Messages from the Dean
At times of great chaos and confusion, I find it helpful (even necessary, in fact) to take a step back – to breathe, to think, to try to gain a new perspective. I believe this is one of those times.
You have no doubt seen Columbia in the news extensively over the past few weeks. There is so much news coming at us that it is difficult to keep up.
There is so much going on in our larger world, and right here at the University – some changes that affect us directly, some indirectly, and some that affect those around us in our communities. This is likely to continue to happen for some time.
I hope you all had a chance to enjoy the last few weeks with family, friends, and loved ones, taking well-deserved time to relax and restore over winter break.
Congratulations on nearing the end of the semester. I commend each of you for your hard work over the last several months in your courses and practicum placements.
This month will be a critical time for our country and our campus. Many of us have cast our ballots or will be doing so tomorrow on Election Day. As we await results in these divisive times, it is understandable that we may feel uncertainty, anxiety, or fear.
On Wednesday, October 9th, CSSW found a display of unapproved fliers and other materials in the student/staff lounge. Action was taken to remove these materials as soon as administrators became aware of them.
As we enter into our second full month on campus together, I hope you are feeling inspired by your colleagues and classmates and excited about the year ahead.
As we start a new academic year, I want to extend a warm welcome to both our new and returning students. I look forward to seeing you around our campus and classrooms, and to saying hello in person.
I write today about last night’s news regarding the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik.
Social work lost one of the leading figures in the field with the passing of Professor Emerita Sheila B. Kamerman in June.
Yesterday, I welcomed our new class of advanced standing students to our wonderful community. I was able to speak with them, in person, about the rigorous and exciting journey they are about to embark on here at Columbia School of Social Work...