Frequently Asked Questions

Specific class times are announced with each workshop, but classes typically meet during weekday evenings to accommodate the standard work day.

Online workshop rates vary by workshop. You can find the semester workshop rate on the dedicated workshop webpage.

Yes! Reduced rates are available for:

• Columbia affiliates: Valid for any Columbia affiliate, including CU employees or CU alumnus
• Government, Nonprofit Employees: Valid for individuals who work at nonprofit or government organizations
• Student, Postdoc, or Trainee: Valid for any active student, postdoc, and trainee. 
• Professional Learning past participants: Valid for individuals who have completed a Professional Learning Workshop in the past 
• Live Info Session Attendees: Valid for individuals who join the live information session for the corresponding workshop. 

Please inquire about these rates by contacting the Professional Learning team at ([email protected]). Documentation will be required to prove eligibility for reduced rate categories.

Professional learning opportunities are currently offered in a virtual or hybrid format depending on the workshop. Virtual participants join via Zoom, and in-person participants will convene at the Columbia Climate School campus in New York.

Computer: A computer capable of running the latest versions of browsers, plug-ins, and up-to-date software, including tools to keep the system free from viruses and spyware.

Internet Connection: A high-speed, wired Ethernet connection that supports streaming and interactive audio and video is required. Weak Wi-Fi can lead to issues such as latency, choppy audio, and connection loss.

Webcam: A webcam is required for daily class participation. If your computer doesn’t have a built-in camera, you can purchase a USB webcam to attach to the top of your monitor.

Headset with Microphone: While many laptops have built-in microphones and speakers, we strongly recommend using headphones or earbuds with a microphone during class sessions to prevent echo or feedback. Listening through speakers may cause a disruptive echo for the entire class.

Zoom Installation: Ensure you have administrative permissions to install Zoom and other necessary software on your computer.

There is no dress code.

Yes! To attend an upcoming information session, please register on our Professional Learning Information Session page. 

The Professional Learning workshops are meant for working professionals and adult learners who want to develop new skills and explore new topics to further job-related interests, without the long-term commitment of a degree program. The workshops are intended to be flexible and to meet the needs of working professionals, while giving students access to Columbia University experts and materials. 

Participants will attend weekly sessions of about two hours in length, and have the option to complete supplementary readings or reflections outside of meeting times. 

Participants will leave the workshop with enhanced understanding of climate and sustainability issues, but are not expected to be experts on the topic at the end of the program. 

In addition, they will have access to the resources, slides, and recordings for up to a year in the courseworks learning management platform. This allows them to reference or review any of the material discussed in the session without the pressure of needing to remember all of the content.

The individuals teaching these programs are the same Columbia University faculty, researchers, practitioners, and staff who teach in our degree programs and lead cutting edge research and projects in the climate space. Our instructors will teach the same rigorous content with the added flexibility needed by today’s busy professionals. 

Participants engage in the subject matter through discussions, activities, and case studies. Since much of the learning is based on what happens during the workshop, we highly encourage all participants to join synchronously.

We understand that conflicts with other commitments arise and time zones can make it challenging to join the sessions live. If a participant would like to discuss an asynchronous learning journey or is planning on missing a session, they can notify the Professional Learning team at [email protected].

While it is highly encouraged for participants to join the workshop synchronously, we can make accommodations for participants living in time zones that are not conducive to the chosen hours of the workshop. Participants are able to learn asynchronously through the session recordings and schedule office hours with the instructors outside of workshop time to ask questions.

If a participant would like to discuss an asynchronous learning journey, they can notify the Professional Learning team at [email protected]. Please note that all times listed are in NYC time (EST).

There is no assigned homework as part of the workshop. There will be recommended readings, videos, and materials that are optional for the participants to take a deeper dive into the subject matter.

All workshop materials, readings, and resources will be provided to the participant as part of the workshop. Workshop material will be housed via courseworks learning platform. Participants will have access to courseworks up to a year after the conclusion of the workshop. Any additional materials that require purchase are made optional.

Participants who successfully complete the Professional Learning Workshop will receive an official Certificate of Participation from the Columbia Climate School signed by the Dean. Participants may use these documents to demonstrate participation in the program.

Professional Learning Workshops do not offer college or professional accreditation at this time. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Participation from the Columbia Climate School.

To complete the registration process, participants must be prepared to : 

• Complete the Participant Information Section, including organization, job title, and contact information.
• Indicate whether you will attend in-person or virtually 
• Introduce themselves (500 words or less)
• Explain their interest in the workshop (500 words or less)
• Sign a Photo and Video release form 
• Make the full payment for the workshop

Prerequisites will vary depending on the offering. All offerings are currently only offered in English language.

Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you require disability accommodations to participate in this event, please contact us at least 10 days in advance of the start date.

Please review the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion website for more information on the Columbia Climate School’s commitment and important resources.

Full payment for the workshop is due upon registration. A completed registration form and payment are required to secure a place in the workshop.