Resources

Activity Calendar

To view the most current activity calendar and to add events to the calendar, go to www.ccis.edu/CougarLink.

Alumni Association

The Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA), founded in 1963, offers benefits, programs and activities to more than 91,000 members around the world. Its mission is to foster lasting relationships and to sustain the College’s traditions. Columbia College students become members of the CCAA upon graduation. There is no fee or registration process.

CougarMail

CougarMail, powered by Google, is your official Columbia College email account. Each student receives free cloud storage with Google Drive and has access to other Google Apps for Education features, such as GoogleSites and GoogleCalendar. CougarMail is the official means of communication for the college and students are responsible for information sent to this account. It is expected that students will check CougarMail regularly. Students can access CougarMail by logging into myPortal or at the Gmail login page.

myPortal

MyPortal allows students access to CougarMail (the official means of communication for the college) and to their Columbia College records. Students may view their Columbia College transcripts, grades, student schedules, and more. Enrollment processes, to include registration and adding and dropping classes, are also available through myPortal. Once students have completed an enrollment process online, an e-mail confirmation of their activity is sent, which should be reviewed carefully for accuracy.

Education Abroad

Education Abroad offers a variety of opportunities for students to earn credit while experiencing the world up close, building cultural awareness, and enhancing language skills. Opportunities include semester exchanges as well as summer and short-term programs. 

Students participating in an exchange program at one of our international partner universities must enroll in the ABRD 144 course. Students pay tuition to Columbia College and retain institutional scholarships up to the cost of tuition. Room and board fees are paid to the host institution. Students are responsible for travel costs and incidental expenses related to their international experience.

Students enrolled at an exchange partner institution can choose to receive a pass/fail letter grade instead of a standard letter grade at time of registration. These students can enroll in multiple non-major specific courses as pass/fail per session or semester while still being eligible for the Dean’s List. Major courses must be taken for a standard letter grade. For more pass/fail information, please visit Grading and Academic Standing.

The College also offers multiple opportunities for short-term experiences abroad through various partnerships. 

Any student participating in an education abroad program must submit an Education Abroad Application as found here. To help defray costs to study abroad, students may apply for financial aid through the Columbia College Center for Student Success. Federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant or student loans, can be used to help finance education abroad. Students may also apply for the Columbia College Education Abroad Scholarship. For more information, go here. 

Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success supports students by empowering them to reach their academic, personal, and professional goals through coaching, advocating, and vesting students with the confidence to succeed. We serve as a resource for various topics such as:

• Financial Awareness
  • Applying for and maintaining financial aid
  • Understanding your payment plan
  • Budgeting for school and personal expenses
  • Billing information
• Student Success Planning
  • Setting and completing goals
  • Identifying and overcoming barriers to success
  • Mastering effective study skills
  • Coping with academic stress
• Adjusting to Columbia College
  • Utilizing available resources
  • Resolving registration restrictions
  • Transitioning to Columbia College
  • Understanding the impact of attendance on success

Students can contact us during our open hours via phone, email, or by visiting us in MOH 205. Students are also encouraged to schedule a phone, virtual, or in-person (depending on your location) one-on-one meeting with a Student Success Coach. Learn more about our resources and contact the Center for Student Success today.

Grossnickle Career Services Center

Making the successful transition from college to the workplace can be challenging and Grossnickle Career Services Center is here to provide support. Career Services works with students and alumni in all areas of career development through in-person or virtual meetings, online resources, and communications in areas such as: 

• Understanding the relationship between choice of major and career path
• Mastering job and internship search techniques
• Resume and cover letter development
• Developing interview skills
• Internships for credit
• Learning about graduate school options and the admissions process

Setting up a career counseling appointment can be done through Handshake or contacting the office directly by phone at 573-875-7425, email at careerservices@ccis.edu or by stopping by the office in Missouri Hall 219. 

Additionally, Columbia College students have access to a powerful, innovative career management system called Handshake. Handshake allows students to search through thousands of jobs, internships and employers throughout the country, find in-person and virtual hiring and graduate school events, and access resources to help them build resumes and cover letters. Handshake is free and easily accessible on all devices.  Get started with Handshake at www.ccis.edu/handshake.

Student Accessibilty Resources

Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) leads the campus in the creation of inclusive learning environments and facilitates access through innovative services, programs, and partnerships. Disability is an aspect of diversity that is integral to our society and to the Columbia College community.  The SAR office collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to create a campus environment that is usable, equitable, sustainable and inclusive of all members of the college community.

After admission to the college, students with a disability/condition who want to explore reasonable academic accommodations are encouraged to contact SAR to explore the possibilities and options without feeling a need to commit to utilizing any resources. 

Student Accessibility Resources can be reached at (573) 875-7626 or by emailing SAR@ccis.edu. The office is located in the Student Affairs suite on the second floor of Atkins-Holman Student Commons. For more information please visit Student Accessibility Resources .

Technology Services and Solution Center

The Technology Services office is responsible for academic and administrative computing needs. The solutions center supports the campus in computer and network use. It provides a single point of contact for questions concerning email, connecting computers to the campus network, and problems with college-owned systems. Telephone: (573) 875-4357.

Internet Access, Microsoft Office and Anti-Virus Software

Internet access is available to students for use as a resource in the student computer lab and lab classrooms, Stafford Library and the residence halls. A wireless network is available for laptop and portable/mobile devices. Students using computers on the College network must have the latest version of anti-virus software. Registered students are eligible for free Microsoft Office 365. A link to free Microsoft Office 365 and anti-virus software is available in myPortal, under Tools > Technical Assistance > Microsoft 365 for Students.