This Week at Columbia: Events & Opportunities (10/15)

Dear Students,

We hope you’ll join us for Awakening Our Democracy: AI in the Ballot Box on Tuesday, October 22, 6 - 7:30 p.m.  

As the Presidential election approaches, questions about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and the fragility of our democracy abound. AI provides opportunities to protect and promote democracy. Without AI literacy and guardrails, however, AI could be used to mislead and misinform voters. Some say our ability to successfully navigate this election season will be all about AI literacy. This panel discussion is co-sponsored by University Life, Columbia University Data Science Institute, Columbia Journalism School, and the Office of the Provost for Faculty Advancement. A grab-and-go dinner will be provided to registered guests at the end of the event. 

Register here.

The deadline for voter registration in New York is October 26! Register to vote today.

All events below are in Eastern Time (ET), free, and open to all students unless otherwise noted.

More University Life Events 

• Student-Parent Focus Group (Virtual). If you identify as a student and a parent, the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI) wants to hear from you! Your feedback will assist us in developing University services that will help meet the needs and goals of students who are parents. You will also learn more about Case Management and Student Support within CSSI. Friday, October 18, 1 - 2 p.m. Register here.
• Sacred Music Concerts (Hybrid). Religious Life is hosting sacred music concerts throughout the Fall semester. Find a moment for quiet reflection and beautiful music:
  • Tuesday, October 15, 7 - 8 p.m.
  • Friday, October 18, 8 - 9:15 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 22, 7 - 8 p.m.
• Yoga Class (In-Person). Take a break and relax with yoga in Earl Hall hosted by Religious Life. Please bring your own mat and arrive 10 minutes early to sign in and set up! Thursdays, 7 - 8 p.m. Learn more.

Roar & Explore

As part of the Campus Climate Collaborative, we are rounding up events in the lead up to homecoming. Check out Roar & Explore for upcoming events and activities, including concerts, a Fall Festival, an Open House at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, well-being workshops, crafting sessions, and more! Learn more.

October is Relationship Violence Awareness Month

Every October, Columbia Health Sexual Violence Response recognizes issues of violence in intimate relationships and the impact they have on all of us. Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Purple Thursday. The entire Columbia community is invited to wear purple this Thursday, October 17 to raise awareness of the impact of relationship violence, support survivors, and demonstrate our collective commitment to building a compassionate and accountable community free of violence. Learn more.
• Peace and Presence Workshops (Virtual). This series of workshops explores non-verbal and experiential healing techniques, self-calming tools, and ways to incorporate mindfulness into one’s daily life. Offered in partnership with experienced, trauma-informed practitioners. Various times. Learn more.
• Self-Care Fair (In-Person) Drop by for some self-care with coloring, friendship bracelet-making, giveaways, and more! Co-sponsored by University Life. Tuesday, October 29, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn more.

See SVR’s Full Calendar of October Events

Community Citizenship Initiative

First year students: Complete the initiative by November 8th! The following events fulfill one of the two requirements for the Community Citizenship Initiative (CCI). CCI is required for all first year students, and open to all students. 

• The Power of Bystanders
  Monday, October 21, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
  Virtual
  This event fulfills the Sexual Respect component.
   
• Campus Conversation: Exploring the Social Identity Wheel
  Tuesday, October 22, 10 - 11 a.m.
  In-Person
  This event fulfills the Inclusion & Belonging component. Light breakfast provided.
   
• Loving Me Means This
  Monday, October 28, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
  In-Person
  This event fulfills the Sexual Respect component.Light lunch provided.
   
• A Workshop & Conversation on Bias - Recognizing the Role We Play
  Thursday, October 31, 3:15 - 4:30 p.m
  In-Person
  This event fulfills the Inclusion & Belonging component. Light refreshments provided.
   
• RelationShorts
  Friday, November 1, 12 - 1:30 p.m
  In-Person
  This event fulfills the Sexual Respect component. Light lunch provided.
   
• La Breve y Maravillosa Vida de Oscar Wao (The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao)
  Friday, November 8, 7 - 9 p.m.
  In-Person
  This event fulfills the Inclusion & Belonging component.

Happening Around Campus

• Art + Life: Jessica Hoppe (In-Person). Join the Undergraduate Writing Program for an evening with Jessica Hoppe. Hoppe will discuss her debut memoir in conversation with Jaquira Díaz. All students are welcome. Thursday, October 17, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Register here.
• Nicotine Awareness & Help Town Hall (Virtual). This town hall is an opportunity for community members to come learn about the Nicotine Awareness & Help (NAH) initiative led by Columbia Health Alice! Health Promotion. Learn about this project, ask questions to the leaders of the project, and share your thoughts as the group considers changes to Columbia’s current smoking policy. Monday, October 21, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Register here.
• Capital for Good Conference (In-Person). Be part of conversations that reimagine the role of capital in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous society. Receive free tickets when you sign up to volunteer by emailing [email protected]. Limited spots available. You can also use the discount code CapitalForGood50 for 50% off the ticket price. Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Learn more.

Take care,

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D. (he/him/his)

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
University Life

Ixchel Rosal (she/her/hers)

Senior Associate Vice President for Student Life
University Life