New Student Orientation Workshops

Facilitated by the University Writing Center

Whether it's been a few months since your last academic writing assignment or a few years, the Columbia University Writing Center is here to help. This workshop will help incoming graduate students prepare for graduate level writing. Through an interactive session, students will learn how to adjust their composition strategy and process for writing at an Ivy League level. Students will also learn about the University Writing Center and the resources available to them.

Facilitated by Columbia Sexual Violence Response 

This session will introduce students to Columbia Health Sexual Violence Response (SVR) staff in order to put a face with the name so that graduate students see SVR as an accessible resource and welcoming place to reach out for services and support as survivors and co-survivors of violence, abuse, and harassment. We will use this time to inform incoming graduate students about the importance of the issues of sexual and intimate partner violence, stalking, and harassment. The goal of this session is to start unpacking some of the complexities of these forms of abuse and violence, see the various ways in which people of different identities and backgrounds are impacted, as well as understand the crucial role we all play as a community in supporting one another through these difficult and complex issues. Participants will also learn about the various resources offered to survivors and co-survivors.

Facilitated by Student Financial Planning

You made it to grad school! Now how are you going to pay for it? Join the Office of Student Financial Planning for an overview of Columbia University's policies and funding structures as well as additional financial resources that may be available to you. Make informed financial decisions with the help of student finance professionals so you get the most out of your Columbia degree.

Facilitated by the Career Design Lab

SPS Students have access to a robust network of professional development opportunities facilitated by the school's Career Design Lab (CDL). This workshop will introduce you to the variety of programs and resources available to SPS students to help them develop the professional skills and competencies needed to succeed at Columbia and beyond. Tap into the wealth of knowledge both the Columbia and SPS alumni networks have to offer while building meaningful professional connections and exploring a diverse range of career options. We will have breakout rooms for different career journeys to help students understand the best ways to engage with CDL.

Facilitated by the International Students and Scholars Office

Navigating US immigration and visa regulations can feel difficult- but the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is here to help. This workshop will cover the immigration privileges and responsibilities of international students and how they can keep and protect their F student and J exchange visitor non-immigrant status to ensure eligibility for future benefits. Facilitators will also discuss important policies, documentation, and information that international students should consider while enrolled at Columbia University.

Facilitated by the American Language Program

As an international student, adjusting to a new city and culture can be an exciting yet challenging time. The goal of this workshop is to help international students feel well prepared for the upcoming semester and to know where to find support and community. Having the right skills and resources will help you start the semester off right so that you not only survive but thrive, at Columbia. Whether you are shy or outgoing, you can use this time to practice sharing your ideas openly- an important skill to have at Columbia! There will also be time for Q&A, where you can ask any cultural, social, or New York-related questions. This workshop will be a safe and welcoming space for students who are new to aspects of New York culture or a U.S. university setting.

Facilitated by the Office of Student Life and the Office of University Life

Are you looking for opportunities to make friends as well as build leadership and professional skills? Then this session is for you! There are a multitude of ways for graduate students to be involved in the Columbia community! Join us as the Office of Student Life team shares ways to maximize your student experience through extracurricular involvement and student leadership. Additionally, hear from a panel of current and past student leaders on being an active SPS Student and tips for adjusting to Columbia and New York.

Facilitated by the Office of Student Support

Students at SPS come from around the world and have vastly different lived experiences. This workshop will discuss how those experiences and socialization play a part in developing biases. Through an engaging and interactive session, attendees will gain an understanding of implicit and explicit bias, discuss where bias can arise in a university setting, and develop strategies to help mitigate bias in one's interactions with others.

Facilitated by the Columbia University Libraries Team

As an Ivy League institution, Columbia University has one of the greatest networks of libraries and academic research resources in the world. This session will help students understand what resources are available to them and those that may complement their academic pursuits. Members of the Columbia University Libraries team will cover interlibrary loans, research databases, and general reference inquiries, among other critical topics.

Facilitated by the Office of Student Support and Office of Online Curriculum and Instruction

What does it take to be successful at Columbia? How do you communicate and collaborate with faculty and students to maximize your time at SPS? What academic techniques do high-achieving students employ to succeed in their courses? Join the SPS Office of Student Support and Office of Online Curriculum and Instruction for an interactive session that covers various techniques and approaches for how you can make the most of your Columbia journey.

Facilitated by the Office of Student Wellness

Self-care and wellness go hand-in-hand with academic success. In fact, SPS has a dedicated team to connect you with wellness resources and strategies so that you can make the most of your Columbia experience. This engaging and interactive session, led by the Office of Student Wellness, will cover the ways students can care for themselves and others. Attendees will understand the importance of balance for success while learning more about the variety of wellness resources available through the University. Attendees will also be encouraged to be courageous in acknowledging vulnerability and knowing when to reach out for help.

Facilitated by Marjory Fischer, Columbia University Title IX Coordinator

This orientation session will familiarize students with Policies and Procedures addressing gender-based misconduct at Columbia. We will discuss the history of Title IX and how this important federal law interacts with our student policies defining prohibited behaviors on campus. Title IX covers cases involving sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking. In some cases, students may decide to report such conduct to the University or to law enforcement. This session will share reporting options as well as options for resolving cases once a report is made. We will discuss the bedrock definition of “affirmative consent,” essential to understanding our policies, and how to incorporate it into relationships to ensure an atmosphere of sexual respect in the Columbia community. Together with these issues, questions around confidentiality and related concerns will be discussed. Join us to learn what you can do to help others when you either witness gender-based violence or when you or a friend need help and access to resources and services available for those who have been affected by gender-based violence.