On Monday, August 26, more than 700 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.
During Convocation, students and family members heard remarks from members of the GS and Columbia communities, including Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch ‘90GS, Columbia University Interim President Katrina A. Armstrong, GS Dean of Students Marlyn Delva, Dean of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program James Colgrove, and Elle Littlefield ‘12GS, a member of the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) Board of Directors.
Following the celebratory morning ceremony, parents and family members of the new students enjoyed their own day of orientation programming as their students began their official start to the week. Hosted by the GS Office of Development and Alumni Relations, special family events introduced guests to the Columbia community and the resources available to support their students’ transition to the University.
Families began their morning with a welcome from Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch ‘90GS and were treated to an engaging, 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 GS advising team. 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 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].
