Student Development and Activities

Student Development and Activities (SDA) is committed to helping students enhance their leadership skills and explore 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. Advisors are available to assist in your development as a campus leader, as well as support student organizations in their particular objectives. Our financial services staff assists organization treasurers in managing funds by providing monthly account statements, treasurers' newsletters, 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. This year, Activities Day is going to be held on Friday, September 7th, from 12-4pm on College Walk. Activities Day is a unique event where you are introduced to student leaders from over 300 clubs and organizations: 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, to name a few. 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.

You can also visit our office any time Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to meet our staff and learn more about our student groups.