SLA Program

Student Life Ambassador Program


SLAs and GSLD team wearing flannel in the GSLD Lounge

What is the Student Life Ambassador program? 

Student Life Ambassadors (SLA) provide TC students with connections, support, and resources during their graduate student experience. Ambassadors will are the first point of contact for students as they start classes and beyond, by providing a friendly face for students to reach out to and by informing them of upcoming opportunities at TC & CU.

The SLAs are responsible for:

  • Sending students bi-weekly emails with information about upcoming events, student org meetings, grant opportunities, and more
  • Planning fun, interactive, and educational programs and outings for students to enjoy
  • Holding cohort hangouts in the GSLD Lounge where students can meet with cohort members their assigned SLA face to face!
Students attending an SLA Eat & Meet

What does it mean to be in a Student Life Ambassador's cohort?

At the beginning of each semester, TC students can register to join an SLA's cohort. You will then be assigned to an SLA who will regularly communicate with you about resources & opportunities at TC and beyond, host programs for you and your fellow cohort members, and be able to help you navigate the TC community. 

Graduate students who opt to be part of a cohort are comprised of individuals who seek and discover a deeper connection to a group that sets and fosters a space for equity, respect, inclusion, and diversity through the support of their assigned Student Life Ambassador.

Students attending an SLA cohort event in GSLD Lounge

What are the benefits of joining an SLA's cohort?

Some of the benefits of being in an SLA's cohort are:

  • Having someone you can reach out to if you have questions about TC resources & the TC experience
  • Learning ways to get involved at the College and at Columbia University
  • Meeting & connecting with fellow TC students in your assigned cohort and beyond!

Past members have shared that being in an SLA's cohort has allowed them to make friends, feel a connection to their TC peers & community, explore New York City, and engage with others both in-person and online. 

Students attending a Broadway Outing

How does a student join an SLA's cohort?

To join an SLA's cohort, all TC students are invited to register at the beginning of the Fall or Spring semester. The form is usually sent out through the GSLD newsletter, on GSLD’s Instagram page, and through the TC Engage Portal. Please check these three communication channels in order to stay informed about joining a cohort! You can also reach out to gsld@tc.columbia.edu for more information about the SLA program. 

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