GS Welcomes Fall 2024 Incoming Class
GS welcomed 722 new students who’ll begin their Columbia University journeys this fall on the Morningside Heights campus.
Columbia GS recently welcomed 722 new students to the vibrant Morningside Heights campus for Convocation and the start of the fall 2024 semester. Columbia University Interim President Katrina Armstrong, along with GS Deans, University leadership, and GS students and alumni, addressed the incoming class, highlighting the journey they are about to begin and emphasizing how their diverse backgrounds will enrich their academic experiences.
Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch opened the semester by celebrating the accomplishments of the incoming class and expressing her enthusiasm as they become part of the dynamic GS community. “From our admissions process, we know that you are a diverse, highly talented, intelligent, and most interesting class that will bring so much to the Columbia undergraduate classroom.”
“You are innovators, change-makers, doers, and dreamers—you make things happen. As GS students, you understand better than most the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of recognizing and embracing diverse, non-linear paths,” she said.
Following an enthusiastic introduction from Dean Rosen-Metsch, President Armstrong honored the hard work that GS students and their families have put into getting to Columbia.
“You are here at Columbia because you wanted the challenge and exhilaration of New York, a University that is the best in the world, because we are complicated and vibrant and dynamic and will engage you fully,” she said.
President Armstrong acknowledged that the past year has been marked by grief, anger, upheaval, and fear, leaving many in the community feeling abandoned or betrayed, for which she is deeply sorry.
“As we look ahead to the new academic year in front of us, we must both take time to recognize this history and understand its implications as we redouble our commitment to our future together, the future of this incredible Columbia community. To do so, we have to be clear about who we are, how we see our mission, and how we define our values.”
Following President Armstrong’s welcome address, Executive Vice President of the Arts and Sciences Amy Hungerford acknowledged that students are arriving at Columbia during a historic moment, comparing it to past eras of transformation, such as the student movements of the late sixties and post-World War I peace activism, both of which shaped Columbia’s history.
She emphasized that the most significant history for students is their own—the experiences, knowledge, and values they bring with them.
GS Dean of Students Marlyn Delva also addressed the newest GSers, sharing a quote Dr. Besi Muhonja greeted the graduates with at her son’s commencement: "Poleni kwa safari," a Kenyan phrase meaning "we recognize what it has taken you to get here." This greeting resonated with her because it acknowledged the often-overlooked challenges and efforts required to reach a destination.
“You may ask what does this have to do with today and with all of you—well, it is connected in that I want to express ‘poleni kwa safari’ to all of you as you enter our community.”
Students also heard from James Colgrove, Dean of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, who spoke about the diverse identities of GS students and the transformative experience that begins with embarking on their academic journey. “Your non-traditional backgrounds don’t place you at a competitive disadvantage compared to students who followed a more typical path to the health professions. On the contrary, your backgrounds are a strength.”
Alumna, Founder of Careerwell, and member of the Columbia Alumni Association Board, Elle Littlefield '12GS, highlighted the special nature of GS, emphasizing its diverse student body and the unparalleled learning environment it offers. She encouraged new students to cherish their time at GS and view it as the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Columbia.
“I encourage you to think of this day as the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Believe it or not, you’re a student for a very short time. You are a Columbia and GS alum forever.”
To close out the Convocation ceremony, GSSC Student Body President Maya Platek reflected on her own transformative experience at Columbia and encouraged students to embrace every opportunity, take risks, and learn from both professors and peers.
Following Convocation, GS students were invited to attend several special orientation events for the International and Veteran communities at Columbia.
Every year, GS welcomes new students to the Columbia Morningside Campus with their New Student Orientation Program (NSOP). NSOP events are specifically designed to introduce the incoming class to their peers, advisors, and professors, and help them settle into life around Morningside Heights before classes begin.
An Overview of the Incoming Class of Fall 2024
The School of General Studies is home to a diverse community of students whose non-linear paths contribute to the rich intellectual discourse of Columbia’s undergraduate classrooms.
- 34% of incoming students are international students
- 32% of incoming domestic students are eligible for a Pell Grant
- 14% of incoming students are military veterans
- 175 incoming students are first-generation college students
- 31 incoming students are pursuing their second Bachelor’s degree
Enrollment
- Undergraduate: 425
- Postbac Premed: 73
Demographics
Age Range: 18 - 78
Students who are married: 42
Students with children: 13
U.S. residents hail from 35 states
Citizenship
69 countries represented
*Statistics and counts as of August 29, 2024