The University Life Events Council is a group of students from across Columbia’s 17 schools who plan activities that connect students to each other and foster a sense of community and belonging across Columbia. This page summarizes how each person involved with the Events Council contributes to this goal and ways you can get involved with the Council.
Events Council Structure
The Chairs' of Production support event planning as well as create and share post-event surveys, draft staffing plans, determine volunteer needs for events, and create and send out debrief documents to Events Council committees.
Students from Columbia's 17 schools can join the University Life Events Council as committee members. Committee members participate in the event planning, volunteer at events, and attend meetings to share ideas.
Events Council Responsibilities and Expectations
Every role on the Events Council has unique responsibilities. Expectations for each position are laid out below:
- Meet for check-in meetings with advisor (as needed)
- Attend a one-day leadership meeting at the start of each semester to discuss goals, communication, and organizational plans for the semester
- Assist with recruiting committee members throughout the the fall and spring semesters as needed
- Support event marketing and outreach
- Meet for check-in meetings with advisor (bi-weekly)
- Attend a one-day leadership meeting at the start of each semester to discuss goals, communication and organizational plans for the semester
- Assist with recruiting committee members throughout the fall and spring semesters as needed
- Support event marketing and outreach
Advisors
University Life Student Life staff advises the University Life Events Council and approves all proposed events. University Life will provide event committees with a budget for each program, assist with logistics of events, and offer feedback on proposed event marketing tactics.
How Are Events Council Student Leaders Selected?
Recruitment for the University Life Events Council Leadership Team happens through an open application process. From this pool, the Events Council advisor conducts interviews to choose members with the skills, commitment, and passion for each position. Events Council members are selected with the goal of having as many schools represented as possible, to ensure that a diverse set of voices are heard in the creation of programming.
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open. Apply here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Occasionally, the Council may have the opportunity to propose and host an additional event during the spring semester. This depends on the availability of resources. The Events Council advisor will inform the Council if this option becomes feasible.
Yes. Once decision letters are released, all newly selected Council members are enrolled in a required online onboarding course through Canvas. They will also receive an email with instructions and deadlines for completing the course. This onboarding ensures that every member is prepared with the knowledge and tools needed before event planning begins.
Council members are responsible for planning, implementing, and staffing the six signature events. During the summer, the Council meets weekly. During the academic year, meetings are held biweekly on Fridays. The time commitment typically ranges from 1 to 3 hours per week, in addition to staffing all six events throughout the year.
Any currently enrolled student from one of Columbia’s 17 schools is eligible to apply, provided they are attending classes on campus. Students must also be in good academic and conduct standing to participate.