Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The M.S. In Sustainability Management Program
The M.S. in Sustainability Management program and its co-sponsors – the Earth Institute and the School of Professional Studies –are committed to anti-racism. From the perspective of our program specifically, anti-racism is especially pertinent because the pursuit of equity is bound with the pursuit of sustainability. The program is implementing measures to improve diversity among its faculty, students, and staff, as well as to integrate equity concerns in its curriculum.
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The SUMA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, which was formed in 2020, oversees the MS in Sustainability Management program's anti-racism work, provides accountability for the implementation of recommendations that emerge from committee discussions, and communicates periodically with students, alumni, and faculty on the program’s progress.
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The Committee comprises students, alumni, faculty, and staff representatives. The current members are as follows.
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• Kizzy Charles-Guzmán (Faculty)
• Dr. Steve Cohen (Faculty)
• Aditi Desai (Student)
• Shruti Deshpande (Alumna)
• John Hodges (Student)
• Rose Onwufor (Alumna)
• George Sarrinikolaou (Staff)
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The student representatives are part of the SUMA Equity Alliance, a new student group supported by the School of Professional Studies.
The Committee meets throughout the year to discuss initiatives and assess progress. The materials and minutes of each meeting are provided below.
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SUMA DE&I Committee 1st Meeting - Friday, December 11, 2020
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SUMA DE&I Committee 2nd Meeting - Monday, February 15, 2021
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SUMA DE&I Committee 3rd Meeting - Monday, May 24, 2021
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Communications sent to faculty, students, and alumni - SUMA curricular review
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SUMA DE&I Committee 4th Meeting - Wednesday, September 29, 2021
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RESOURCES
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Please note that submissions of the above reports may not be reviewed outside of normal business hours.
If you are concerned about a student and/or community member, please submit a student of concern report here
If there is an immediate risk to health or safety, please contact Columbia Public Safety
(212) 854-5555 (Morningside)
(212) 853-3333 (Manhattanville)
(212) 305-7979 (CUIMC)
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We ask that you please reflect on biases towards Asians and do all you can to support your Asian colleagues. One place to start is this video series offered by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, We are not a Stereotype, which explores the complexity of the term "Asian Pacific American," and provides resources on migration, occupation, racial, and gender identities, and cross-community building.
Anti-racism for Allies
Scaffolding Anti-Racism Resources
Stop AAPI Hate
Free bystander intervention training
Read more about the bystander intervention model on Columbia Health's website
Become involved in the Graduate Initiative at Columbia University's Office of University Life Diversity Initiatives
Become involved - SUMA Equity Alliance
Additional anti-racism resources
Counseling and Psychological Services - A CPS representative can be reached 24/7 by calling 212-854-2878.
For students within the United States looking to schedule a new virtual appointment, please call 212-854-2878, Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Religious and Spiritual-Based Support Services
Office of the University Chaplain
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Additional Support Resources
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Counseling and Psychological Services is available to meet with students virtually or over the phone 24/7. You can call 212-854-2878 to be connected with support.
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The Office of Religious Life can be reached for spiritual counseling at: (646) 906-5913 (Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM and by appointment after hours and during the weekends). For those on campus, Earl Hall and Saint Paul’s Chapel are open from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday through Friday for prayer and reflection.
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Our SPS Associate Director of Student Wellness is available to speak with students and can be contacted by students who are seeking support and guidance.
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Pregnancy and Parenting
Columbia University is committed to supporting the academic and professional success of pregnant and parenting students and employees.
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Under the federal law Title IX, universities are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of sex, including on the basis of pregnancy and childbirth. The Title IX Coordinator’s office at Columbia works to ensure that Columbia’s programs and classrooms are accessible to all pregnant students. Together with the student, their department and professors, the Title IX Coordinator arranges reasonable accommodations which enable pregnant students to participate fully in academic programs. Reasonable accommodations help students maintain their educational plans while not centrally altering the nature of academic programs or requirements. Commonly, they include shifting assignment and exams dates, absences for medical appointments, in some cases a medical leave of absence or taking an incomplete in a class and making up the work missed at a later date.
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The Office of Work/Life is a helpful resource with a broad range of information for pregnant and parenting students. Click here to learn about childcare, and schooling, breastfeeding support, and back-up care.
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The Office of University Life has developed a comprehensive resource page. Please note: these resources are not endorsed by Columbia University. They are presented for informational purposes only and may have eligibility requirements.
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Columbia University Family Support Network, a registered, student-run, University-wide organization is accessible to all CU students.
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Please connect with the Title IX Office to discuss accommodations
Please view a list of pregnancy and parenting resources available at Columbia here
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