This Week at Columbia: Events & Opportunities 4/8 - 4/15

Dear Students, 

We hope you can explore these events and resources as we approach the final weeks of the semester.

University Life Events & Opportunities
All events listed below are in Eastern Time (ET), free, and open to all students across all schools and campuses.

• Crafternoon (In-Person). Take a break from your busy schedule and join University Life for Crafternoon, a relaxed, creative space where you can unwind and make something just for you. We'll have a variety of DIY stations set up in this limited space. Wednesday, April 9, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Register here.  
• Dance Fitness Series: Zumba (In-Person). Start your morning with high energy in this Zumba Session with University Life and Columbia PEREC. Whether you are a beginner or a regular, this dance fitness class will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Friday, April 11, 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. Register here.
• Stress Tolerance & Academic Integrity (Virtual). Review methods for managing academic stress and preventing academic misconduct alongside the CSSI Case Management and Student Support team and Student Conduct. The team will share on-campus and community resources for stress management and mental well-being. Friday, April 11, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Register here. 
• Community Connections: A Pre-Celebration of APIDA Heritage Month (In-Person). We’re kicking off APIDA Heritage Month a little early with good vibes, meaningful conversations, and delicious snacks that honor the diverse cultures of the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American communities. Wednesday, April 16, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Register here.
• Fun & Games on the Lawn (In-Person). Join University Life for a fun-filled afternoon of lawn games, delicious snacks, and good vibes! Enjoy board games, DIY flower crowns, a beanbag toss challenge, and bubbles under the spring sun. With tasty treats like soft pretzels, popcorn, mini hot dogs, ice cream, and great music, it's the perfect way to unwind before finals. Thursday, April 17, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Register here.
• Retro Roller Rink (In-Person). Bust out the neon and leg warmers for an afternoon of retro 80s fun, complete with roller skating, snacks like cotton candy and mini funnel cakes, and a best-dressed contest with prizes. Don’t miss it! Friday, April 18, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Register here.
• Become a 2025-2026 University Life Ambassador. Passionate about building community at Columbia? As a University Life Ambassador, you can help promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all Columbia students across our four campuses (Morningside, CUIMC, Manhattanville, and Lamont) and be a part of the many events and initiatives University Life offers. Apply here or learn more by emailing [email protected]. 
• The Food Pantry at Columbia: Student Leadership Board Openings. The Food Pantry serves all currently registered students across all Columbia schools, colleges, and affiliates. If you are passionate about food access and helping the Columbia community, consider applying for one of the open Student Leadership Board positions! Learn more or email [email protected].
• Sacred Music Concerts (Hybrid). Join Religious Life for this free, weekly concert series in St. Paul’s Chapel. Learn more and register for an upcoming concert.

• 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, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Learn more.

More Events and Opportunities Happening Around Campus

The events below are only some of the free, University-wide events open to all students. For a full list of events, visit the University Events Calendar.

• Exploring Minds (Hybrid). Join a three-day Neurodiversity Day celebration at the Jerome L. Greene Science Center with expert panel talks, a jazz concert, community panels, and resources for families and educators. These events are part of the Campus Collaborative Fund. Wednesday, April 9 - Friday, April 11, various times. Register here.
• Crafts on The Corner (In-Person). Get crafty at a brand-new event series at the Lee C. Bollinger Forum, where you can explore your artistic side, learn new crafting skills, and connect with the community. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking for a creative break, this free and fun event is open to all. Wednesday, April 9, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Register here. 
• Intro to Dabke Dance (In-Person). Please join the South West Asia Northern African (SWANA) ERG to learn more about the Dabke Dance! This event is an introduction to the Levantine folk dance known as Dabke, a communal dance done at a variety of traditional celebrations. Wednesday, April 9, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Register here.
• Across the Aisle: The Judiciary (In-Person). What is the role of federal judges, as defined by the US Constitution? How do they influence society? These questions and more will be addressed at this Institute of Global Politics (IGP) Across the Aisle event addressing the purpose and function of the judiciary in American democracy. Wednesday, April 9, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Register here.
• How HI-CHEW Successfully Localized a Global Brand in the U.S. (In-Person). Discover the sweet success behind HI-CHEW's U.S. expansion with a seminar hosted by Columbia Business School, featuring Teruhiro Kawabe, President and CEO of Morinaga America Inc. Thursday, April 10, 12:50 - 1:50 p.m. Register here. 
• "New Beginnings" Spring Blood Drive (In-Person). As part of our commitment to community service, well-being, and social responsibility, the Columbia community is invited to help save lives during our annual “New Beginnings” spring blood drive campaign across our campuses. Friday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Monday, April 14, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Learn more.
• Pop-Up Concerts: Miles Okazaki and Bill Frisell (In-Person). Two of the greatest guitarists of our time come together for an incredible evening of music. The virtuosic Miles Okazaki joins the esteemed Bill Frisell for this special performance at Miller Theatre. Tuesday, April 15, 6:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• "The Fight for Global Press Freedom" with CJS & The New York Times (Hybrid). The Columbia Journalism School and The New York Times will present "The Fight for Global Press Freedom” at Pulitzer Hall's Joseph D. Jamail Lecture Hall to address the escalating threats to journalists worldwide. Join for a fireside chat between Dean Jelani Cobb and New York Times Publisher A.G. Sulzberger, followed by a panel discussion. Monday, April 21, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Register here.
• Connecting with Nature (Virtual). Get ready to reconnect with Mother Nature! This workshop dives into how the great outdoors shapes us, personally and as a society. We’ll explore how our environment influences daily life and share fun, practical tips for bringing more nature into your routine. Tuesday, April 22, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Register here.
• Congrats! You made it to the end of our newsletter.

As the semester winds down, we encourage you to find some time to treat yourself and take a break from the stress. Whether it’s a warm drink, a walk in the sun, or five uninterrupted minutes staring at nothing—small joys count. You’re doing great. Hang in there, and don’t forget: naps are productive, too. 💫Click for a surprise.

Take care,

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

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