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Dear Students,
I am delighted to welcome you to campus, whether this is your first semester or one of many.
Much has happened over the past few months as we planned and prepared for this academic year. We hope that you have arrived relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take advantage of all Columbia has to offer.
Here is a sampling of all that took place following the spring semester:
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In June, James J. Valentini, who served as interim dean during the 2011–12 academic year, was appointed dean of Columbia College. He has a student-centered philosophy and brings much enthusiasm to his leadership role. |
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Professor Donald Goldfarb has resumed his role as interim dean for The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, a role he held previously in the 1994–95 academic year. We appreciate the experienced leadership he brings to SEAS in this time of transition. |
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The eight peer advisers, added by the Center for Student Advising (CSA) in response to student feedback, are ready for their first semester in their new roles, working from 5-8 p.m. on the fourth floor of Lerner Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and John Jay Dining Hall on Wednesdays. They will be available to discuss a range of topics, from academics to extracurricular activities to NYC opportunities, in supplement to the professional advising from the CSA deans. They will also answer questions through online chats. |
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A number of campus facilities were renovated, including the lounge in Carman Hall and the floor lounges in John Jay. Construction continues on the three 113th Street brownstones that will become special interest undergraduate housing, and we will work with students to finalize the theme this fall. |
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There have also been changes within the Faculty in Residence program. John Kymissis, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, his wife, Carissa, and their four young children now reside in Hartley Hall and are excited to plan dinners, study breaks, and other social and intellectual events for new and returning students. |
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I am excited to announce the launching of LionLink, an electronic tool that will help student leaders manage their organizations and submit electronic forms for processing their group's finances. Go to https://lionlink.columbia.edu/ to begin today! |
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We enjoyed a wonderful week of orientation activities as we welcomed new students and their families. See the newest members of the community in action in the NSOP 2012 photos, now online. Welcome, Class of 2016! |
As you prepare for the months ahead, remember that Columbia is an incredibly diverse community, teeming with a variety of cultures, beliefs, social identities, and interests. I urge you to explore all of the opportunities that this setting makes possible, from participating in class discussions and study groups to clubs, athletics, and workshops.
In addition to offering you a wealth of opportunities, Columbia provides a network of resources, from the Undergraduate Writing Center to your new peer advisers. With the excitement of beginning a new semester, it is easy to forget the challenges that often arise. I ask that if you ever feel lost or overwhelmed, please reach out to your peers, your adviser, Counseling & Psychological Services, or anyone with whom you feel comfortable sharing.
My staff and I look forward to working with you this year and throughout your time at Columbia to help you achieve your goals. I wish you the best for an exciting and rewarding year!
Sincerely,
Kevin G. Shollenberger
Dean of Student Affairs
Columbia College / Columbia Engineering
Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Student Life
Arts and Sciences
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