Welcome Home, Columbia!

Dear Students, 

Welcome Home Columbia starts today! This series of events, happening January 16-26, is a University Life tradition that connects you to friends and resources. We look forward to seeing you there.

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

Welcome Home Columbia

• University Life Resource Fair at CUIMC (In-Person). Join us in the lobby of 60 Haven (Tower 1), where you'll get swag, discover resources, and learn about future events. TODAY, January 16, 12 - 2 p.m. Learn more.
• LGBTQIA+ Student Meet & Greet (In-Person). Come enjoy light refreshments as you connect with other LGBTQIA+-identifying students at Columbia. All students are welcome. Wednesday, January 17, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Register here.
• Craft Time: Mug Makeover (In-Person). Join us for an artsy and fun experience! Decorate your own University Life mug using paint pens and stickers. Fill it with candy for a sweet treat. Mugs, crafting supplies, and candy will be provided — first come, first serve. Thursday, January 18, 1 - 3 p.m. Register here.
• Get to Know Us: Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI) (Virtual). Get to know staff from CSSI. Through various challenges, learn why they are passionate about supporting students and what resources are available to you. Friday, January 19, 2 - 3 p.m. Register here.
• Grab-n-Go Succulent Study Break (In-Person). Come by to grab a faux succulent, a ceramic pot, and decorations to take home. Friday, January 19, 2 - 3 p.m. Register here. 
• Community Impact Open House (In-Person). From work study to volunteer opportunities, learn about ways to get involved with Community Impact and the Morningside Heights, Harlem, and Washington Heights communities. Friday, January 19, 2 - 4 p.m. Register here.
• Welcome Home Winter Mixer (In-Person). Enjoy karaoke, Get-to-Know-You Bingo, snacks, and hot cocoa! The University Life Events Council invites you to reconnect with friends and make new ones at this Winter Mixer. Co-sponsored by the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). Friday, January 19, 5 - 6:30 p.m. Register here.
• Maps & Snacks (In-Person). Grab a snack and a campus map at our table in University Life's new Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion (located in Kent Hall Room 202). Monday, January 22, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Learn more.
• Cultivating Hope (In-Person). Join Dr. Shirley Matthews of Columbia Health Counseling and Psychological Services and Dr. Karissa Thacker of Union Theological Seminary to explore what the combination of positive psychology and religious traditions have to offer you on the path to a more hopeful life. This event will be hosted by Religious Life. Monday, January 22, 7 - 8 p.m. Register here.
• Financial Fitness Tips & Tidbits: Student Budgeting & Beyond (Hybrid). Learn about budgeting, resources, and tools available to you at this workshop led by Student Financial Services. Tuesday, January 23, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Register here.
• APIDA Student Meet & Greet (In-Person) Come enjoy some light refreshments as you connect with other Asian, Pacific-Islander, and Desi-American (APIDA)-identifying students at Columbia. All students are welcome. Wednesday, January 24, 5 - 6:30 p.m. Register here.
• CUIMC Speed-Friending (In-Person). Get to know students from across CUIMC schools over dinner. Enjoy games and prizes at the Vagelos Education Center. This event is hosted by Well-Being and Health Promotion and is open only to CUIMC students. Wednesday, January 24, 6 - 8 p.m. Register here.
• Letter to Myself Workshop (In-Person). At this event, you can pause and reflect alongside peers by writing a letter to yourself. Snacks and stationary will be provided. Thursday, January 25, 12 - 2 p.m. Register here.
• Women of Color Student Meet & Greet (In-Person). Come enjoy some light refreshments and good music as you connect with other women of color at Columbia. All students are welcome. Thursday, January 25, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Register here.
• Free Friday Fitness Class: Indoor Cycling (In-Person). Challenge yourself and build power and endurance at this group class in PEREC’s new indoor cycling studio. All fitness levels are welcome. Please wear closed-toe athletic shoes. Friday, January 26, 6 - 7 p.m. Register here.
• Welcome Home T-shirt Design Contest. We’re asking you to create and choose our next Welcome Home Columbia T-shirt! To participate, make your own design and share it with us. All students will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite design. Keep an eye on our weekly newsletter for voting details. The top 4 entries will win swag bags and the winner will receive a $100 virtual gift card. Submit a design by Friday, January 26. Learn more.
• 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 5-10 minutes early to sign in and set up. Thursdays beginning January 18, 7 - 8 p.m. Learn more.

More Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Listening Forums

The Office of the President will be hosting opportunities throughout the academic year for students to communicate directly with senior administrative leaders from across Columbia. These Listening Forums are safe, respectful, and compassionate spaces to engage in meaningful dialogue about issues that affect you on campus.

Please note: 

• Advance registration for the lottery is required to participate.
• These opportunities are open to students from Columbia’s 17 schools
• Your registration has only been recorded if you receive a confirmation email from [email protected].

Learn more and register for the lottery here. 

• The Unity Concert, Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King (In-Person). Join the International Interfaith Research Lab for a conversation about nonviolence, justice, and racial equity inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s principles. A concert will follow. TONIGHT, January 16, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Register here. 
• Music Monday at The Forum: Silent Disco! (In-Person). Join the Columbia community and our neighbors for an evening of dancing at The Forum. January 22, 6 - 7 p.m. Register here. 

Take care,

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Senior 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