - Friday; to make an appointment please call 573-875-7423.
ID Cards
Main Campus Day and Main Campus Evening students need ID cards to check out library materials, pick up loan checks, attend college-sponsored events, enter residence halls and eat in the campus dining locations. There is no charge for the first ID. A $20 fee will be charged to the student’s account for the replacement of any lost or stolen card. After three replacements, the charge increases to $40. Contact Student Affairs at (573) 875-7400 for more information.
International Center
The International Center serves the international student population at Columbia College through a philosophy of empowerment. Services are designed to provide students with information and support necessary to achieve academic goals and become an active and integral part of the campus community. The director advises students, faculty, staff and the administration on current issues in international education, immigration regulations and internal policies affecting students. Contact the International Center at (573) 875-2756 for more information.
Library
The J.W. and Lois Stafford Library provides a place for students to study individually or in groups. The library is open more than 90 hours a week and librarians are available to provide assistance and answer questions at all times for persons visiting the library or by phone, e-mail, chat or text. Library instruction is provided to individuals or to classes. The library classroom is used for group study and library instruction. Computers, printers, scanners and copy machines are available for student use.
The library’s collection supports the curriculum of Columbia College with more than 64,000 physical items (books, videos, compact discs, etc.), 100 print magazine, journal, and newspaper titles, as well as more than 160,000 full-text electronic journals, 208,000 electronic books, 27,000 streaming videos and 134,000 streaming audio discs. All of the library’s electronic collections are accessible remotely 24 hours/day via the library website. Electronic delivery of inter-library loan articles is also available.
Columbia College is a member of the MOBIUS Consortium. This membership provides Columbia College students access to more than 29 million items in more than 75 academic, special or public libraries. Students can borrow books by using the MOBIUS online catalog or visiting a participating library.
Click here for library hours. Hours are based on the Columbia, Missouri, campus class schedule and are subject to change when this campus’ classes are not in session and during holidays.
Lost and Found
The Campus Safety Office serves as the lost and found depository. Items not claimed will remain with Campus Safety for a period of 30 days, after which the items will be disposed of appropriately. Call (573) 875-7315 for more information.
Mail Services
Students may mail letters and packages at the Robnett-Spence Building. The College’s official address is Columbia College, 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, Missouri 65216. Mail center hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Telephone: (573) 875-7431.
Parking Permits
All Columbia College students and employees must obtain a parking permit for any vehicle parked on campus. Parking permits must be displayed at all times. Parking permits may be purchased online by using the “Campus Safety” link found at the bottom of the Columbia College website (www.ccis.edu) or by going directly to the following online address: http://www.ccis.edu/Offices/CampusSafety/Permit.aspx. It is recommended you have your parking permit mailed to you, at no additional charge. Permits may also be picked up at the Enrollment Service Center in Missouri Hall 205. Proof of identification is required to pick up a parking permit. Call (573) 875-7252 for more information.
Recreation
The Student Commons, Southwell Sports Complex and common areas are available for a variety of recreational activities. The Fitness Center is located in the Southy Building. Other college facilities, such as Launer Auditorium, the Jane Froman Dance Studio, classrooms, Dulany Hall and space in the Student Commons are available upon approval to any officially recognized student organization for meetings and programs. Reservations are made on a first come, first-served basis. Contact the Plant and Facilities Office at (573) 875-7300 for more information.
Recreational areas within the immediate region include Cosmo Park, Peace Park, Pinnacles Park, Arrow Rock and Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. The Lake of the Ozarks, a major tourist area, is sixty miles south of Columbia. St. Louis and Kansas City are each 125 miles from Columbia on Interstate 70.
Religious and Spiritual Expression
Opportunities abound in Columbia for religious expression, cultural appreciation, spiritual exploration and faith development. The Columbia College Chapel is open to all students, faculty and staff for prayer and meditation. Programs on campus include spiritual events, studies of religious issues, and opportunities for discussion with others through affiliated clubs and organizations. Information is available in the Student Affairs Office.
Columbia College respects the right of all persons to practice their faith according to the recognized tenets of their religion. Should religious observance require absence from regularly scheduled activities, individuals are responsible for notifying supervisors/instructors prior to the absence and making appropriate arrangements.
Sports Information
Tickets for men’s and women’s basketball games are $8 for adults and $5 for all students (K-college). Tickets for Cougar soccer, men’s lacrosse, baseball, softball and volleyball games are $5 for adults and $3 for all students. Tickets may be purchased at the event. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. There is no admission charge for students who show their Columbia College ID at home games. Contact Kim Kliegel at (573) 875-7433 or kakliegel1@ccis.edu for ticket information.
Student Computer Lab
Technology Services maintains the Buchanan Hall Student Computer Lab equipped with computers, scanners, monochrome and color high speed laser printers in Buchanan Hall. This lab is open to currently enrolled students on a walk-in basis and offers extended hours. Software used in classroom instruction is available to students for use in completing assignments. E-mail and internet access is also provided. Student email accounts may also be set up here. The lab is closed anytime classes are not in session, primarily during semester breaks and holidays.
Within the Buchanan Student Computer Lab is a multimedia room. The room is equipped with two Dell computers and one Apple computer.These computers have video and photo editing software installed. This room is available for use as a group study room.
The Tenth Street Center offers an open lab with computers and high speed laser printers at various times.
The Technology Solutions Center has digital cameras and digital video cameras available for check out. Cameras may be checked out for a period of 24 hours. For more information about camera check-outs, contact the Technology Solutions Center at (573) 875-4357.
Student Health Services
Student Health Services is located on the second floor of the Atkins-Holman Student Commons (AHSC, Room 206). Health services are available to day and evening students. Student Health Services strives to provide students of Columbia College with excellent high-quality medical care that promotes student health and academic success in a non-discriminatory and supportive atmosphere. It is staffed by a board certified advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The nurse practitioner provides a wide range of health care services including diagnosis and treatment of most acute illnesses or minor injuries. Medical care and most services are free to students. Some fees may apply for testing and injections. Appointments are preferred and are available Monday - Friday; to make an appointment please call 573-875-7423. For more information refer to the Student Health Services Website.
Testing Services
The Testing Center conducts a variety of tests such as the CLEP, DANTES, ACT Residual, English and Math Placement, Online Proctored Exams, MOGEA, and testing for students with disabilities. To contact Testing Services, call (573) 875-7485.
The Ether L. Bruce Math Center
The Ether L. Bruce Math Center, located in 105 Wightman Bldg, provides free educational support to students enrolled for credit in mathematics courses offered through Columbia College who can come into the Center for in-person tutoring.
Drop-in tutoring is provided for all mathematics courses numbered below 300, including Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, Algebraic/Geometric Reasoning for Teachers, Beginning through College Algebra, Finite Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus I & II, Discrete Mathematics I and Statistics I.
Students in mathematics courses not on this list are welcome to contact the coordinator at the email address given below to determine when tutoring could be made available for their course.
The center is staffed by experienced professionals committed to helping students broaden their educational opportunities and achieve excellence in their academic careers at Columbia College.
All services are offered on a walk-in basis in a one-to-one or small group format and include:
- Help in understanding concepts
- Problem-solving development
- Graphing calculator instruction
- Exam preparation
- Strategies for dealing with math anxiety
Click here for Math Center hours and access to handouts. For more information, contact Susan Hughes at (573) 875-7618 or e-mail: sdhughes@ccis.edu.
The Elizabeth Toomey Seabrook Writing Center & Tutoring Services
The Elizabeth Toomey Seabrook Writing Center, located in 101 Wightman, provides free educational support services to help students enrolled at Columbia College develop and maintain writing skills needed for academic success. These services are offered to current students who can come to the center for face-to-face writing consultations, which are offered primarily by appointment. Students can get help with:
- Brainstorming ideas and developing a thesis
- Organizing a paper and adding depth to analysis
- Revising and editing
- Avoiding plagiarism and mastering various citation styles
Click here for Writing Center hours and essay writing assistance.
Professional and peer tutors are also available to enhance student learning experiences in various academic disciplines, such as accounting and finance, computer information systems, and the sciences. This free service is available to students who are enrolled in tutor-supported courses and available to come in person for group tutoring sessions. Tutors are available on a walk-in basis at a variety of times each week to help students with the following tasks:
- Understanding concepts and productively reviewing notes
- Working problems
- Preparing for quizzes and exams
To view the current tutoring schedule, click here.
For more information, contact Kate Denehy at (573) 875-7614 or mcdenehy@ccis.edu.
Vending Machines
To report lost money or vending machine problems, please visit the Plant and Facilities Operations Office in St. Clair 4.
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