Family Members Join New GS Students for Fall 2023 Orientation
As new GS students attended orientation, their parents and family members enjoyed their own day of orientation programming!
On Monday, August 28, more than 450 new Columbia School of General Studies (GS) students joined faculty, staff, and student leaders on Columbia University’s Morningside campus for Convocation as part of a week’s worth of robust new student orientation programming.
Parents and family members of the new students were also invited to attend their own day of orientation programming as well! Hosted by the GS Office of Development and Alumni Relations, these events introduced guests to the Columbia community and the resources available to support their students’ transition to Columbia.
During Convocation, students and family members heard remarks from members of the GS and Columbia communities, including Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch ‘90GS, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, Executive Vice President of Arts and Sciences Amy Hungerford, GS Dean of Students Marlyn Delva, Dean of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program James Colgrove, and Christopher Riano ‘07GS, a member of the GS Board of Visitors.
After Convocation, families attended several diverse programs at Faculty House on campus. Following welcome remarks from Dean Rosen-Metsch and fellow GS parent Millicent Powers, GS Dean of Academic Affairs Caroline Marvin treated families to an engaging and interactive lecture titled, “Making Memories: Learning, Curiosity, and the Brain”.
After Dean Marvin’s lecture, Dean Delva hosted a resource presentation featuring members of the advising team from the GS Dean of Students Office. Guests learned about the many resources available to students and were able to ask questions related to academic courses, registrations, and extracurricular opportunities.
The final event in the series was an engaging student and alumni panel featuring two current GS students and two GS alumni. Panelists reflected on their paths to Columbia, advice they would give to new students, and some of the resources they found most helpful during their transition onto campus and during their time as students.
To close out the day, family members enjoyed a guided walking tour of campus, led by GS student tour guides.
To learn more about family orientation or other ways to connect with the GS Alumni Relations team, please email [email protected].