Events Newsletter 2022-23

Events and Opportunities, 3/28 - 4/11

Happening This Week - Awakening Our Democracy: Affirmative Action, Art After Five, APIDA Roundtable, and More!

March 28, 2023
Events and Opportunities email header

Dear Students, 

Please join us this Thursday, March 30 from 12:00 - 1:30 PM for Awakening Our Democracy: Affirmative Action, the Supreme Court and the Road Ahead for Higher Education.

For decades, many universities have used race as a factor in admissions decisions. This panel discussion will explore the significant questions surrounding the two cases on this subject that are before the Supreme Court. President Lee C. Bollinger will offer opening remarks grounded in his newly released work, A Legacy of Discrimination: The Essential Constitutionality of Affirmative Action, in which he and his co-author make the case that America’s obligation to remediate past discrimination based on race is not only constitutionally permissible, it is morally mandated. This event is co-sponsored by University Life, Office of the President, and Columbia Law School, and is part of the Awakening Our Democracy series. Registration requires UNI login.

Register here. 

University Life Events & Opportunities

  • Apply to the University Life Events Council. Interested in developing leadership skills and planning fun events for all Columbia students? Want to build a sense of community here at Columbia? Apply to the University Life Events Council! The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 9. Learn more and apply here.
  • Art After Five: Spring Edition (In-Person) Stop by to create art, meet students from across the University, and reflect on multiple aspects of your well-being. Available crafts will include collage, button-making, DIY flower crowns, and more! Part of the Graduate Initiative for Inclusion and Engagement. TODAY, March 28, 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Register here. 
  • Religious Diversity Workshop (Virtual). Join Religious Life and the School of Professional Studies for a workshop aimed at increasing interreligious understanding. Get to know fellow students, learn about religion on campus and in NYC, and take a step toward being an ally to those who come from different faith backgrounds. Wednesday, March 29, 5:00 - 6:30 PM. Register here.  
  • Nonfiction Books and Trade Publishing (Virtual). Explore the nonfiction trade publishing industry at this webinar. You’ll learn about the role of the agent and editor, writing book proposals, and book marketing for the kinds of nonfiction titles you find at your local bookstore. This Graduate Initiative event is hosted in partnership with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and The Center for Nonfiction. Thursday, March 30, 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Register here. 
  • APIDA Roundtable with Columbia Faculty (In-Person). As part of the Graduate Initiative, and in partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement, join us for the next roundtable event where faculty will share their experience navigating higher education as members of the Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi-American (APIDA) communities. Dinner and University Life swag will be provided. Registration is required in order to access this event. Thursday, April 6, 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Register here.
  • CU Film Showcase (In-Person). Lights, camera, action! Join the University Life Events Council for a screening of short films created by students throughout the University community. Thursday, April 6, 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Register here.
  • Yoga Class (In-Person). Take a break and relax with yoga in Earl Hall, hosted by Religious Life every Thursday. Please bring your own mat and arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign in and set up. Thursday, March 30, 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Learn more.
  • Join the Campus Conversation Network. Campus Conversations offer students a way to talk about identity, societal norms, and issues of national and international importance with their peers. Want to stay in the loop about upcoming Conversations? This email list will update you on upcoming sessions. Join the Campus Conversations Network! 

Social Justice Mini-Grant Events

Learn about this year’s Social Justice Mini-Grant recipients and their projects.

Let's Talk About Birth Equity: Promoting Black Birth-workers & Improving Birth Outcomes (Virtual). In the lead up to Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), join the Birth Equity Project for two sessions focused on bringing awareness to Black maternal health and advancing health equity. 

  • Let's Talk About Birth Equity: Part One. This session will focus on the history of Black maternal health in the United States – from the legacies of slavery, the historic roles of Black birth workers, contemporary maternal mortality and the Reproductive Justice movement. Latanya Mapp Frett, Population and Family Health professor and CEO of the Global Fund for Women, will join the conversation. Thursday, April 6, 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Register here. 
  • Let's Talk About Birth Equity: Part Two. This panel discussion will feature Black doulas, physicians and policy experts. The conversation will amplify the expertise of Black voices from a variety of disciplines and kick-off Black Maternal Health Week. Moderated by Andrea Flynn. Monday, April 10, 6:00 - 7:30 PM.  Register here.

Commencement Opportunities

  • Casting Call: Be Part of the 2023 Graduation Video. The Commencement Office is seeking volunteers to be part of the University's 2023 graduation video – to be shown at Commencement! Participants must be 2023 graduates and wear their regalia on the day of the photo/video shoot. Tuesday, April 4. See available times and register here.
  • Volunteer at Commencement. Want to attend commencement ceremonies and celebrate graduates? Student volunteers can join the pomp and circumstance on May 17! Sign up by Wednesday, April 26.

Happening Around Campus 

We hope you find something here to enjoy and participate in. Let us hear from you; share your thoughts at [email protected].

Take care,

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
University Life
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His

Ixchel Rosal
Senior Associate Vice President for Student Life
University Life
Gender Pronouns: She/Her/Hers