In honor of Veterans Day, we are featuring several of our veteran students and alumni throughout the week, and highlighting the School's longstanding support of military veterans, dating back to 1947 and the creation of GS.
FRIDAY FORUM FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: VETERANS AT GS
Prospective students will have an opportunity to engage with veteran students who have successfully enrolled at GS. During this online forum, current GS students will share their personal experiences transitioning from the military to Columbia University including veteran student resources, student life, academics, and more.
Friday, November 10, 4 - 5 p.m. EST
After spending a decade homeless, Elegance Bratton enlisted in the Marine Corps at 25, where he became a combat filmmaker. Eventually, he enrolled at Columbia GS, graduating with a degree in African-American studies.
Bratton returned to GS for an exclusive screening of his semi-autobiographical and critically acclaimed debut feature The Inspection, sharing his GS story and filmmaking insights with the Columbia community.
In partnership with national nonprofit Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP), Columbia has hosted six WSP Boot Camps, gateway programs for veterans transitioning to higher education.
"This was one of the best decisions I’ve made for getting myself ready for higher education and bettering myself as an individual," said participant Alexandria Durrant, an active duty service member in the Navy. "I wish that every military personnel wanting to go to college, active duty or veteran, knew about this amazing opportunity!”
SUPPORT AN IVY LEAGUE EDUCATION FOR VETERAN STUDENTS
The School of General Studies is a proud participant in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Yellow Ribbon Program. The scope of benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program make a Columbia education accessible to eligible veterans, regardless of socioeconomic status.
NYC Veterans Day Parade
Saturday, November 11
For the fifteenth year in a row, the School of General Studies is a major sponsor in the Veterans Day Parade. As a part of GS's sponsorship, all Columbia student and alumni veterans—as well as all GS students and alumni—are invited to participate by riding on or walking beside the parade float.
Learn More and Register
Columbia University Military Ball
Friday, November 10
6:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, NYC
The Columbia University Military Ball is the premier event celebrating the Columbia and New York City veteran communities. Proceeds help underwrite academic and career transition programming for all veterans and military family members nationwide, financial aid for veteran students at Columbia University, and veteran student and alumni programming.
This year's honorees are Walter and Shirley Wang, University Trustee, in recognition of their generous support for student veterans at Columbia University.
When high school was over, Sam wasn’t ready for college, and decided to enlist in the Marines. After boot camp and combat training, she studied Arabic before being deployed throughout the Middle East, where she was a translator and taught self-defense classes to local women. After eight years serving her country, Sam made the challenging transition back to the civilian world and connected with a Columbia veteran alum before making the decision to apply to the School of General Studies. With its strong camaraderie, large population of military veterans, and veteran-dedicated support groups, it was clear that GS was the right place for her.
The 2023-2024 GS Arts & Research Collective: Building GS Culture, One Piece at a Time
As the Collective, which graces the walls of the Peter J. Awn Lounge and ARC, celebrates its third round, five GS artists share the stories behind their work.
Columbia GS Student Veteran Pursues Passion for Buddhist Studies Across the Globe
Marine veteran James Gasper ‘24GS on how his Columbia experience empowered him to cultivate a unique GS path from Taiwan to India, and from BA to MA.
GS Alumni and Families Come Together to Celebrate Homecoming Weekend
On Saturday, October 14, Columbia alumni and their families gathered to celebrate Homecoming Weekend.
Popular Links
Upcoming Events
Social Justice Series Workshop: Exploring Gentrification
Veteran Pathways Into Tech: A Fireside Chat and Q&A with Meta
Work and Activities Writing Workshop
Student Services
There are many resources available to you as a student to help you succeed in your academic career.
The Dean of Students Office is the primary advising resource for undergraduate students at GS.
Dedicated to supporting the diverse nontraditional student body at GS in achieving academic excellence.
Peer Advisors are available to discuss academics, campus resources, personal concerns, and the transition to the School of General Studies.
Wherever you are on the road to mastery, our tutors are here to help.
We encourage students to become involved in programs and activities that enhance their educational experience.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (with a Columbia ID) to support GS students to study, socialize, and connect.
Contact Us | Visit
The best way to understand GS is to visit us. We recommend that prospective students register for an information session and student-led campus tour to get the most of their visit to Columbia's undergraduate college for nontraditional students.