Events and Opportunities, 4/4 - 4/26

Dear Students, 

Check out these upcoming events and opportunities. We hope you find something to enjoy and participate in.

First up: If you’d like to be a part of shaping the future of University Life events, we encourage you to apply to the University Life Events Council! 

The University Life Events Council is a group of students from all schools who plan activities that connect students across all Columbia. Interested in developing leadership skills and planning fun events? Want to build a sense of community here at Columbia? Apply by Sunday, April 9. Learn more and apply here.

University Life Events & Opportunities

• CU Film Showcase (In-Person). Lights, camera, action! Join the University Life Events Council for a screening of short films created by students from throughout the University community. Popcorn will be served! Thursday, April 6, 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.
• Campus Conversations: Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (In-Person). Join University Life Ambassadors, Brian Gephart and Blessing Bafunso, for a conversation about the meaning of diversity, equality, and inclusion, and how our understandings of these words impact different communities. This event is a part of University Life’s Campus Conversations Initiative. Snacks will be provided. Tuesday, April 11, 2:00 - 3:30 PM. Register here.
• Grad Hangout: Mocktails & Brunch (In-Person). Stop by and enjoy some delicious pastries, fresh fruit, Insomnia Cookies, and mocktails! Mingle with your peers by playing games, singing karaoke, or taking photos together at the photo booth. This event is a part of University Life’s Graduate Initiative for Inclusion and Engagement. Wednesday, April 19, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Register here.
• Campus Conversations: Media Representation (In-Person). Join University Life Ambassadors, Umit Muradi and Aarja Chakraborty, in a conversation about how film, television, music, art, and more can contribute to our misperceptions of others. This event is a part of University Life’s Campus Conversations Initiative. Snacks will be provided.  Friday, April 21, 2:00 - 3:30 PM. Register here.
• Grab-n-Go Succulent Study Break (In-Person). Drop by for a quick Succulent Study Break! Grab a faux succulent and decorate your new plant. First come, first served – while supplies last! Wednesday, April 26, 1:00 - 3:00 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. Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Learn more.

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 

• The Columbia Way: Beyond Commencement (In-Person). The Columbia Alumni Association is hosting a two-day event on the Morningside and CUIMC campuses to introduce graduating students to their alumni benefits and offer support as you transition to postgraduate life. Sessions will include a resource expo to get advice from alumni, polish your resume, and take professional headshots, as well as workshops on self-care and financial well-being. Thursday, April 13 and Friday, April 14. Learn more and register.
• 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 

• Artist's Talk: Kiyan Williams in Conversation with Vanessa Agard-Jones (In-Person). Kiyan Williams’ (ARTS ‘22) solo exhibition, A Crack Beneath the Weight of It All, is currently on view at Altman Siegel Gallery. At this event, Williams will describe their work and process in conversation with Professor Vanessa Agard-Jones. Wednesday, April 5, 4:00 - 5:30 PM. Register here.
• Crossing the Darien: Migration to the United States (In-Person). This discussion and exhibit of Federico Rios’ photography will consider the growing number of migrants crossing the Darien Gap, a dangerous stretch of mountainous rainforest connecting Colombia and Panama. Hosted by the Institute of Latin American Studies. Wednesday, April 5, 4:30 - 6:30 PM. Learn more.
• Scribbling and Doodling from Leonardo da Vinci to Cy Twombly (In-Person). This event will explore the place of scribbles and doodles in the study of art history and a new exhibit on this topic. Hosted by the European Institute. Wednesday, April 5, 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Register here.
• Justice Forum: The Black Bibliography Project (In-Person). Learn about The Black Bibliography Project, an effort to better understand the formation and aesthetic practices of Black print culture in the U.S. and across the Black Diaspora, at this panel discussion hosted by the Justice-in-Education Initiative. Wednesday, April 5, 6:10 - 8:00 PM. Learn more. 
• Situational Awareness Training (Virtual). Public Safety presents a training on Situational Awareness: being aware of where you are and what is happening around you. Learn to be alert to potential threats to your health and safety and be cognizant of emergency exits and other paths to safety. Monday, April 10, 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Register here.
• The Universities and Slavery Movement with Dr. Ruth Simmons (In-Person). Under the leadership of Dr. Simmons, Brown University initiated the first comprehensive evaluation of an American university’s history and complicity with slavery and the slave trade. This conversation, hosted by the Columbia University and Slavery project, will reflect on the past, present, and future of this ongoing work. Monday, April 10, 5:30 - 6:30 PM.  Register here.

Looking for more events happening around NYC? Check out our free and low-cost activities page! We welcome your feedback 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