Virtual Workshop Series & Recordings

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.

VIEW THE RECORDING HERE

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, support, training, and education around issues of violence, abuse, and harassment. SVR 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 nuanced issues. Participants will also learn about the various resources offered to survivors and co-survivors. 

During this session, we will be discussing subjects of a sensitive nature that may impact participants in different ways. We ask that participants practice self-care prior to, during, and after the session. A list of resources can be found here 

This session is not recorded.

Facilitated by the DEIA Office

Join us for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Orientation, designed to set the foundation for your journey as an SPS student. In this session, we’ll discuss the values and expectations that shape the SPS experience, emphasizing the role each student plays in fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative community. As part of this orientation session, we’ll dive into a focused module on effective team communication at SPS. This segment will provide strategies and tools for communicating confidently and respectfully in group settings—whether as a student representative, working on group projects, or in professional internships. This interactive orientation will equip you with essential skills to thrive in collaborative environments and prepare you for success throughout your academic and professional journey.

VIEW THE RECORDING HERE

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.

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Facilitated by the Columbia Health Insurance Office

Learn health insurance basics! This workshops will be a high-level overview providing an introduction to how your health insurance works, why you need a referral, key terms you need to know, where to find your ID card, what to expect with appointments, billing, claims and basic billing.

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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.

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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.

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Facilitated by the Career Design Lab

Career Development is an on-going process. In order to manage your career journey, now and throughout your working life the Career Design Lab (CDL) will introduce you to Design Thinking principles, which is a valuable approach to help individuals gain clarity, identify opportunities and make informed decisions. In this workshop the CDL will provide participants with an overview of our strategies and 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.

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Facilitated by Columbia University Public Safety

Safety comes first at SPS and Columbia University. This important workshop, hosted by Columbia University Public Safety, will give an in-depth overview of the resources provided by their department. Officer Ricardo Morales will cover important campus and NYC safety tips including situational awareness, night shuttles and safety escorts, Safe Havens, theft prevention, and learning how to be safe throughout the city. Whether you're new to New York or have been here your whole life, this training will help you stay safe and know what to do in case the unexpected happens.

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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.

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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.

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Facilitated by the Office of Student Wellness

As a graduate student, your time and energy will be stretched, so it's important to proactively identify a realistic and effective plan to manage your well-being...before things become overwhelming. In this webinar, you will develop a concrete plan for taking care of your holistic self during your first semester at Columbia and beyond. You will identify a wellness goal, brainstorm ways to meet this goal, and learn about the campus resources available to support this goal. 

VIEW THE RECORDING HERE