Student Development and Activities (SDA) is committed to helping students enhance their leadership skills and to exploring the co-curricular opportunities available at Columbia. SDA forges a sense of community by providing opportunities for social interaction and student participation in community life and governance. Whether you are looking for advisement in running your organization, planning an event, organizing your financial records, starting a group, or if you just want to brainstorm, the SDA staff is here to support you.
We provide student organizations with invaluable resources. Advisers are available to assist in your development as a campus leader as well as to support student organizations in their particular objectives. Our financial services staff assists organization treasurers in managing funds by providing monthly account statements and other services.
Additional programs sponsored by Student Development and Acitivites include the New Student Orientation Program, Columbia Outdoor Orientation Programs, Columbia Urban New York, King's Crown Leadership Awards and a variety of other campus events.
The Student Development and Activities staff, as well as the student groups across campus, are here to help you become a part of campus life. Activities Day is held during the first week of the fall semester and it is a unique opportunity to get involved on campus with over 300 clubs and organizations, including club sports, community service groups, cultural organizations, performing arts groups, religious and spiritual groups, political and activist organizations, pre-professional and recreational organizations, sororities, fraternities, and student government, just to name a few, in attendance to welcome you! The possibilities for you to experience a rich and vibrant extra-curricular life here at Columbia are endless and we hope you’ll take advantage of this invitation to get involved early in your college career. Traditionally one of the most exciting days on campus, clubs adorn College Walk, Low Plaza, and Butler Plaza with colorful banners, information for new members, and giveaways for interested students. Many organizations offer free performances throughout the day. So, come early and stay late! Make sure to visit the Student Development and Activities table for a map of all the participating organizations.
During the rest of the year, you can visit our office Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00AM and 5:00PM, to meet our staff and learn more about our student groups.