Dear First_Name,
When you arrive at SIPA, you will be joining a vibrant student community within the School and beyond at Columbia University. We compiled these SIPA and University resources for you to explore as you prepare for your arrival in August!
As always, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Student Affairs. Be sure to read through this entire email—we have an exciting event invitation below from the Institute of Global Politics (IGP)!
STUDENT COMMUNITY
SIPA students have exciting lives beyond the classroom. A vibrant array of student groups organize programming on a variety of issues in international and public affairs, along with social events and community service. The SIPA Student Association (SIPASA) is SIPA's principal student government body. SIPASA is the liaison between the SIPA student body, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), and the Columbia University administration. It aims to improve the overall student experience at SIPA. Read more about our student organizations>>
We encourage you to join SIPASA's [Official] class cohort Whatsapp Group. Almost all of SIPA's non-academic conversations, clubs, events, and networking happens on WhatsApp, so please download it now to be in the know! The student-run chatroom is perfect for questions about housing, registration, recommendations, or just wanting to get to know each other before school starts. It's also a great place to plan meet-ups and introductions as we get closer to the first day of classes.
Please save the date for SIPA’s Student Organization Fair on Thursday, September 19 from 4–7pm on Revson Plaza! Learn about SIPA's student organizations and resources, university resources, how to get involved on campus, and all the events and activities that will be held throughout the fall semester.
SIPA & UNIVERSITY RESOURCES
SIPA IT
SIPA IT provides students a separate network login once they register at SIPA. This allows them access to download Microsoft Office and Stata software. Access to other resources and applications needed for curricular needs are also available remotely through the SIPA Workspace Environment (SWE). Please visit IT services for Students for more information. SIPAIT holds a virtual orientation during the orientation week before SIPA network login credentials are issued to students. Software such as Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection, and PC/Mac PhoneHome are available to students for use on their personal computers through Columbia University Information Technology’s software download portal.
Please note: All SIPA students are required to have a laptop. Check here for laptop requirements>>
University Life
University Life is a hub for University-wide student resources, events and opportunities to connect. At this webpage you will find resources on Counseling and Health Services, Inclusion and Belonging activities and resources, and links to core Student Services offered throughout the university. Click the links for information on University Libraries, Recreational Facilities, and Religious Life.
Disability Services
Disability Services facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and support services. Disability Services supports all types of conditions including physical and learning disabilities to chronic illnesses or injuries. Disability Services helps with assistive technology, e-text, housing accommodations, learning specialists, exam proctoring, and more. See here for more information>>
Parental Accommodations policy
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. The University’s Title IX Coordinator works to ensure that Columbia’s programs and classrooms are accessible to all pregnant students. This includes students experiencing any pregnancy-related condition for which they may need accommodations, including pregnancy, fertility treatments, and medical conditions related to miscarriage. Read more about these resources here>>
Across the Aisle: Paid Leave in the United States
Date & Time Jul 25, 2024 10:15 AM ET
The United States is a global outlier when it comes to paid family and medical leave. Although 13 states and the District of Columbia have passed paid family and medical leave laws, the US is the only OECD country and one of only six nations in the world without nationally guaranteed paid leave. Nearly half of all US workers, including approximately two-thirds of low-wage workers, are not eligible for the 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Democrats and Republicans in both the House of Representatives and the Senate are currently working together to address this issue, seeking to advance bipartisan paid leave policies.
The Institute of Global Politics Women’s Initiative invites you to join a virtual Across the Aisle discussion with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), co-chairs of the Senate Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group, and professors Jane Waldfogel and Sandra Black, on the history of the issue, recent bicameral and bipartisan progress on national paid leave policies, and the work remaining for the 118th Congress and beyond.
Speakers:
Kirsten Gillibrand, US Senator, D-New York, 2009–present
Bill Cassidy, US Senator, R-Louisiana, 2015–present
Jane Waldfogel, Compton Foundation Centennial Professor for the Prevention of Children's and Youth Problems, Columbia School of Social Work
Sandra Black, Professor of Economics and of International and Public Affairs, Columbia SIPA
Opening remarks by Keren Yarhi-Milo, Dean and Adlai E. Stevenson Professor of International Affairs, Columbia SIPA
Register Here
Thanks for this email!