Welcome From Matthew Patashnick,
Director of Parent and Family Programs

Dear parents and families, 

Welcome to Parent and Family Programs at Columbia University.  Housed in the Dean of Student Affairs Office, we work collaboratively with parents and families of students in Columbia College and Columbia Engineering.  Our purpose is to provide programmatic opportunities and initiatives for parents and families, to appropriately engage parents and families in the academic, social, residential and co-curricular experience, and to connect parents and families with the University and each other.

We are also a resource for any questions or concerns you may have.  Do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail or telephone if we can be of assistance.  Also, please let us know if you will be visiting campus.  We value greatly the opportunity to meet directly with you and share a cup of coffee and good conversation.

In addition to hosting our hallmark events, Family Orientation and Family Weekend, we are involved in many of the major happenings at Columbia University, including Summer Advising, Days On Campus, Convocation, and Class Day.  We look forward to interacting with you, the proud parents and family members, at such events.

We also strive to stay in contact with you throughout the year.  Our website contains a wealth of information, including the Family Handbook (a great source of information about all things Columbia).  Additionally, please encourage your student to verify the accuracy of your e-mail address in SSOL (Student Services Online) so that you receive our monthly e-mail newsletter.

I look forward to working with and meeting you as your Columbia student continues on this amazing journey. 

With kind regards,


Matthew Patashnick
Director of Parent and Family Programs
Phone: 212-854-5822
E-Mail