News and Events
Peer Adviser Post: Making the Most of Your Spring Break
Making the Most of Your Spring Break
By Aniekeme Umoh SEAS '15
We’re about halfway into the semester and spring break is around the corner! Yay! The much-anticipated week off school will be a time to get rested and catch up on a number of things. Whether you plan to spend the break on campus, back home, or on vacation with friends or family, there are things to do to make sure you get the most out of this week of bliss.
This is the time to catch up on sleep! We know midterms have drained us all and this is the best time to rack up those hours of slumber no matter where you may be spending your break. Remember health is of the most importance!
Try to be in touch with your family if you’re not spending the break with them, especially if you have been out of touch all semester. Also talking with old friends and catching up on your favorite shows would be great for the break.
You can use this time to get ahead in schoolwork or catch up on classes. You could also take this time to finish up that internship application you started and didn’t have time to complete.
If you’re staying on campus, you are not alone and there are activities you can participate in with other members of the Columbia community. Meet with your RA to find out about fun events the office of Residential Programs puts up for the break. You could use the free time to volunteer in the city. Sandy Relief efforts are still underway through NY Cares, the Food Bank of New York City and other organizations.
And if you’re going somewhere warm and sunny don’t forget to load up on sunscreen!
Have a stress-free spring break!
If you have questions or comments please email your Peer Advisers at: csapeeradvising@columbia.edu
Peer Adviser Post: When to Pass/D/Fail
When to Pass/D/Fail
By Jen Bai CC ‘13
Thursday, March 28 is the last day for CC students to pass/fail a class. Inevitably, on this day there will be a long line of students waiting in Kent to turn in the P/D/F form. A good question to ask ourselves before joining the queue is how are we supposed to use the pass/fail option?
(Keep in mind that we are only allowed to pass/fail one course per semester, not including ones that are automatically pass/fail, such as physical education classes.)
The main reason for having the option to pass/fail is that it gives us the freedom to venture outside of our academic comfort zones. As a student body that is in general highly concerned with GPA, we are often reluctant to take courses that might jeopardize this number. Pass/fail offers the opportunity to take a course that is challenging or different without fear of your GPA being penalized. At the end of the semester, you can choose to either keep the course grade as pass/fail or uncover the grade, without leaving any evidence that it was once pass/failed.
My advice is to try to use pass/fail only for courses that you take just for kicks. I recommend against pass/failing classes that are within your major or minor because those are the classes into which you should be putting the most effort. However, sometimes a class within your field is much more challenging than anticipated, and pass/failing is understandable.
Good luck with midterms, everyone! Spring break is right around the corner (followed soon by the pass/fail deadline)!
If you have questions or comments please email your Peer Advisers at: csapeeradvising@columbia.edu
Peer Adviser Post: A Short Guide to Studying Abroad
To Journey Beyond the Gates of Columbia – A Short Guide to Studying Abroad
By Benjamin Frieling SEAS ‘14
Why ? A semester of research for your thesis, specialized academic opportunities in a world-class institution, a summer internship in an exotic locale, exploring a place you’ve always been curious about, delving into a region’s local culture and history via the local university, returning to your home country, or even testing a potential location to move to after graduation. Any and all of these reasons are valid ones, but what’s most important is that you want to be abroad and that you’re committed to researching, filling out, and submitting the necessary paperwork by the deadlines.
When? CC – The popular time is either the entire junior year or the spring of junior year.
This is because you will be fulfilling your initial Core requirements through the end of sophomore year (UW, Fro Sci, Lit Hum, CC, language). These CANNOT be taken abroad, so they must be either fulfilled before or after the study abroad. Additionally, there is a requirement of a “regional course” that is about the area you will be going to study in. (NOTE – There is a possibility of fulfilling your Global Core requirement abroad).
In the words of OGP: “In order to study abroad, both semesters of Literature Humanities, Contemporary Civilization, as well as University Writing and Frontiers of Science must be completed. Students must also complete the language requirement before studying abroad (even if you plan to study in an English-language setting). Beyond these courses, it is highly recommended that you complete at least one Global Core course and one additional science course. You are reminded that you should complete Art Humanities and Music Humanities by the end of the junior year. Ideally, only one or two Core courses should remain for the senior year. ”
SEAS – The recommended time is in the spring of sophomore year, since you will have (hopefully) finished most of your Core + you haven’t gotten too deep into your major yet. While there is no language requirement, you must show language proficiency. Many students take a semester of liberal arts courses in a topic of interest.
NOTE – It is certainly possible to study in your junior year & to take a course (or five) for your engineering technical electives or even for your major. However, be prepared to prove the credentials of the desired institution’s courses & expect an uphill battle to convince your major advisor, department dean, and the professor of each class you hope to substitute/fulfill abroad to sign off. But, it has been done before, so go for it!
Lastly, keep in mind that the summer semester is a shorter time abroad that doesn’t interrupt with the regular academic and social flow of Columbia life. So it’s a very viable option, especially for engineers who want to take courses offered in English in a non-English country (like I did two summers ago). Also, beyond study – a summer internship is another way to experience a different locale and often allows for more exploring (while the internship program is not in session) than an academic semester would. Furthermore, volunteering abroad is yet another option to delve into the culture of a different place while working for the public good.
How ? Set up an appointment with the Office of Global Programs (OGP) right away!
The deadline of the fall semester & year-long study abroad is March 15th, while the deadline for the summer semester is May 1st, but DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE because the program you choose could have an internal deadline that is several weeks or even months earlier.
Where ?See above – it’s wherever you feel inspired to explore. Oh, one more thing – I’m not sure if this is currently allowed, but let’s remember that exploring ANYWHERE outside of the Columbia bubble is truly “abroad” for us – so let’s explore the USA as well for study abroad ! Ask OGP if you can study “abroad” in exotic locales like Delaware, Michigan, Texas, Idaho, etc. (I mean NO offense to anyone from any of the listed states – I’ve just never been there myself).
If you have questions or comments please email your Peer Advisers at: csapeeradvising@columbia.edu
CC Major Discovery Series
As major declaration approaches, are you trying to determine the best major for you? Got questions about programs, opportunities, and what it all means?
Attend the CC Major Discovery Series to learn more about different majors from your fellow students! These intimate discussions, arranged by discipline and led by a panel of juniors and seniors, will give you valuable insight as you consider the next chapter of your academic life.
- Humanities – Monday, February 18, 6:00-7:00pm, 401 Lerner
- Math and Science – Tuesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00pm, 401 Lerner
- Fine Arts – Wednesday, February 20, 5:00-6:00pm, 401 Lerner
- Social Sciences – Friday, February 22, 3:00-4:00pm, 401 Lerner
To RSVP, go to http://studentaffairs.columbia.edu/csa/appointments and click on “Events.” Open to sophomores and first-year CC students.
Brought to you by the Center for Student Advising and the Columbia College Student Council Class of 2015.
Peer Adviser Post: Long Distance Relationships
Long Distance Relationships
By F. Elias Boujaoude CC '13
Okay, so you’ve found the perfect person…funny, charming, endearing, intelligent, attractive, you name it. Everything is going just right, you’re smooth, you’re cool, you’re ready to take the next step. There is just one problem…you are on the brink of, dare I say it…a LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP…
Long distance relationships are certainly not easy and many people seem to be turned off completely with the idea of having a partner xyz distance away. Whether it’s an hour drive or 3 million light-years via hyper speed space travel, here are some tips and tricks for making a long distance relationship work.
- Acknowledge the challenge.
Most people just approach a long distance as if it’s no big deal---well, I got news for you, the only person you are fooling is yourself! Being away from someone you love is never an easy thing and acknowledging it and telling your partner you miss them actually strengthens your relationship. It lets the other person know you have been thinking about them and miss their company. There is a limit however, crying on the phone every time you talk isn’t going to get you anywhere, it’s about balance.
- Yes, the little things still count, if not more so.
Everyone likes little surprises like a rose after a long day of work, a short text that says “miss u, cnt wait to c u,” etc. Just because you are not physically close to your partner, that doesn’t mean you are exempt from giving them the attention they deserve. Arranging flowers to be sent to work or their friends decorating their room for a special occasion on your behalf may take some extra effort on your part, but it’s an excellent way to show them how much you care and to maintain that sense of connection.
- Make time for each other.
If you can’t physically be with someone, the next best thing is talking, or texting, or skyping, whatever it may be. Different things work for different people but if you are committed to a long distance relationship, that person still needs to find time into your schedule. If you prefer texting, maybe try talking to your partner via phone instead, that way you have something unique in your relationship that sets it apart from the other everyday forms of communication. But, of course, do what works for you. The most important thing is to TALK and talk frequently. Whether or not you need to block off specific times to talk to your partner is entirely dependent on who the two of you are, but long distance cannot survive without basic communication.
Well, that’s all for now…do not fear the dreaded long distance relationship… embrace it, work it, commit to it and things will work out for the best!
Happy Valentine’s Day from your Peer Advisers!!! :)
If you have questions or comments please email your Peer Advisers at: csapeeradvising@columbia.edu
Peer Advising Schedule (Spring 2013)
Mondays:
2:30pm - 4:00pm (CSA, 403 Lerner)
6:00pm - 8:00pm (Carman Hall Lounge)
Tuesdays:
2:30pm - 4:00pm (CSA, 403 Lerner)
Wednesdays:
2:30pm - 4:00pm (CSA, 403 Lerner)
Thursdays:
2:00pm - 4:00pm (Lerner Ramps)
Your CSA Peer Advisers are back for another semester of peer advising. We have switched it up a bit this semester by adding more afternoon times (during CSA Walk-in Advising). We are continuing on the Lerner ramps and have added the Carman Lounge to the Monday night schedule.
Peer Advisers' Study Tips for Finals
Ask a CSA Peer Adviser!
Stressed about classes? Confused about internship-hunting? Just need someone to talk to? Ask the CSA Peer Advisers!
- Monday-Wednesday: 5-8pm in 403 Lerner
- Thursday: 1-4pm on Lerner Ramps (new time and location!)
Peer Adviser Post: Top Four Campus Resources to Help You Get Control of Your Schedule
By F. Elias Boujaoude CC '13
Is the semester catching up with you? Feel like you’re falling behind and just can’t get back on track? Really need some help in some of your classes? Check out the top four resources right here on campus to help you get control of your schedule:
1. Academic Success Program (ASP): the CC/SEAS Tutoring Service available to ALL SEAS and CC students
Although students can request tutoring for any course, the following courses are most likely to be filled:
Physics (PHYS 1201, 1202, 1401, 1402)
General Chemistry (CHEM 1403, 1404)
Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3443, 3444)
Principles of Economics (ECON 1105)
Calculus I, II & III (MATH 1101, 1102, 1201)
Biology (BIOL 2005, 2006)
Intro to Statistics with Calculus (STAT 1211)
Request a tutor with your CSA Adviser.
2. Nightline: Nightline is an anonymous, nonjudgmental peer listening hotline that primarily serves the Columbia/Barnard community. Feeling stressed and just need to talk to someone RIGHT NOW---give them a call at 212-854-7777.
3. CPS (Counseling and Psychological Services): CPS offers short term, professional counseling services to all Columbia students. CPS Counselors are all trained professionals and specialize in a variety of different areas including anxiety, insomnia, suicide, abuse, etc. Making an appointment with CPS is fast, easy, and anonymous. Call for an initial consultation at 212-854-2284. CPS Counselors are also available after hours in a variety of satellite locations across campus, see below.
100 Carman Hall
Tuesday, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
210 East Campus
Wednesday, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
115 Hartley Hall
Monday, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
600 W. 113th St, Room 2BB
Monday, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 5:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
102 Broadway Residence Hall
Tuesday, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, 6:30 - 10:00 p.m.
4. Your Peer Advisers: Just want to chat? Feeling stressed? Come visit us during our hours with whatever you need! We can be there just to listen, point you to other resources on campus, answer basic advising questions, or even sit down with you to work out your schedule to help you get back on top of things!
See below for our hours:
Monday-Wednesday: 5-8pm in 403 Lerner
Thursday: 1-4pm on Lerner ramps
Peer Adviser Post: Tips for Job & Internship Hunting
By Jennifer Bai CC '13
Last spring, I found myself in a peculiar time of the year: recruiting season. Throughout January and February, I would often have to slip out of my sweater and jeans and jump into a stiff, brand new suit, run over to the Center for Career Education, leather-bound resume holder in hand, and anxiously await an interviewer to call my name. This process repeated itself for weeks until my new work heels were worn down from the Columbia cobblestones, and all that was left to do was to wait for a prospective employer to call. Having gone through the job hunt recently, the process is fresh in my mind, and that is why I would love to give some tips on things that can help pave your way to the workplace!
Note: My intent is that these tips will be one-size-fits-all and be useful for many different professional industries.
**Perfect your resume. Don’t settle for satisfactory – make sure it is phenomenal, easy to read aesthetically, and impressive content-wise. Bring it to the Center for Career Education, where you can make an appointment for a resume review, and make sure to send it to your family and friends for their critiques. Also, feel free to show a peer advisor!
**Network – it’s an overused word, but don’t underestimate the importance of getting your face out there to the people who you would like to hire you. Go to relevant info sessions on campus if there are any (check the CCE calendar), and also make sure to hit up personal contacts to introduce you to people in your field of interest. They might know someone who knows someone…you catch the drift!
**Have fun with it! Sure, not everything about job hunting is fun (who enjoys writing cover letters?), but if you see it as an exploration where you learn about what is out there and what you are best suited for, you will most certainly come out of the experience with a new degree of confidence.
Hope this helps and, of course, good luck!!
If you have questions or comments please email your Peer Advisers at: csapeeradvising@columbia.edu
Peer Adviser Post: Handling Stress & Student Wellness
By Will Hughes CC '13
Being a student at Columbia can be difficult at times, especially getting used what might be a more academically challenging environment. In between coursework, extracurricular activities, and everything New York City has to offer, taking time just to relax and decompress can fall by the wayside very easily. But since it’s important to remember to take that time to de-stress, here are some tips on how to be well while at Columbia:
Check in with yourself: It can be so easy to get caught up in the million things going on on and off campus, and the incredible people you’re meeting. But take a few minutes every day to see how you’re feeling. Are you spending your time on things you find rewarding?
Take a break: Carve out time to just relax, hang out with friends, and not worry about schoolwork. This will help you be more productive when you are working, and have a lot less stressful of a time here.
Don’t be too hard on yourself: it might seem like everyone around you is getting perfect grades and has everything in order, but in reality, every student here struggles at different times to manage their workload. Moving out of the mindset that says you have to do and be everything can really help you enjoy your time here.
Know about the resources out there, and feel comfortable asking for help: There are so many resources Columbia provides to its students, because it wants to see all of us succeed. On the academic side, your advisors are always there, and they can connect you to tutoring, study groups, and specific departments’ resources. For more general stress, there’s always your RA, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Chaplain’s Office, Nightline, and the list goes on and on.
Peer Advisers' Tips for First-Years
- Professors are friendly- office hours are a good thing.
- No one expects you to figure everything out as soon as you get here.
- It’s not a competition on who can sleep the least or stress out the most.
- You’re not going to be a New Yorker in a day- it’s okay if you get off on the wrong subway stop.
- Find your library- try different study spaces.
- Student rush tickets and the TIC are good deals.
- College is just as much about figure out who you are, what you care about, and what makes you happy as it is about grades or anything else.
- Self-advocacy is essential here; use your voice to speak up about what you need.
- Everyone is here because they are extraordinary in some way; don’t let little things prevent you from seeing how remarkable your peers are.
- GO SEE YOUR PEER ADVISERS!
Requesting a Tutor
If you are struggling in a course this term, you should make an appointment to speak with your CSA advisor about the resources available. You can also check out our Academic Support page to learn more.
Columbia College Student Council Visits the CSA
Thanks for coming by, CCSC!
CSA Assessment
Contact the Center for Student Advising
Visit
403 Lerner Hall
2920 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
Call: (212) 854-6378
Fax: (212) 854-2562
E-mail: csa@columbia.edu
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Walk-In Hours
Monday - Thursday: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
