General Studies

This week's letters discuss the mistreatment of General Studies students, the creator of GSLounge.com, and falsehoods in an article on Tibet. To write a letter to the editor, email Opinion@columbiaspectator.com.

The idea of a college education for degree-seeking adults was revolutionary at its inception, and it remains so today. But the past dictates the present, at least in financial aid.

“Where do I fit in at my school, and where does my school fit in at my University?” As a General Studies student at Columbia, this was one of the first questions I asked myself during orientation. Now, after four semesters at GS, I feel moderately equipped to answer these questions.

A move to unify the undergraduate experience and integrate the administrations of General Studies and Columbia College would be a smart one, but the differing needs of students—both curricular and logistical—should not be ignored if such a proposal is enacted.

Columbia must focus more effort on cultivating an international community that is socioeconomically diverse and expanding support for foreign students once they arrive on campus, giving them better access to financial aid and housing.

While the School of General Studies has one of the most exciting programs at Columbia, it doesn’t favor poorer students, especially international students.

It was at about this point in my first year here that one of my discussion-section allies turned to me and said, “Dude, what’s with all the old people?”

While the activities fair is one of the simplest ways for students in Columbia College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and Barnard College to connect to the campus organizations that will color their college experience, it can leave School of General Studies students feeling in the dark.