THE CUSP ALLIANCE

HISTORY

Founded in September of 2005, the CUSP Alliance became a structure through which Scholars are empowered in their own Program under the direct guidance and supervision of the CUSP Executive Council (comprised of CUSP administratiors, CUSP BOA members, Scholar Alumni, and former presidents of the CUSP Alliance), and encouraged to be active collaborators in brainstorming and implementing new projects.  This Scholar leadership upholds the CUSP Leadership Pillar and was initially conceptualized and implemented by the CUSP administration as a natural extension and enhancement of the original Scholars Advisory Board (a panel of twelve Scholars appointed to the Board by application, who acted as liaisons between the Scholars and the Office and helped brainstorm ideas for the Program). Scholars immediately participated and assumed leadership roles with an unforeseen vigor.  Formerly known as the Scholars Governing Board & Scholars Advisory Council, the CUSP Alliance renamed itself to distinguish the organization as a collective of like minds inclusive of not only Scholars, but also their growing supporters in the Columbia community.  Currently, the CUSP Alliance hosts over 15 officer positions, 7 standing committees (with 4 sub-committees), and an Executive Council.

MISSION

The purpose of the CUSP Alliance is to place the Columbia Undergraduate Scholars Program in the hands of the Scholars by recognizing and formalizing a core of active Scholar leaders who desire to play an integral role in developing the Program through a formal organization which serves the greater Columbia community through civic-engagement.  The CUSP Alliance offers the Scholars creative and constructive opportunities to serve as liaisons and communication hubs between the CUSP administration, the Scholar population (including Alumni Scholars), and the greater Columbia and New York City communities. These Scholars also act, when called upon, as the student “face” of CUSP before University administration, faculty, staff, and Columbia University alumni.  The Scholars in the CUSP Alliance not only gain invaluable leadership development and experience organizing and facilitating programs, but also help bring the Program to a higher level of community contribution and visibility.

CUSP Alliance Officers engaged in a meeting

Alumni Relations Committee
Community Building Committee (with 4 Class-based sub-committees)
Global Outreach Committee
History & Archives Committee
Publicity & Graphic Design Committee
Program Development Committee
Scholar Publications Committee

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