2020-21 Academic Year

Welcome to the Spring Term from University Life! ZOOMba Fitness, Speed Friending, and More

January 11, 2021

Dear Students,

Welcome to 2021 and the start of the Spring term! We would like to extend a special welcome to students who are new to the community. Whether this is your first semester or your last, the Office of University Life is your hub for University-wide student events and opportunities to learn and connect, and resources to help you thrive, wherever you are in the world. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to hear first about all that’s happening.

#KeepTheCompact: Hear what other students have to say – check out these Student Voices.

Inclusion and Belonging at Columbia
For most of us, a sense of belonging is critical to our success. University Life is committed to doing our part to ensure that Columbia is as inclusive a community as possible. You can learn more about our commitment and ongoing work on our website and check out different ways to get involved.

Upcoming Events

Want to have a say in University Life's events? Join the University Life Events Council by signing up as a committee member. Starting next Tuesday, look out for your weekly events email from University Life. In the meantime:

University Life Events and Opportunities (All events are ET)

  • ZOOMba Fitness Class. Get moving with a fun virtual Zumba fitness class, led by PEREC instructor Celeste! Thursday, 1/14, 5-6 PM. Register here.
  • Speed Friending. Are you looking to expand your social circle? Check out the ever-popular Speed Friending for a fun time of networking, games, and giveaways! Thursday, 1/14, 6-7 PM. Register here.
  • Coffee & Conversation. Meet other students from across the University, have real conversations and build community at this student-facilitated event. Register here.
  • Financial Wellness and You: Student Budgeting & Beyond. You’re invited to the first in our Spring Financial Wellness Series, where you’ll learn about tools and resources to address immediate and long-term financial challenges and planning! Thursday, 1/21, 12-1 PM. Register here.

Other Events and Opportunities

  • Live from Columbia: Brandee Younger & Dezron Douglas. Harpist Brandee Younger and bassist Dezron Douglas join together for an incredible evening of inspired jazz works. Tuesday, 1/19, 7 PM. Register here.
  • Multi-Faith Fellowship. The Multi-Faith Fellowship provides a rare opportunity for genuine learning and community across faith traditions. Wednesday, 1/20, 7-8:15 PM. Register here. 
  • Identity & Inclusion Series: Unconscious Bias. This workshop from Multicultural Affairs offers an overview of unconscious bias. Thursday, 1/21, 11 AM - 1 PM. Register here. 
  • The Dean's Grand Rounds on the Future of Public Health: Delivering Equity Through the Public Health System. Grand Rounds is a community conversation on the science, education and practice of public health. Thursday, 1/21, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Register here. 
  • The School of Professional Studies is hosting Thriving in Turbulence: Leading Immigrant Communities Amidst a Pandemic and Societal Upheaval, part of their series Leading Towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Implementing Systemic Change. Thursday, 1/21, 6-7 PM. Register here.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] any time you have questions, suggestions or concerns. We look forward to connecting with you and hope to see you at events this term!

In community and looking forward,

Professor Suzanne B. Goldberg
Executive Vice President for University Life
Herbert and Doris Wechsler Clinical Professor of Law
Gender Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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

Ixchel Rosal
Associate Vice President for Student Life
Office of University Life
Gender Pronouns: She/Her/Hers