SDA Programs

Live @ Lerner

Programming is a major component of the Office of Student Development and Activities. As an integral part of student life at Columbia University, Live at Lerner provides a variety of educational, cultural and entertainment-orientated events for the entire Columbia community in Alfred Lerner Hall and throughout campus.

Under the direction of Student Development and Activities staff, the events are innovative, affordable, and of high quality, and reach out to the Columbia community by involving faculty and staff as well as partnering with major events and theme month programs with other student organizations and administrative departments.

In the past, programming has consisted of BBQ/Outdoor Concert Series, Cultural Month Opening Receptions, Comedy Shows, Art Displays, Movies, Speakers, Musical Performances, and a variety of other special events.

All incoming Columbia students participate in the New Student Orientation Program aimed at welcomeing them into the community. Planning for this grandious event is extensive, with many students assisting with the project.

The Columbia Outdoor Orientation Program (COÖP as we affectionately call it, pronounced "coh-op") is a pre-orientation component of the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) for the Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. The program is open to all incoming first year undergraduate students in these two schools at Columbia University, regardless of past camping, biking, hiking, or canoeing experience.

COÖP consists of three trip options: a biking, hiking, or a canoeing experience. These three programs, described in more detail on our webpage, offer a unique environment for meeting other first-years and forming close friendships, all before orientation begins!

Urban New York

The Urban New York program was developed by Columbia College in 1981 to give students an opportunity to experience the various cultural and entertaining aspects of New York City and to promote interaction between students and faculty and administrators outside of the classroom or office setting.

The Program, open to students from Barnard College, Columbia College, and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, is held during the Fall and Spring Semesters. During the Fall Semester, only newly admitted students to the three colleges are eligible to participate. All students in the three colleges are eligible to sign-up for events during the Spring Semester.

All events are free of charge except for public transportation and each program is hosted by a member of the faculty or administration, assisted by a student leader. Plays, concerts, operas, sportings events, and dinners are
among the activities students may attend.

The Urban New York Program is sponsored by Barnard College, Columbia College and the Class of 1954 Urban New York Fund, and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Special acknowledgement is given to Dr. Arnold I. Kisch, CC '54, and to his wife, Victoria L. J. Daubert, Ph.D., for fully endowing all opera tickets.