Dear New Columbia Graduate Student:

I am pleased that you have selected Columbia University to pursue your graduate studies. I would like to welcome you warmly and assure you that the Graduate School staff and I are here to help you throughout your career. We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the variety of student services and resources that will be available to you. To this end, I urge you to attend the appropriate orientation that is scheduled on Tuesday, August 26, 2008. The orientation will provide you with information that will be indispensable to you during your graduate school career.

From 11:00 a.m. until noon we will welcome doctoral students in the Arts and Sciences and offer introductions and presentations in St. Paul’s Chapel. Members of my staff will be on hand to discuss Graduate School policies and procedures on academic progress, financial aid, and teaching. A representative from GSAC, the graduate student government organization, will also explain the role of GSAC at Columbia.

From 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. we will welcome MA students in the Arts and Sciences and offer introductions and presentations in St. Paul’s Chapel. Members of my staff will discuss Graduate School policies, registration, and career planning. A representative from GSAC, the graduate student government organization, will also explain the role of GSAC at Columbia.

Orientation check-in for both sessions will begin outside of St Paul's Chapel at 10:30 a.m. At noon students can pick up lunch in 301 Philosophy Hall, and you will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with GSAS staff including the GSAS Teaching Center, meet other new students, representatives from GSAC, and other student groups, including religious, social service, and political organizations. During lunch, you are invited to attend informational sessions run by a variety of student service organizations, including the libraries, campus computing, public safety, and the career education center on Kent Hall Lawn.

For your convenience we have set up these web pages to provide you with information about this year’s orientation. Other orientation events are still being planned, so you should be sure to check the orientation webpage for updates throughout the summer. You will also find here material to help you prepare to become a part of the Columbia community. I call your attention to the instructions for establishing your Columbia email account, which is something you should do as soon as possible. Again, I am delighted that you have chosen to become a part of the Columbia community and I hope that you find your years here productive and rewarding.

Sincerely,

Henry C. Pinkham
Dean