Program Policies

Leaves of Absence 

To modify the normal course of study or interrupt their studies in the International Dual Degree Programs, students must notify the program administration at both Columbia and Tel Aviv University via email, and follow the process below that is appropriate and relevant to their program and current enrollment status as outlined below.

Years One & Two

TAU Dual Degree students who wish to take a leave of absence at any point during their first two years of study at TAU should notify their academic advisors at both TAU and Columbia, detailing the expected dates of their leave as well as their anticipated graduation semester from the program. Students should send this message directly to Ayelet Diament (TAU) and their Columbia advisor.

Students who wish to extend their leave from the Dual Degree Program for more than one academic year must submit a new petition by August 1, in advance of fall semester, or December 15, in advance of the spring semester.

Years Three & Four

TAU Dual Degree students who wish to take a leave of absence at any point after their transition to Columbia University should follow the standard leave of absence process described on the School of General Studies website. Please note that students who take a leave of absence during their time at Columbia are not guaranteed housing within the Columbia Residential system upon their return, though every effort is made to offer accommodations to returning students whenever possible. 

Students should notify both their Columbia GS academic advisor and Ayelet Diament at TAU, as well as the Director of the International BA Program in the Liberal Arts, of their intent to take a leave of absence, and the anticipated semester of their return to the program.

Withdrawal from the Dual Degree Program

All students enrolled in the Dual Degree Program are expected to make sufficient academic progress and to fulfill all academic obligations required by both institutions in order to obtain two diplomas.

In very rare circumstances, students enrolled in the Dual Degree Program may seek to leave the Program to pursue alternative academic opportunities. Students who wish to leave the Dual Degree Program prior to completion are not automatically entitled to enter the undergraduate programs of either Columbia University or Tel Aviv University. Therefore, it is advised that students consult with their academic advisors at both TAU and Columbia as early as possible.

Neither Columbia nor TAU guarantees the transferability of credits completed within the Dual Degree Program into another program offered by either institution.

Should a student decide to leave the Dual Degree Program there is no guarantee that the student will be admitted to a different school or program at Columbia University. The student must complete the full application process of the new school or program at Columbia University.