Inclusive Faculty Pathways Fall '25 Highlights
In the fall, the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Advancment's Inclusive Faculty Pathways portfolio hosted a series of signature events that welcomed new scholars, supported academic success, and fostered community.
Provost Doctoral Fellows Welcome Panel and Reception
On September 25, Inclusive Faculty Pathways and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences welcomed incoming Provost Doctoral Fellows to Butler Library for an afternoon of conversation and connection. The panel, What I Wish I Had Known, brought together experienced Provost Doctoral Fellows who reflected on their transitions into doctoral study. Panelists spoke about the academic adjustments they faced, the rewards of emerging as scholars and teachers, and the lessons they wished they had known before beginning their PhD journeys. The discussion created space for knowledge sharing, affirmation, and reassurance, offering first-year fellows practical guidance and a sense of belonging within Columbia’s vibrant graduate community. A reception followed, allowing fellows, panelists, and campus partners to continue conversations and build relationships.
InkWell Academic Writing Retreat: How to Overcome Overwhelm & Make the Most of Your Writing Time
On November 21, graduate students and scholars gathered at Teachers College for a full-day InkWell Academic Writing Retreat facilitated by Michelle Boyd, PhD. The retreat combined guided reflection, skill-building, and protected writing time, centering the emotional and practical realities of academic writing. Participants engaged with InkWell’s Ready, Set, Flow framework, learning to draft realistic writing goals, assess capacity, and break large projects into manageable tasks.
Writing in community fostered focus and accountability, while discussions emphasized intentionality, flexibility, and self-compassion. Attendees left feeling more grounded and equipped with strategies to sustain productive and meaningful writing practices.
Winter Social
The semester concluded with a festive Winter Social on December 11 in Butler Library. Co-sponsored by Inclusive Faculty Pathways and the GSAS Office of Academic Access and Engagement, the drop-in gathering offered a relaxed space to celebrate the end of the term. Faculty, graduate students, and staff connected over refreshments, reflecting on the semester’s work and strengthening cross-campus community.
Together, these events underscored IFP’s commitment to welcoming scholars, supporting academic and professional development, and cultivating spaces of connection and care throughout the academic year.