Hey there Columbia College! For my first update, I decided to summarize some of my the main goals for this semester. This list will probably grow as the semester goes by and I receive more student input – what I have as of right now are projects initially discussed in Policy last semester that I intend to fully implement this year. Here it goes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY – There has been an increasing general concern regarding academic integrity at Columbia.  Administrators have recently reported rising incidences of cheating and plagiarism, and both students and professors have voiced their desire to reduce academic dishonesty. In view of this, I believe it is time to review academic integrity standards and procedures at Columbia College. By looking at peer institutions and other Columbia schools, I intend to centralize, clarify and expand the College’s academic integrity resources.

COMMITTEE ON ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID (CAFA) – Dissolved in 2007, the Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid offered faculty the opportunity to give input on the admissions and financial aid of Columbia College students. Given the importance of faculty having a voice on the profile of students admitted at Columbia, this semester I intend to work with Barry Weinberg to reinstate the Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid. I will also strive to include student representation in the committee by current undergraduates or recent alumni.

Lastly, I would like to emphasize that none of my work is possible without hearing more from students! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns related to my projects at brm2126@columbia.edu.

Cheers,

Bruno Mendes

Academic Affairs Representative

Columbia College Student Council