SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who has access to the SIPA lab?

All registered students at SIPA have access to the SIPA labs. Anyone taking a SIPA course can get an account by paying the lab fee of $160 per semester.

2. Who do I contact about my e-mail account?

CUIT in 102 Philosophy controls all e-mail accounts. You can also call them at 212-854-1919 or send an email to consultant@columbia.edu.

3. How do I check my e-mail quota?

When you log into Pine, your space quota will be displayed along with the amount of space you are currently using.

4. How do I get access to space for my own Web page?

As a student at Columbia University, you have access to space for your own Web page through CUIT. For assistance on how to set up your own Web page, click here.

5. Where can I get an Internet connection for my laptop?

There are Ethernet ports in all classrooms on 4th and 5th floors, 901/902., 1401 and 15th floors, and in the lounges on 4th and 6th floor.

6. Can I connect using wireless technology at SIPA?

Yes. If your computer has wireless capabilities (i.e., you have a wireless card), you can connect to the Columbia network in the SIPA building on the sixth floor. CUIT provides wireless connectivity in IAB.

7. What sort of AV equipment is available?

Ther are ePodiums/smart carts in rooms 404, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 418 and 1401 IAB. The ePodiums have a PC, multiformat VCR and DVD players, Internet connectivity, and an "green" projector. Connections for hooking up a laptop are also available.

501, 501A, 501B, 802, 901 and 902 are self service erooms. They are equipped with a "green" projector, speakers, Internet connection and a connection for laptop.

8. How do I request AV materials?

To reserve AV materials for a SIPA class held in the SIPA building, you need to fill out an AV request form at least 2 days in advance. The form may be found and submitted online here or in person in the fifth floor lab. For AV equipment outside the building and in CUIT-controlled E-rooms (403, 410, 417), contact CUIT.

9. How do I know that my AV request has been approved?

You will get a confirmation of your request if we can accommodate it. You must have submitted your request two business days in advance of the event. If you plan to use equipment on a regular basis, please submit the online training form and a member of SIPA's IT staff will contact you.

10. I can't login. Who do I contact?

If you can't log in to the SIPA machines, contact the SIPAIT Help desk at 212-854-0112 in 510 IAB.

11. How do I add money to my printing account?

You can purchase printing credit from the fifth floor SIPA lab consultants. Credit can be purchased in $1 increments, and may be paid for with cash or check.

12. Does my printing credit carry over?

The print credit is only valid for the semester you have an active SIPA lab ID. It does not carry over from one semester to the next (i.e., from fall to spring).

13. If I have problems or questions about the lab, who do I contact?

You contact the consultants in the lab. If you need additional help, you can send an email to sipait@columbia.edu.

14. When does my SIPA lab ID expire?

Your IDs expires every term: fall IDs expire on January 15 and spring IDs expire on May 31st. Please back up all your data as your ID and data will be deleted from the SIPA network after that of students who have graduated.

15. What is the current policy on email for students who are graduating? For how long will their Email IDs remain active before they must forward it?

Email is managed by CUIT. You have a grace period (we don't have any specific time for this) during which you are advised to forward your CU Email address to another address, such as Google or Yahoo or Hotmail.  This will allow you to keep your UNI for life. You can find more information at http://alumni.columbia.edu/help/index.html#email_forwarding

16. Can I download my email from CubMail.

You can download your email to a PC. The easiest way to do this is to use Outlook with POP configuration. Also, see www.columbia.edu/CUIT/faq/627.html.

To export the address book, follow instructions at
www.columbia.edu/CUIT/faq/623.html.

If you need any help, you can also go to 102 Philosophy and see CUIT IT staff.

17. For how long can I have access to Courseworks?

Students will have access to CourseWorks as long as their UNI and password works.  You will continue to be associated with the courses you have taken in the past.

19. Can I continue to get software downloads from CU?

Software downloading is available to registered SIPA students only.

20. Can I still purchase computers through the CU Educational program or from SIPA Apple Store?

All purchases that require CU authentication depend on your status as being active. You can get educational pricing at: http://www.columbia.edu/acis/sales/.

21. For how long can I access Library resources?

Online Library resources that require authentication are dependent on your status at Columbia University. You will need to get an Alumni card to access library resources. Please refer to the Library Web site at www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/services/faq/browse/guests.html.