On behalf of the Office of Student Affairs, and the entire Union Community, it is a pleasure to congratulate you on your admission to Union Theological Seminary. You are joining a community of students, faculty, and staff who share a passion for bold and graceful theological conversation, reflection, education, and praxis in response to the issues of its time.
Below is a comprehensive look at everything incoming students should complete BEFORE coming to Orientation.
The relevant data/demographic information collected in your orientation paperwork will be shared with administrative offices at Union for educational purposes. We ask that you provide consistent information, particularly when sharing your legal name.
Before you may begin your orientation paperwork, you must return to your Application Status Portal in order to submit your $250 Tuition Deposit, and download your financial aid award letter. You will receive your Financial Aid award letter in your application portal from Melissa Desravines. If you have any questions about Financial Aid, please email [email protected].
Union Housing | Priority Deadline: May 20 | Final Deadline: June 20
Living on Union’s campus offers a close-knit community of talented and committed individuals with a shared commitment to social justice and faith in all its manifestations.
To access the Union Housing Application, log into your SONIS account and use your Union credentials. Once you log into SONIS, on the left vertical menu, under ‘General,’ select ‘Home.’ You will find the Housing Applications on the far right of the screen. Housing on campus is only available to current students and incoming students who have paid their deposit. Assignments are made by Union Housing on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Click here to learn more about Union Housing.
Questions about Housing? Email Michael Orzechowski at [email protected].
Admissions | DEADLINE: August 1
The Admissions team is committed to helping you get to know Union as you continue along the journey of becoming a student.
- Submit your official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Your official transcript must include your name, program, and date of degree conferral. Additionally, official transcripts must be original documents bearing the institutional seal and signature of your school’s Registrar.
- Electronic versions of your official transcript can be sent by your institution through services like eSCRIP-SAFE, Parchment, or the National Student Clearinghouse using our Admissions email address ([email protected]).
- Alternatively, if your institution is unable to submit your official transcripts electronically, physical copies of your official transcript can be submitted in the original, sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution by mail to:
- Union Theological Seminary
Office of Admissions
3041 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
- Union Theological Seminary
Student Affairs | DEADLINE: June 30
The Office of Student Affairs advocates for students during their time at seminary. We are often the best place to go when you’re unsure what to do or whom to ask. Questions about Student Affairs? Email Dean Abby Asgaralli at [email protected]
- **Submit an MMR Immunization Form and Meningitis Vaccination Response Form (Pages 1 and 3 of this document)
- Can’t locate those records? No problem – please ask your current primary care physician to complete a “Serologic Test” which is a skin test that confirms your immunity and every immunization you’ve had previously and submit that documentation to us.
- Due by August 1: Upload your photo to get a Union ID card after you receive your UNI
- First, activate your UNI: https://www.cuit.columbia.edu/cuit/manage-my-uni
- Then, submit your photo using this link: https://ssc.columbia.edu/upload-photo.
- You’ll receive your ID when you arrive on campus, or it will be mailed to you if you are an MASJ student. Be sure to scroll down the page and read the photo requirements.
- OPTIONAL – Due by August 1: Submit a Health Insurance Waiver Form.
- All full-time (11+ credits) students are automatically enrolled in the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan. You can find information about rates and plan coverage at this link: https://utsnyc.edu/life/student-affairs/health/insurance/ Students who do not waive the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan will be billed the applicable fees on the website linked above. Students must provide proof of adequate coverage to waive this fee or must enroll in the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan.
- Students attending Union on an F-1 or J-1 visa are unable to waive the health insurance plan, except in very rare cases. Please email Dean Abby to discuss further: [email protected]
- Part-time students (fewer than 11 credits) will not be automatically enrolled in the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan. No action required for enrollment or waiver for part-time students. If you would like to opt-in to the health insurance, please email Dean Abby to discuss further: [email protected]
- OPTIONAL – Submit a Disability Certification Intake Form
**These documents are required to enroll in Fall 2026 courses. When reaching out about your medical documentation, please include Alberta McCants ([email protected]), our Assistant to the Associate Dean for Students.
Campus Services | DEADLINE: July 20
Campus Services assists with everything from planning events on campus, requesting repairs in campus housing, and connecting with the Information Technology department. To learn more, please visit the Campus Services section of the website. Questions about Campus Services? Email Michael Orzechowski at [email protected].