By Shana Childs
Welcome back. Now is a great time to familiarize yourself with ways to connect and get support at Columbia SPS—that’s why we’re hosting Weeks of Welcome in the month of September.
What’s in Store
The SPS Offices of Student Life, Wellness, and Support are hosting some fifteen events—Broadway shows, sporting events, and academic and wellness workshops—to help students meet one another and explore New York City. Highlights are listed below, but regularly check SPS Engage to see new events and to register.
- Forty-five Minute Campus Tour: Friday, September 9, and Tuesday, September 13
- Student Organization Fair: Friday, September 9
- Fall Mix & Mingle at Faculty House: Wednesday, September 14
- Welcome to New York: A Beginner’s Guide: Thursday, September 15
- New York City Football Club vs. New York Red Bulls: Saturday, September 17
- African American Day Parade: Sunday, September 18
- Six On Broadway: Wednesday, September 21
- Business Research Workshop: Thursday, September 22
- Managing Stress, Anxiety & Worry: Thursday, September 29
- Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees: Friday, September 30
In addition, SPS has more than seventy student organizations ranging from the SUMA Equity Alliance to SPS Student Government (SPSSG), which typically holds elections in early fall and spring.
More Events Across Columbia
While Weeks of Welcome are for SPS students, there are plenty of additional socials and outings available to all students across the University. The Office of University Life is hosting free, in-person gatherings from September 6–16, including Speed Friending, Low-Lapalooza: Silent Disco, and Columbia Quest. Visit their website to sign up to attend.
Career Design Lab (CDL)
Did you know that you have a career coach? Get acquainted Friday, September 16th by attending Meet Your Career Coach, and then attend the CDL Reopening Ceremony at their offices in Times Square on Thursday, September 22.
Resources, Year-Round
There are resources, services, and activities available to you all year! Visit sps.columbia.edu/students for more information. Highlights:
- See New York For Free with Your CU ID: Having a Columbia University ID with a current semester validation sticker can unlock free admission to 30 museums around New York, including: the MoMA; the Met; Asia Society; and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. See the full list of participating museums on the Columbia University Arts Initiative website. Read more about the discounts that you may be eligible for here.
- Virtual Workshop Series: Missed any of the new student orientation? You can watch recordings by topic, from Immigration Essentials With ISSO to Financing Your Graduate Degree.
- Student Wellness: Overwhelmed or confused? Talk to a member of the SPS Wellness team for a listening ear, and to how to navigate the available support resources. You may schedule individual wellness drop-in appointments.
- SPS Academic Resource Center: As a Columbia SPS student, you can take advantage of several free services. They include: SPS Tutoring; Peer Academic Success Coaching; Disability Services; and Academic & Skill Development Workshops throughout the year.
- Welcome New Students: Share a welcome message with the incoming class! Post a tip, video, or photo to LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter, and tag #ColumbiaSPS or send an email to spsnews [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (spsnews[at]columbia[dot]edu).
There are no restrictions on social gatherings on or off campus, except for clinical-related settings at the time of publication. See current health guidance at covid19.columbia.edu.
Best wishes on a fun and successful fall semester!
