Lana Oconnell
Columbia University, an Ivy League school in New York City, has a rich history dating back to 1754. With a vibrant student life and numerous traditions, Columbia students are known as Lions, reflecting the university's pride in its academic excellence and student achievements. From annual events like Homecoming and Morningside Lights to unique traditions such as Primal Scream and the hidden owl legend, Columbia students embrace their identity with passion and a sense of community.
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Student traditions
Columbia University has a rich variety of traditions that are celebrated by its students.
New Student Orientation Program (NSOP): Incoming students are welcomed to Columbia's community through a fun ceremony led by the NSOP student committee. The ceremony includes a legend involving a hidden owl on the Alma Mater statue in Low Plaza—the first member of the incoming class to find it is said to become the class valedictorian.
Morningside Lights: An annual outdoor procession featuring lanterns built by members of the Morningside community during a week of free public workshops. Students, families, and community members are all welcome to participate in the procession, which is co-produced by Columbia University's Arts Initiative and Miller Theatre.
Homecoming: Every October, thousands of Columbia alumni return to Morningside Heights for Homecoming, a weekend filled with fall festivities. The celebrations culminate in a football game between the Lions and an Ivy League rival.
Varsity Show: Since 1894, the Varsity Show has been an annual tradition that satirizes life at Columbia, covering topics such as politics, student groups, and administrators. Many notable alumni have been writers or performers in the show.
Class Day and Commencement: Class Day is the graduation ceremony held by each school as part of Commencement. It includes keynote speakers, remarks from the President and school deans, and the reading of every graduate's name. Commencement is the University-wide celebration for graduates of all Columbia schools and affiliates, including the awarding of honorary degrees and the President's address.
Primal Scream: At the end of each semester, students take part in the Primal Scream tradition. At midnight on the last Sunday of the semester, students open their windows and release their stress by screaming as loudly as they can.
Other traditions at Columbia University include the annual Joyce Kilmer Memorial Bad Poetry Contest hosted by the Philolexian Society, Native American Heritage Month celebrations, and the Chinese Students Club's Night Markets, which celebrate the atmosphere and traditions of autumn festivals in China and Taiwan.
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Student organizations
Columbia University offers a wide range of student organizations that cater to various interests and identities. These organizations provide opportunities for students to connect, engage in extracurricular activities, and pursue their passions. Here is an overview of some notable student organizations at Columbia University:
The Columbia University Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs (CORE):
Founded in 1999, CORE is a student-run group that fosters entrepreneurship on campus. They host a variety of events, including talks, conferences, and venture competitions, providing a platform for students interested in design, engineering, and entrepreneurship. CORE has awarded significant seed capital to both graduate and undergraduate students, encouraging and supporting their entrepreneurial endeavours.
Philolexian Society:
The Philolexian Society, established in 1986, is known for its annual Joyce Kilmer Memorial Bad Poetry Contest. This light-hearted event attracts a large number of participants who compete for the title of "Poet Laureate" of the Society. The contest involves presenting original works of "bad poetry" to an audience of peers and a panel of judges, adding a touch of humour and creativity to campus life.
Cultural and Identity-Based Organizations:
Columbia University hosts a diverse range of cultural and identity-based student organizations. For example, the Venezuelan Student Association, the Somali Students Association, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers provide cultural connections and support for students with specific heritage backgrounds. The Muslim Afro Niyyah Students Association offers a faith-based community for Muslim students. Additionally, the Latinx Heritage Month committee works closely with students and the broader community to address issues impacting Latinos and Latin Americans, organizing educational and cultural events throughout September.
Academic and Professional Societies:
Columbia University is home to numerous academic and professional societies that cater to specific fields of study or career interests. These include the Biomedical Engineering Society, Systems Biology Initiative, and the Chinese Students Club, which celebrates Chinese and Taiwanese culture through its annual Night Market event.
Athletic and Recreational Groups:
Students at Columbia University can also join athletic and recreational groups, such as CU Taekwondo, which offers a blend of physical activity and martial arts training.
The range of student organizations at Columbia University reflects the diverse interests and passions of its student body. These groups provide opportunities for personal growth, cultural exploration, academic enrichment, and community building, contributing to a well-rounded and engaging student experience.
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Student awards
Columbia University students are often referred to as Columbians. The university offers a wide range of student awards to recognise and celebrate academic achievement and outstanding contributions across various disciplines.
Academic Prizes, Honours, and Awards:
Columbia University presents a variety of academic prizes, Latin Honours, Departmental Honours, and Phi Beta Kappa to acknowledge students' academic achievements. These awards are bestowed throughout students' academic journeys and at graduation.
Writing Excellence Awards:
- The University Writing Prize recognises excellence in university writing.
- The James P. Shenton Prize is awarded for the best essays in Contemporary Civilization.
- The Joshua Feigenbaum Prize celebrates excellence in Literature Humanities.
- The Jeannette Michaelis Prize is given to the graduating student who has proficiently completed a sequence of physics courses.
Awards for Specific Disciplines:
- The Louis Brus Prize is awarded to a student in the chemical sciences for outstanding achievement in scholarship and research.
- The Computer Science Award recognises scholastic achievements and contributions to the Department of Computer Science and the University.
- The Stuart Gaffin Award honours leadership and service in sustainable development, mirroring Professor Gaffin's contributions to the Columbia community.
- The Jones Prize is given for the best essay on a topic in the philosophy of science or the foundation of logic.
- The Helene J.F. de Aguilar Award celebrates the best essay on Irish, English, or American poetry.
- The Academy Prize is presented to the poet who has written the outstanding poems for the year.
Awards Encouraging Diverse Pursuits:
Columbia University also offers awards that encourage students to pursue diverse areas of interest:
- An award for excellence in the study of Spanish language and Spanish and Latin American literatures and cultures.
- The Seymour Brick Award is given for the best one-act or full-length play.
- The Karen Osney Brownstein Award celebrates originality and excellence in writing.
Nomination and Selection Process
Awards are determined by a committee of students and staff, taking into account academics, co-curricular activities, and community involvement. Nominations for awards are typically opened during the spring semester each year.
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Student life
The university has a strong tradition of celebrating diverse cultures. Native American Heritage Month in November recognises American Indian/Native American and Indigenous issues, history, culture, and political contributions. Columbia also observes Indigenous Peoples Day in October and hosts an annual Powwow in the spring. Similarly, the Latinx Heritage Month committee organises film screenings, panels, performances, and networking events in September to address issues impacting Latinos and Latin Americans. The Chinese Students Club also celebrates the unique traditions of autumn festivals in China and Taiwan with performances and club-run booths.
Columbia's Philolexian Society has hosted the annual Joyce Kilmer Memorial Bad Poetry Contest since 1986. This event draws participants who present their original works of 'bad poetry' before an audience of their peers and a panel of judges. The Varsity Show is another long-standing tradition, having taken place annually since 1894, satirising life at Columbia through its takes on politics, student groups, and administrators.
Students at Columbia also have the opportunity to participate in various clubs and organisations. The Columbia University Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs (CORE), founded in 1999, fosters entrepreneurship on campus through events like talks, conferences, and venture competitions.
Traditions at Columbia also include fun ways to de-stress, such as Primal Scream, where students take a study break at midnight on the last Sunday of the semester, scream out their windows, and release their stress. Morningside Lights is an annual outdoor procession featuring lanterns built by members of the Morningside community, celebrating the end of the school year with a student-organised music festival. Homecoming is another highlight, bringing thousands of alumni back to Morningside Heights for a weekend of festivities and a football game.
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Student intake
Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university with a rigorous student intake process. The university has a long history of academic excellence and selectivity in its admissions. The student body is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including traditional and non-traditional students, reflecting the university's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
The university welcomes students from various educational pathways, catering to both undergraduate and graduate intakes. The School of General Studies, established in 1947, caters to non-traditional students who have taken academic breaks or are pursuing dual degrees. This school is fully integrated into the traditional undergraduate curriculum, ensuring a cohesive learning environment.
Columbia University also demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning by offering non-degree programs for high school students and lifelong learners through the School of Professional Studies. Over time, this school has evolved to provide degree programs in a diverse range of professional and interdisciplinary fields, enhancing the accessibility of higher education.
The university's intake process is highly competitive, attracting applicants from around the world. The admissions process considers various factors, including academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. Columbia seeks well-rounded individuals who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a passion for learning, and a drive to contribute to the diverse campus community.
In addition to its academic selectivity, Columbia University has a history of adapting to societal changes and educational needs. For example, the establishment of Seth Low Junior College in 1928 was a response to the high number of Jewish applicants to Columbia College. While this college closed in 1936 due to the Great Depression, it reflected the university's efforts to accommodate diverse student populations.
Overall, the student intake at Columbia University is characterized by academic excellence, diversity, and a commitment to accessibility. The university continuously strives to foster an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment, attracting talented individuals from various backgrounds and educational pathways.
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Frequently asked questions
Students at Columbia University are known as Columbians.
Yes. There is a small hidden owl on the Alma Mater statue, and according to legend, the first freshman to find the owl will be the class valedictorian.
The statue was sculpted by Daniel Chester French and represents a personification of the traditional image of the university as an "alma mater" or "nourishing mother".
The owl is said to represent wisdom and learning, with the lamps at the end of the throne in the statue also representing these same qualities.
Yes, it is said that any male student who finds the hidden owl after the first freshman will marry a Barnard student.
