Student Development and Activities

Knowing that student learning continues beyond the classroom, Student Development and Activities (SDA) strongly encourages students to become involved in programs and activities to enhance their educational experience and personal growth. A wide array of student organizations address both student interests and professional concerns, including the arts, politics, identity, culture, and religion. Joining such groups offers an exciting and dynamic opportunity to develop leadership skills that will serve students well throughout their lives.

 

Programs and activities at Columbia are primarily shaped by students who assume leadership and volunteer positions in hundreds of organizations across the campus. As the College's elected representative body, the Engineering Student Council is the schoolwide elected representative body of The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Its members represent interests on committees and projects addressing a wide range of issues facing the Columbia community and help shape the quality of life for Columbia students.

Working in conjunction with the Engineering Student Council (ESC), the Activities Board at Columbia (ABC) oversees the management and funding of student groups. The Student Government Office, which is run by the ABC, provides information for students on campus organizations and events and offers office support to the over one hundred student groups that operate directly under the ABC. Another one hundred student-run organizations operate from other parts of the campus - including the Inter-Greek and Undergraduate House Councils, club sports, and the Earl Hall Center.

Of special interest to engineering students are the preprofessional societies, recognizing the various academic disciplines. These societies, which include the Asian-American Society of Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and the Society of Women Engineers, provide many networking opportunities for students.

Graduate students can participate in University-affiliated organizations and activities. As a Columbia University student, you can participate in and enjoy hundreds of diverse social, religious, cultural, academic, athletic, political, literary, professional, public-service, and other organizations. At SEAS, graduate students are encouraged to become active members of the Engineering Graduate Student Council (EGSC). The EGSC is a newly recognized group that consists of representatives from each of the nine academic departments at SEAS. The objectives of the EGSC are to foster interaction among graduate engineering students, to serve as a voice for graduate engineering students, and to sponsor social and educational events of interest to the graduate engineering community.

The Office of Student Development and Activities (SDA) provides programs and services designed to help build a sense of community, support responsible student governance and cocurricular activities, and further students' leadership development and personal growth.

Student Development and Activities staff members advise all ABC/SDA-recognized organizations and serve as resources for event planning, organizational leadership, and budgeting. The Office of Student Development and activities offers leadership training workshops and helps networking among student leaders. In addition, the Office administers the New Student Orientation Program, and the various Columbia Outdoor Orientation programs.

For more information on the various services and programs offered, please visit the Student Development and Activities Web site.