Enriching Pathways Students’ Summer with a Focus on Inclusion and Belonging

Students in Columbia University's Pathways Programs have had an eventful summer. Alongside conducting research with their program supervisors, they participated in three events led by the Inclusive Faculty Pathways portfolio in the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement. “The summer research programs at Columbia University provide students from various university pathways programs a chance to immerse themselves in academic life, build meaningful connections, and feel part of the Columbia community. This sense of inclusion and belonging can be transformative, making their experience not only academically enriching, but also personally fulfilling. Such programs often inspire students to pursue further studies at Columbia, having already formed a bond with the campus and its community,” noted Diana Dumitru, Director of Inclusive Faculty Pathways.

Connect @ Columbia: Leveraging LinkedIn as a Student

In June, OVPFA launched its CUPP Summer programming with the virtual event "Connect @ Columbia: Leveraging LinkedIn as a Student." This session provided incoming students practical insights into optimizing their LinkedIn profiles to enhance their academic and professional journeys.

The event featured an outstanding panel of former CUPP scholars who shared their experiences and strategies for effectively utilizing LinkedIn and maximizing their summer experience at Columbia. The panelists included: Yuliana Garcia (SURE Program ‘23), Kelis B. Johnson (E.E. Just Scholars ’22, ‘23), Hannah Khanshali (The Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics Summer Research Program ‘23), and Robyn McDaniel, MPH (E.E. Just Scholars ’23, ‘24) and was moderated by Diana Dumitru, who facilitated an engaging conversation.

In the second part of the event, David Beltran, the Social and Multimedia Specialist for University Life, offered expert advice on LinkedIn best practices. He provided valuable insights on how students can leverage this professional platform to enhance their profiles and further their academic and research pursuits. The workshop ended with students connecting with each other on LinkedIn to expand their professional networks.

Campus Cookout

On July 8th, the Math Lawns were abuzz with energy as the third annual CUPP Cookout brought together over 320 high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Representing 24 different summer research programs, students enjoyed an afternoon filled with lawn games, a lively photo booth, and a spread of delicious cookout favorites.

Student DJ Benjamin Erdmann set the tone with upbeat music, creating a festive atmosphere as students mingled, explored common interests, and filled out match cards for a chance to win exciting raffle prizes. Thanks to the dedicated Pathways program directors and mentors volunteering their time, the event was a great success.

A Research Symposium to Remember

On July 23, OVPFA hosted its third annual Pathways Programs Symposium and Mini Admissions Fair in the Lerner Roone Arledge Auditorium, drawing a remarkable turnout. Part research symposium, part professional development session, and part admissions fair; this event marked the culmination of the summer CUPP programming, celebrating the outstanding research conducted by students across various programs.

The symposium featured over 100 students presenting their summer research through posters, representing ten different programs, including the Bridge to the Ph.D. Program in STEM, Columbia Math Undergraduate Summer Research, and SPURS, among others. More than 300 high school, undergraduate, graduate students and guests participated in the Symposium, representing 17 different research programs.

The event also included a mini admissions fair with representatives from 19 different schools and departments, allowing students to explore future academic paths and potential admissions. Attendees were encouraged to visit the admissions tables, connect with students from other programs, and take professional headshots.

In his remarks, Dennis Mitchell, Senior Advisor to the President for Inclusion and Belonging and Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement, congratulated the students on their impressive research and poster presentations. He also expressed deep gratitude to the mentors and program staff who supported their work. Addressing the admissions officers, he shared his hope that many students would return as full-time Columbia students.