The OMA Columbia Mentoring Initiative (CMI) works closely with the Columbia College Office of Alumni Affairs and Development, University Alumni Relations, Student Development & Activities, Residential Programs, Undergraduate Admissions, Academic Success Programs, Health Services, and the Center for Career Education.  CMI will focus on the adjustment of first year students to Columbia University and college life.  The Peer Advisors and “family” members will emphasize leadership development, identity development, emotional health, academic success, belonging, and community consciousness.

CMI is an outgrowth of the Alumni of Color Outreach Program (ACOP). ACOP was created in 1996 by Columbia College students, alumni and administrators who were eager to find ways to increase the involvement of alumni of color in the life of Columbia and to provide additional support for students of color. Today, the program is jointly administered by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Alumni Affairs, and Columbia’s three constituency alumni associations: ACAA (Asian Columbia Alumni Association), BAC (Black Alumni Council) and LAACU (Latino Alumni Association of Columbia University).  ACOP offers students the opportunity to be mentored by Columbia alumni from a wide range of career fields and the chance to participate in a variety of alumni–student events including Heritage Month receptions, intimate dinner–discussion programs, and site visits to alumni worksites.

First year students: Please click here to apply to be a first year participant.

Alumni: Please click here to apply to be an alumni mentor.