This Week at Columbia: Events & Opportunities (8/20)

Dear Students,

We’re looking forward to Welcome Week, happening September 3-13, and hope to see you at some of these events. 

Welcome Week - September 3-13

Looking to make friends and learn about University resources? This series of free, fun events is a chance to build your foundation for the semester ahead and beyond! Welcome Week is open to all Columbia students from all schools and campuses – whether you are a new or returning student, an undergraduate or graduate student. 

• University Life Resource Fair (In-Person). Connect with University resources and student groups at University Life’s second annual resource fair! Hear about events offered by University Life, Columbia Alumni Association, Columbia Health, the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), the Ombuds Office, Interschool Governing Board (IGB) student groups, and more. Tuesday, September 3, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Learn more.
• Speed Friending (In-Person). Are you looking to expand your social circle? Come check out Speed Friending for a night of conversation, Insomnia Cookies, and making new friends at Columbia University. Hosted by the University Life Events Council. Tuesday, September 3, 5 - 6:30 p.m. Register here.
• Maps & Snacks (In-Person). Stop by University Life in Kent Hall to grab a snack and a campus map! This grab-and-go tabling event is a great way to start your day during the first week of classes. Wednesday, September 4, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Learn more.
• Religious Life Activities Fair (In-Person). Stop by St. Paul's Chapel plaza for ice cream and to learn about religious resources, connect with religious student groups, and meet different faith leaders on campus. Hosted by Religious Life. Wednesday, September 4, 3 - 5 p.m. Learn more.
• Yoga Class (In-Person). Take a break and relax with yoga in Earl Hall. Religious Life offers this open level class in the Auditorium of Earl Hall on Thursday evenings throughout the fall 2024 semester. Thursday, September 5 & 12, 7 - 8 p.m. Learn More.
• Low-Lapalooza: Silent Disco (In-Person). Dance the night away with the University Life Events Council. Plus enjoy Insomnia Cookies, giveaways, photos, and much more! The first 300 students to enter can borrow headsets with three music channels. Friday, September 6, 7:15 - 8:45 p.m. Learn More.
• Religious Life Information Session (In-Person). Learn about religious student groups, campus faith leaders, prayer and meditation spaces, and interfaith programs. Connect with new and returning students and learn about Religious Life resources on campus over a meal in Earl Hall. Tuesday, September 10, 7 - 8 p.m. Register here.
• Passport to Columbia: Connect, Enjoy Activities, and More (In-Person). Kick-start the fall semester with the University Life Events Council and the International Students & Scholars Office! All are welcome at this mixer, celebrating our international community. Join us for get-to-know-you bingo, trivia, activities, Insomnia cookies, and more! Tuesday, September 10, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Register here.

Happening Around Campus

• Insurance 101: The Basics of Health Insurance (Virtual). In this 20-minute session, you will better understand the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan and how to make the most of it. Q&A to follow. This event is for Morningside and Manhattanville students. Thursday, August 22, 2 - 2:30 p.m. Register here.
• Films at The Forum x Music Monday: Jazz on a Summer's Day (In-Person). Come to The Forum for a community viewing of Jazz on a Summer’s Day, featuring intimate performances by an all-star line-up of musical legends including Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, Gerry Mulligan, Anita O'Day, Chuck Berry, Dinah Washington, and Mahalia Jackson filmed at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival. Monday, August 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Register here. 
• NECR Webinar: Overcoming Toxic Polarization and the 2024 Election (Virtual) As the United States approaches the November 2024 election, explore the many factors giving rise to political polarization in the United States and consider new ways to approach and engage with the election cycle. Hosted by the M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at the School of Professional Studies. Thursday, August 29, 12 - 1 p.m. Register here.

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