News

On Thursday, February 27, faculty, staff, friends, and family gathered at Columbia’s Faculty House to celebrate the induction of 71 students into the School of General Studies Honor Society. The GS Honor Society was created in 1997 to recognize the exceptional academic achievements of GS students who have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.8 in more than 30 points of academic coursework at Columbia.

Lavender Graduation is a ceremony that celebrates our graduating undergraduate LGBTQ and allied students from Barnard College, Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, and the School of General Studies. The sponsors of Lavender Graduation are looking for volunteers to be a part of the committee.

The Columbia University Postbac Premed Program gives students with their bachelor’s degrees—whether they’ve built a successful career in another field or are just realizing their passion—the opportunity to complete the necessary requirements for medical school with tailored support. Alumna Sheng Chow left behind her career in fashion and was able to accelerate her path to medical school through the Program’s linkage partnerships after enrolling in 2015. Now, three years later, Chow is fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a doctor at the Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Rachel Adams has enjoyed a successful academic career as an author and educator. This semester, she returns to the classroom not only as a professor, but as a nontraditional student at GS, where she is studying biology in preparation of obtaining a master's degree in genetic counseling, inspired by a newfound love of science and a family member's diagnosis.

Dates: Every other Tuesday, starting Feb. 18
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: GS Lounge, Lewisohn Hall

On Saturday, February 8, around 600 prospective medical students and 32 volunteers gathered in Lerner Hall for the 2020 Medical School Fair. Hosted by the Columbia University Premedical Association and the Columbia University Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, the fair welcomed 162 representatives from medical, dental, veterinary, and allied health graduate schools.

After an almost ten-year career as a makeup artist and stylist, alumna Yasmeen Ibrahim ‘19 began to feel a shift in the beauty industry and within herself. She decided to return to school, first attending community college and then transferring to the School of General Studies, where she thrived. Now, as an analyst for Accenture, Ibrahim reflects on her academic and career path thus far.

The 2020 Columbia Student Well-Being Survey was emailed to all students across Columbia University on Monday, February 10 and it will run through Friday, March 6. Upon survey completion, students will automatically be entered to win prizes. The goal of the survey is to learn directly from students about their experiences with the campus climate, health behaviors, mental health and well-being, and sexual respect. Student feedback will guide and inspire future efforts to strengthen campus life and enhance student resources.

The GS Academic Resource Center (ARC) is currently closed due to the water main break on Broadway and 111th Street. Please email [email protected] with any questions about appointments or schedules.

Kaja Grujic and Runnie Exuma, two students in the Dual BA Program with Sciences Po, share their experiences combining a passion for the social sciences with a love for the fashion industry.

 

Columbia Residential has extended the Spring 2020 waitlist and will continue to accept housing applications until February 28, 2020. Any student who accepts a housing offer between February 5  -March 6 will receive a 15% rent discount for the Spring 2020 semester.

The GS Alumni Relations team is pleased to invite students to bring their performing arts talent to be considered for a special evening at this year’s Reunion Weekend (scheduled for June 5, 2020.) Dancers, singers, or musicians are invited to email [email protected] to learn more and to schedule a time on Feb. 11 or 12 to meet with the Alumni Relations team.

Friend2Friend is a skills-based training designed to help students effectively recognize and respond to others exhibiting indicators of distress. The training is focused on understanding, re-framing, referring, and self-care.  

Twenty GS students will have the opportunity to invite a Columbia or Barnard faculty member to Faculty House to share a one-on-one meal and conversation during the spring 2020 semester.

Students are invited to apply for the 2020 Women's Forum Education Fund Award, a $10,000 grant to be used toward expenses incurred while attending college.