students at slac 2026

Student Engagement and Community Programs

GS Student Life provides leadership development opportunities in the areas of campus engagement, academic achievement, and non-University-related roles. We aim to develop within our students an appreciation for diverse experiences, opinions, and different styles of leadership.

Opportunities to Get Involved

Within GS Student Life:

 

Around GS and the University:

Student Engagement & Community Programs

GS Student Life hosts a variety of events that encourage students to explore New York City and the State of New York. Including, an annual Fall Apple & Pumpkin Picking Trip, regular tickets to Broadway, Opera, and Dance Shows, Museum Visits and Tours, and more.

GS Student Life provides engagement opportunities for GS students to facilitate connections and build community with peers through engaging social programs.

GS Student Life hosts a series of programs to encourage students to engage with faculty members outside of the classroom, engage with staff members and Deans, and opportunities to learn from and engage with GS alumni.  

Programs include annual Student-Faculty Dinners, the Dining with Dean Rosen-Metsch lunch series, Coffee and Conversation programs with Dean Delva, Ice Cream and Bagels with Dean Rosen-Metsch in the GS Lounge, and a variety of networking opportunities and panels in collaboration with GS Alumni Relations.

This opportunity allows you to meet one on one with a GS Student Life staff member to discuss your GS story and the strategies for sharing it in an effective and dynamic way. We will discuss how you might share it in different contexts or tailor it to specific goals you have in mind.

The GS Mentor Program pairs continuing undergraduate and Postbac Premed students with incoming students on the basis of several criteria including majors or premedical tracks, interests, and backgrounds. Mentors meet with their mentees at regular intervals throughout their first semester to fulfill the following objectives:

  • Assist students as they adjust to Columbia and college life by providing general advice, assistance, and support as well as sharing their own transition experiences
  • Assist students in developing social networks throughout the Columbia community via social gatherings, University events, club meetings, etc.
  • Provide information and resources for becoming involved in extra-curricular clubs, organizations, activities, and sports
  • Provide guidance to students in starting initiatives, projects, charities, etc.
Application Deadline: Friday, September 19

If you have any questions, email [email protected].

The School of General Studies Student Leadership Awards are given to individuals that have distinguished themselves with their dedication to leadership and service to the School of General Studies and/or the Columbia University community.

Alumni Key Award

Awarded to a graduating senior and student completing the Postbac Premed Program for exceptional academic achievement and a demonstration of ongoing commitment to leadership and service to the School of General Studies community. The Alumni Key Award is officially conferred at the School of General Studies Class Day ceremony and the Postbac Premed Class Day ceremony.

Campbell Award

Awarded to a graduating senior who shows exceptional leadership and Columbia spirit as exemplified by Bill Campbell '62CC, '64TC. The Campbell Award is officially conferred at the School of General Studies Class Day ceremony.

Dean’s Citation Award

Awarded to a select few exceptional students who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to outstanding leadership and service to the School of General Studies community throughout their academic tenure.

Spirit Award

Awarded to a select group of GS students who have made outstanding contributions through their dedication to leadership and service to the School of General Studies and the Columbia University communities.

Change Agent Award

Awarded to a very select group of students who have made impactful contributions to the School of General Studies and Columbia University as a change agent within the community.

Service Award

Awarded to students who have distinguished themselves this academic year with a dedication to service and leadership within the School of General Studies and/or the Columbia University community.

Honorary Owl Award

Awarded to a student from Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, Barnard College, or any Columbia University graduate school who has made a contribution to the School of General Studies community through their leadership and service this academic year.

Throughout the academic year, GS Student Life collaborates with the Student Life offices at Barnard College, Columbia College, and Columbia Engineering to advise student-led traditions that build community across all four undergraduate schools at the University.

  • Homecoming
  • Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • Glass House Rocks
  • Bacchanal
  • Senior Week

Identity Based Community Support

The Dean of Students Office at GS strives to celebrate and empower GS students who self-identify as first generation and/or low income (FLI) through academic support, community programming, resource sharing, and advocacy—fostering a supportive and equitable community where GS FLI students can thrive and achieve their academic goals.

GS Student Life coordinates various identity-based programs and support to provide spaces for students to discuss general experiences based on identities and leadership roles on campus, share resources that have proven helpful, discuss ways in which to utilize experiences to frame future leadership roles (at Columbia, GS, and beyond), and develop support among peers and administrators. Identity based programming includes:

  • Students of Color Affinity Spaces
  • International Student Affinity Spaces
  • LBGTQ Affinity Spaces
  • Dual BA Students
  • Students With Families
  • Older GS Students
  • Postbac Premed Students
  • Veteran & Military Connected Students 

GS Student Life offers semesterly workshops dedicated to cultivating critical consciousness of self and practice tools for social change through interactive workshops, activities, and guided discussion.