www.colum.edu/newstudentinfo
Tom Menchhofer, Director
623 South Wabash Avenue, Room 303 | 312.344.8675
The Office of New Student Programs and Orientation (NSPO) exists to provide services to assist all new undergraduate students, during the transition into the Columbia College community, both academically and socially. This mission is carried out through the implementation of several programs.
Orientation & Registration
This mandatory, day-long event is for new students and their parents. Orientation is a day dedicated to acclimating you to your new home away from home. You can attend programs to help gain an understanding of your academic department, co-curricular opportunities, and student life. Also, parents attend sessions on partnering with Columbia staff and faculty, their student’s body of work, and the student transition.
Weeks of Welcome
Weeks of Welcome is specifically designed to help you meet other students and connect you with the city of Chicago. You will be able to hang out with faculty and there might even be food involved. Better yet, most of the programs are free, so be sure to take a gander at www.colum.edu/newstudentinfo.
First Year Experience
The Office of New Student Programs and Orientation partners with other departments in Student Affairs to continuously consider the wants and needs of new students when planning programs and initiatives. It is NSPO’s intention to provide the new Columbia student with what is needed to get engaged and succeed the first year of college. NSPO partners with faculty in a variety of departments through a grant program administered out of the NSPO office. Various departments develop programs targeted at first year students and NSPO bears some or all of the financial burden associated with the programs.
New Student Leadership Academy
Over the course of two days, you should participate in a variety of group exercises designed to improve your self-management, leadership, task management, creative problem solving, and ethical decision making skills. The exercises reflect on your personal goals and develop a plan for success. In addition, a professional will administer the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. You will be made aware of your unique skills and preferred methods of communication. You can also acquire new leadership skills and the tools needed to apply them. You have the opportunity to make contacts with other new students interested in campus leadership. You will also interact with staff members, and gain a greater understanding of leadership opportunities at Columbia College. Plan to leave with a personal leadership plan and the skills needed to reach your goals.