Group description and mission Columbia Bhangra is a competitive dance team that performs a traditional South Asian dance from the Punjab region. Our team strives to blend cultural elements of the dance’s origins with the modern and fast-paced influences of New York City. We also compete multiple times during the school year, traveling around the country to bring our set to national competitions on the competitive bhangra circuit.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We typically have three practices per week (twice during the week, once on Sunday evenings), each practice being two hours long. These practices are used to drill basic moves, teach choreography and formations, and do run-throughs. Practices help build stamina and the muscle memory required to make an amazing set come together. We always have great music to dance to, so practice is usually a good time and a great cardio workout!
Yearly projects In a single year, we typically perform in multiple on-campus gigs, but we host an annual showcase called Bhangra in the Heights, the largest bhangra showcase in the tri-state area, inviting other collegiate and professional teams from the area to perform at Columbia! We also travel and compete twice each year, and in past years some of the places we have gone include Boston Bhangra Competition (Boston), Bhangra in the Burgh (Pittsburgh), Bhangra State of Mind (Sacramento), Big Apple Bhangra (Queens), and Bhangra at the Bell (Philadelphia). Competitions include team mixers and after-parties and are weekend-long events which are both exciting and exhilarating, from performing for thousands to meeting dancers from other colleges and teams!
New member profile Anyone can do bhangra! Whether you’re a lifelong dancer, or you’ve never danced a day in your life, all we’re looking for is positive energy and a willingness to learn. We’re recruiting people to be part of our amazing family of dancers and alumni, and we’ll teach you everything you need to know along the way!
What members can expect to get out of it If you’re looking for a family, this is the team for you. We are incredibly close and serve as each other’s support network in every way. Joining a Bhangra team is a great way to make new friends on campus, and even around the country as we travel to competitions. Bhangra is also an excellent opportunity to get in shape, learn about a culture, and get leadership experience.
Application process We hold tryouts in the fall, when prospective members can attend a 15-minute tryout slot. There are also callbacks one evening the following week.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend evenings
Meeting location Wien lounge, Lerner Party Space, or the fifth floor of Lerner Hall.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a board, consisting of two co-captains and four to five other administrative positions. These are elected amongst the dancers from the team and in addition to performing, they have additional responsibilities which can include choreography, publicity, managing funds, and deciding where we compete!
Group leaders Co-captains: Anmolpreet Kandola and Naina Sahrawat
Campus events We sometimes have on-campus gigs, and we host an annual showcase called Bhangra in the Heights (the largest bhangra showcase in the tri-state area) that is open to the public.
Group description and mission Judo, which translates to “the gentle way,” is a martial art which developed in Japan in the late 1800s but has gained a worldwide following. It was the first martial art to compete in the Olympics and today has one of the largest followings of any Olympic sport. Judo focuses on the practice of throws and the use of holds and leverage to unbalance the opponent. The goal of the Columbia Club Judo is to foster a love for and educate students in the sport while engaging and preparing for collegiate competition.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have practices twice per week, host events for the public, and compete in tournaments!
Yearly projects We host a few seminars (self-defense, cultural, etc.) and work toward club competition!
New member profile We’re looking for anyone who is interested in sports, martial arts, or judo! This is a fun and inclusive atmosphere!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will learn new skills, a new sport, and meet a lot of interesting people!
Application process None
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend evenings
Meeting location The Wrestling Room at Dodge Fitness Center
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an e-board of four members and hold elections once per semester.
Group leaders President: Blake Woods Vice President: Robert Interanio Secretary: Madison DeLaney Treasurer: Aanand Shah
Campus events Most of our self-defense, cultural, and fundraising events are open to the public!
Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal Campus media/Publications
Group description and mission The Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic publication. We are committed to publishing manuscripts from significant scientific research and analysis. Each CUSJ paper undergoes a peer review process facilitated by the CUSJ student Editorial Review Board and Columbia faculty review. Publication in CUSJ is highly competitive. We also publish a journal for high school students, the Columbia Junior Science Journal, to provide high school students a platform for publishing scientific research.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have group meetings every week to work on publication of our undergraduate and high school journals, as well as to plan events on campus and in the community.
Yearly projects We publish two scientific research journals every year: one for undergraduate research and another for high school research. We also host a research symposium in the spring and invite undergraduates in the Northeast region to present their research on campus.
New member profile Students interested in joining the CUSJ board should have demonstrated interest and scholarship in a scientific field and should be interested in being at the heart of CUSJ‘s credibility.
What members can expect to get out of it Members of CUSJ will learn how to edit scientific research articles and gain valuable experience in publishing academic research. They will also gain experience in organizing events on campus and in the community to help others get involved in scientific research.
Application process We ask interested members to write about why they are interested in joining the editorial board and any previous experience they have in scientific research. We also hold interviews for interested members.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekend evenings
Meeting location Lerner Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Our executive board consists of an editor-in-chief and vice presidents of events, finance, and communications. The editorial board also includes associate and staff editors.
Group leaders Kenneth Pham, Micah Gay, Raag Agrawal, Daniel Charnis, and Alice Xue
Campus events We hold panels featuring undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty about getting involved in scientific research on campus. These events will be held at the beginning of each semester. We also host a research symposium during the spring semester that is open to everyone on campus! Throughout the year, we also host study breaks.
Hindu Students Organization Cultural
Contact info Abhinav Seetharaman at as4759@columbia.edu
Group description and mission The Hindu Students Organization at Columbia University is an Indian cultural and Hindu community. We host cultural celebrations (such as Navaratri/Garba-Raas, Diwali, and Holi) and smaller events (like an Indian classical arts showcase and weekly prayer services in St. Paul's Chapel). Beyond our official programming, we are also a tight-knit family and community of friends that last long after the HSO days are over and done.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members go to group meetings, plan events, and work on outside projects.
Yearly projects We work on Navaratri, Diwali, Classical Night, Holi, Final Bhajans, and other discussions and workshops, such as guest speaker events and discussion circles.
New member profile Members should show commitment, a genuine interest in Hinduism and culture, accountability, positivity, creativity, good communication skills, and an ability to lead and/or work effectively in teams.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a unique, enjoyable, and enriching cultural experience at Columbia that will expose them to different traditions of India/Hinduism and to different issues of the greater South Asian community.
Application process Prospective members are expected to attend the interest meeting at the beginning of the school year and sign-up for an interview for a board position.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Lerner 569
Necessary equipment None
Management structure There is a board and executive board. The board usually consists of 12-14 members, and the e-board consists of five members (two co-coordinators, one treasurer, one secretary, one community liaison, and one public relations officer.
Group leaders Co-coordinators: Abhinav Seetharaman and Roshan Bhaskar
Campus events The vast majority of our events are open to the campus community. These include Navaratri, Diwali, Classical Night, Holi, and other discussions and workshops.
Group description and mission Turath is a nonpartisan undergraduate student association that serves to promote Arab culture at Columbia University. Our aim is to spread educational awareness about issues pertaining to the Arab world and celebrate the heritage of the Arab community. We provide a voice for students on campus who identify as Arabs, and foster a sense of Arab unity within the larger Columbia community. We achieve these goals by sponsoring events pertaining to Arab culture and identity, in which all students are welcome to participate. Turath prides itself in both supporting Arabs on campus, and reaching out to alumni networks and other Arab communities, in the New York area and around the world.
What members do on a week-to-week basis The Turath e-board meets once a week to plan events and activities for the Arab community at Columbia University. We typically try to host one event per month when the entire general b-body can gather and spend time together.
Yearly projects Turath is very proud of our annual Arab Gala, an event where Arab students from all over the city join us for an evening of music, food, and more. Additionally, we regularly host movie screenings and lectures, as well as other monthly general body meetups.
New member profile Turath is interested in friendly, creative members who are excited to engage in activities with other members of their cultural community.
What members can expect to get out of it Turath seeks to provide a safe and welcoming environment for Arab students at Columbia to network with other Arabs at the Uuniversity in fun social settings.
Application process None
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Meeting locations change from semester to semester, but we typically try to meet in a campus space or /building that is easily accessible to students from all four colleges.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Turath has an executive board, made up of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, two event coordinators, two senior advisers, and a media coordinator. We also have OCM (organizational committee member) positions—; OCM's are an integral part of our community with fewer responsibilities and a smaller time commitment than e-board members have, - but no less fun!
Group leaders Our 2017-2018 e-board members are Sama Sarraj, Mohamed Abedelmalik, Toqa Badran, Lana Khamash, Mallak Al Husban, Omaymah Harahsheh, Maryam Badran, Sarah Hazem and Rahma Elsiesy.
Campus events All of our events are open to the campus community, including lectures, film screenings, and other excursions and activities. Our Arab Gala is open to the larger NY Arab community as well, and we typically host two a year: one in the fall and one in the spring.
Group description and mission The Black Theatre Ensemble is an ABC-recognized student organization on Columbia University’s campus. Our mission is to provide a platform for the visibility of black theatre, art, and student artists within the African Diaspora at Columbia University.
What members do on a week-to-week basis On a week-to-week basis, we have rehearsal and production meetings leading up to our semester production. In the fall semester, we pull from the black theatre canon. In the spring, we perform student-written work.
Yearly projects Our biggest project during each year is our fall and spring productions. This fall we will be performing the musical Dreamgirls.
New member profile BTE is a teaching ensemble, so we look less at experience and more at your passion for theatre and your willingness to learn and grow with us! We invite the participation of all members, regardless of identity, who believe in the mission of the Black Theatre Ensemble and the space it represents.
What members can expect to get out of it Expect to be challenged, empowered, and to gain a family on campus.
Application process Applications must be filled out during our auditions. Follow our Facebook page to be updated on auditions and crew calls!
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 13-16 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights Weekend afternoons
Meeting location We meet in the Intercultural Resource Center, or classrooms on campus.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure The organization is lead by an executive board.
Group leaders President: Onyekachi Iwu Vice president: Natasha Coleman Public liaison: Ruguru Nerima Treasurer: Iman Sule Publicity chairs: Donovan Redd and Tyler Jones Secretary: Eddie Ojo Historian: Jennell Strong
Campus events Our shows usually take place at the end of each semester (December and, April).
Group description and mission The Columbia Political Union is a multi-partisan organization and the umbrella of all political life on campus. The Union is composed of the various political groups on campus—the Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Socialists. We also partner with the Political Science Students Association for various events, and the Roosevelt Institute is one of our representative organizations. Our mission is to bring political activism, discourse, and engagement to campus in the form of debates, panels, and social events. We are a space that respects and appreciates all political voices and opinions and encourages Columbia students to find nuance in all issues.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have debates and panel events throughout the month that members attend, debate in, and observe. We also have an executive board that meets once a week to plan all events. Members can also attend our social mixers and the Liberty Gala, a political ball we throw once a year.
Yearly projects We host a Presidential Debate where all the presidents of the various political clubs face off. We also have a Liberty Gala (a dance) and Voting Week (a week-long celebration of activism and voter engagement). In the past, our speakers have included Hillary Clinton and Ralph Nader.
New member profile We’re looking for someone with a political mind, sense of humor, and love of policy and discourse.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a venue to express political opinions and make friends!
Application process None! CPU is open to any and all—you can come to one event or all of them!
Group size 61-80 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend evenings
Meeting location Hamilton or Lerner
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board comprised of CPU leadership and representatives from all of the political clubs on campus.
Group description and mission The purpose for the Columbia University Gospel Choir is to rejoice in the name of God through song, as well as minister to the Columbia community. We are a Christian ministry dedicated to spreading the Gospel. We seek to lead others to the wonderful love and grace of Jesus Christ. The choir consists of graduate and undergraduate students, alumni, and staff who represent eight of the University's schools.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members of the CUGC meet twice a week for rehearsal, fellowship, and prayer. Our rehearsals are one- and- a- half to two hours long, and we usually close in a word of prayer and inspiration for our group.
Yearly projects We have two annual concerts and minister at schools, as well as at ceremonies, churches, and other organizations throughout the tri-state area.
New member profile Prospective members ought to have a true passion for singing, especially in a collaborative effort! We appreciate strong, confidence voices, but a desire and a strength to blend well with everyone else is of utmost importance so that we sound our very best as a choir! Of course, we want new members to be cheerful and friendly so that rapport in the choir remains at at high! Christians and non-Christians are welcome to our family.
What members can expect to get out of it The CUGC is a safe space and a family group for any and everyone who enjoys singing gospel music and offering praise to our Mighty Creator! Expect lots of laughter, incredible energy, faith, hope, and inspiration as a member of the choir.
Application process Auditions and callbacks take place during the first week of the school year. We typically offer two to three days for auditions and one day for callbacks. We ask that prospective members prepare at least one minute of a song, including one verse and the bridge or chorus of the selected song.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location In the basement of St. Paul's Chapel and/or in John Jay main lounge.
Necessary equipment None, although we are especially seeking prospective members who play the piano.
Management structure There are two main subsections of the choir: the general body and the executive board. General body members are members of the choir who do not assume extra leadership opportunities. The executive board consists of the president, vice president, treasurer, concert manager, social media chair, and the band director.
Group leaders President: Maia Young Vice president: Sasha Mutchnik Social media and technology coordinator: Laetitia Butler Treasurer: Samantha Pascal Business manager: Maddie Woda
Columbia University College Republicans Social justice/Activism
Contact info cucr.president@gmail.com Aristotle Boosalis at a.boosalis@columbia.edu
Group description and mission The College Republicans chapter at Columbia University is a political organization dedicated to promoting Republican principles at one of the most liberal institutions in America. Our mission is to promote the values of the party on Columbia's campus and return to the values and virtues of the founding fathers. We strive to make our students aware of the beneficial possibilities that economic and civil liberties can bring to regional, national, and international development.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We host speakers and hold discussions in our weekly meetings.
Yearly projects We hold speaker events, parties, a Labor Day barbecue, and we go to the shooting range. Check our website for more event types.
New member profile We are looking for students who are conservative or Republican, but we do have members that are interested in politics.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect speaker events, internship opportunities, and a community of like-minded students.
Application process We do have an application process for our deputy program, but it is short. We ask applicants to answer an online form that shouldn't take more than 30 minutes. Lastly, they will come in for an interview, which will be about 15 minutes.
Group size 61-80 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Lerner 569
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board and a general body. The e-board runs and executes the rules of the club, but the president leads the club and its direction.
Group leaders President: Aristotle Boosalis
Campus events All our events are open to the campus community. We hold our meetings on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. in Lerner 569 unless otherwise stated.
Group description and mission Kendo is a Japanese martial art that aims to improve its practitioners through a modern application of the “Way of the Sword,” which has roots in older styles of kenjutsu which were practiced by the samurai. There is a Japanese saying "Ko-ken-chi-ai,” which means “You learn more about each other by practicing together.” Through practicing kendo, we aim to not only improve ourselves through this ancient art, but also to make friends with each other and all our teachers and fellow competitors. As a club, we believe that this is the best way to become a community.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We hold four weekly practices. You may come to practice at your convenience.
Yearly projects We go to a number of tournaments during the year. On top of that, we also prepare members who are eligible for ranking tests, which are held by our local federation in October and April. We also host our own tournament, “Shishihai,” in late February.
New member profile We accept anyone who wants to learn kendo and have fun! Beginners and advanced practitioners are always welcome.
What members can expect to get out of it New members can expect to see self improvement through kendo, as well as becoming part of a community.
Application process There is no application or training process, but newcomers must sign a waiver on the club sports website.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend mornings
Meeting location Aerobics Rooms 3 and 4 in Dodge
Necessary equipment We have enough equipment to provide to new members. However, we advise students to get their own gi (uniform), shinai (bamboo practice sword), and bogu (protective armor).
Management structure We have four undergraduate student officers. Two of these officers are designated co-captains who help our instructors lead practice.
Group leaders Co-captains: Miguel Martinez and Alissa Mori
Campus events We hold a demonstration annually at the Columbia Japan Society Matsuri.
Group description and mission We are a community of Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, and people interested in Filipino culture who strive to teach the Columbia community about that culture through many social, cultural, and leadership events.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members go to group meetings and club dinners.
Yearly projects Members participate in Barrio (our fall cultural event and leadership summit in partnership with FIND), Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (which brings together many other Filipino clubs in New York and New Jersey), and Taste of the Philippines (which highlights Filipino culture through food).
New member profile We are looking for anyone who is Filipino or interested in Filipino culture.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to find a close-knit group that understands the Filipino culture's emphasis on family and coming together.
Application process There is no application or training process to join.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location In a classroom either in Hamilton or the Diana Center
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board and general body members.
Campus events All of our big events are open to the campus community. Barrio will be on Oct. 27, while the dates for other events are still TBD.
Additional information As new members of FIND, we are working to not only connect our members to Filipinos in the Columbia community, but also to the broader New York and New Jersey area.
Columbia University Engineers Without Borders Community service
Contact info cuewb@columbia.edu
Learn more about them on Engineers Without Borders website https://cuewb.org/
Type of group Community service
Group description and mission CU-EWB is a chapter of the national NGO Engineers Without Borders - USA. Our members come from all areas of study, joining out of a desire to help others and a passion for creative problem solving. We have three branches that work to develop sustainable engineering solutions to solve problems in developing communities and improve the lives of those who live there. The Morocco branch is working on a water pipeline in Ait Bayoud, while they continue to maintain a suspension footbridge. Our Ghana team is working on providing WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) services to the village of Amanfrom. The Uganda branch is beginning a power generation and distribution system for farmers and small businesses in the Orungo sub-county.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Each of the three branches has a weekly meeting, where they discuss the progress of the active projects and work to plan and prepare for future assessment, implementation, and monitoring trips. Members write grant applications, prepare technical designs and documentation, and communicate with NGOs, community leaders, government officials, and private companies.
Yearly projects Our development projects take up most of our time. We plan all semester for trips to Ghana, Morocco, and Uganda during winter and summer break. In terms of events on campus, CU-EWB raises money through a 5K in the spring, and we host panels and movie screenings on issues related to our work.
New member profile Anyone from any school at Columbia is encouraged to join CU-EWB. Whether you are in SEAS, CC, Barnard, GS, or one of the graduate schools, CU-EWB has a place where you can make a positive impact. We are an interdisciplinary club with teams that deal with engineering design, grant-writing, fundraising, education, and much more. Because much of our work is non-technical, we are looking for members in non-engineering fields, in particular.
What members can expect to get out of it CU-EWB is an entirely student-run club. That means that all of our work, from technical design to financial planning and community building, is directed by the members of our club. It is one of the best opportunities available for gaining real-world project planning and leadership experience in the NGO field. And, even better, the work you do here will make lasting differences in the lives of people in need.
Application process There is no application or training process involved to be in CU-EWB. In the beginning of the fall semester, there will be a one-day new member bootcamp that will describe in more detail the different projects that CU-EWB tackles. However, attendance at the bootcamp is NOT mandatory, though everyone is encouraged to drop by and be a part of a team.
Group size 100+ people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location The Ghana branch will most likely meet in Hamilton 503. The Morocco branch will most likely meet in Schermerhorn 467. The Uganda branch will most likely meet in Mudd 825.
Necessary equipment None! A laptop is helpful for weekly meetings, but other than that, we’ll provide you with any materials you may need.
Management structure CU-EWB is governed by an executive board which is elected by members of the club. The e-board manages club finances and handles events for the club. In addition to the e-board, there are also boards for each branch of the club (the U-Board, M-Board, and G-Board), which manage the operations and activities of the branches. The leaders of the e-board are the co-presidents, and the leaders of the branch boards are the Program Managers.
Group leaders Co-presidents: Anna Li and Evan Spotte-Smith
Campus events Most of our events are open to the public. For example, we bring speakers to campus and organize panels to discuss issues related to sustainable engineering and international development.
Featured work All three of our branches do excellent work to improve the lives of those in poverty. To learn more about these projects, go to our website or email us!!
Group description and mission Columbia University Lion Dance is a high-energy dance form based on kung fu. Lion dance is usually performed to scare away evil spirits and to summon good luck and fortune. Our goal is to promote knowledge of Chinese traditional dance for both the on-campus and off-campus communities. We combine traditional elements of lion dance with a modern flair to create a unique fusion of this ancient dance form.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We practice the dance form (typically by drilling movements/routines), teach each other new tricks and techniques (on both the lion and the instruments), and travel throughout Manhattan to perform for companies (Google, Deloitte), weddings, and (most importantly) Lunar New Year shows.
Yearly projects We are looking to ultimately revive the club. In the past, Columbia Lion Dance used to be known for its skill—we even competed in the annual intercollegiate competition (which we attended last spring for the first time in about three years)—but the group has stagnated due to members graduating and a loss of intergenerational knowledge and skill. For this year, we hope to increase our on-campus presence by doing more shows for Columbia's community and subsequently expanding our family. In the spring, we hope to prepare for next year's collegiate competition in Boston with our new team!
New member profile We’re looking for people with strength—physical strength is important, but mental strength is even more so, a family/community-oriented perspective, and potential and willingness to learn. We seek people who are motivated to improve their technique and their teamwork skills with us—a lot of us are still in the process of learning the dance ourselves!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a community that is both tight-knit and laid back, and will probably gain some extra muscle.
Application process None! We have open practices—no tryouts required. The best way to find out more about us is to come to a practice (schedule TBD), or to approach any of our existing members.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend afternoons
Meeting location Lerner 555 and Low Steps. If it's nice outside, you might hear our drum at around 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings.
Necessary equipment Just a good heart and a strong will.
Management structure We have an executive board with co-presidents, secretary, treasurer, etc., but these roles are informal. The board is concerned with logistical matters such as scheduling and booking shows, organizing practices and hangouts, and managing our budget.
Group leaders Co-presidents: Bryan Lei and Emma Lu Senior advisor: Alan Cha Treasurer: Brian Yang Secretary: Allison Hung
Campus events All of our practices are open to the campus community. Our next on-campus show is the NSOP showcase on Sept. 3.
Hong Kong Students and Scholars Society Cultural group
Group description and mission The objective of Hong Kong Students and Scholars Society is to promote different aspects of Hong Kong culture through a wide range of social events, to educate students on the various career and academic opportunities available in Hong Kong, and to unite Hong Kong students and scholars on campus at large. With these objectives in mind, HKSSS board members make their best effort to hold various on-campus and off-campus events that are in line with our objectives.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members plan events and get to hang out with other members of HKSSS by exploring new restaurants, playing paintball, going to Broadway shows, and trekking the city.
Yearly projects Our events include our Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, Chinese New Year, Big 2 Game nights, hot pot nights, karaoke, and much more.
New member profile Members should show passion, commitment, the desire to work hard, an affinity to have fun, an appreciation for good food, and an enthusiasm to learn about HK culture.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will gain the ability to understand how to organize events. They’ll also find a Hong Kong community and family.
Application process There is an interview process.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights
Meeting location Lerner Hall and Hamilton Hall
Necessary equipment None
Group leaders Matthew Quek Erica Ho Laurice Wong Alexandra Humair Haley So
Campus events Our Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, Chinese New Year, and Big 2 Game night are open to the public.
Group description and mission The Columbia Metrotones are Columbia University’s premier all-female a cappella group. We were founded in 1983, when Columbia became a coeducational institution. We perform at a wide variety of venues and events in and outside of New York City, and our repertoire is ever-changing and eclectic, including pop, R&B, and indie music.
What members do on a week-to-week basis The Metrotones hold rehearsals twice a week on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. We also perform regularly at a variety of events on- and off-campus.
Yearly projects The Metrotones hold two concerts on campus each semester, as well as an extra Valentine's Day concert in the spring. We also perform at numerous events on- and off-campus, upon request. In the past, we’ve performed at every type of event from weddings and charity functions to singing backup for Vampire Weekend in Washington Square Park, and for MILCK at the Women in the World Summit. We also regularly hold joint, impromptu concerts with other college a cappella groups visiting New York, and we usually go on one trip each semester to visit another school or just for fun!
New member profile We are looking for fun women who love to sing, arrange, or beatbox.
What members can expect to get out of it At heart, the Metrotones are a group of friends who love a cappella and each other. We take our music very seriously, but we also love just hanging out and having a good time. Our alumna Lauren Graham once said in an interview that being in the Metrotones was “all about the music,” but it also helped her “get lucky.” We’re not going to argue with that!
Application process The Metrotones hold auditions together with all of Columbia's a cappella groups in the first week of classes during both the fall and spring semesters. We ask that you prepare a verse and chorus of any song, and be ready to sing some scales. We’d also love to hear you beatbox if that’s your thing. We welcome repeat auditions—many of our members had to audition twice before they were accepted. Check our website or Facebook page at the beginning of the semester for specific details about audition times and locations.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Dodge Hall and Lerner Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure The Metrotones have two co-presidents, a business manager, two music directors, a treasurer, a publicity representative, and a social chair.
Group leaders Co-Presidents: Emily Sherron and Tamsin Kantor
Campus events The Metrotones hold two concerts on campus at the middle and the end of each semester, as well as an extra Valentine's Day concert in the Spring. Our concerts are free, and anyone is welcome to attend. We also perform at numerous events on campus upon request.
Group description and mission Columbia EcoReps is a student group under the Columbia Housing office. Our goal and vision is to create a more sustainable campus community, with particular emphasis on student living in the residence halls. We are comprised of four committees—Composting, Dining, Recycling, and Living Green—each of which focus on a target area of sustainability.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Committees meet once a week. Outside of the committee meetings, members can volunteer to help at our events.
Yearly projects Our biggest initiative by far is our Give and Go Green/Green NSOP program. During move-out in May, students leave behind a lot of perfectly good stuff (to give you an idea, we usually collect between 600 and 700 fridges!), most of which would be sent straight to a landfill. EcoReps stays a week after classes end to collect everything, and in the fall we move in early to prepare for our two Green Sales where we sell these items back to students for really low prices.
New member profile We’re looking for anyone who is interested in improving sustainable living on campus!
What members can expect to get out of it EcoReps can be as much or as little of a commitment as you want. Members who attend our committee meetings have a chance to voice their opinion and help plan our programs and events. There are also many tabling opportunities where members have the chance to educate their peers about sustainable living.
Application process Any interested member just has to fill out our interest form on our website and will be contacted by one of our committee leaders!
Group size 41-60 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend evenings
Meeting location Committee meetings meet in Hartley 111, and general body meetings are typically held in John Jay or Wallach Lounge.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure The essential operations (such as overall leadership and management of the website and social media and email accounts) of the club are run by the executive board. Each committee has one to wo committee leaders who run the meetings and are responsible for directing the initiatives of that committee. Committee leaders meet several times a semester with the Co-Presidents for updates and guidance.
Group leaders Co-presidents: Charles Harper and Charlotte Broadbent
Campus events The Green Sale is Thursday, Aug. 31 and Monday, Sept. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. GreenFest is usually in mid-April.
After Hours Tutoring Community Service
Contact info afterhourstutoring.ci@gmail.com
Learn more about them by Emailing Sabrina Lautin and Mauricio Rivera at after-hours.ci@gmail.com
Type of group Community Service
Group description and mission Our program aims to provide homework help to elementary school-age students at the Regent Family Residences on 104th Street and Broadway. We provide homework help with nightly assignments, as well as supplements to gaps that may exist in arithmetic and reading foundations. We try to do this in a way that is educational and enjoyable for both the students and the tutors, with games, breaks in between assignments, and choice reading time for those who have finished their assignments.
What members do on a week-to-week basis On a week-to-week basis, members go to the Regent for an hour that works with their schedule, Monday through Thursday. There, they provide homework help to elementary school-aged kids, mostly with math, English, and social studies.
Yearly projects In addition to tutoring, we always host a pizza party at the end of the semester for the kids. Recently, we have also started tracking feedback and satisfaction with the help we provide so that we can further improve the quality of our time with the students.
New member profile We are looking for tutors who enjoy working with children and have patience when it comes to explaining basic concepts in math and English. Additionally, knowledge of Spanish could be useful, though not required, as some of the students' assignments are bilingual.
What members can expect to get out of it Members get to interact with children in an educational setting, which confers experience with teaching.
Application process There is no application for volunteering—just sign up at the clubs fair or email us to be added to our mailing list. To be on the executive board, one must demonstrate commitment and regular attendance, as well as completion of a short application.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday afternoons
Meeting location The library of the Regent Family Residences on 104th Street and Broadway.
Necessary equipment Nothing except a writing utensil. Sometimes tutors like to bring the kids small gifts, such as stickers or pencils, as rewards for good work, but this is purely optional.
Management structure The executive board currently consists of two co-chairs and a social coordinator who all tutor in addition to these responsibilities, and the general body of the club is comprised of volunteers who tutor on a weekly basis.
Group leaders Co-chairs: Sabrina Lautin and Mauricio Rivera Social chair: Jacob Best
Campus events Our introductory meeting is open to everyone and designed to give people a sense of what our club does and allocate tutoring hours. We will also be hosting a training session and a handful of mixers so that volunteers can get to know each other.
Shalhevet Israeli Dance Religious group, Cultural group, Arts/Dance/Music
Type of group Religious group, Cultural group, Arts/Dance/Music
Group description and mission Shalhevet is Columbia's co-ed Shabbat-observant Israeli dance troupe. We learn and perform original choreography, as well as popular and traditional dances. While the dance style is considered to be "Israeli dance," the dances performed both on stage and recreationally are influenced by various other cultures and styles of dance.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members participate in weekly rehearsals. When performances are upcoming, other rehearsals may be added.
Yearly projects We perform at various festivals and events throughout the Eastern seaboard.
New member profile Shalhevet has members from varying dance backgrounds. Our only requirement for a new member is the ability to commit to rehearsals.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to learn dances, make friends, and exercise!
Application process Training takes place in rehearsals.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday afternoons
Meeting location The Kraft Center/Columbia Barnard Hillel
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a general director, choreographer, and assistant choreographer. We are looking to fill other positions.
Group leaders Rebecca Barabas Micah Cowan Elana Kravitz
Campus events We are hoping to have performances open to the campus. Additionally, there are various opportunities to do Israeli dancing at Hillel and around New York.
Columbia/Barnard Hillel Religious
Contact info Facebook Get weekly announcements by email announcements@hillel.columbia.edu
Learn more about them by Email welcome@hillel.columbia.edu
Type of group Religious
Group description and mission Columbia/Barnard Hillel is a space for Jewish community on campus. We offer opportunities in the Kraft Center (606 W. 115) and on campus.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Columbia/Barnard Hillel hosts ongoing fellowships, social programming, religious services, a free Shabbat dinner every week, and more.
Yearly projects Columbia/Barnard Hillel is an umbrella for 20+ student-led groups—they all have different projects and programs throughout the year.
New member profile Everyone is welcome to any and all events!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find community, food, and more!
Application process Some of our programs, like ongoing fellowships or trips, have a registration or application form.
Group size 100+
Time commitment There is no expected time commitment.
Meeting location The Kraft Center and all around campus
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Hillel has a student executive board, and most sub-groups have their own leadership structure. We have a First Year Leadership Fellowship which trains first-years in becoming a leader in the community.
Group leaders Executive board members are the leaders of Hillel. Our leaders are all undergraduates at Columbia and Barnard.
Campus events Everything is open! We have a weekly Shabbat dinner every Friday night at the Kraft Center—free to all students.
Group description and mission The Toddler Learning Center is a free preschool program that runs out of the Regent Family Residence . Its goal is to provide a fun environment for toddlers to learn!
What members do on a week-to-week basis Every week, volunteers come to the Regent shelter and participate in activities with the toddlers. We often do crafts, provide free snacks, have a free-play time, and read books.
Yearly projects One of the biggest projects we work on is curriculum building. We expect every volunteer to submit their own creative and educational lesson plan.
New member profile TLC is looking for enthusiastic students who work well with children and are willing to commit their time and energy to our organization. It's a bonus if you have previous experience working with children and have completed CPR and first aid training!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will get an incredible volunteer experience, one-on-one interaction with some adorable toddlers, and opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills.
Application process There will be an application available in the fall and brief interview.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday afternoons
Meeting location We usually meet outside of the Columbia gates and walk to the Regent shelter together.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure There are two co-directors who oversee the volunteers.
Group leaders Helen Branyan and Huber Gonzalez
Campus events As of now, we do not have any campus-directed events.
Group description and mission We are an anti-border, anti-gentrification activism group.
What members do on a week-to-week basis This can vary, but we always have weekly group meetings.
Yearly projects We are responsible for Immigration Week each year.
New member profile New members must be enthusiastic!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a social network of activists and a chance to organize around issues of immigration, borders, and gentrification.
Group description and mission Yavneh, the Orthodox Jewish group of Columbia University and Barnard College, is one of the largest and strongest student groups on campus. From daily minyanim and learning initiatives, to social events like Make-Your-Own-Pizza Night and Assassins, there are endless ways to get involved. No matter where you come from, this is a place where you can feel at home.
What members do on a week-to-week basis On the Sabbath we offer services as well as a variety of exciting events, such as a Tisch, the newlyweds game, a Friday night hangout, or a shiur by your peer. We do our best to make the Shabbat experience on campus extraordinary socially and spiritually. But Shabbat is just one highlight here at Yavneh! We plan community service activities, exciting social functions, and meaningful religious events. Some of Yavneh’s members’ favorites include the annual Assassins game, the 3-on-3 basketball tournament, chaburas taught by fellow students, Panoply, Yavneh Dinner (and skit), women’s mishmar, and Simchat Torah on campus.
Yearly projects We have the Yavneh opening event, Simchat Torah, Assassins, Panoply, Purim Auction, and Yavneh Dinner.
New member profile We’re looking for people who are interested in being a part of the Orthodox Jewish group on campus!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a tight knit, welcoming, exciting, and passionate community where you can make your home.
Management structure We are a group that is run under the Columbia/Barnard Hillel. We have a board with six members who all contribute to ensuring that all runs smoothly and well.
Group description and mission Our group is a part of Columbia Community Impact. We are a group of students who volunteer weekly at Harlem public schools and teach conflict resolution. Our dynamic curriculum includes topics of diversity, anti-bullying, stereotypes, and, of course, ways to resolve conflict in a peaceful manner. Each week we facilitate discussions and play games and lead activities relating to the week’s lesson.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We meet to prepare our lessons and then we go to the school and teach and play for about an hour. The time commitment is small but impactful!
Yearly projects Aside from devoting an hour each week to volunteering in the classroom and/or shelter, we spend a lot of time during the spring semester preparing for Festival, an afternoon-long event where the students come to our classroom—the campus of Columbia! It’s a day of fun, some chaos, loads of pizza and ice cream, and all types of gym games!
New member profile We are looking for members who are outgoing, enjoy working with children, and will be able to serve as positive role models for the students. We are looking for those who really identify with Peace by PEACE’s mission.
What members can expect to get out of it Group members can expect to devote an hour of fun in the classroom. This hour is bound to be the most rewarding and gratifying experience of your week! Peace by PEACE volunteers will definitely gain at least 20 new younger friends who are all eager to see you each week. You will hear the sweetest questions and have a great time with the students while educating them on topics such as bullying, stereotypes, and a whole lot more! You can also expect to form strong relationships within the Columbia community based on shared values!
Application process We ask you to fill out a few questions in our application to get to know you and specific things, like if you prefer to work with younger students or older students, and to help find a group that meets at a time that works best for you. We have a two-hour training session at the beginning of the semester to teach you how to best manage your classroom and how to be the best volunteer possible. We will give you a printed curriculum and all the tools to get started!
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday mornings Weekday afternoons
Meeting location We meet at PS 125 or PS 129 (both walking distance from Columbia campus) or a shelter.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Peace by Peace has an Executive Board with two co-chairs, a curriculum chair, a volunteer coordinator, a PR chair, and a Festival chair. We have about 20 members on Steering Committee who meet weekly to discuss logistics and lesson plans for the upcoming week. Each Steering Committee member leads their classroom cohort, which consists of about two to three other undergraduate volunteers.
Group leaders Co-chair/Treasurer: Natalia Jacobowitz Co-chair/Social Liaison: Alyson Dennis PR Chair: Shoshy Levine Volunteer Coordinator: Elisheva Fridman Curriculum Chair: Danielle Dennis
Delta GDP: The Growth and Development Project at Columbia University Activism
Group description and mission Delta GDP's mission is to explore international development. At the core of our vision is the understanding that development is a multifaceted concept—it encompasses human flourishing, not just economic growth, so it spans an array of fields such as education, medical care, food security, gender issues, justice, and political stability. We are non-partisan—we seek out contrasting opinions in order to shed clarity on the current ongoing debate of what development entails, where it is heading, and what we should do about it as global citizens.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We conduct weekly group meetings during which we brainstorm ideas for events, check progress on our plans, and assign different duties to each member.
Yearly projects Every year, we organize new events focused on topics that we deem significant. Some of our past events include Women in Public Policy, Latin America in the Trump Era, Earth Week Debate, Development Consultancy Case Contest 2013, and Syrian Refugee Crisis.
New member profile We are looking for bright young minds who share a strong enthusiasm for discussing world events regarding sustainable development. We want people who are comfortable offering unique ideas. Once you are a member, you will join our executive board, meaning that you will have to be responsible, collaborative, and flexible.
What members can expect to get out of it Through Delta GDP, members will have the opportunity to create an event on the topic of their choosing with faculty, students, professionals from large firms, or representatives of NGOs from many different fields. Moreover, while organizing events, executive board members garner management practice, like contacting speakers, coordinating with the school for available space, and pursuing distinct methods of marketing.
Application process Our application for the Executive Board position is here.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Hamilton or Lerner
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Each Executive Board member specializes in a specific role. Once the entire group finalizes an event after a session of brainstorming, the duties of contacting potential speakers, booking space, budgeting finances, designing, and marketing will be divided among the board members.
Group leaders Iris Frangou, John Park, David Shepley, and Matthew Katz
Campus events All of our events are open to everyone on campus.
Group description and mission We are an organization of students interested in Japanese language and culture who look to promote campus involvement in and understanding of various aspects of Japanese culture. We help create a community where anybody, whether they are learning Japanese, have been to Japan, or are Japanese, can learn from one another and find support.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Every week our board meets to discuss upcoming campus events and opportunities we receive through email or hear about otherwise. We do most of our event planning in these meetings, and focus on updating everyone with what we have accomplished so far. The rest of the week, our board works on their assignments for events, holds smaller study breaks, or meet up in smaller groups just to chat and enjoy meals!
Yearly projects In the fall semester, our biggest event is Sushi Night, during which attendees make their own sushi while learning about Japanese food culture. During the spring semester, we prepare for our annual Matsuri (“festival” in Japanese), which brings businesses and vendors from around the city as well as other campus organizations together to enjoy a night of music, food, and activities inspired by the many festivals that occur in Japan every year.
New member profile We are looking for members who are enthusiastic about and are interested in promoting Japanese language and culture across both Columbia and Barnard’s campuses. A new member would both be excited to take on the larger events and smaller projects throughout a semester, and bring their own ideas on how to best create a sense of community around Japanese language and culture on campus.
What members can expect to get out of it As a board member, this club will hopefully be a way to make new friends and connections across many years and fields of interest. Our members are all very passionate about Japanese language and culture. We find opportunities to create bonds between club members, Japanese organizations in the city, and other cultural groups.
Application process The application process consists of a written form with questions, and then an interview with our executive board. From there the e-board chooses new members based on responses to questions and conveyed compatibility with our mission and goals. The returning board members then teach the new members how to perform the different jobs assignments via organized committees. Each new member will officially be an organizational committee member, or OCM. The process of applying doesn’t have to take longer than 30 minutes, and the interview is a brief 15-20 minutes.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekend afternoons
Meeting location West or East Ramp Lounge in Lerner
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Our group is headed by our president, who is assisted by the other executive board members (co-vice presidents, one for Columbia and one for Barnard, secretary, and treasurer). All members are a part of a committee which decides their primary role in event planning, and these committees are headed by experienced board members, titled executive committee members (ECM). The rest of the board functions as OCMs.
Group leaders President: Anna Daddazio; Co-Vice President, Barnard: Jiasi Long; Co-Vice President, Columbia: Nicholas Lombardo; Secretary: Kenneth Yen; Treasurer: Clare Chan
Campus events Tickets to Sushi Night are available to students. Matsuri is completely open to the campus community. Our other smaller events change with the years, and while still undetermined, are almost all certainly open to the entire campus.
Group description and mission We are a cultural organization, and our mission is to introduce the Turkish culture to the Columbia community.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members go to weekly meetings where we organize events throughout the year.
Yearly projects Our main projects are either community service based or involve bringing in a speaker who is well known for his/her accomplishment in Turkey.
New member profile Members should show a curiosity for Turkish culture
What members can expect to get out of it Members will learn more about Turkish culture.
Application process None
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Hamilton Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure There is an Executive Board made up of eight people.
Group leaders President: Izzet Kebudi
Campus events We have a few events throughout the year that are open to the public. Like us on Facebook to hear about them.
Group description and mission Members and writers for the Columbia Science Review strive to elevate knowledge and awareness surrounding science and technology in the Columbia community through its biannual issues which feature informative scientific articles written by Columbia undergraduates. When CSR was founded, many science groups existed in Columbia, but there was no science publication group that sought to bring science and the general public closer. Therefore, CSR founded a science publication to be created and read by the Columbia community. Due to the jargon and technicalities inherent in scientific writing, science articles are often difficult to understand and frustrating to read. CSR aims to publish easy-to-read articles that can be understood by an audience of various backgrounds.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We attend weekly group meetings to discuss the publication or upcoming events.
Yearly projects Our magazine launch is our biggest event, but we also work with student groups and departments throughout Columbia University (e.g. University Writing, Frontiers of Science, Columbia Admissions) for event planning.
New member profile We’re looking for people who are science-oriented, have the ability to express themselves, and like to have fun.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will learn how a science publication operates and how to organize a science event aimed toward the general public.
Group description and mission Columbia Bellydance is a Middle Eastern dance troupe, but first and foremost we are a cultural group. Our mission is to authentically represent and deliver the folkloric and traditional movements and stories of the Middle East to our audiences. As scholars, we take great concern with the issues of Orientalism and racism that have been attached to Middle Eastern nations, people, cultures, and traditions. As dancers, we pride ourselves on technical training along with an emotional connection and evocation. Sharing our techniques with the Columbia community is done not only through performance, but also through a weekly beginner’s class taught by members of our troupe for Columbia students and faculty. We evoke our class slogan “Love Your Belly” in celebrating the many bodies humanity includes, and by exercising and using these bodies for expression and art.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members go to classes and rehearsals every week.
Yearly projects We have a Middle Eastern Dance Conference performance in the fall and our annual HIPnotic performance in the spring.
New member profile Members should show a passion for bellydancing!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Middle Eastern dance as well as improve their technique.
Application process There are two rounds of auditions, both an hour and a half, in which we teach choreography.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Lerner E477
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board.
Group leaders President: Safiya Noel
Campus events MEDC happens in November in Lerner Party Space and HIPnotic happens in April in the Lerner Black Box Theater.
Group description and mission Club Bangla is a cultural group where both non-Bengalis and Bengalis from Bangladesh and India can come together to celebrate Bengali culture, heritage, and language. Club Bangla aims to increase awareness of Bengali language and culture at Columbia as well as to create a platform for issues affecting Bengalis and the South Asian community at large. To this end, the club hosts festivals, panels, and other events, often in partnership with other student groups, that facilitate cross-cultural, ethnic, and religious dialogue.
What members do on a week-to-week basis On a week-to-week basis, members attend our meetings, which are often centered on event-planning. Bonding sessions or discussion circles may also take the place of weekly meetings.
Yearly projects Our biggest event of the year is Boishakhi, the Bengali New Year. Club Bangla celebrates this occasion with a festival inspired by open-air street fairs in South Asia—complete with colorful decorations, performances by student groups, fun activities, and vendors. In addition to holding events on other culturally relevant dates, we hold an annual fall panel on a compelling topic: Last year, we discussed Bengali art as a form of resistance and activism. We hope to work on additional and more diverse output this coming school-year.
New member profile A potential member doesn't have to be an expert in Bengali culture or possess any particular skill set to join. We're looking for people who are enthusiastic, creative, and interested in engaging with the Bengali experience—whether that means exploring one's own heritage, planning cultural festivals, moderating panels on climate change in Bangladesh, producing artistic output, or collaborating with other South Asian groups. Any new member would be a valuable addition to the club.
What members can expect to get out of it We hope that members find a sense of community in Club Bangla. While the club is small, its membership is dedicated, and it provides Bengalis with their own specialized space in the larger ecosystem of South Asian clubs—and we hope to improve club bonding further with each year! Beyond that, the size of the club allows even new members to gain important leadership and planning experiences that can be translated to other spheres of life. And in general, we hope our events and discussions broaden any participant's mind, making one more informed on topics ranging from history to labor issues.
Application process None
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend nights
Meeting location Lerner or Barnard Hall.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure The executive board consists of two co-presidents, a treasurer, and a secretary. There are general board members who also have a say in decisions and attend weekly meetings, and beyond that, a general body that receives information about the club and its events.
Group leaders Co-presidents: Sumya Akkas and Nadra Rahman
Campus events Most of our projects are events that are completely open (and usually free) to the Columbia community. Our festival for the Bengali New Year takes place in mid-April, while our open mic for Mother Language Day falls near Feb. 21. We also plan a panel for late fall every year and hope to begin hosting a "Gaye Holud" event every fall—a fun, lively pre-wedding festivity in many parts of South Asia. Discussion circles, study breaks, and other events may take place throughout the year.
Group description and mission Compass Christian Koinonia is a community of Columbia College, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and Barnard College students with a common desire to learn more about Jesus and share our faith with others. Through weekly Bible study, small groups, fellowship events, and plenty of good food, we explore the life of Jesus, tackle tough questions, and strive to build deeper relationships with Christ and each other.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members attend weekly Bible study, small group meetings, fellowship events, and study breaks.
Yearly projects We have a fall and spring off-campus retreat, as well as joint gatherings with our NYU sister group.
New member profile Anyone who wants to learn about and discuss Christianity or why Jesus is relevant to our lives now is welcome.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find honest discussions, new friendships, good food, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian on a college campus.
Application process None
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Lerner Hall, West Ramp Lounge
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We are a student-run group with input from alumni staff.
Group leaders President: Chenjie Zhao Treasurer: Alice Niu
Campus events All our events and meetings are open to the Columbia community.
Group description and mission AllSex is a peer-facilitated discussion group that offers a curriculum on all topics related to gender and sexual empowerment and whose content is personal-experience driven. We seek to provide a safe space for students on our campus of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences—we often offer sections that are people of color only or female-identifying only. We believe that peer-facilitated dialogue and learning are key to fighting the oppression inherent in our everyday lives!
What members do on a week-to-week basis The bedrock of AllSex is the weekly AllSex sections. Each participant of AllSex is placed into a section that is led by two or three student facilitators. Sections meet twice a week every week at decided times that work with everyone’s schedules. Given the nature of the content discussed in AllSex sections, attendance and participation are crucial in building the community and trust that provides for the growth of participants and facilitators.
Yearly projects Though section is the main project for AllSex, we engage with the larger campus community as well. Given our experiences as student facilitators, AllSex strives to hold joint meetings or workshops with various identity groups on campus. We seek to provide resources for how different groups on campus can navigate topics surrounding gender and sexual empowerment given their social positions. We have paired with groups like Mujeres and Black Students Organization to help them lead these types of discussions in their groups.
New member profile We are looking for any student that seeks to both cultivate and learn from a safe space with their peers. We invite anyone who is ready to have meaningful discussions on gender presentation, sexual health and practices, and identity, power, and privilege to apply to be an AllSex participant! There is no level of previous engagement with these topics necessary in order to apply.
What members can expect to get out of it AllSex participants can expect to grow and immerse themselves in a space on campus that they’ve built with each other. Participants often comment on the fact that AllSex has introduced them to people in their section that they would have otherwise never met on campus. Participants also often comment on the fact that AllSex provided them with a stable and reliable space and time to positively and powerfully navigate difficult aspects of their personal experiences. Participants also always comment that AllSex has allowed them to learn about themselves and others.
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights Weekend mornings Weekend afternoons
Meeting location We generally hold sections in seminar rooms across campus. Diana 308 has recurrently been home to AllSex sections so maybe we’ll see you there! (AllSex is a sucker for natural light.)
Necessary equipment None
Management structure The AllSex student facilitators are a collective. We create and edit the curriculum together, strategize best practices in section together, and decide on AllSex administrative decisions together. There is one facilitator who manages the AllSex email so that communication is streamlined, but otherwise our facilitators’ GroupMe is always happening with updates and requests for help!
Campus events Joining a section is open to the entire campus community! Sign up by Sept. 15 to get placed into a section! Once placed into a section, you will be in that section with the same group of people and meet at the same times each week throughout the entirety of the semester.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Academic
Group description and mission Columbia's chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is a student-run club that brings together SEAS's Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering majors. We organize events that will allow those students to connect, support each other, learn some technical skills, and network with relevant industries.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have one-hour meetings once a week, and members also attend our club’s events (usually around five times a semester).
Yearly projects MAKECU, a hardware hackathon, is a three-day event that we organize yearly. Over the weekend, students hear from impressive keynote speakers, pick up technical skills, and ultimately compete in teams to create a wide range of projects.
New member profile Members should display an interest in electrical or computer engineering and related fields, have big ideas, and have a lot of enthusiasm.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find support, course guidance, gain technical skills, and many networking opportunities.
Application process There will be a short application process for those interested in joining the executive board at the end of each academic year.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekend nights
Meeting location Mudd
Necessary equipment None
Management structure The club is run by an executive board, which has five members. The rest of our group consists of a larger audience that make up the general body, who are less involved in the planning of events (but are welcome to help!).
Group leaders President: Sammy Tbeille
Campus events MAKECU in the spring is open to the campus, and we also have various workshops and networking events.
Columbia Daily Spectator Campus media/Publications
Group description and mission Spectator is Columbia's largest student organization. Our mission is two-fold: We create publications (including the Columbia Daily Spectator, Spectrum, and The Eye), products (such as The Shaft and this very orientation guide), and events that help students make the most out of their Columbia experience. At the same time, our staffers—regardless of section they work in—grow as people, thinkers, and leaders in ways that are transferable to any industry. Spectator has a 141-year tradition of high-quality journalism, and we still know that our best and most effective work comes through telling in-depth, well-reported stories that hold those in power accountable for the decisions they make.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Whether they work in the journalism, business, or technology sections of Spectator, our staff members collaborate daily to produce content, generate revenue, and help us better connect with our readers.
Yearly projects In addition to producing daily content and a weekly print newspaper on Thursday, we organize annual events on campus including the Free Food Expo, Columbia Journalism Conference, and the Columbia Women's Leadership Conference.
New member profile The work that Spectator does is challenging. All of Spectator's staff—from our backend developers to our journalists—strive everyday to bring a few key qualities to the table. We have grit and drive, are self-starters and team players, and value accountability and integrity. Most of all, we are excited to tackle new challenges and are never satisfied.
What members can expect to get out of it Spectator's staff is a tight-knit community. From production nights in the office to our annual awards dinner, meet new friends and make connections that last a lifetime. Spectator's alumni have gone on to success in almost every industry imaginable. By joining Spectator, you'll be gaining access to an extensive alumni network that can open doors to mentorship opportunities, internship leads, and your future career. Spectator staff work on projects that are meaningful and rewarding. Across all of our sections, everyone on our staff makes meaningful contributions to our mission, playing an important role in informing, entertaining, and engaging the Columbia community.
Application process You'll begin a roughly eight-week training process, specific to your section, where you'll learn and apply real-world skills working closely with your section's staff. The training process can be challenging, but it is designed to set you up to succeed in a staff position. While only those who successfully complete the training program can hold staff positions, Spectator staff members are here to help you learn and grow throughout the process.
Group size 100+ people
Time commitment 9-12 hours per week for trainees
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights
Meeting location The Spectator office in Riverside Church.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Each section is lead by an editor or manager who sits on the managing board, Spectator's central decision-making body. All managing board members report to the corporate board, comprised of the editor in chief, managing editor, and publisher.
Group leaders Editor in chief: Catie Edmondson Managing editor: J. Clara Chan Publisher: Anurak Saelaow
Campus events Our Free Food Expo, Columbia Journalism Conference, and Columbia Women's Leadership Conference are all open to the public.
Columbia University Environmental Biology Society Academic
Group description and mission The Columbia University Environmental Biology Society is a club for nature- lovers in the Columbia community. We host fun environmental-themed events on campus, as well as lead excursions such as zoo and museum trips, hikes, and much more!
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members participate in on-campus nature activities, alternating with environmental-themed field trips off-campus.
Yearly projects We have a wildflower giveaway, movie screenings, and field trips.
New member profile We’re looking for people with passion and enthusiasm for the environment!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will explore the exotic, natural spaces in NYC and on campus! Members will also receive guidance about classes at Columbia, career choices, and volunteer opportunities.
Application process None. Anyone and everyone is welcome!
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Hamilton
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an e-board with elected officials.
Group leaders Julia Zeh and Richard Li
Campus events All of our meetings are open to Columbia community members. Our big on-campus events are a wildflower giveaway and movie screenings, both of which happen in the spring.
Columbia University Performing Arts League Arts/Dance/Music
Group description and mission As an umbrella organization, the Columbia University Performing Arts League facilitates discussion between groups regarding the Columbia University arts community as a whole, encourages the sharing of resources between groups, and serves as an advisory board to any newly formed performing arts groups or special projects. We aim to unite diverse performing groups in open dialogue to advocate for common causes. Our collective endeavors aim to improve relationships with the administration, increase collaboration and communication across campus, and develop new avenues for otherwise unsupported artists.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members go to weekly meetings as representatives of their respective performing arts group.
Yearly projects We host community events for the performing arts community.
New member profile We’re looking for students interested in the performing arts.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a community within the Columbia University performing arts community.
Application process In order to be a part of the CUPAL community, you need to participate in a CUPAL member group.
Group size 100+
Time commitment 9-12 hours per week
Meeting times Weekend afternoons
Meeting location Lerner Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board and representatives from each performing arts group.
Group leaders The executive board, which includes a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, tech director.
Group description and mission We are Columbia's premier garba-raas dance team dedicated to spreading Indian dance and culture across Columbia and NYC! We perform at on-campus shows, events throughout NYC, and competitions across the country. We are hard-workers in the studio but we also love to have fun together outside of practices.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have two-hour practices three times a week. Occasionally we perform at some events over the weekend, and we perform at one to two national competitions in the spring.
Yearly projects We learn and perfect a routine to perform at one to two national competitions in the spring (this past year we traveled to Los Angeles and Indiana), and then we will prepare to perform for Tamasha (Columbia's South Asian cultural showcase) at the end of year.
New member profile We are looking for people who are open to learning a new style of dance, committed to coming to practices and performing, and most of all, excited to meet new people and become a part of our Rraas family!
What members can expect to get out of it You will get the opportunity to be exposed to Indian culture and dance in addition to traveling across the city and the country to perform. Best of all, you will make lifelong friends and become a part of our Rraas fam!
Application process We have auditions September 16-17 in which you will learn our warm-up and perform it, and then we will hold callbacks a couple of days later in which you will learn part of last year's routine and perform it.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend afternoons
Meeting location At an on-campus dance studio or dance space, such as Barnard 306, Lerner C55, Wien Lounge, etc.
Necessary equipment None—we will provide you with dandiyas and costumes!
Management structure We are lead by an e-board, which is comprised of two co-captains, a president, a treasurer, a communications chair, a creative director, and a fundraising chair. The rest of our team are general members, but they play an active role in giving their feedback and ideas to the e-board to improve overall experiences.
Group leaders Our two co-captains and our president.
Campus events We will perform at the NSOP Performance Showcase on Sept. 3, we will most likely have an open workshop sometime during the week of Sept. 11, and we will have auditions Sept. 16 and 17!
Group description and mission We perform long-form improv comedy.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have rehearsal twice a week, weekend performances and occasional trips to other colleges to perform.
Yearly projects We perform at least three times a month, sometimes at other colleges. (In the past we’ve travelled to Oberlin and Harvard.) At the end of year, we have a 24 hour show in which we perform for 24 straight hours on the grass near Low Steps.
New member profile We’re looking for someone who is a good listener, generous collaborator, committed actor and/or writer, and funny performer.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a creative outlet, performance opportunities on campus and around NYC, a group of close friends to do and see improv with, and a place to laugh.
Application process We hold auditions sometime within the first few weeks of the fall semester.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend nights
Meeting location On campus and at comedy venues throughout the city
Necessary equipment No
Management structure We have a president who leads rehearsals, but all group members have a say and vote in all group decisions.
Group leaders President: Jonah Gould Vice president: Augusta Chapman
Campus events We have shows roughly every other week that we advertise on campus and on Facebook.
Featured work In addition to improv shows, we also hold weekly stand-up shows under the name "Memento Mori." Every Monday night at 8 p.m., students perform five-minute sets followed by a professional headliner. Past headliners include Sasheer Zamata (SNL), Julio Torres (SNL), and Roy Wood Jr. (The Daily Show).
Group description and mission This student association provides a connection between students and the political science department and plans educational events pertaining to politics, government, current events, and international relations. Our mission is to create a sense of community and provide opportunities for political science students to explore the major both academically and professionally.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have weekly board meetings, monthly Pizza with Professors events, yearly career fairs, as well as field trips to City Hall, the United Nations, and other relevant organizations.
Yearly projects We work on Voting Week, Pizza with Professors, and the Spring career fair.
New member profile We welcome any students with interests in political science to join our general body. Our board is restricted to political science majors, but you do not have to be declared to be eligible.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to find mentorship from older political science majors and professors, events to strengthen the community within the major program, events to learn more about politics and political science in NYC, events to learn more about professors' work, and networking and pre-professional information and skills.
Application process PSSA membership is open to any student potentially interested in studying political science. Members may sign up at any point during the academic year. General board members are selected in the fall semester based on an interview with the current board. Applications for these interviews will be posted in early September and emailed to the PSSA listserv. Executive board members are elected from among the general board to serve one-year terms beginning in April.
Group size 81-100 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Lerner 568
Necessary equipment None
Management structure PSSA is run by the executive board, consisting of the president, vice president, treasurer and secretary, with the assistance of the general board. We hold weekly board meetings and less-frequent general body events.
Group leaders President: Annika Reno Vice president: Charlie Kang Treasurer: Jowel Uddin Secretary: Jessica Grubesic
Campus events All PSSA events are open to the campus community. Our biggest event is Voting Week, which occurs in October of each year. Other events include Pizza with Professors, which occur monthly, and field trips to the UN and City Hall, which occur on Fridays in the spring semester.
Additional information We will hold an info session during the first week of classes, so follow us on Facebook or join our mailing list to stay up to date.
Group description and mission We are students who love public speaking, thrive under pressure, and potentially want to pursue a career in law (but some of us don't, too). We compete throughout the year against teams from other schools by acting out a mock trial case created by some of the top legal minds in the country.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We generally hold practices twice a week, plus scrimmages and tournaments on weekends about once a month. Most of the writing and memorizing takes place outside of practice.
Yearly projects We prepare a single case for the entire season. Each case contains around 10 witnesses who each have their own unique set of facts. It takes a lot of time to build a cohesive argument to use at a trial. We create direct examinations, cross-examinations, opening statements, closing arguments, and a theme and theory for our case.
New member profile We look for dedicated, motivated people who can think creatively, be flexible, and are fun to travel with!
What members can expect to get out of it We are an incredibly close group of students that spend a lot of time together, both in and out of practice. Mock Trial is a great place to make lasting friends as well as develop professional skills that can be applied not just in law, but in many other career paths.
Application process Tryouts take place in the first few weeks of fall semester, and generally there are two rounds. Usually about 80 students try out for six to nine available slots on the team.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 9-12 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend evenings
Meeting location In on-campus buildings
Necessary equipment Business attire is necessary, but scholarships are available if finances are a barrier.
Management structure We have an executive board of four students, along with two or three practicing attorneys who volunteer to coach our team.
Group leaders President: Rachel Sommers VP of external affairs: AJ Yablonsky VP of finances: Canwen Xu VP of internal affairs: Johanne Karizamimba
Group description and mission CU Swing Dance is dedicated to the promotion and enjoyment of the social and solo African American jazz dances of the 1920s to 1940s, and the incredible music, cultural history, and very active community they are linked to.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We provide affordable weekly swing dance lessons in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. If you stick with it, you will learn how to swing dance!
Yearly projects In addition to lessons, the club hosts huge semesterly dances with fantastic live bands, as well as workshops throughout the semester.
New member profile We’re looking for anyone who wants to learn how to swing dance and have a deeper appreciation for the music and cultural history involved!
What members can expect to get out of it If you attend regularly, as well as join us on social dancing excursions around New York City, you will learn how to swing dance!
Application process None
Group size 41-60 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Lerner
Necessary equipment None
Management structure There is a fantastic e-board which does all of the behind-the-scenes work to make all our events happen, and we are always looking for new members!
Group leaders Co-Presidents: Delaney Byrne and Mandi Sosnowski Vice President: Irina Liu Treasurer: Zeke Reyna Secretary: Liz Marino
Campus events We try to put on two dances per semester which are open to all. Usually during the fall semester, these will happen in late October and in early December.
Group description and mission Columbia Ballet Collaborative is committed to enriching the arts in the Columbia community and providing a platform for the collaboration between professionals in the New York dance community and Columbia University students. CBC holds auditions to select students to perform in biannual performances that include works by both professional and student choreographers.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Students in each semester’s performance go to weekly rehearsals, while our weekly ballet classes are open to all CU students.
Yearly projects We have fall performances at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center and spring performances at Miller Theatre.
New member profile We’re looking for dancers with strong ballet technique and performance experience.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will get the chance to work with professional choreographers from the NYC dance community, as well has have opportunities to perform.
Application process There is one audition at the beginning of each semester. Dancers must audition each semester regardless of prior involvement.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekend mornings Weekend afternoons Weekend evenings Weekend nights
Meeting location Barnard dance studios
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a board comprised of an artistic director, executive director, director of public relations, development director, and assistants to each of these positions.
Group leaders Artistic director: Saskia Randle Executive director: Connor Yockus Director of public relations: Sophia Loo Development director: Eleanor Altholz
Campus events Our fall performances (happening on Nov. 17 and 18), spring performances (happening on April 21 and 22), and weekly ballet classes are open to CU students.
Contact info cusewa@columbia.edu If you would like to be added to our group chat, include your cell phone number and a small introduction to yourself in the email you send us!
Group description and mission Columbia University Sewa is a social justice and community service organization that is based upon the Sikh value of sewa (selfless service). Sewa hosts events that challenge and address injustices and social issues affecting historically marginalized communities. We host a number of events, discussions, panels, and community service opportunities that pertain to fostering the universal Sikh values of acceptance, equality, and social justice.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We meet once a week, where we talk about issues affecting the campus community and beyond. Along with discussions, we also plan events, discussion panels, and community service trips. Members take the initiative to bring up ideas for smaller group discussions they would like to run. We distribute responsibilities and check in regarding the status of planned events.
Yearly projects Some of our largest events over the past year have included Langar, Turban Day, Kaur Voices, and 30 Years since 1984: Uncovering Justice (a full week series of events tributing the massacre). Recently we have also hosted artists, authors, professionals, and activists who have speak up for marginalized communities or have a story relevant to the causes our organizers are passionate about.
New member profile Anyone is welcome to join Sewa! We’re looking for open-minded individuals who are committed to understanding, navigating, and fighting for changes affecting marginalized communities. We also like to teach about the foundations of Sewa and its principles, so a new member ideally is someone who is open to learning about Sikhism and its history. Finally, we are looking for people who are excited to help put together events that bring about awareness, and also push the needle forward with progressive dialogue and action to make this campus a more inclusive place.
What members can expect to get out of it People in Sewa can expect to become a part of many discussions concerning the different underrepresented communities on campus. As a member of Sewa, you will get to meet different artists, authors, activists, scholars, musicians, and other prominent figures of marginalized communities, and work to bring those experiences to the Columbia community. You can expect to learn, bridge communities, and contribute to solving the issues affecting marginalized communities.
Application process There are community norms that are introduced at the meetings to which members are expected to adhere, but otherwise there is no formal training required.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Lerner West Ramp Lounge
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We pride ourselves on having a flat-structured, open group dynamic. All our members are equal in footing and are considered organizers. However, for the purposes of planning and navigating Columbia/Barnard organizations, we do have the traditional Co-president, Treasurer, Secretary, PR Chair, and Design Chair positions for experienced organizers. We hold elections at the end of each year for these positions.
Group leaders Co-presidents: Kamya Arora and Anmolpreet Kandola
Campus events All of our events are open to our campus community! Some events, in particular, garner a huge turnout from Barnard/Columbia students.
Featured work For Kaur Voices 2017, Sewa created a zine to capture views on the definition and culture of being a “Kaur.” The Kaur Voices zine will also be available in the Columbia University Zine Archive.
Columbia University Dance Marathon Community Service
Group description and mission Columbia University Dance Marathon is a student-run, 12-hour philanthropic extravaganza of music, moves, and deliciousness to benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Our organization is comprised of both an executive board and committee groups. We will have weekly or bi-weekly meetings (depending on the committee you are in), fundraising initiatives, and other team-building events.
Yearly projects We have fundraising events, morale parties, and, of course, the dance marathon itself.
New member profile We are looking for someone positive, energetic, organized, and committed to CUDM’s mission. Additionally, if you are familiar with graphic design and/or are interested in creative design, we need you!
What members can expect to get out of it You will gain communication skills, work closely with a team, lead a committee, talk to local business owners, network with sponsors, develop public-speaking skills, conduct business deals, and be the drivers of the biggest school-wide dance party Columbia has seen! The best part is, you’ll be doing it all with the support of the entire CUDM family.
Application process We have a short, easy application that allows us to get to know you. We want to know whether you’ve had any prior experience (which is not necessary), what extracurriculars you’ve done, and your committee interests.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday afternoons Weekday evenings Weekend afternoons
Necessary equipment None
Management structure There are individual committees, as well as an executive board made up of the heads of the committees. All members are welcome at board meetings, and there is collaboration between teams to reach goals.
Group leaders Co-Presidents: Emily Wong and Sinai Cruz
Campus events All events are open to the entire Columbia community.
Columbia University Libertarians Social justice/Activism
Group description and mission Limited government intervention, free markets, and (individual) sovereignty are the three major cornerstones, or ideological pillars, of libertarian thought. Here at Columbia University Libertarians, we seek to identify and evaluate these principles in a rapidly changing, modern world, where these large concepts take on more nuanced applications in practice. Members hold a wide range of thought on today’s core issues, and we seek to expand upon these opinions in our weekly meetings.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members go to group meetings, help plan events (including speakers and conferences), and participate in our outside media projects.
Yearly projects We will hopefully be running two large speaker events this year and a regional political conference.
New member profile We’re looking for anyone who would like to talk politics, regardless of political affiliation!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will have fruitful discussion about current events and find opportunities to meet current political figures and to get involved in media-based projects.
Application process None
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Hamilton Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board and a general body. Being a member of the executive board requires either a formal election or appointment.
Group leaders Margaret Corn
Campus events All conference and speaker events are open to the campus community.
Group description and mission We are a group of committed debaters with a splash of absurdity sprinkled in. We meet weekly to expand our minds, take a break of the stresses of life, and laugh the night away.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have weekly meetings and social gatherings with a sprinkling of extra events throughout the semester.
Yearly projects We have an annual Bad Poetry Contest in November open to all.
New member profile We seek anyone with an open mind and a sense of humor.
What members can expect to get out of it Prospective members can expect an enjoyable weekly meeting and strong connections with members, new and old.
Application process A new member must submit something of artistic merit and give at least three speeches.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location We meet in club space in Lerner or in a classroom in Hamilton.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board headed by a moderator and a supporting board to help with our weekly arrangements.
Group leaders The Moderator: Ryan Render The Censor: Nicholas Luber The Scriba: Jean Kim
Campus events We have the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Bad Poetry Contest in November, Beat Night in March, as well as a sprinkling of advertised events throughout the entire year.
Columbia InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Religious group
Group description and mission We are a Christian group on campus dedicated to being a space of community and fellowship for people who follow Jesus Christ as well as those just exploring their faith. We are a community of believers and nonbelievers who live life together through the love of Jesus Christ.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have a large group service every Thursday night at 7 p.m. in St. Paul’s Chapel where we have a worship service and a speaker. We also host bible groups throughout the week and fun community events on the weekends.
Yearly projects Some of our biggest events include our fall retreat, senior banquet, Christmas party, and fall festival.
New member profile Anyone and everyone is welcome at InterVarsity. There is no requirement of faith or religion. Our only mission is to spread the word and love of Jesus Christ to all those on campus at Barnard and Columbia.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to find a welcoming community and support network. They will also expand their knowledge on what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Application process None
Group size 1-4 hours per week
Time commitment 41-60 people
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend evenings
Meeting location We generally meet in St. Paul’s Chapel on Thursdays and Lerner 477 on Sundays.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a general body with multiple departments. Executive board members are the heads of each of the departments.
Group leaders The e-board members are the president and the leaders of the departments.
Campus events All of our events are open to the community at large.
Columbia University Global Brigades: Medical and Dental Community service
Contact info Kira LeBron at kal2209@columbia.edu Ashley Sun at ays2125@columbia.edu
Group description and mission Global Brigades is an international movement of students and medical professionals working alongside local communities and staff to implement sustainable health systems. We work in remote, rural, and under-resourced communities in Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, and Ghana that would otherwise have limited to no access to health care. As an on-campus sustainable development organization, we organize student educational service trips to Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua every January over winter break.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We meet to train our members in triage skills such as taking blood pressures and heart rates, practice medical Spanish, learn more about the cultural context of our clinics during the brigade trip, and organize the trip logistics.
Yearly projects Our major project is organizing and preparing for the trip in January. Other Brigade activities include fundraising for the organization.
New member profile We are looking for members who are enthusiastic about a holistic and sustainable health care system and who want an opportunity to do hands-on work abroad.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will have the opportunity to interact with patients, observe medical and dental appointments and procedures, speak with in-country doctors and medical professionals, and provide a valuable service to communities in need.
Application process There is a brief online application and interview process.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights
Meeting location We will meet in an on-campus classroom, potentially in Hamilton.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Global Brigades is an organization that encompasses several specific brigades (medical, dental, micro-finance, public health, etc.). The organization is overseen by an executive board. Each individual brigade also has its own executive board, which is directly involved in the day to day organization of the brigade.
Group leaders Medical brigade president: Kira LeBron Dental brigade president: Ashley Sun
Campus events We occasionally organize fundraisers to raise money for medical supplies and other cultural events.
Moneythink Community service
Contact info Anam Lakhani at ail2115@barnard.edu Shumaisa Ahmed at sa3219@barnard.edu
Group description and mission Moneythink is a mentoring program that provides financial literacy education to high school students in underfunded areas. Our mentors enter the classroom once a week at our partner high school to teach lessons on topics like saving, budgeting, and how to effectively use financial products such as credit cards. Most states do not require financial preparedness coursework for high school, so this crucial piece of information is often lost in schools with limited funding. Moneythink tries to bridge this gap in knowledge and ensure that local teens are able to take control of their financial success.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Mentors go to one weekly mentoring session on Fridays and one monthly group meeting.
Yearly projects We have weekly mentoring sessions and a few workshops and presentations for other groups.
New member profile We are looking for people who are passionate about increasing financial literacy, who want to build relationships with the students, are reliable, good communicators, and patient with the students.
What members can expect to get out of it Members get to tutor and mentor high school students and learn more about financial education.
Application process There is an online application, an interview, and a short online training video.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday afternoons
Meeting location Mentoring sessions take place at the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics in East Harlem.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure There is an executive board as well as multiple committees that members may join if interested.
Group leaders Shumaisa Ahmed and Anam Lakhani
Campus events We have monthly meetings that anyone can come to.
Group description and mission Latenite Theatre was created in 1995 by a group of theatre and English majors who wanted to produce their own original works. Their first anthology premiered long after other events on campus had ended and prudent artistic sensibilities had gone to bed for the night—hence the name Latenite Theatre. Latenite continues to evolve while maintaining its commitment to the student playwright. Latenite Theatre offers playwrights, directors, and actors the opportunity to see their work on stage, giving them freedom to experiment, to take artistic risks, and, above all, to contribute to a non-competitive, inclusive, artistic community.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Each week, members will meet with their own play’s cast for an hour or so to rehearse their plays and come up with new ideas. Then, every Sunday night, the entire cast gathers and presents that week's work to each other, offering compliments and critiques to improve their peers’ plays.
Yearly projects Once a semester, we put on an anthology of that semester's best plays at fun 'n’ flirty 11 p.m. performances.
New member profile Anyone who wants a taste of what it’s like to truly create something unique and fun should definitely come out to Latenite. It doesn't matter if you've never acted, written, or directed before. Introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between—we don't care who you are as long as you're willing to have some fun and are dedicated to creating an amazing show!
What members can expect to get out of it Anyone who joins Latenite can expect to be thrown into a family of artists who are constantly trying to push the boundaries of Columbian theatre. We really try to ensure that everyone has the ability to be themselves and try new things, with the entire cast's support. On top of that, we hope that members come to appreciate the work and effort of building an entire show from scratch and using their creativity and imagination.
Application process If you want to write for Latenite, all you have to do is submit your play to our website and you're set! You can submit as many plays as you want and you can even do so anonymously. From there, we will reach out to you and let you know if your work has been selected! If you want to be an actor or director, keep an eye out for our auditions, which are a few weeks after school starts!
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Broadway Room on the second floor of Lerner Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We are a Barnard organization with a board of approximately 10 people. Anyone in Latenite has the ability to join the board at the end of the school year. Positions span from the presidents and treasurer to submissions and PR.
Group leaders Co-presidents: Francisco Alvidrez and Matt Malone
Campus events We invite everyone and their mothers to come see our anthology every semester.
Columbia University Scientists and Engineers for a Better Society Community service
Group description and mission We seek to increase awareness about scientific and technological issues of social relevance by engaging the public and students of all ages with fun experiments, fundraisers, and other events.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members go to group meetings, plan events, and have study breaks, fundraisers, and outreach events.
Yearly projects CYA is an event we put on for elementary school students that gives them a chance to try out fun science experiments and seeks to foster an interest in STEM subjects. Spring into Science is an on-campus event that showcases hands-on activities such as potting succulents and making ice cream. Biobus brings science experiments in a bus and invites other clubs and their own demonstrations for an on-campus fair for kids' and students' exploration.
New member profile We’re looking for people with creativity, enthusiasm for outreach, and an interest in science and its role in communities.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a fun club with which to plan and put on events, a connection with the community, and meaningful contributions to public awareness and action.
Application process There is an application with two to three short answers, and a casual interview to get to know new members.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Third floor of Hamilton Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure All members are on the organizational committee, and a number of them are elected at the end of every year to the executive board.
Group leaders President: Owen Storms Vice president: Rachel Lujan
Campus events Most of our events are open to students. We have study breaks and fundraisers throughout the year, as well as bigger events in the spring that allow students to participate in hands-on experiments.
Group description and mission WKCR is Columbia University's radio station. Started in 1941, WKCR is a staple of NYC radio and is entirely student-run. We operate 24/7 and feature all kinds of music, most notably jazz, classical, and alternative/avant-garde. Every student has the opportunity to host or co-host their own show after being licensed and completing an internship with the station.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Every member of WKCR has the chance to host a show weekly or biweekly! Departments also offer group activities every few weeks, like listening parties and group outings to concerts.
Yearly projects We have birthday broadcasts (24-hour broadcasts dedicated to a particularly impactful musician), teach members how to play tapes/reel-to-reels, and annual fundraising events in the fall.
New member profile Members should have a passion for music and be open to learning about new music and different ways of playing it.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will get to meet a lot of great people, get exposed to great music, and have the chance to be heard all over the world by thousands of people.
Application process Everyone who is interested in joining WKCR trains as an intern for one semester. The interning process is a lot of fun and ensures that new programmers are familiar with the station and can run their own show the following semester.
Management structure We have nine to 10 department heads and five board members.
Group leaders Station Manager: Elizabeth Maghakian Program Director: Jeffrey Wainstein Director of Operations and Engineering: Sophie Kovel Business Manager: John Melendez Publicity Director: Sarah Courville
Campus events Interest meetings are held at the start of each semester. We also have various record fairs and concerts throughout the year.
Group description and mission Pizmon travels to Jewish communities around the country about once a month during the academic year. On these Shabbat weekends, we immerse ourselves in the community. We stay with gracious hosts, participate in and often lead Shabbat services, perform a community concert, and teach music workshops with religious and day school students, teens, and adults. In the past, we have performed for and engaged with a variety of different audiences in Los Angeles, Seattle, St. Louis, Columbus, Atlanta, Israel, Argentina, Great Britain, and Brazil.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members attend rehearsals twice a week.
Yearly projects We travel three weekends a semester to Jewish communities around the tri-state area and the rest of the country. We also have a (free!) spring break trip!
New member profile Members should show a commitment to vibrant Jewish life, a love of music, and a willingness to meet new community members and participate in community engagement.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a spiritually and musically fulfilling experience at the highest level and an appreciation for world Jewry.
Application process We have auditions during the first week of school with all the other a cappella groups!
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location The Kraft Center
Necessary equipment Nothing but a solid singing voice.
Management structure We have a Music Director, Business Director, and Mission Director.
Group leaders Jake Wassermann, Ilana Sandberg, Ilana Schwartz, and Avidan Halivni
Campus events We’ll perform during NSOP and again in October and December at the Kraft Center.
Group description and mission The Collegium Musicum (MUSI UN1581) is one of Columbia University's leading choral ensembles and has been a part of University life since the mid-1950s. The group is connected to Columbia's Core Curriculum, and traditionally sings Josquin's Ave Maria virgo serena for Music Humanities classes. Although in the past the Collegium has devoted itself to the performance of music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance—by composers like Machaut, Josquin, Palestrina, Ockeghem, Tallis, and Monteverdi—in recent years the Collegium has broadened its repertoire to embrace works of all historical epochs, including 20th-century and contemporary music.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members go to rehearsals on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m.
Yearly projects At the end of the semester, we present the rehearsed repertoire in a concert at St. Paul's Chapel.
New member profile New members should have a background in ensemble singing and must be able to attend weekly rehearsals.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will get to experience the joy of singing a challenging and rewarding repertoire with others.
Application process An audition is required to assess vocal range, intonation, and sight reading skills. To set up an audition time, please contact drevelyndegraf@gmail.com. For the audition, please prepare a short piece of music (any style) that you can sing a cappella.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location 405 Milbank Chapel
Necessary equipment None
Group leaders Dr. Evelyn DeGraf, Director
Campus events We perform a concert at St. Paul's Chapel in December.
Group description and mission Malama Hawai?i is a Columbia University-run student organization dedicated to spreading Pacific Island and Polynesian culture. The group provides a safe space for students who identify as Pacific Islanders and for those who want to learn about the culture, which is so often misrepresented. The primary goals of this organization are to educate the community about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, host community building and cultural events, and mentor students transitioning to life in New York City.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have weekly group meetings and weekly hula lessons. We also have a lu?au planning committee that meets one to two times per week in the spring semester.
Yearly projects We have a kahiko workshop in the fall, a lu?au which happens in April during the spring semester, as well as a few extra events (like language workshops) that occur throughout the school year. Additionally, we perform at cultural events on campus (like Night Market and CultureShock).
New member profile We are looking for anyone and everyone who has an interest in preserving and promoting Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a deeper understanding of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, some awesome, like-minded friends, and yummy snacks like spam musubi!
Application process None.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend afternoons Weekend evenings
Meeting location Lerner 477
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We are managed by an executive board that consists entirely of students. The positions are President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Senior Advisor(s).
Group leaders President: Devin Barricklow Vice President: Uila Marx Secretary: Sabrina Curtis Treasurer: Athena Abadilla Historian: Maveric Abella Senior Advisors: Chiara Ferrari-Wong and Nathan Lee
Campus events All of our events are open to the campus community! Our kahiko workshop took place in November last year in the Wallach Lounge, and Lu'au happens in April (last year it took place on the Butler Lawns).
Musical Mentors Collaborative Arts/Dance/Music, Community service
Group description and mission Musical Mentors Collaborative at Columbia University is a student-run volunteer organization that provides free instrumental music lessons to elementary school children at P.S. 145. Musical Mentors matches each instructor with a student whom they tutor throughout the academic year, providing weekly lessons ranging from 30 minutes to one hour.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Every week instructors will meet with their students at P.S. 145 at a pre-appointed time for a music lesson ranging from 30 minutes to one hour. Instructors have complete autonomy over how their lesson will be structured.
Yearly projects At the end of every semester, we have a recital where students get to show off all they learned during the year. In addition, we also have a relationship with Carnegie Hall, where students, their families, and their instructors are invited to attend select concerts throughout the year.
New member profile Members should be enthusiastic about helping others and show a love of music. No prior teaching experience required!
What members can expect to get out of it Experience working with young children, a community of like-minded people, the occasional free concert, the respect of your peers, and good vibes!
Application process We have a 10 minute online application. There is no formal training process in place, as we like to let instructors choose for themselves how they will approach educating their young mentees. For new members who would like some advice getting started, we offer our instructors informal tutelage workshops for working with young children and have instructional materials online. Our more experienced mentors and the board are also great resources for first-time instructors.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday afternoons Morning weekends Weekend evenings
Meeting location Our informational meetings and workshops usually take place in Dodge. Lessons are held at P.S. 145 (125th Street and Amsterdam) 2:40 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Once paired with a student, every instructor had the freedom to choose their teaching style as long as they teach regular lessons. Interested instructors may apply to be on the Columbia MMC board. There is also a larger board of alumni who help out the chapters, of which Columbia is the oldest and biggest.
Campus events Our events are usually instructor/student only. However, we definitely encourage everyone to go to the Festival of the Winds in March hosted by the Wind Ensemble. It's a great event and proceeds go to helping MMC.
Group description and mission At the Shotokan Karate Club, we aim to strengthen our minds and bodies through the practice of Shotokan karate. Our practices are serious and hard, but we have fun, too! Our dojo leaders teach and lead practices that include kihon (fundamental stances, blocks, strikes, and kicks), kata (choreographed fights against imagined opponents), and kumite (sparring). Club members are of all levels, and we are always happy to welcome beginners or people from other martial arts styles. The club is also affiliated with Shotokan Karate of America, which means that members of our dojo are able to practice at other Shotokan dojos around the country and the world.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We hold practices three times a week: Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Members are free to choose to come on just those days that best suit their schedules, or to come to all three practices a week.
Yearly projects In the winter and summer, we send members to Shotokan Karate of America special trainings, which are intensive, multiple-day karate trainings led by top-ranking SKA black belts. Those who want to go train hard in preparation. We also lead self-defense sessions, partnered with Public Safety, that are open to the public.
New member profile We are looking for members who are willing to be patient at first while they start learning the basics (unless you have done karate already and know what to expect!). A lot of time in practice is spent drilling form and technique and it can be awkward at first, but as you start to get a hang of the fundamentals, you’ll be able to put more in and get more out of your practice.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to get a workout: aerobic, anaerobic, and flexibility training. But more than that, karate works to develop your mental strength—the strength to work hard even when you are tired, or to keep going even when you think you can’t do any better or go any further than you already have. Additionally, it is similar to yoga in that it is good stress relief. The Shotokan Karate Club also has students, alumni, and faculty who have practiced with us for many years, so it has a stable, close-knit, and friendly community.
Application process None
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend mornings
Meeting location We meet usually in Lerner Hall on Mondays, The School at Columbia University (on 110th Street) on Wednesdays, and in Teachers College on Saturdays.
Necessary equipment No specific equipment is required. You may choose to purchase a uniform.
Management structure Senior members (those of highest belt rank) plan and lead practices. Nachum Sicherman and the club sports officers (listed on our website) manage the club email and club inquiries.
Group leaders Our main practice leaders are Nachum Sicherman, who leads class on Saturdays, Chris Hale, who leads on Mondays, and Angela Babin, who leads on Wednesdays.
Campus events We host several self-defense sessions each semester, partnered with Public Safety. Usually there are a few held in Lerner Hall, one or two at the Medical Center, and some in dorm buildings. Dates differ each semester, but there are always a few sessions held at the start of the semester. Please contact us or Public Safety if you are interested in attending, or interested in hosting a self-defense session in your residence hall, fraternity, or sorority.
Columbia University Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Pre-professional
Group description and mission As one of Columbia's pre-professional organizations, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers works to promote professional development, leadership, and community outreach through a series of panels, discussions, seminars, and workshops to allow students from all backgrounds to become the next generation of Hispanic leaders.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members go to group meetings, networking sessions, and professional development workshops.
Yearly projects We send students to a national conference where over 200 corporations are present and hiring for internships and fulltime positions!
New member profile We’re happy to accept any engineers—they don't have to be Hispanic—who are interested in sharpening their professional skills!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find many excellent opportunities to meet with several companies throughout the semester, have their resume reviewed, participate in networking sessions, collaborate with other SHPE chapters, join us at our national conference in Kansas City, and find another familia on campus!
Application process No application or training process to be a general member.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Lerner Hall West Ramp Lounge
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board and general body
Group leaders President: Victoria Cardenas; Co-Vice Presidents: Omar Curiel and Kimberly Lopez Espinosa
Campus events All of our general body meetings are open to the campus community. These will begin on Mondays at 8 p.m. once the semester starts.
Group description and mission Charles Drew Premedical Society is a student-run pre-medical organization which focuses on underrepresented minorities in medicine. We provide academic guidance, support professional endeavors, and serve the community.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have group meetings, host panels, attend regional conferences, network with medical school students, and do community service.
Yearly projects Throughout the year, we have diverse physician panels, medical school visits, panels on various topics (being pre-med, medical school admissions, summer opportunities, etc.), and peer mentorship activities.
New member profile Anyone with enthusiasm is free to join us!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find advice, mentorship, and a warm pre-med community.
Application process None! There are applications to be an e-Board or Organizational Committee member, but there are no requirements for general body members.
Group size 61-80 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Hamilton
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an e-Board and OCMs.
Group leaders President: Hailey Winstead Vice President: Rebecca Arteaga
Campus events All of our events are open to the campus community!
National Society of Black Engineers Pre-professional, Identity group, Academic
Type of group Pre-professional, Identity group, Academic
Group description and mission The National Society of Black Engineers is a national pre-professional society whose mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have weekly general body meetings which include company information sessions, skill building workshops, fun community building meetings, and social discussions. We also take part in community service projects and visits to other local chapters.
Yearly projects We attend two big conferences during the year: the Fall Regional Conference and the NSBE National Convention. In addition, we do community service working with local middle and high school students, and every February we host a big event in honor of Black Love Week. That's just a hint of what we do during the year.
New member profile We are looking for members who are not only interested in meeting other engineers, but are also interested in getting involved in our events and in joining our family. NSBE is truly a support system for a lot of members, and we want to include any new faces looking for connections and support from fellow members.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to gain new friends, support, and insight from upperclassmen, homework help, professional contacts, and new skills from NSBE. The best part about our society is that you truly get what you put into it—as long as you are open to the positivity NSBE can bring, you will definitively get that.
Application process None
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Hamilton and Schapiro lounges
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board of 13-15 members.
Group leaders President: Damilola Lawal Vice President: Tope Akinade
Campus events Our general body meetings are open to everyone. They typically occur Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Find us at the club fair and follow us on Facebook to find out where!
Featured work Last year, we won Regional Chapter of the Year for all the programs and events that we held last year!
Group description and mission We are the campus chapter of Liberty in North Korea, a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating North Korean human rights issues and rescuing North Korean refugees and resettling them in South Korea and the United States.
What members do on a week-to-week basis There is an hour-long weekly meeting for the entire club. Different committees may be required to meet outside of the general meeting time to work on their respective projects.
Yearly projects Some of our past events include a fundraising carnival on Low Steps, an art exhibit and a talk with a former North Korean propaganda artist, discussions with professors on various issues surrounding North Korea, and a joint conference with NYU on how to take more action as a human rights activism club.
New member profile We’re looking for someone who is open-minded, enthusiastic, and responsible. Previous background in fields related to North Korea or human rights is not required, but a new member must be prepared and willing to learn about the North Korean human rights crises and actively seek ways to raise awareness.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will gain a greater awareness of human rights issues in North Korea, teamwork and community building skills, and be able to actively participate in a greater cause.
Application process Applications for new members will be open in September. Selected applicants will be contacted for interviews later in the month.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Lerner Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure There is an e-board consisting of five members who meet outside the general meeting time to further discuss the club's logistics. All e-board and general members are divided into committees throughout the year to work on different projects.
Campus events Almost all of CU LiNK's events are open to the campus community. They include documentary and movie showings, trivia nights, and all the events mentioned earlier.
Columbia Undergraduate Law Review Campus media/Publications, Pre-professional
Type of group Campus media/Publications, Pre-professional
Group description and mission The Columbia Undergraduate Law Review is Columbia's only undergraduate legal publication. Every semester, we publish a print journal which consists of four to five longform legal articles written by undergraduate students from across the country and edited by Columbia undergraduates. We also maintain an active online division which publishes shorter law-related articles written and edited by members of our online staff. We hope to further legal-related discourse and understanding within both our own team and the larger Columbia community.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Our print staff collaborates to select and edit longform articles for publication. Our online staff brainstorms, writes, and edits articles for publication on our website. Our events and business team coordinates several events each semester, which are open to the entire Columbia community.
Yearly projects We publish a lengthy print journal every semester, as well as several large law-related events. We also constantly publish written content on our website.
New member profile Each part of our team is different, but in general, we seek new members who are interested in legal issues (though you need not be pre-law!), have good editing skills, and can work effectively with others while on a deadline.
What members can expect to get out of it CULR members gain a considerable amount of editing (and, in some cases, writing) experience as well as exposure to legal scholarship and thought.
Application process We have an application process at the beginning of each semester. Every applicant must fill out a short form specific to the role which interests them, and after reading through responses, we will contact a group of applicants for in-person interviews with the executive board. The whole process takes no longer than a couple of weeks.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Hamilton
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board as well as editors and writers for both print and online editions. We also have an events and business team.
Group leaders Our executive leadership turns over every calendar year, but our executive board is composed of an editor-in-chief, an executive editor (who leads the print team), an online managing editor, a publisher, and a business director.
Campus events We have two or three law panels, presentations, and LSAT workshops throughout each semester in addition to the biannual launch event for our print journal. The launch always takes place on the last Wednesday of classes at 8 p.m., and the other events take place every couple of weeks during that same time slot.
Nightline Peer Listening Community service
Contact info ert2124@barnard.edu aek2163@columbia.edu
Group description and mission Nightline is an anonymous peer listening service. Our listeners are empathetic Columbia undergraduate students who have completed a training and certification process to work on our phone lines. Students call Nightline for a wide variety of reasons—there is no issue too large or too small. From relationships to eating disorders, from depression to academic stress, students call Nightline to talk about whatever is on their minds. People who call Nightline find that it can be easier to talk about these things with someone they don’t know, and that it offers callers the opportunity to be heard in a way that is different from other spaces on campus.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Nightline volunteers work shifts on the hotline between the hours of 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
New member profile We’re looking for empathetic students who are committed to making a change in others’ lives.
What members can expect to get out of it Students who have gone through our training program have expressed that it is a transformative experience through which they were able to have a great impact on the community. Training to become a listener is also a great way to improve speaking and listening skills. By joining the Nightline staff, members enter in a warm and caring community of peers.
Application process The first step is to attend an iInformation sSession, offered at the beginning of each semester. At this session, you will gain detailed information about our required semester-long training and certification process. Please check back for information session dates, offered only at the beginning of each semester. After the information sessions, we will post an application and then hold interviews to select our training class, which generally begins by the third week of each semester.
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Evening, weekdays, Night, weekdays, Evening, weekends, Night, weekends
Necessary equipment None
Management structure There are two student directors of Nightline.
Group leaders Emma Toner and Albert Kohn
Campus events Info sessions are held at the start of every semester. This fall, they will take place from September 4 to- 10.
Group description and mission Uptown Vocal is Columbia University’s premier jazz a cappella group. Since 1991, we have been bringing new and interesting takes on everyone’'s favorite jazz standards. We have performed on college campuses, bars, hotels, cruise ships, morning shows, and even on stage with Ben Folds! We have a ton of fun creating music together, and this year we will be going on tour in the spring!
What members do on a week-to-week basis We rehearse three times a week. This gives us time to learn new music, sing together regularly, and prepare for our various gigs and performances. We will typically have one to two gigs off campus per month, and we perform on campus for various organizations and events. Our semester culminates with a final performance.
Yearly projects We have a mid-semester and final performance each semester, and we try to record two or three songs per term at a studio downtown. We also plan a biannual tour, which will be happening in the spring. We have performed at the White House twice in the past few years, so we are hoping to return in December.
New member profile We are looking for talented vocalists who can add to our sound and be enthusiastic about our music- making process. Many of us became passionate about jazz music after we joined the group, so singers with any level of comfort with the genre is welcome!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will agree that their musicianship has improved since joining. We also have a ton of fun. Everyone in UV becomes really close, especially with retreats every semester and other group events.
Application process All a cappella groups hold auditions on the first Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the school year, 8-11 p.m. With this format, students can audition for multiple groups and performing arts opportunities at the same time.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend afternoons
Meeting location We generally rehearse in Lerner or the music rooms in Dodge. We figure out a rehearsal schedule at the beginning of the semester that works for everyone.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a board that includes a president, business manager, music director, treasurer, and publicity manager.
Group leaders President: Madeline Meyer Co-music directors: Brent Morden and Jackie Brown
Campus events We perform at the NSOP Performance Showcase and A Cappella Showcase before classes begin. We will have a final concert the Friday before classes end in December that is open to the campus community. All other performances are TBD!
Group description and mission Columbia Sur is the premiere South Asian Fusion a capella group on campus. As Asian-Americans, we merge our two cultures through music, singing Beyoncé alongside Bollywood stars like Arijit Singh. Sur is a perfect representation of the multicultural experience, and our performances give audiences an experience that is both familiar and innovative.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have practice twice a week.
Yearly projects Every year we travel for performances and host our own showcase in the spring where we invite schools from around the country. This year, we hope to go to a competition.
New member profile We’re looking for a talented vocalist with a passion for music, but also a desire to join a tight-knit family on campus! We are especially looking for male vocalists as well as beatboxers this year.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a lovely singing family, and a cultural group!
Application process Tryouts are held the first week of campus in Hamilton, followed by a callback period. Tryouts involve preparing a short solo and doing a few vocal exercises that we’ll walk you through. A select number of people will then be moved on to the callback portion, where you will go through a more rigorous (but fun!) screening process. Finally, if chosen after callbacks, you're a part of the Sur family! The entire process takes two days.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend mornings
Meeting location Lerner or Dodge
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an e-board, but all members are part of the planning of our various events.
Group leaders President: Shreya Sunderram Music directors: Varshini Parthasarthy, Roshan Bhaskar Creative director: Lekha Yesantharao PR: Annika Mukherjee
Campus events All of our performances are open to campus.
Ford Hall Food Pantry Social justice/Activism
Learn more about them on Ford Hall Food Pantry
Type of group Social justice/Activism
Group description and mission Ford Hall is a full service, choice pantry that provides a balanced grocery bag to low-income residents of Upper Manhattan.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Volunteers and student workers assist clients in the pantry with making their food selections.
Yearly projects We have continuous pantry service for low-income residents of upper Manhattan.
New member profile We’re looking for someone who has an interest in community service and working with individuals who face food insecurity. Knowledge of Spanish is a plus.
What members can expect to get out of it Volunteers can expect to gain customer service skills and a strong knowledge of emergency food programs. They’ll also develop the ability to give back to the community.
Application process All interested candidates will meet with Alyssa Nittolo for an interview. Once the student is accepted, they will attend a short training at the pantry before service.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday afternoons
Meeting location 616 W. 114th Street
Necessary equipment None
Management structure The hierarchy is supervisor, coordinators, and volunteers.
Group leaders Zoe Berry Megan Wicks Alex Gutierrez Fatou Diallo
Columbia #|SHARP All-Male A Cappella Arts/Dance/Music
Group description and mission Since our inception just a few short years ago, Sharp has worked to create an environment in which our members can build a community grounded in hard work, mutual respect, and creativity. In doing so, we share our talents and work with the Columbia community and beyond by producing live musical performances, events, and audio/visual media for the student body.
What members do on a week-to-week basis There are full group rehearsals on Sundays and Wednesdays, as well as a shorter, weekly sectional with your assigned voice part.
Yearly projects Our end-of-semester concerts, which draw hundreds of students, are our biggest live projects each semester. Our biggest recorded projects this year are a professionally recorded/mastered EP and another professionally produced music video.
New member profile As a group focused on inclusivity, Sharp is looking for members of any and all backgrounds who share in the group's dedication to community, creativity, and excellence.
What members can expect to get out of it New members of Sharp can expect to gain a community of lifelong friends that truly respect and care for each other. Additionally, they can expect to immediately voice their opinions in the group's decision making process, improve their musical ability, and share their talents within and beyond Columbia and the NYC community.
Application process No training necessary to join! Some of our members never sang publicly before being accepted into the group. Auditions occur during the usual ABCB auditions, 8 to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday during the first week of classes. Callbacks occur the following Saturday.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend afternoons
Meeting location East Campus piano lounge (second floor)
Necessary equipment No
Management structure We have a e-board that leads the group, although almost all decisions are made with the consideration of the entire group.
Group leaders President: Asher Goldfinger Musical directors: Jeremy Grill and Ethan O'Neal Business manager: Lockie Nidds Treasurer: Graham Glusman Senior adviser/public relations: Jesse Ojeda
Campus events Outside of the NSOP and A Cappella showcases where we will be performing, we usually have a mid-semester concert in early November and an end-of-semester concert on the first day of reading week.
Group description and mission The Undergraduate Mathematics Society provides a place for math majors to enrich their mathematics education by offering lectures and social engagement.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Every week, we serve dinner in the Mathematics Lounge before adjourning to a classroom for an hour-long talk given by a professor, post-doctorate student, graduate student, or even one of our own.
Yearly projects Every summer, we run our own seminar focused on a specific topic. After choosing said topic, our members give lectures for the duration of the summer, which teaches everyone else about whatever subfield is voted on in the first meeting.
New member profile We are looking for people who are interested in math.
What members can expect to get out of it They can expect to learn a fair amount of math in fields that they might not be exposed to otherwise during their undergraduate education.
Application process None
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location In the Mathematics Lounge on the fifth floor of the Mathematics building
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We are loosely organized with a few members on the board who are responsible for choosing speakers and dinner.
Learn more about them by https://www.facebook.com/theCNScu/. Join the listserv by emailing thecns@columbia.edu with your name, expected year of graduation, and one sentence explaining your interest in the CNS.
Type of group Academic
Group description and mission The Columbia Neuroscience Society aims to create a community among students with an interest in neuroscience. We host a wide variety of events every year, including an annual Research Opportunities fair to help students find lab positions, lectures from leading professors, neuroscience outreach to the local community, a mentorship program for neuroscience and behavior majors, and more. We aim to make neuroscience interesting and accessible to all students in the Columbia community.
What members do on a week-to-week basis General body members are welcome to attend as many events as they would like, usually on the frequency of once per week. Participants in the NeuroMentorship program are expected to meet with their mentors/mentees at least two to three times per semester. Executive board members meet once per week to plan upcoming events.
Yearly projects Our annual Research Opportunities fair in the fall semester brings together 30-40 researchers looking for undergraduate researchers in all STEM fields. Our spring CeleBRAIN outreach event on Low Plaza advocates and educates the general public on neuroscience through fun interactives. Our collaboration with the brand-new Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute assists with Science Saturday events for the Harlem community to learn about neuroscience. Our NeuroMentorship initiative pairs upperclassmen with underclassmen within the neuroscience and behavior major. Additional events are planned based on the interests of club members.
New member profile We want to welcome all students who have an interest in neuroscience, regardless of their major. We encourage members to attend all events, but members are free to choose which they are interested in.
What members can expect to get out of it Whether you are interested in casually attending one of our events or joining the executive board to plan them, all members can expect to be exposed to fascinating neuroscience topics while also becoming a part of the greater neuroscience community at Columbia.
Application process We solicit applications for our executive board in the first week of the fall semester. A selection of applicants are granted interviews. We then select approximately five new e-board members per year to assist in planning neuroscience events. We look for applicants from all four undergraduate colleges with a strong interest in neuroscience, regardless of major. Experience in event planning is a plus, but passion for the topic is the only prerequisite.
Group size 61-80 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights Weekend afternoons Weekend evenings
Meeting location Lerner Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board comprised of 10 to 15 people. Elected positions include president, vice president, treasurer, and research coordinator. Additional roles are created to manage large projects. All other e-board members are organizing committee members.
Group leaders President: Michelle Qiu Vice President: Bina Bansinath
Campus events The vast majority of our events are open to the greater Columbia community and do not require CUID. We have an event approximately once per week. Our Research Opportunities fair is held in mid-November, and our CeleBRAIN event is held in late March.
Featured work We are currently focused on ensuring that undergraduates can take full advantage of the new Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute.
Columbia Iranian Students Association Cultural group
Group description and mission The Columbia Iranian Students Association organizes meetings and events to engage others with and promote exposure of Iranian culture and customs. CISA is open to people of all races and ethnicities and is not affiliated with any religious or political stance.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have weekly group meetings for event planning and monthly activities related to Iranian culture.
Yearly projects We have Norooz, the Persian New Year, in March and Shabe Yalda, the Winter Solstice, in October.
New member profile We’re looking for anyone who is interested in learning about and being involved in Iranian/Persian culture
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a community of people with similar interests and/or backgrounds to spend time with.
Application process None
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend afternoons
Meeting location We meet at various locations on campus for weekly group meetings and off campus for monthly activities.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a small e-board for event planning, but anyone is welcome to help in planning.
Group leaders Masih Babagoli and Ariana Busby
Campus events All of our main events, such as the Persian New Year celebration, are open to the entire campus community.
Asian American Alliance Social justice/Activism, Other identity group
Type of group Social justice/Activism, Other identity group
Group description and mission Asian American Alliance is a student organization that strives to promote understanding, foster dialogue, and create a sense of awareness within the Asian Pacific American community at Columbia University.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members attend weekly board meetings, plan events, and co-sponsor other organizations by attending their events as a group.
Yearly projects In the fall we hold cultureSHOCK, our annual fall charity showcase. The event includes a fashion show featuring pieces by New York-based Asian and Pacific Islander American designers, as well as performances from on-campus and outside groups. In the past we've hosted Awkwafina, Sung Lee, and Dark Matter.
New member profile Members should show an eagerness and open-mindedness to learn, share, and collaborate with the intent to foster political awareness both within and outside of AAA.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a community where there is constant learning and building off of one another. They will take part in the planning of events to politicize Asian Pacific Americans on campus. They will network with different people in APIA activist groups around NYC through speaker events, panels, and conferences.
Application process There is a brief application and interview process in September.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Hamilton
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an e-board, executive committee members (ECM), and organizational committee members (OCM).
Group leaders President: Isabelle Lee Vice President Internal: Tina Wu Vice President External: Aaron Smithson Secretary: Grace Kim Treasurer: Priscilla Maccario
Campus events All our events are open to the campus community. The dates and times for them are TBA.
Sabor: Columbia University’s First Latino Dance Troupe Arts/Dance/Music
Group description and mission Sabor is Columbia University's first Latino dance troupe. Established in 2003, Sabor performs salsa, bachata, merengue, and many other styles of dance.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Team members attend rehearsals three times a week to learn choreography and practice for performances.
Yearly projects In the fall, our team puts on an annual Fall Show. In the spring, we run the Relevé program to encourage high school students to pursue arts and higher education.
New member profile There’s no one right thing, and every member of our team is so unique. Just be yourself, have a good attitude, be flexible (not literally, though that’s cool too), and show a willingness to learn.
What members can expect to get out of it We’re a family for sure! That’s the most special thing about Sabor. On top of that, expect to become a bomb dancer, and find a community you can go to for anything (and dance the night away with)!
Application process None
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location The Broadway Room in Lerner or one of the Barnard dance spaces. It definitely varies!
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board made of team members.
Group leaders The Sabor Board are the leaders of the group.
Campus events Yes! Most of our performances are for a campus audience. We perform often in the spring, but our biggest and best performance is our Fall Show. We also host workshops year-round!
Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine Social justice/Activism
Group description and mission C-SJP works in coalition with Barnard/Columbia Jewish Voice for Peace, and together we form Columbia University Apartheid Divest, an umbrella group under which we organize cultural and educational events about the struggle for justice in Palestine.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We meet as a group once a week, with smaller subgroups holding additional meetings as often as required for coordinating various events and projects. We often work in collaboration with other Columbia activism groups to put on events that locate the intersections between various social justice movements. While many events, particularly those relating to our divestment campaign, are hosted under the banner of CUAD, SJP and JVP also put on events independent of each other throughout the year.
Yearly projects SJP puts on events consistently throughout the school year, but the most exciting organizing happens in the spring semester, during our annual Israeli Apartheid Week. We coordinate a week packed full of educational events, in addition to a social media campaign and the erection of a mock Separation Wall and information table on Low Steps each day of the week. We also host our annual Palestinian Cultural Night in the spring semester, an evening of great food, dance, and decolonization!
New member profile We’re looking for people who are ready to learn, grow, and put in the work necessary for successful organizing. We want our members to think critically about their position within Columbia University and understand the role they can play in challenging and changing an institution that currently uses its power and endowment to fund companies that profit from the military occupation of Palestine. We also seek to foster a space to empower the voices of young people of color, especially Palestinians.
What members can expect to get out of it SJP members join the long, proud legacy of international support for and solidarity with the battle for justice in Palestine. For our Palestinian group members, SJP is a means through which impassioned youth living in Palestine or in the Palestinian diaspora can take part in their collective liberation struggle. Because of the nature of the cause we are fighting for, we as members of SJP often encounter attempts to marginalize and intimidate those standing in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle—from racist online blacklists to the advent of legislation both domestically and in Israel that seeks to harshly penalize participation in BDS activism. Therefore, members of our group can also expect SJP to collectively make every effort to protect their privacy. We understand that not every member’s background allows them to be fully exposed to the public eye in their activism; we respect these concerns and have found creative ways for people to participate actively while maintaining their privacy and safety.
Application process No application is necessary in order to attend SJP meetings! Instead, those who are interested in joining are set up with a current member to have a casual conversation about the group, after which they are invited to attend a CUAD meeting. After attending three consecutive meetings, interested members can then be added to the email group through which we organize events and delegate responsibilities. Meanwhile, the member they initially met with act as a liaison to answer any questions they might have throughout the process.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location In classrooms or meeting spaces on the Columbia and Barnard campuses.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure SJP (and by extension, CUAD) uses a non-hierarchical governing structure to arrive at decisions and plan events. This means that we typically use open discussions, debates, and simple majority votes to come to a consensus on actions we take as a group. Responsibilities are delegated through members volunteering. Events are usually coordinated under the guidance of a group member who has volunteered to act as a “point person,” or the main person in charge of holding other members accountable to the tasks they have selected for a particular project.
Group leaders Because of SJP’s organizational structure, everyone is a leader! Your role within the group is defined by how much time and effort you’re willing and able to put into your activism. Often senior members in the group, who can offer their past experiences in organizing around Palestine, act as informal mentors to newer members and help to preserve a sense of institutional memory as the makeup of the group changes over the years.
Campus events All of our events are open to the Columbia community, and very often to the broader New York community as well. We typically hold events on a monthly basis, and our busiest organizing period happens in the spring when we host our Israeli Apartheid Week and Palestinian Cultural Night.
Group description and mission Columbia Debate Society is a member of the American Parliamentary Debate Association, and we compete in both American and British Parliamentary debate. We are a team of individuals with a passion for logic, rhetoric, and argumentation, as well as a vast array of interests ranging from economics to philosophy to social justice. Our mission is to allow each member to reach the goals they set for themselves, whether that be reaching competitive success on the circuit, writing debate cases on topics that intrigue them, or finding lasting friendships with their fellow teammates.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We hold two weekly practices, one exclusively to train new members, and one that is team-wide. Each member can decide how often they want to compete—we have members that compete a few times a year, and some that compete virtually every weekend. In addition to practice, we hold weekly Butler study sessions, after-practice JJ’s runs, wine and cheese nights, and other social events.
Yearly projects We host two debate tournaments—one for high schoolers and one for college students—as well as an array of public debates, alumni speakers, and volunteer events.
New member profile New members need not have any high school debate experience—we are looking for individuals with a high capacity for logical reasoning, public speaking, and developing cogent arguments on a wide array of topics.
What members can expect to get out of it The beauty of our team is that members can expect to get out whatever they seek, but all members can expect to find a close-knit social group, and an increased understanding of argumentation, logic, and public speaking.
Application process We traditionally hold tryouts at the beginning of each semester, in which potential members will be evaluated on their ability to form and express arguments. Each tryout lasts around 15 minutes. Newly accepted members will have a special weekly practice dedicated to teaching them the ins and outs of British and American Parliamentary debate, as well as a varsity practice.
Group size 61-80 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Hamilton or Kent
Necessary equipment None
Management structure All major decisions are made by our executive board. The board seeks input and ideas from the team and our equity officer.
Group leaders President: Taronish Irani VP of team affairs: Katie Bogomolova VP of finance: Cameron Davis VP of campus affairs: Hannah Healy VP of public affairs: Michael Pusic Varsity practice director: Adrian Ivashkiv Secretary: Hilary Song
Campus events New members should come to our information night and expo debate, to take place around the time of the club fair (check our Facebook page for exact times). If you have any questions or conflicts definitely reach out to us. Aside from that, we traditionally host a number of public debates throughout the year with other universities. For example, this year our debaters faced off against West Point in front of a judging panel of military experts on the topic of whether or not the U.S. should used enhanced interrogation techniques. Well over 50 spectators attended, and we won arguing against enhanced interrogation.
Group description and mission ONYX is Columbia’s all-women hip hop dance group. We are a student-run group and our dances are student-choreographed. We aim to share our love for dance through fierce, fun, and energizing performances and workshops throughout the year at various on- and off-campus events.
What members do on a week-to-week basis At our biweekly rehearsals (Thursday and Sunday nights), we learn and practice student-choreographed dances for upcoming performances.
Yearly projects Our biggest performances during the year include Basketball Mania in the fall and our annual ONYX showcase in the spring.
New member profile We are looking for dancers who are passionate, fierce, and strong in a range of styles from slow and sexy to hard-hitting dances.
What members can expect to get out of it ONYX members get extremely fun and fulfilling performances, choreography, and leadership opportunities, as well as the empowering experience of being part of an incredible team of supportive and inspiring women.
Application process We hold auditions at the start of each semester, which are open to all Columbia and Barnard undergraduate students of all dance levels.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend nights
Meeting location We rehearse in dance studios around Barnard and Columbia's campuses.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure ONYX has an e-board of various student-held positions that handle executive and artistic leadership of the group. All dancers on the team have the opportunity to run for e-board positions and to choreograph throughout the year.
Group leaders President: Kat Bartley Treasurer: Morgen Littlejohn Creative director: Valerie Kau
Campus events We offer multiple workshops open to all Columbia students throughout the year.
American Society of Civil Engineers Pre-professional
Group description and mission The Columbia University chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers provides resources and fosters community among all Columbia students interested in civil engineering, structural engineering, construction management, and engineering mechanics.
What members do on a week-to-week basis ASCE organizes weekly programs for civil engineering students at Columbia and competes in the ASCE/AISC National Student Steel Bridge Competition. During the year, members can join site visits of current construction projects in NYC, participate in on-campus Q&A panels with industry professionals, attend workshops for résumé building and job applications, and connect with faculty and students through department social events. During the spring semester, the Steel Bridge Competition team designs, fabricates, and tests a model steel bridge that satisfies specific sets of requirements under various loading schemes.
Yearly projects We have the ASCE/AISC National Student Steel Bridge Competition, Civil Engineering Industry Showcase, ASCE focus groups, Igloo Build, Habitat for Humanity, Professor Happy Hours, company information sessions, and site visits.
New member profile Our members are people who have strong interests in engineering, bridges and buildings, infrastructure, transportation, sustainability, construction, and design in the built environment.
What members can expect to get out of it We aim to expand our members' professional and academic networks, expose students to current projects and disciplines within civil engineering, foster mentorship and community among civil engineers at Columbia, and provide access to internship and scholarship opportunities.
Application process There are no requirements for participating in ASCE general body events. To join the Steel Bridge Competition team, interested students must submit an application and complete safety training in the Carleton Laboratory. Select members of the team may receive training for welding and fabrication techniques.
Group size 61-80 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Lerner Hall, Mudd, and CEPSR
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board and a general student body.
Group leaders President: Joanna Zou External vice president: Stephanie Berrios Internal vice president: Joseph Belmonte
Campus events All ASCE events are open to students from any department, but our most popular campus-wide event is the annual ASCE Igloo Build, in which we build a full-scale snow dome on the lawn in front of Butler on the first day of snowfall in the new year. Bring boots and gloves!
Columbia University Chinese Students and Scholars Association Cultural group
Group description and mission Founded in 1996, Columbia University Chinese Students and Scholars Association is one of the most influential and well-known Chinese-student organizations at the university. The four missions of CUCSSA are doing the services for Chinese Columbia students and scholars, and local Chinese communities; uniting alumni, overseas Chinese people, and Chinese students; promoting the Chinese culture; and increasing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between China and America.
What members do on a week-to-week basis CUCSSA board members meet on a weekly basis and discuss event plans.
Yearly projects For over ten years of development, CUCSSA has formed a unique development model and demonstrated extraordinary speed of development. CUCSSA has four major activities: New Students Care Program, Columbia China Prospects Conference, Columbia China Forum, and Columbia Chinese New Year Gala. We also have recreational and sports activities, job fairs, and personal development planning. These activities help the majority of Chinese students and further improve CUCSSA’s high reputation in the US. .
New member profile We look forward to recruiting new members who are passionate about serving fellow students and improving students' wellbeing in our community. Enthusiasm for Chinese culture is a plus.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will be able to propose, plan, and execute events and lead members from different CUCSSA departments in each event. CUCSSA is a community in which members can experience the most of Chinese culture, friendship, and leadership. Each member is encouraged to showcase their creativity and interpersonal communication skills.
Application process CUCSSA usually starts recruiting during the first week of the fall semester. Applicants receive an interview invitation within one week. Accepted applicants receive training in their department.
Group size 100+
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday afternoons Weekend afternoons
Meeting location Lerner 476A
Necessary equipment None
Management structure CUCSSA consists of four departments and a secretary. Each department has two vice presidents while two senior vice presidents each oversee two departments.
Group leaders CUCSSA board consists of 12 members, including one president, two senior vice presidents, eight vice presidents, and one secretary general.
Campus events Most CUCSSA events are open to the campus community. Columbia China Prospects Conference and Start Up Competition are held in mid April. Columbia Chinese New Year Gala is held in February.
Group description and mission The Columbia University Dance Team performs at men’s and women’s basketball games. We perform pom, jazz, and hip-hop routines, and our main focus is to support Columbia’s athletic teams and provide entertainment at school events.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Dance Team members attend three practices a week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and two practices a week during basketball season: Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30pm. Members also attend and perform at weekly games, which include home men’s and women’s basketball games.
Yearly projects The Dance Team performs on- and off-campus at various events.. We also perform at Relay For Life every year!
New member profile Dancers should be able to execute intermediate to advanced level turns, leaps, and kicks as well as have performance skills. Dancers should attain these necessary athletic skills and be team-oriented and school spirited!
What members can expect to get out of it Joining the Columbia University Dance Team is a great way to meet students, stay involved on campus, perform at school events, and stay in shape throughout the year!
Application process Auditions are held each year in September and again in December. All material that prospective team members need to know will be taught at the audition.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend nights
Meeting location We rehearse at the Dodge Fitness Center in Aerobics Room 3.
Necessary equipment You will need to own jazz shoes. Dance Team uniforms, poms, sweats, bags, etc. are paid for by the athletics department.
Management structure The head coach choreographs routines, schedules and runs practices, orders uniforms, manages the budget, etc.
Group leaders Stephanie Yonkovich is the head coach and choreographer of the Dance Team. There are also two appointed captains who help manage and provide leadership to the team.
Campus events Men’s and women's basketball games are a great way to watch us perform! We cheer on the sidelines during the game and perform at halftime!
Best Buddies Community service
Contact info bestbuddies@communityimpact.columbia.edu
Group description and mission At Best Buddies, our mission is to provide a safe environment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop true friendships with neurotypical Columbia University students. Young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities often struggle to make friends with their peers and we hope to bridge this barrier.
What members do on a week-to-week basis What we do changes from week to week. Some weeks we host a big on-campus party with fun activities, food, and games for our buddies. Other weeks we visit our buddies' group homes or have chapter meetings where we discuss topics related to disabilities. Our on-campus events occur on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. Group home visits occur on Saturdays from 12 to 1 p.m., but you may also visit group homes on your own time. Any chapter meetings will likely occur on Thursday evenings from 5 to 6 p.m., though this is subject to change based on general member availability.
Yearly projects In addition to our monthly on-campus events, visiting group homes, and meetings, we work on a big advocacy project. In the past, we have worked on a campaign to stop the use of the "R" word.
New member profile We are looking for new members who have an interest in forming real friendships with someone who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. We want members who will dedicate themselves to working with our buddies. We work with a vulnerable group of people who develop bonds very quickly with our student members and we want people who can make a commitment to at least attend our monthly events. No prior experience is needed.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to form lifelong friendships with our buddies. This is a very rewarding, fun experience for both students and buddies and it is great for people who would like to get more involved in the local New York City community.
Application process There is an application that must be filled out through the international Best Buddies organization that will be completed after our first chapter meeting. No further training is required.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend afternoons
Meeting location We meet on campus for our events and meetings. We go off-campus to visit the group homes, which are located in Harlem and in Chelsea.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a board of members who plan events and meetings. However, anyone is welcome to attend these meetings. This is a great way to gain leadership experience and we are seeking new board members at this time. It is also a great way to get considered for future board position vacancies.
Group leaders President: Alyssa Trejo Vice president: Jess Aquino Secretary: Patricia Kelly Advocacy lead: Carla Hanna Event planner: Nikki Scheck
Campus events Our advocacy events are open to the public and occur on-campus once per semester.
Chandler Society for Undergraduate Chemistry Academic
Group description and mission We are a collection of mostly chemistry and other science-related majors who aim to educate ourselves and others about the fascinating science of chemistry. We are an energetic bunch who love to nerd out about science, but have plenty of relaxed study breaks as well.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Chandler meets once a week to discuss upcoming events, learn about new research topics, and play games. One or two times a month, we hold an outreach event (both on and off campus) to get the community more involved in the sciences in a fun, interactive way.
Yearly projects Each year, Chandler Society hosts the Grandpierre Lecture, in which we invite a researcher to spend the day with us and give a presentation on their research. We spend a lot of time choosing the speaker and learning about their work. We also plan various experiments for elementary and middle schools in the NYC area.
New member profile We’re looking for anyone who seeks a fun way to learn about science! You don't need to be majoring in chemistry or in any science at all.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will get scientific knowledge, community interaction, community service, interaction with Columbia professors, alumni, and researchers, presentation and public speaking experience, scheduling help from upperclassmen, and friends. Oh, and snacks.
Application process Our only requirement is that you show up to at least two of our weekly meetings. After that, you're an official member.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location 717 Havemeyer Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board of five people who plan meetings and outreach events.
Group leaders President: Chiara Butler; Vice President: Katherine Tsang; Secretary: Brianna Alico; Treasurer: Andrew Rodriguez; Outreach Chair: Owen Driscoll
Group description and mission We are Orchesis: A Dance Group, Columbia University’s largest performing arts group. We seek to provide a platform for student choreographers to showcase their work as well as create an inclusive space for dancers of all backgrounds and technique levels to perform!
What members do on a week-to-week basis When cast in a dance piece, members rehearse with their choreographer for one hour once a week. If cast in multiple pieces, members are allowed to participate in up to three pieces. During the course of the semester, Orchesis hosts two “Works in Progress” showings that are mandatory for all members. There is also a week of mandatory evening tech rehearsals prior to each semester’s show.
Yearly projects Orchesis works on producing a showcase each semester that features works choreographed and performed by students. In addition to our semester showcase, Orchesis also supports a satellite program called The MaMa Project. Each school year, The MaMa Project gives a student choreographer the opportunity to choreograph an evening-long work through a two semester rehearsal process, beginning with auditions in the fall semester and a showcase in late February.
New member profile Orchesis is looking for individuals who are enthusiastic about dance and are looking to join a vibrant, diverse dance community. Anyone, regardless of previous dance experience, is encouraged to audition. All who audition are cast!
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to learn what it is like to be a part of a creative choreographic process as well as experience the thrill of performing before an audience of their peers. The community fostered within Orchesis is one that many students find welcoming and one that they return to semester after semester. Members can expect to join a community which seeks to share dance with everyone, whether this manifests in coordinating outings to dance performances, attending classes at studios around the city, or hosting improv jam sessions on the weekends!
Application process No application or training! Anyone interested in joining Orchesis just has to show up at our auditions the first weekend of classes and they will be placed in a student-choreographed piece. Auditions are low-stress. All dancers receive an audition number, learn a series of short combos, and perform in groups for the choreographer panel. Auditionees will be able to see short excerpts from each piece and rank their preferences at the end of the audition. In turn, choreographers evaluate dancers they believe will succeed in their piece. During a casting meeting, dancers and choreographers are matched according to both criteria.
Meeting location Orchesis dancers will usually rehearse in one of Barnard’s dance studios, although rehearsal space is at the discretion of the student choreographer. Orchesis Board meetings are generally held in a classroom in Barnard Hall. Our Works in Progress showings are held in Lerner Hall, and our semesterly showcases take place in Roone Arledge Auditorium.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure The Orchesis Executive Board is comprised of three members who work with a general board of 11 members to coordinate all events related to Orchesis. At the end of each fall semester, a new e-board and general board are elected. The general body of Orchesis votes on incoming members of the general board, while the current executive board evaluates and decides on the incoming e-board.
Campus events Our semester showcases are open to anyone from both the CU community and the general public. Showcases occur at the end of each semester a week or two before reading week. This semester, our fall showcase is tentatively schedules for the second weekend of December.
Group description and mission We’re the biggest undergraduate organization of Colombian students outside of Colombia. With 12 chapters in several American universities, PorColombia is a platform for academic, cultural, and philanthropic initiatives to benefit Colombia and the Colombian diaspora.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We meet once a week, and we usually have one or two events per month.
Yearly projects We have our annual philanthropy gala, bi-annual conferences with the national branch, and many panel discussions featuring Colombian professionals.
New member profile We’re looking for Colombians, people interested in Colombia, and those who want to celebrate our culture and are excited to work on exciting projects with us!
What members can expect to get out of it Members will have many networking opportunities for professional and entrepreneurial advancement and will find great friendships—our group is like a family!
Application process The application consists of a few long-answer questions that reveal to us what kind of person you are and what you're interested in—please reach us through our Facebook page if you're interested in applying.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Lerner 502
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and other assorted and increasingly specific positions.
Group leaders President: Juan Jose Guzman Vice President: David Oliveros
Campus events We often host Arepa Study Breaks and Language Corners (to practice Spanish), and we invite professionals to host panel discussions on prepared topics (for example, the Peace Process with the FARC). We distribute our events pretty evenly throughout the year and we always post on our Facebook, email our general body, and put up flyers around campus.
Featured work In March, we organized a Perspectives on Peace panel discussion where we invited some of the most prominent journalists in Colombia who were at the forefront of covering the press regarding the government's peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia rebel group. It was a great event and a great opportunity to talk to these people in person.
Columbia/Barnard Jewish Voice for Peace Social justice/Activism
Group description and mission Columbia/Barnard Jewish Voice for Peace is a student chapter of a national organization that advocates for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. We are a community of Jews who are pro-Palestine and strive to prioritize anti-racism in our work as we organize, celebrate, mourn, and protest together. The main work we do is under Columbia University Apartheid Divest’s campaign.
What members do on a week-to-week basis JVP works in coalition with Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, and together we form Columbia University Apartheid Divest. This campaign is part of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, which strives to use economic resources to pressure the Israeli government to end the military occupation of Palestine that strips Palestinians of their basic human rights. Our divestment campaign specifically calls upon the University to divest its stocks, funds, and endowment from companies profiting off of Palestinian oppression.
Yearly projects In conjunction with SJP, JVP puts on events consistently throughout the school year, but the most exciting organizing happens in the spring semester, during CUAD’s annual Israeli Apartheid Week. In coordination with the international campaign, we host a week packed full of educational events, in addition to a social media campaign and the erection of a mock Apartheid Wall and information table on Low Plaza. Outside of IAW, we often plan events to educate our university community about our divestment campaign and gauge community support for it. JVP also hosts individual events and events run with the local New York JVP chapter, like Shabbat dinners and author events.
New member profile JVP is an organization open to all who are interested in growing as an organizer within a community of Jews. New members should come in eager to learn and unlearn, and be excited to build community. We welcome people of all backgrounds, experience, and knowledge of Israel and Palestine. As members of CUAD, we also try to elevate and empower the voices of young people of color, especially Palestinians.
What members can expect to get out of it JVP members can look forward to being part of a warm, supportive, and vibrant Jewish community that is as unique as it is accepting. For many, JVP is a space for young, leftist Jews who have been otherwise excluded from mainstream Jewish communities to come together and build Jewish spaces that they are comfortable in and proud of as we actively work with Palestinians and support the Palestinian-led call to participate in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.
Application process There is no application process! Everyone is welcome to join us. In the beginning of the semester, those interested in joining are matched with a current member to have a casual conversation about the organization and to answer any questions. After that, they are invited to join a CUAD meeting. After attending three meetings, you are considered a full member! The current member serves as a liaison and is available to answer any questions you have throughout your time in the group.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location We meet in classrooms or other meeting spaces on the Columbia and Barnard campuses.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure JVP (and by extension, CUAD) uses a non-hierarchical governing structure. This means we use open discussions, debates, and simple majority votes to come to group consensuses. Responsibilities are delegated to members who volunteer, so involvement is self driven. Events are usually coordinated under the guidance of a group member who has volunteered to act as a point person.
Group leaders There are no formal leaders of JVP and CUAD. Leadership and responsibility is determined by your own initiative and the time that you are willing to put into your organizing. You can take on as much or as little as you would like. Oftentimes, older members of the group who have past experience in organizing take on a mentor-like role to newer members. Ultimately, everyone is seen as an equal leader of our organization.
Campus events All of CUAD’s events are open to the Columbia community, and oftentimes to the New York community, as well. We hold events about once a month, but CUAD’s busiest period is during the spring, when we host our Israeli Apartheid Week and Palestinian Cultural Night. JVP hosts our own, separate events a few times each semester.
Triathlon Club Sports
Contact info Jason Zhao at zhao.s.jason@columbia.edu
Group description and mission We train and do triathlons and other races in New York and beyond.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have optional daily workouts and weekend races in both the fall and the spring. We usually run three times a week, ride two times a week, and swim two or three times a week.
Yearly projects We have the Collegiate Nationals in April.
New member profile We have members of all skill levels! No prior experience required.
What members can expect to get out of it Swole
Application process Applicants are required to have a Dodge Fitness Center membership. Registration and payment of dues are done online through Columbia Club Sports’ online portal. Registration opens on the first day of classes, Sept. 5.
Necessary equipment Members will need dedication and maybe a bike (our equipment loan program is starting this fall, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike).
Group leaders President: Jason Zhao Vice President: Sophie Ohrn Treasurer: Cooper Bates Secretary: Meredith Sullivan
Campus events Anyone can come workout with us!
Featured work This year at Nationals we had individuals finish first, 16th, 35th, and 56th of over 500!
Group description and mission CU Sign is Columbia's American Sign Language club. Our club is open to sign language enthusiasts of all levels and we have weekly club meetings with an ASL teacher. CU Sign aims to educate the Columbia community about American Sign Language and provide access to classes and events where anyone can learn ASL.
What members do on a week-to-week basis CU Sign meets for one hour each week for our class session.
Yearly projects We have weekly classes and plan events throughout the year.
New member profile We’re looking for anyone with enthusiasm and an interest in learning ASL. All levels welcome!
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to learn basic signs and join a community of ASL users on campus.
Application process None
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights
Meeting location At the beginning of each semester, we send out an email to our listserv to schedule a class meeting time that works best for our members.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have co-presidents, a vice president, social media coordinator, and events coordinator.
Group leaders Shira Harris, Madeleine Killough, Gergana Alteva, and Sandy Gooen
Campus events All events and classes are open to the entire campus community.
Group description and mission We are a chamber choir that sings classical music for small ensembles.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have two rehearsal on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m.
Yearly projects On Oct. 27, Chamber Singers will perform music of South America with the Alturas Duo, and on Dec. 1 we will perform Cendrillon by Pauline Viardot.
New member profile Members should be able to read music and sing at true pitch.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will gain the experience of singing a wide range of chamber music—from madrigals to newly composed works—in a chamber opera.
Application process Auditions will be on Sept. 5 and 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. in 405 Milbank.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location 405 Milbank
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a student board.
Group leaders Caroline Laporte-Burns and Zachary Barone
Campus events Our concerts are open to the public. The concert with the Alturas Duo will take place on Oct. 27 and our performance of the operetta Cendrillon will be on Dec. 1. Both events will take place in Sulzberger Parlor.
Columbia University Women in Law and Politics Academic, identity group
Group description and mission Columbia University Women in Law and Politics is an organization founded to create a community of support and progress. We aim to combine the educational goals of a pre-professional organization with the ongoing necessary conversations about gender parity in both law and politics. We believe that beginning this discussion early will equip women with the skills to confront gender issues that they face in further education and in the workplace head-on, and that establishing an organization will provide a network for advice, career opportunities, and continuing dialogue to better our industries and society.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members attend group meetings, panel discussions, and workshops.
Yearly projects As a new organization, we are still putting together project management strategies and brainstorming larger project goals. Some projects we have in mind are a career showcase and a service trip or ongoing service project.
New member profile We’re looking for students who share in our mission and are willing to put in time to promote gender parity in legal and political careers.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find discussions about current legal and political issues and workshops and skill training tailored to help women who want to enter these careers. We aim to provide tools to succeed in a job, not necessarily tools to get a job.
Application process None
Group size 41-60 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Hamilton or Lerner
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a board comprised of a president, a vice president, event directors, marketing directors, treasurers, and a liaison
Group leaders President: Nikki Datta Vice president: Sara Faruqi Event directors: Allison Talker and Fatimah Alyas Treasurers: Jessica Grubesic and Sophi Bock
Campus events All of our events are open to the campus community.
Tzu Chi Collegiate Association at Columbia University Community service
Group description and mission We are the local college chapter under the Tzu Chi Foundation, an international humanistic NGO. Our mission is to bring compassion and relief to those in suffering. The major fields we work on are charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture.
What members do on a week-to-week basis On a week-to-week basis, members participate in volunteering and bonding events.
Yearly projects We have a Veggie Feast and an environmental protection concert every year.
New member profile We’re looking for people with good hearts and a passion for making positive changes to local communities.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will get nonprofit leadership experience, a connection to a worldwide volunteer network, wisdom, and love.
Application process None
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights
Meeting location We meet at various locations on campus.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have your typical student leadership team. You can choose to become an officer or a regular member.
Campus events Our vegetarian soup kitchen, Veggie Feast, and retreat are all open to the campus community.
Columbia Economics Review Campus media/Publications
Group description and mission The Columbia Economics Review aims to promote discourse and research at the intersection of economics, business, politics, and society by publishing a rigorous selection of student essays, opinions, and research papers in a print journal released each semester. We further strive to engage individuals on campus locally, and globally through speaker series, symposia, competitions, and other events established to promote dialogue and encourage deeper insights on economic issues.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members can go to e-board meetings, division meetings, issue launch parties, work on projects with professors, and get a free lunch out of all of it.
New member profile Members should show a strong interest and passion in economics and be committed to staying at the journal long-term. Members should also be excited to foster good relationship with economics professors and hang out with other members of the club!
Yearly projects CER has three general functions. First, we publish a rigorous selection of students' essays, opinions, and research papers in a print journal once a semester. Second, we post complementary content online (https://EconMag.org). Third, our operations team creates speaker series, competitions, and related programming to foster a community and promote economic thinking on campus.
What members can expect to get out of it In addition to broadening understanding in economics in one of our three functions, our alumni network has been one of the most supportive. Members also receive strong attention from the economics department.
Application process The application form will be open at the beginning of the semester. The form should take an applicant less than 30 minutes to complete. Following the online applications, applicants should expect to have an one-on-one catch-up with one of the division heads with regards to their interest and time commitment. There may be a STATA training session if needed for reviewing journal submissions.
Group size 41-60 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights Weekend evenings Weekend nights
Meeting location IAB 1101 and 1102
Necessary equipment None
Group leaders Editor-in-chief Ben: Alan Lin Publisher: Ben Titlebaum Design director: Jessica Lu Treasurer: Oi Lam Michelle Yan Managing editors: Alex Whitman and Michael Crapotta Executive director: Makenzie Nohr Executive editors: Mathieu Sabbagh and Guillermo Carranza Jordan Webmasters: Cesar Andres Herrera Ruiz and Frank Zhu
Campus events We host annual competitions and a regular lecture series.
Group description and mission The King's Crown Shakespeare Troupe is a campus theater troupe dedicated to providing free, quality Shakespeare to the Columbia community. We produce three full productions per year, two of which are by Shakespeare, and all of which are produced, directed, designed, and acted entirely by students. We see our mission not only as creating quality Shakespeare productions, but also as building a community that is welcoming, accessible, and close-knit. Whether you're an actor, a director, a designer, a technician, a Shakespeare fan, or someone who is at all interested in creative, collaborative work, KCST wants you!
What members do on a week-to-week basis Shows generally rehearse Monday through Thursday from 8 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. Depending on a member's role in a production, they might be attending some of those rehearsals or they might be working on their own time on costume, props design, etc. Time amount of commitment really depends on what role one has on or in a production. Everyone meets once a week for an hour on Sundays for a whole-troupe rehearsal.
Yearly projects KCST has three major productions in a year. In the fall, we put on one Shakespeare play and one other classical or Shakespeare-adjacent production. In the spring, we do an all-day, all-student-written play festival, as well as a Shakespeare play that is performed outside and moves through Columbia's campus.
New member profile We’re looking for anyone with enthusiasm, commitment, and inclusivity.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will have the invaluable experience of making good art with good people, as well as finding a community of thoughtful, driven, and friendly people to hang out with.
Application process We hold auditions for people interested in acting and interviews for people interested in production/design during the first week of classes. These will be from 8 to 11 p.m. in Hamilton Hall. These are super brief and low-pressure, and audition sides are provided for people who don't have something prepared.
Group size 41-60 people
Time commitment 9-12 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend afternoons
Meeting location We rehearse all over campus!
Necessary equipment None
Management structure KCST has an executive board that handles the administrative leadership of the full troupe, but each production has its own production team that manages the work of rehearsals.
Group leaders President: Sylvia Korman; Treasurer: Tina Simpson; Secretary: Emily Silk
Campus events All of our performances are free to attend and open to the campus community. This fall our production of Medea will be Oct. 19-21 in the Lerner Black Box Theater and Measure for Measure will be Nov. 9-11 in the Glicker-Milstein Theater.
Group description and mission The Roosevelt Institute at Columbia University is a progressive, non-partisan, student-run think tank associated with the broader Roosevelt Network. We release a yearly undergraduate policy journal, hold weekly policy discussions, and host events with elected officials, policy professionals, and Columbia faculty.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Membership has a broad definition. Members can attend weekly policy discussions, work on policy projects, and write for our campus-wide publication.
Yearly projects Each policy area leads a policy project. This past year, the education center led a policy project on integrating NYC schools. In the past, we've written policies related to removing the summer work contribution for students on work study. Additionally, members have the opportunity to write their own policy proposals for our annual journal.
New member profile We’re looking for excited, passionate, wonky people interested in improving their community through the lens of public policy.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can gain a wide variety of knowledge on local and national level issues, write policy, and get published as an undergraduate.
Application process None. Just show up to a meeting.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Lerner Hall on Tuesday nights
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board made of six administrative positions, and seven center directors and initiative organizers for each policy area: Education, Economy, Human Rights, Democratic Access, Healthcare, Foreign Policy, and Energy and the Environment.
Group leaders Nicki Felmus and Danielle Deiseroth
Campus events All of our events are open to the campus community, including our weekly policy discussions.
Group description and mission Raw Elementz is a student-choreographed hip-hop dance crew at Columbia University established in 2001. Raw Elementz is well-known for crowd-pleasing performances at both on- and off-campus events, as well as workshops and open classes throughout the year. We hold auditions at the beginning of every semester and welcome members from all undergraduate and graduate schools.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We meet a twice a week for two hours to learn hip-hop choreography and create sets that we perform at events around campus.
Yearly projects Every spring semester, Raw Elementz puts on a major dance show in Roone Auditorium called RAWCUS 360, where the audience sits around a circular stage. We have guest performances from groups like CU Generation, ONYX, and VOLTAGE. It is our biggest show, and arguably one of the biggest dance performances on campus during the spring semester, as we typically sell 500+ tickets each year. There are videos on our YouTube channel from previous RAWCUS 360 performances that we encourage you to check out!
New member profile We’re looking for an individual who loves to dance (we are a hip-hop dance group but welcome any style of dance really) and is open to trying out new choreographic styles while working in a team environment.
What members can expect to get out of it An awesome (and really lit) hip hop dance group and a second family! We all really love each other and have the best time together both onstage and off!
Application process We host auditions at the beginning of each semester, where you will be asked to learn up to two minute-long pieces of choreography. The audition will take around three hours, and decisions will be made later on the same day.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend afternoons Weekend evenings
Meeting location We typically meet in various dance studios located around campus including Dodge Gym, Barnard Hall, and Lerner Hall.
Necessary equipment None. Just need a body and a will to dance!
Management structure Like all other groups we have a governing board comprising of a president, VP, artistic director(s), secretary, communications, and treasurer.
Group leaders The board normally decides on the direction of the group but the entire team chimes in and we all have discussions on what we think would be best for the team.
Campus events Each semester, we host open classes that are open to the entire student body! They typically happen around the beginning and end of each semester.
Youth for Debate Academic
Contact info columbia.yfd@gmail.com youthfordebate@columbia.edu
Group description and mission Youth for Debate is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to teaching debate, public speaking, and critical thinking to students at underfunded and underserved schools in all five boroughs of New York City.
What members do on a week-to-week basis All members teach once a week in a NYC classroom for roughly an hour, with semi-regular general body meetings to go over lesson plans.
Yearly projects Teaching is by far the biggest time commitment.
New member profile We’re looking for someone who is passionate about teaching, learning, and helping others. Debate experience is certainly preferred, but by no means required.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will make a difference in the lives of middle and high school students in NYC. They’ll also be able to get off campus and meet awesome people.
Application process There is an application, and the training process is over the course of the semester. We'll help you learn the curriculum as you go through it so you'll never go into a classroom unprepared.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights
Meeting location Hamilton
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board that interacts regularly and closely with the general body members.
Group leaders Co-presidents: Julia Schluger and Scottie Butler Vice president: Cameron Davis
Campus events We have an end-of-semester tournament in December and April for whichthat we accept student volunteers to judge and help run.
Gosh Yarn It! Arts/Dance/Music
Learn more about them on Contact cu.goshyarnit@gmail.com to join the mailing list
Type of group Arts/Dance/Music
Group description and mission We are Columbia and Barnard's knitting and crocheting group. Weekly meetings are a fun space for creativity, stress-busting, and making new friends. All are welcome, and we provide supplies!
What members do on a week-to-week basis The club is super low-commitment. Just come and craft when you can!
Yearly projects We sometimes partner with other organizations to make things to donate and hold teaching sessions and stress-busting events. However, members usually are free to work on their own projects, big or small.
New member profile We're always looking for friendly, crafty new members!
What members can expect to get out of it Yarn arts are a great way to get creative, relieve stress, and just have fun. It's a great way to take a break and learn or practice a new skill.
Application process None—just show up!
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekend evenings
Meeting location Alfred Lerner Hall
Necessary equipment None, but feel free to BYOY.
Management structure Everyone can participate in deciding what activities and special events we hold and be involved to whatever extent they are comfortable.
Group leaders We have a new president, vice-president, and secretary this year. Our old president is now senior adviser to the group.
Campus events All events are open to the campus. Our most popular is the annual pun competition, which is generally in April.
Group description and mission Columbia New Music is a group of composers, performers, and appreciators of contemporary classical music.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We plan our concert series, discuss contemporary classical music, and hold master classes for specific instruments.
Yearly projects We tend to have semesterly concerts.
New member profile We are looking for someone who composes and enjoys playing or appreciating new music. Or someone who wants to learn to do so.
What members can expect to get out of it We make professional recordings of all our concerts. This helps expand our members' portfolios and repertoire.
Application process No application—all are welcome.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekend afternoons Weekend evenings
Meeting location Music Library Seminar Room (in Dodge Hall)
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We are made up of a small executive board, general body, and session musicians.
Group leaders Joseph Dominicus Lap and Benjamin Van Den Heuvel
Additional information If you're interested in playing but don't want the time commitment of a weekly meeting, just let us know and we'd be happy to accommodate.
Group description and mission Since 1988, Clefhangers have sung from Rockefeller to LA, performing original arrangements of pop, R&B, and soulful music. We perform at campus events like the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Class Days, Commencement, John Jay Dinner, and are looking for new voices to join our family!
What members do on a week-to-week basis We rehearse three times a week and perform around campus and New York City.
Yearly projects Clefs perform at a variety of events on campus—such as graduation, student club galas, and Columbia scholar dinners—as well as at off campus events and performances with other schools. This spring, Clefs will be celebrating our 30-year anniversary with a large alumni reunion and concert.
New member profile We are looking for new voices of all types, as well as beatboxers. Our members come from all sorts of musical backgrounds, so don't worry if you haven't sung a capella before—just bring a passion for singing!
What members can expect to get out of it Clefs sing together, share music, go to concerts, have weekly check-ins, go on a retreat, and much more. We emphasize creating a fun environment to support each other through school while also exploring our musical passions.
Application process We hold auditions the first week of school along with other a capella groups. All we ask is that you prepare a 30-second to one-minute excerpt of a song of your choice!
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 9-12 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend nights
Meeting location We rehearse in music practice rooms in Lerner and the piano lounges of Wallach and Wien.
Necessary equipment Just your voice!
Management structure Clefs has an e-board that manages logistics and plans for rehearsal, but all members are encouraged to contribute to our repertoire and suggest potential performances and events.
Group leaders Clefs’ e-board can be found on our website (https://columbiaclefhangers.com). Our current president is Varshini Parthasarathy, whom you are free to contact with any questions.
Campus events Clefs hosts a mid-semester study break and final concert every semester. We will also perform at the NSOP showcase on Sept. 3 and the a capella showcase later that week.
Group description and mission CUBDC is a group of ballroom dancers of all levels and experience. Each member of the club has their own set of interests and goals, but shares our common love for dance! Our professional instructors teach styles of Latin Ballroom Dance (Rumba, Cha-Cha, Jive, and Samba), Standard Dance (Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Tango) and many other competitive and social forms. We hope that everyone who attends class falls in love with ballroom dance in the same way we have.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members will typically meet during the week to take class from our professional instructors, and if they would like, practice on their own and with a partner. On some weekends during the school year, we attend competitions with other college teams. These are optional for club members, but a lot of fun and awesome bonding experiences!
Yearly projects In the fall semester, we host the Big Apple Dancesport Challenge, a weekend long competition on campus featuring teams from the area, our amazing dancers, and a professional showcase couple. The event requires organization and teamwork, creating an exciting and beautiful weekend.
New member profile We want students who have never danced before and are interested in trying, students who have spent their whole lives dancing, and everyone in between! We welcome all levels of experience and dancers of all commitment levels.
What members can expect to get out of it A family! CU Ballroom is a diverse group of fun-loving and supportive people.
Application process None
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hour per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights
Meeting location We typically meet for class in Lerner Hall, or in Dodge Fitness Center for practice space.
Necessary equipment Ballroom shoes are recommended but not required. More information on this will be covered during the first week of classes.
Management structure Our ballroom club is managed by a board who perform administrative and leadership roles to keep the many moving parts of this club running smoothly.
Group leaders President: Caitlyn Morris Vice president: Samantha Gonzalez Treasurer: Michaelle DiMaggio-Potter Secretary: Joelle Santiago Competition chair: Tina Liu Mentorship chair: Katie Sirko Newcomer chair: Kaleb Sells Events chair: Wenny Zhu Salsa chair: Selina Zheng Media manager: Patrick Lin BADC chair: Crystal Song
Campus events We host free trial classes during the first two weeks of the semester—look out for flyers for details!
Group description and mission We're an all “female female female” (but heyo we also love our non-binary and trans friends!) improv comedy troupe. We're a fun-loving gaggle of ladies making up giggle-worthy and goofy shows on the spot.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We rehearse once during the week and once during the weekend.
Yearly projects We perform two independent shows each semester, but also have loads of gigs for other groups and the University throughout the year. Our favorite gig is our show for prospective Barnardigans at Admitted Students Weekend.
New member profile We’re looking for anyone with charm, pizazz, chutzpah, the ability to proudly advocate for "YES AND...,” a history of pizza bribery, and a love for improv.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to find friends, females, fame, and funnies.
Application process We'll host auditions September 12 and 13. Callbacks will be September 14.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend afternoons
Meeting location We meet across campus in various performance spaces.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have two co-presidents and a treasurer.
Group leaders Sophia Bannister and Sophia Hotung
Campus events We host shows and perform for other events and groups throughout the semester on and off campus.
Group description and mission CU Generation specializes in choreography influenced by Asian culture and hip-hop music.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We normally meet to practice twice a week for two hours each, unless we have a performance coming up, in which case we may hold additional practices.
Yearly projects We are normally invited to perform at a variety of Asian culture events and the events of other dance teams on campus. We also work on our own annual spring semester showcase.
New member profile We’re looking for anyone who loves dancing and wants to connect with a group of friends! No prior dance experience is required.
What members can expect to get out of it Expect to learn a lot of fun choreography, improve your dance ability, perform at several different events and shows, and meet a ton of friendly, new people within the team!
Application process Near the beginning of each semester, we hold auditions open to anyone who is interested in joining our team! These auditions are usually two hours long and involve two rounds, in which the auditionees learn a part of a piece and perform it in front of the team.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend nights
Meeting location Lerner E477 and Dodge Aerobics Rooms
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Our executive board currently consists of nine members. These positions include president, vice president, artistic directors, treasurer, secretary, public relations chairs, and music chair. These positions are voted on at the end of every spring semester.
Group leaders President: Ari Wallace Vice President: Jess Bunnag
Campus events We host at least two open workshops each semester that are open to the public!
Group description and mission Third Wheel is a co-ed improv comedy group at Columbia/Barnard. If you believe in yourself, you, too, can be a dominant third wheel.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have two two-hour rehearsals per week. We also perform about five to 10 times per semester both on- and off-campus, and meet to attend comedy shows in the city and make promo videos for the group.
Yearly projects Last fall, we hosted our first annual Spare Tires Improv Festival at Columbia. During the two-day improv festival, we hosted collegiate groups from NYU, Fordham, Oberlin, Delaware, and Bowdoin, in addition to the other two improv groups from Columbia/Barnard. At our festival, we hosted an open improv workshop with a professional improviser, held parties both nights, and performed for two nights in the Lerner Black Box Theater, twice filling the room to capacity. We'll hold our second festival this coming semester.
New member profile We're looking for people with a strong sense of humor who can think on their feet and work well with others, regardless of previous improv experience. Many of our members didn't have any previous improv or comedy experience before joining Third Wheel.
What members can expect to get out of it You get to hang out with us! We're a pretty close group, so Third Wheel can be a great group of friends to have at Columbia/Barnard. As a Third Wheel member, you'll be exposed to New York's comedy scene and the broader collegiate improv world through the improv festivals we host and attend each year.
Application process We hold auditions early in the semester (during the first weekend or second week of school), so keep an eye out for that announcement. The auditions are fun—you don't have to bring or prepare anything. They tend to last two hours and are followed by a round of callback auditions. If you get into the group, we'll spend the first few weeks of the semester training and practicing to make sure everyone is ready before we start performing.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend afternoons
Meeting location Lerner, Milbank, or Barnard Hall
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have two co-heads, plus one other Executive Board position per semester, which changes based on the group’s needs. This fall, we have a Publicity Manager.
Group leaders Co-heads: Aaron Fisher and Emma Gold Publicity Manager: Ella Tieze
Campus events We have a handful of our own performances on campus per semester, and we also routinely perform at campus events. In addition, every week, one hour of our rehearsal time is Rehearsal Squad, which means anyone and everyone can come hang out with us and do improv. No experience necessary!
Group description and mission We are Columbia’s oldest (this year is our 70th anniversary) and least mature (last year was our 69th) all-male a cappella group. We believe in sounding good, looking average, and the Earth being flat. If we were a family member, we’d probably be the uncle who makes some very sexist comments, but you let it slide because he’s going through a tough time.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Each week there are rehearsals and an average of one gig (these can be as short as a five-minute on-campus appearance to an overnight trip to another school).
Yearly projects The culminating event of each year is our tour. In the past we’ve gone to California, Spain, and Ireland, and this year we’re going to Australia. During the school year, we normally sing for at least one professional sporting event and visit about three other colleges each semester. In the past, we’ve also performed for radio shows, school groups, and, most recently, the New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree Lighting.
New member profile The two most important things to us are having a good voice and good sense of humor. Other than that, we also want people who are responsible, like to have a good time, and don’t take themselves too seriously.
What members can expect to get out of it If you leave ‘Smen a worse singer than when you started, there’s something wrong with you. Beyond that, expect to enhance your stage presence, perform around the world, and GET SOME (cool new friends, that is!).
Application process There’s an application that you fill out during auditions. It’s fairly short—we just want to get some information about your experience and general views on the patriarchy. You’ll also have to come to auditions with one minute of a song to sing.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend evenings
Meeting location We're usually in a practice room in Lerner or some other building
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Like our founding fathers intended, we keep things very democratic. Everyone has an equal say in whom we take, what we sing, and who solos our songs. The main leadership, though, would be the president, music director, and business and PR managers.
Group leaders President: Jack Guze (jlg2248@columbia.edu) Music director: John Hui (jzh2106@columbia.edu) Business manager: Christian Eggers (cde2117@columbia.edu) PR manager: Jacob Kaplan (jsk2231@columbia.edu)
Campus events We’ll be singing at the Performing Arts Showcase during NSOP on Sept. 3. We also perform several shows at school each semester, and all are welcome.
Group description and mission The Columbia University Players is a student-run organization that hopes to provide meaningful and engaging theater to the greater Columbia community. It aspires to capture the essence of performance in shows that both inform and influence the audience’s perception of live theater’s possibilities. CUP puts on three-four productions (all of which are non-Shakespearean straight plays) a year in addition to semi-regular events that contribute to the University community’s appreciation of theater.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Actors rehearse weekly, and students working on the production and technical aspect of shows have weekly meetings.
Yearly projects Our organization is producing a One-Acts Festival this October, as well as producing one full length play: Brecht’s Caucasian Chalk Circle. We are looking directors, shows, actors, and production members for the festival and actors and production members for the full-length show.
New member profile The Columbia University Players are looking for excited new members who want to provide the Columbia community with thought-provoking and engaging art and be part of a group of students passionate about theater.
What members can expect to get out of it Students can expect to get to be part of the theatre community on campus, an accepting and exciting group of individuals who love to create and be challenged. Furthermore, students will be an integral part of producing and creating theatre, and be given the chance to learn and grow in such environments.
Application process Students interested in auditioning and/or interviewing for production and technical roles should go to the lobby of Hamilton on Sept. 5, 6, 7.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 9-12 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend afternoons
Meeting location We meet all around campus, but generally in residential lounges.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board that works with the shows to offer support and publicity.
Group leaders President: Lauren Cannon Vice president: Sebastien Siclait
Campus events All shows will be open to the campus community, as will our Speaking Series.
Group description and mission We are the Catholic community at Columbia and we are here to help students grow in their faith and as people. We are a diverse group composed of undergrads, grads, faculty, and Morningside Heights locals.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Every week that class is in session, we have a student mass in St. Paul's Chapel at 5:30 p.m. We also have weekly home cooked dinners in the rectory of Corpus Christi Church on 121st Street each Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. Each Thursday night at 8 p.m. we have Eucharistic Adoration in Corpus Christi Church. We also have retreats, lectures, community service events, interfaith or inter-fellowship events, and social activities spread throughout the semester.
Yearly projects Our biggest student event is the retreat we have each semester. Our members get the opportunity to spend a weekend away from the stresses of school and engage with each other and their faith.
New member profile We welcome anyone who is interested in the Catholic faith or simply wants to engage with a great community of students.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will get out whatever they put in. Maybe they'll meet some people and make a few friends. Maybe they'll reconnect with their faith after some time away from it. Maybe they're just curious or have questions about Catholicism. This organization is very open and you make your experience your own.
Application process None
Group size 100+
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend afternoons
Meeting location St. Paul's Chapel and Corpus Christi Church
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board that oversees all activities
Group leaders Co-presidents: Rachel Dziatko and Alex Chen
Campus events All of our events are open to the campus community. None of our events are exclusive to our members.
Group description and mission Nonsequitur is one of Columbia's coed a cappella groups. As our name suggests, we pride ourselves on our spontaneity, verve, and willingness to experiment with a wide variety of sounds.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We rehearse twice a week, and our members are expected to do a certain amount of outside preparation to be ready for rehearsal, including reviewing and memorizing voice parts, practicing for a solo audition, etc. Beyond that, we get hired to perform gigs around campus and the greater New York City metropolitan area. A few of the gigs we've done in the past include a Brooklyn Bridge proposal, the GMA New Year's Day special, and the New York Times’ Women in the World Summit at Lincoln Center.
Yearly projects We will spend this year focusing on fundraising and recording our fourth studio album!
New member profile We are auditioning all voice parts this semester, so if you sing or beatbox, we'd love to hear you! Nonseq is made of people with unique voices and unique taste. Our sound changes every semester, and we're looking for people who aren't afraid to be passionate and aren't afraid to be different.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a lot of singing, a lot of friends, and a lot of puns.
Application process General a cappella auditions will be held the nights of Sept. 5, 6, and 7. There will be further advertisement once all the details are nailed down! Each group has their own callback process, so if we like what we hear, you'll probably have a second audition at some point that weekend.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 9-12 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights Weekend evenings
Meeting location We normally meet in the Lerner practice rooms or a residence lounge—anywhere with a piano!
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board of about three to five people. Different members of the e-board handle different things, from running rehearsal to handling potential gigs to communicating with club administrative forces on campus.
Group leaders The e-board is made up of a president, music directors, business manager, and treasurer.
Campus events We have two official concerts per semester that anyone is welcome to attend! During NSOP, we will be performing at the NSOP Performance Showcase on Sept. 3 and the a cappella showcase on Sept. 4.
Group description and mission Habitat for Humanity is a group of students who care about affordable housing issues. Its members raise awareness about affordable housing issues, raise money to help build more affordable housing, and travel around the city to help build affordable homes. Habitat's mission is to increase the amount of affordable housing in New York City.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members can choose which activities to be involved in within the club. They can attend speaker events, partake in advocacy events, raise money, attend builds, and partake in meetings.
Yearly projects We have an average of two speaker events, four fundraising events, and eight builds per semester. Our biggest projects are the fall and spring break builds—which involve consecutive days on build sites—and Act! Speak! Build! Week in which we have an advocacy event every day.
New member profile We are looking for new members who are passionate about affordable housing and are willing to put in time and effort to make New York City a better place for all its residents.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to have a real impact on at least one person's life proportional to the amount of time and effort they put into the club.
Application process There are applications for officer positions within Habitat, but no application to be a member.
Group size 41-60 people
Time commitment 5-8 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Board meetings and general body meetings usually take place on the fifth floor of Lerner Hall.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an eight-person executive board. Each member of the executive board has one to five officers who help them run their department. Board members and officers coordinate events and members attend events.
Group leaders The executive board members are the leaders of the group.
Campus events All of our events are open to the campus community, but times and locations are most easily available to students who receive our emails.
Group description and mission We are the largest student organization on campus and we seek to engage in the political process on campus, in our communities, and in the broader political world. Our goal is to further progressive policy goals, campaign for candidates who support those policies, and educate ourselves on a variety of issues. Our purpose is not just to talk about ways to help people, but to make sure those ideas get put into place.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have a general body meeting Wednesday at 9 p.m. virtually every week! (The first one is Sept. 13.) We also plan many other events throughout the year, including campaigning, activism, inviting speakers, and social events.
Yearly projects In the fall, we bring over 100 students to a swing state to campaign in key races. In the spring, we bring over 40 students to D.C. to lobby for progressive legislation at the Capitol. Both of these trips are completely free of charge to all students and are where most folks build the best relationships of their time at Columbia.
New member profile We’re looking for anyone who cares about or wants to learn about politics, activism, or making a difference in the world. Everyone is welcome!
What members can expect to get out of it You can expect to get as much political activism as you could ever want, the best circle of friends you'll ever find, and a place to let off some steam about all the craziness happening in the world.
Application process None, just come to a general body meeting sometime.
Group size 100+
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights
Meeting location A 5th floor Lerner or Hamilton room
Necessary equipment None! Though, if you have any cool political swag, we'd love to see it!
Management structure We have an executive board of 12 members, a First-Year Council made up of first-years who are interested in being more involved with the group, and a general body of members.
Group leaders President: Shrayan Shetty
Campus events All of our events are open to the entire campus community! Sign up for our listserv or like us on Facebook to stay up to date!
Group description and mission The Columbia University Pre-Law Society is an undergraduate club for students interested in the legal profession. As one of the largest pre-professional clubs on campus (with over 1,000 general body members), we aim to foster students’ interest in the law, encourage students’ exploration of legal careers, and provide opportunities for members to network among themselves and with legal professionals. We organize informational and networking events such as panels, mixers, and informal discussions throughout the academic year. We also provide support such as LSAT prep and admissions consulting to students interested in applying to law school.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members attend informational and networking events such as panels, mixers, and informal discussions throughout the academic year. These events are organized by executive members, who are recruited and elected during spring semester.
Yearly projects Every spring semester, Columbia Pre-Law Society hosts Lawlapalooza, an all-day conference that aims to help students explore the diverse fields within law and decide whether a law career is right for them.
New member profile We’re looking for any student interested in the legal profession!
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to learn about the legal profession—in depth!
Application process There is no application or training process to be a member. There are application processes to be an executive member or mentee in our fall semester's Legal Mentoring Circle and spring semester's mentorship program with the Law School.
Group size 100+ people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekday nights
Meeting location Members generally attend events in Lerner Hall rooms. Executive members meet in West Ramp Lounge in Lerner Hall.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure Our group consists of co-presidents, vice president, secretary, treasurer, conference committee, marketing committee, pre-professional committee, academic affairs committee, mentoring committee, and engagement committee
Group leaders Co-presidents: Margaret Zhu and Trevor Felixbrod
Campus events All of our events—informational and networking events—are open to the campus community. They happen throughout the academic year.
Group description and mission We are Barnard’s online freeform radio station, broadcasting 24/7 from the basement of Reid Hall. DJs hold two-hour shows once a week and are free to play or talk about whatever they are passionate about.
What members do on a week-to-week basis DJs are required to attend their two-hour show every week, come to at least two of four music director meetings that happen each month, and perform at least two hours of “DJ Dues,” which can be anything from cleaning up the studio or making some merchandise.
Yearly projects We have two major live shows each year in the winter and spring, several smaller live shows, and a yearly zine release.
New member profile We’re looking for someone passionate about music, college radio, and live shows.
What members can expect to get out of it Members will find a place to express themselves for two hours each week with no limitations, and a large and diverse group of BC and CU students that share their love of music and radio.
Application process There is an online application and playlist submission, an orientation meeting, and a half hour of studio training.
Group size 81-100 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Shows are held in the studio in the basement of Reid Hall. Music director meetings usually occur in the Diana Center.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure The station is run by a staff of around 10 people, including music directors, tech directors, general managers, and others.
Group leaders Julia Lubey, BC ’18, though another leader will be elected in fall 2017.
Campus events All events outside of broadcasting are free and open to the campus community. Major shows occur in the winter and spring, with several smaller shows sprinkled in between. Our zine release usually occurs in the spring semester.
Group description and mission Kesher is a warm, welcoming, inclusive Reform Jewish community. We host weekly Shabbat services and free dinners, celebrations for Jewish holidays throughout the year, and additional educational and social programming. Kesher is the Hebrew word for connection, and we hope to help students connect both with Judaism and with the other people in our community!
What members do on a week-to-week basis Every Friday night, Kesher offers Shabbat services and a free vegetarian Shabbat dinner. We also host celebrations for Jewish holidays throughout the year, educational programming, and social programming. Some examples of programs we’ve hosted are hamantaschen baking for Purim, movie nights, and seminars on the history of Reform Judaism. Everyone is welcome to come to as many or as few of our events as they'd like!
New member profile All are welcome! We strive to be very inclusive!
What members can expect to get out of it Through Kesher, students can form meaningful connections to Judaism and to an incredibly warm and supportive community. One Kesher tradition is called L'Chaims—during every Shabbat dinner, we go around the table and everyone shares some biographical information about themselves (their name, major, hometown, gender pronouns, etc.) and the highlight of their week. L'Chaims is one example of how Kesher consistently provides opportunities to meet new people, reflect, and ground yourself.
Application process None. We are not a "membership" based organization—we are a community, and we value the people in our community who go to just one Shabbat dinner as much as we value the people in our community who go to every Kesher event. People can feel free to go to a Kesher event for the first time at any point throughout the year, too!
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings Weekend evenings
Meeting location The Kraft Center
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a board of six people and we are always excited to have other community members serve as leaders by providing ideas for programs, leading Shabbat services, helping to plan events, and more!
Group leaders Caroline Weinberg, Anna Coerver, Shoshy Levine, Claire Spaulding, Spencer Szwalbenest, and Shoshana Williams.
Campus events All of our events are open to the campus community!
Multicultural Business Association Pre-professional
Group description and mission The Multicultural Business Association is an undergraduate pre-professional organization striving to bridge the gap between Columbia’s student body and large businesses by providing students with the opportunities and resources necessary to achieve their professional career goals. Through industry panels, workshops, firm presentations, networking events, and our weekly newsletter, MBA’s executive board and members have dedicated themselves to the advancement of the organization’s four pillars: global education, career, network, and service.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Members attend weekly meetings at which everyone can pitch ideas for events and work on planning for upcoming events. Members also get the opportunity to engage with recruiters and senior professionals, thereby making a strong network. In the weekly meetings, we also discuss interview skills and relevant news items.
Yearly projects All our projects are equally weighted in importance. Some of the big firms we work with are Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, BlackRock, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
New member profile We are looking for students who are dedicated to excelling professionally. We want students who are committed, open-minded, and responsible.
What members can expect to get out of it MBA aims to provide a wholesome view into what constitutes business while maintaining a global perspective. Because MBA has such a broad scope, members get an opportunity to explore different industries they are passionate about. They also benefit from several existing contacts that MBA has within various firms such as Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Credit Suisse, to name a few. At MBA, new members are part of a mentorship program in which they receive valuable advice from senior members of the organization. Mostly importantly, members can expect to make friends for life!
Application process MBA has a selective application process. It begins with an online application, which comprises a few short questions (50-100 words). Based on that, candidates are shortlisted for an interview. This is to learn about the candidate more closely. For training purposes, we have a mentorship program within the club.
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Lerner 569
Necessary equipment None
Management structure MBA has an executive board which consists of five members, including a President, Internal Vice President, External Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Additionally, there are two marketing managers and seven to 10 Organization Committee Members. Any second-year member who is not categorized by the aforementioned positions in the e-board is a project manager. There are usually five to seven project managers.
Group leaders President: Pranav Arora External Vice President: Shivanshi Pahwa Internal Vice President: Caroline Teunissen Treasurer: Margaret Guo Secretary: Katherine Hu
Campus events Most of our events are open to the campus community! In the fall, we help bulge bracket firms—such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan—organize on-campus recruiting events and panel discussions. In the spring, we host leaders from a plethora of industries in order to provide students with more exposure to various career options. We have previously partnered with Uber, MasterCard, and Kiva.
Group description and mission The only student-run orchestra and choir ensemble on campus, the Bach Society is currently directed by Kevin Lee. Musically, we focus mainly on the Baroque and Classical periods. Socially, we are a warm community of musicians from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are community-oriented and friendly!
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have weekly rehearsals with the choir and orchestra.
Yearly projects Our biggest project is our end-of-semester concert series at St. Paul's Chapel.
New member profile We’re looking for people with the ability to play an orchestral instrument and/or interest in singing choral music from the 16th-18th centuries.
What members can expect to get out of it Musicians will have the joy of performing at least once a semester and befriending a group of Bach and classical music-loving individuals!
Application process There is an audition process which will take place within the first few weeks of school. After this audition, all members (new and old) come together to learn a new work for the semester.
Group size 41-60 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Necessary equipment As an instrumentalist, owning your instrument is necessary.
Management structure We have an executive board which makes most administrative decisions for the group.
Group leaders Co-presidents: Srinidhi Bharadwaj and Jessica Gruenstein Artistic director: Kevin Lee
Campus events All of our performances are open to the campus community, though the most notable are our end-of-semester concerts at St. Paul's.
Featured work This semester we will be performing Mozart Mass in C at our end-of-semester concert.
Group description and mission Camp Kesem was founded in 2002 at Stanford University and has now spread to over 100 chapters nationwide. We are a nonprofit, entirely student-run group that works to provide a free, weeklong camp for kids whose parents have been touched by cancer.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Counselors lead groups of children during our weeklong camp, and the executive board has weekly meetings.
Yearly projects We have a our weeklong camp. At Columbia, this takes place during NSOP.
New member profile We’re looking for someone who loves kids, hates cancers, is excited, motivated, and driven.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to find happiness! Camp is an incredible place to be, and everyone that joins becomes family.
Application process There are two ways to get involved: You can apply to be a first-ear coordinator on our executive board, which involves filling out an application and an interview, or you can apply to be a counselor. Applications to become a counselor come out late first semester, and it involves an interview as well. If accepted as a counselor, you will have four training sessions that are four to five hours long and online training. You also have to fundraise $500.
Group size 61-80 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location The executive board meets in Hamilton, while training for counselors happens in Carman Lounge.
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have an executive board.
Group leaders Co-Directors: Fabiola Plaza and Elizabeth Stern
Campus events We host fundraising events throughout the year.
Group description and mission Columbia Vegan Society is a community- and outreach- based group that seeks to elevate veganism into the academic world to create an open dialogue in which anyone, vegan or not, can join.
What members do on a week-to-week basis Our weekly meetings consist of lively discussions stemming from weekly topics. Outside activities include different outreach opportunities, potlucks, and restaurant outings.
Yearly projects Some of our largest projects include our annual Vegan Thanksgiving, virtual reality headset demonstrations, guest speakers, and movie screenings.
New member profile We are looking for anyone with even a slight interest in veganism and everyone skeptical of the meat, dairy, and egg industries and their negative ethical, environmental, and physiological impacts.
What members can expect to get out of it Vegan members can expect a true sense of community and friendship. Non-vegan members can expect a place to ask questions and learn about veganism in a nonjudgmental environment.
Application process There is no application or training process required for general body members.
Group size 21-40 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday evenings
Meeting location Lerner 401
Necessary equipment None
Management structure The management structure includes a president, vice president, and an e-board.
Group leaders Nadia Schwingle and Sage Max
Campus events We have many events open to the community. All of our outreach events—such as virtual reality demonstrations, movie screenings, and tabling giveaways—are held for the public. These happen throughout the year.
Group description and mission The main work of Columbia's Project for the Homeless is in staffing and helping run two homeless shelters (one for men, one for women) on the Upper West Side. We organize student volunteers to work at the shelters, run advocacy campaigns for homelessness issues, and organize an annual winter clothing drive. We're a really tight knit group and everyone here is dedicated to making our community better.
What members do on a week-to-week basis The main activity that our volunteers do is sleep over at homeless shelters. New York City law requires that there always be one person at a homeless shelter overnight who isn't receiving services, otherwise the shelter has to shut down. We provide those volunteers, and keep the shelters open year-round. Sleeping over is a great experience—you get your own room, there's Wi-Fi and a desk to work at (you'll have time to get lots of work done), and you get to hang out with homeless men and women (who are some of the kindest people we’ve ever met). Our shelters are screened for any drug addiction or mental health issues, and there's a security guard on duty, so there's no need to worry about any safety issues—we haven't had an incident in over a decade. If sleeping over isn't your thing, we also run advocacy campaigns (such as phone banking and lobbying), are launching an outreach campaign where we bring food to homeless people in the neighborhood, and run a clothing drive every year. You can choose your preferred activity and commitment level, and we're very open to any new projects or ideas people might have.
Yearly projects Our biggest project involves helping keep two homeless shelters open throughout the academic year. Aside from that, last year we ran a campus-wide clothing drive that brought in nearly a thousand articles of clothing, and this year we're launching two new projects: an outreach program in which we cook and bring food to homeless individuals in the community, and an advocacy program where we meet once a week to call our representatives about homelessness-related issues. Finally, we're incubating a startup—StreetMate (https://www.streetmate.nyc)—that makes information about homelessness services accessible throughout the city.
New member profile As long as you're interested in helping the homeless, we'd be thrilled to have you!
What members can expect to get out of it You can expect to get a better understanding of what it means to be homeless in New York City, a refreshing (and often needed) step outside of the Columbia bubble, and really, really rewarding work.
Application process There's a brief training process for individuals volunteering at the shelter, but no application process. However, we're accepting applications for our board this year and all are welcome to apply. Come check us out at the activities fair to learn more!
Group size 1-20 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Weekday nights
Meeting location Lerner
Necessary equipment None
Management structure We have a President, Vice President, Director of Finance, Director of Outreach, Director of Advocacy, Director of Technology, two Site Directors, and a Secretary.
Group leaders President: Michael Pusic; Vice President: Charlotte Voelkel
Campus events We'll have an info session on September 12 at 8 p.m. in the Lerner Piano Lounge.
Group description and mission We are an oratorio choir singing Classical music whose members are undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and alumni.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have two rehearsal each week, 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Yearly projects This year, we will be performing Judas Maccabaeus by Handel and The Creation by Haydn.
New member profile Members should be able to read music and sing at true pitch.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to have the experience of singing the great choral works with a full orchestra.
Application process We have auditions on Sept. 5 and 12, 6 to 10 p.m. in 405 Milbank.
Group size 61-80 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Evening weekdays
Meeting location 405 Milbank
Necessary equipment None
Management structure There is a student board
Group leaders Caroline Laporte-Burns, Julia Armstrong, and Zachary Barone
Campus events Our end-of-semester concert this year is Dec. 9 at Church of the Ascension on 107th Street and Broadway.
Group description and mission We are an oratorio choir singing Classical music whose members are undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and alumni.
What members do on a week-to-week basis We have two rehearsal each week, 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Yearly projects This year, we will be performing Judas Maccabaeus by Handel and The Creation by Haydn.
New member profile Members should be able to read music and sing at true pitch.
What members can expect to get out of it Members can expect to have the experience of singing the great choral works with a full orchestra.
Application process We have auditions on Sept. 5 and 12, 6 to 10 p.m. in 405 Milbank.
Group size 61-80 people
Time commitment 1-4 hours per week
Meeting times Evening weekdays
Meeting location 405 Milbank
Necessary equipment None
Management structure There is a student board
Group leaders Caroline Laporte-Burns, Julia Armstrong, and Zachary Barone
Campus events Our end-of-semester concert this year is Dec. 9 at Church of the Ascension on 107th Street and Broadway.