Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please review the FAQs and if there is a question or topic not covered, please email ppil@gsb.columbia.edu and a member of the PPIL Team will reach out.

1. What is the PPIL deadline? Deadlines vary depending on the program, please see below:

Full-Time MBA and MS Students- The Fall 2025 deadline is December 5, 2025 and the Spring 2026 deadline is May 2, 2026.  for Full-Time MBA students.

Executive MBA Students- Reflections forms are due 1 month after each session. The elective session is due prior to your graduation date.

2. Where can I find the reflection form? Students can access the reflection forms in their CampusGroups Checklist or here: Fall 2025 Form and Spring 2026 Form.

3. I missed an event, how can I fulfill the requirement? Students can find the most up to date PPIL calendar here. Students receive a bi-weekly OSA Newsletter with upcoming events via email.

4. I attended an event, but it's not reflecting in my Checklist, what do I do? Students must register and check-in to an event for attendance records to update. Please contact the event organizers, who can update your check-in status.

5. What happens if I don't complete the PPIL requirement? Students who do not complete the PPIL requirement by the official deadline will have a hold placed on their accounts which will bar them from registering, or being promoted off the waitlist for classes. Transcripts and diplomas will be withheld and enrollment letters of any kind will not be furnished until completion. Students receive several email communications before the hold is activated, with instructions on how to complete the PPIL requirement.

6. If I have just completed the PPIL requirement, when will my hold be lifted? Student holds will be lifted 1-3 business days after the requirement is complete.

7. Can I be exempt from PPIL? Students can request to be exempt from the PPIL requirement by semester, if their status meets the following criteria: leave of absence, studying abroad through the Chazen Institute, medical absence, dual-degree students not in CBS residency, and stretch students. To request an exemption, students should email ppil@gsb.columbia.edu.

8. Where is my PPIL Checklist?  The PPIL Checklist on CampusGroups tracks student attendance, hosts the post-event reflection form, and allows to review progress to completion with the program on a semester basis. Students can access this checklist by: (1) Logging onto CampusGroups; (2) Reviewing the Navigation Menu on the left-hand side; (3) Clicking on "My Checklists"; (4) Select "Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) Track- XXX Class of 20XX"

9. What is the Columbia Citizenship Initiative (CCI)? The Community Citizenship Initiative is a Columbia University collection of conversations and learning opportunities on topics like the impact of bias, fostering inclusion, resiliency in the face of bias. First-year students are automatically enrolled in the initiative. The completion of PPIL satisfies the CCI mandate for Business School students. No further action is needed from first-year students.

10. Can I submit an event for PPIL approval? Yes! Student Clubs; Centers, Programs, and Institutes; Academic Divisions can submit an event to be par of the PPIL calendar. Submission form can be found here.