Orientation
A how-to session for new students is normally held the Thursday before Labor Day. In 2008, it was held on Thursday, August 28. This session includes: introductions to the Chair, DGS, Associate DGS, and Departmental staff; information on work study, libraries, and how to stay informed.

Meetings
The DGS usually meets with each class once or twice per year. As necessary, the Chair and other faculty members meet with the entire Department to discuss general department policies and issues.

Mail Folders and Bulletin Boards
Everyone has a mailbox outside of 602 Philosophy. Students should also check the bulletin boards on the 6th floor of Philosophy Hall (and elsewhere in the building) for announcements of courses, conferences, talks meetings and other items of potential interest.

E-Mail Account and Listserv
Students should sign up for an e-mail account immediately at www.columbia.edu/acis/email/launch. Information on deadlines, meetings and special events are posted electronically. Furthermore, students are automatically signed up for the Department's Graduate Listserv. To send messages to all members of the group, including all graduate students in the Department with active email accounts, one should address e-mails to: ENCLGRAD@cuvmc.ais.columbia.edu.

Student Services Online
Students should check their transcripts online (at https://ssol.columbia.edu/) every mid-semester and follow up on any unregistered changes immediately.

Department Website
Course offerings (and course changes), faculty information (including office hours), departmental events, and internet resources for literary studies are available at the department's website: www.columbia.edu/cu/english.