GS Welcomes New Students for Spring 2022
On Monday, January 10, the School of General Studies welcomed new students to the GS community with the Spring 2022 New Student Orientation Program (NSOP). 241 undergraduate and Postbac Premed students were invited to the online event to learn about their peers, the GS staff, and the abundant resources GS has to offer before jumping into the academic semester.
On Monday, January 10, the School of General Studies welcomed 241 new students to the GS community with the Spring 2022 New Student Orientation Program (NSOP). With a variety of workshops and virtual social engagement events, the incoming class was encouraged to get to know both their peers and their new school better before jumping into the academic semester. At the beginning of each semester, GS hosts NSOP to introduce students to the Columbia community and create a smooth transition into the first week of classes.
The Welcome Ceremony began with an incredible performance of “Roar Lions Roar” by the Columbia Clefhangers.
Following the acapella performance, Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch greeted the incoming class and, reflecting upon the uncertainty of the past, expressed hope for the future. After briefly welcoming the new students to Columbia, she expressed her immense joy at seeing so many new faces joining the GS community.
“We know that many of you, our newest students at Columbia University, have had diverse non-linear paths to Columbia, and for many of you, your stories have had moments of uncertainty and the unexpected. Today, though, is a testament to your resilience and a commitment you are making to yourselves and to your futures.”
Finishing her welcome address, Dean Rosen-Metsch introduced Dean of Students, Marlyn Delva, who discussed the faith and resilience that are characteristic of not only GS, but of the Columbia community as a whole. Dean Delva voiced her thoughts about the courage necessary of those embarking on their academic journey at Columbia in a non-traditional way.
“This week is about relishing in the moment that you are here and the faith you had to pursue this chapter in your life [...] This week is also about letting you know about our faith in you. We chose you because we believe in you [...] You belong here,” she said.
Students were then met with a warm welcome from staff and faculty members across Columbia’s many academic departments, including Dr. James Colgrove, Dean of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical program. Dr. Colgrove spoke to the need for continued education in the medical sphere and remarked on the exceptional positioning of Postbac students living in New York City to learn from and engage with world-renowned medical professionals and researchers.
The incoming class also heard from the Postbac Premed Student Council (PPSC) and GS Student Council (GSSC) Presidents, Margaret Crownover and Serengeti Timungwa, and the Alumni Association Co-Chair, Damienne Harfouche '14GS.
Later in the week, GS hosted special orientation events for students from the International and Veteran Communities, as well as an event tailored towards the family members of those in the GS community including a faculty member lecture and a student & alumni panel.
An Overview of the Incoming Class of Spring 2022
This Spring’s incoming class boasts a diverse group of students who bring new and unique perspectives to the GS community. Representing a wide array of experiences, students in the GS community pride themselves on carving out their own path in life and learning not only in an academic setting, but also from the ever-changing world around them.
- 57 incoming students are international students
- 19 incoming students are first-generation college students
- 15 incoming students are pursuing their second Bachelor’s degree
In addition to military veterans, this year’s class includes teachers, designers, entrepreneurs, dancers, venture capitalists, musicians, filmmakers, real estate investors, and workers in the nonprofit, healthcare, global affairs, government, law, hospitality, technology and securities industries.
Demographics
Age Range: 18 - 61
Students who are married: 49
Students with children: 9
26 states represented: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington
Citizenship
18 countries represented: Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States.