The Daily Plan-it / Dean of Students Blog, Columbia J-school

The New York Financial Writers’ Association is offering $30,000 in scholarships this spring to undergraduate or graduate journalism students in the tri-state New York area who are seriously interested in pursuing a career in business and financial journalism.

The number of winners varies from year to year. Last year, ten scholarships were awarded of $3,000 each.

Applicants should follow these directions:
(1) Complete application providing your present address, email, and telephone number and, if different, your permanent home address. Applications are available at the NYFWA website: www.nyfwa.org. If you do not have access to an application, simply send a cover letter with the information.
(2) Send an essay explaining why you are pursuing a career in business and financial journalism.
(3) Include a current resume, relevant personal information, and list any other scholarships you have received.
(4) Send samples of your financial writing and clippings.

Awards will be presented at the Association’s Annual Awards Dinner before an audience of leaders from the business, financial and journalism communities.

Applications may be emailed to nyfwa@aol.com. If mailed, they must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2011. We encourage applicants to apply early as possible. Only applications sent to the PO Box will be accepted. Please contact Jane Reilly at nyfwa@aol.com with questions or call 201-612-0100.

Send material to:

Scholarship Committee
New York Financial Writers’ Association, Inc.
PO Box 338
Ridgewood NJ 07451-0338

Contact:
Jane Reilly
Executive Manager
New York Financial Writers Association
PO Box 338
Ridgewood NJ 07450
www.nyfwa.org
201-612-0100
201-612-9915 (fax)

TO: M.S. Students completing the Master’s Project this Spring
FROM: Bill Grueskin, Dean of Academic Affairs
RE: Instructions on Submitting Your M.S. Master’s Projects, Spring 2011

The deadline for submitting your finished Master’s Project is Monday, March 21, at 10 a.m.

We will begin accepting completed projects as of Monday, March 7.

All projects must be submitted to Chanel Roche and Evelyn Corchado in 207A.

There are multiple sections of the submission instructions. The portion marked General Instructions applies to all students. There are also sections with specific additional instructions for Digital Media, Hybrid and Radio projects.

General Instructions:

• Please submit your piece (and any other materials as specified by your type of project) in a 9 ½ by 11-inch envelope. This copy will be given to the library. Label the envelope with your name, your class year, the title of your project and the name of your Master’s Project adviser.

• You will be required to sign your name on the Master’s Project submission log when you turn in your final project. Only those students who received a formal extension from your faculty adviser and the Dean of Students Office have permission to miss this deadline.

• Please e-mail a final copy of your project to your adviser. Ask your adviser if he or she also wants a hard copy.

• This final version of your project will be available in the Columbia Library, so it must conform to the specific formatting guidelines.

Formatting:

• Margins and Numbers: The print version must be double-spaced on one side of white paper, leaving a 1½- inch margin on the left-hand side and a 1-inch margin on all other sides. Pages must be numbered. No binding or staples, please.

• Title Page: Include a separate title page with the following information: Your name, class year, the title of your project, the name of your master’s adviser, and, at the bottom of the page in the center, add:

  Copyright

  (Name of Student)

  (Year)

Source List

• Submit a complete source list for your project at the end of your project. If you are not certain about the best way to cite a source, consult with your adviser. Be aware that source lists and your entire project, including the “P.S.” portion, will be available for reading and copying by all Journalism School library visitors. If you have confidentiality concerns about sources (i.e. names, phone numbers, personal addresses, etc.), you are responsible for removing the source list from the copy submitted to the Dean of Students Office for the library.

Post Script

• At the end of your project, include a first-person narrative describing how you discovered, researched and reported your story. This will help future students see what goes into the making of a successful master’s project. This “P.S.” should be included with all copies of your project after the source list, and should run no longer than 1,000 words. Remember that this post script will be available along with your project in the library.

Hybrid Project Instructions

• One copy of your print piece per the instructions above for print projects. Please e-mail one final copy of your project to your adviser. Ask your adviser if he or she also wants a hard copy. Include a Post Script and Source List as described above.

• One DVD of the video portion of your project. Provide a second DVD directly to your adviser. Label all your DVDs and accompanying materials with complete project information (author(s), title, adviser).

Radio Project Instructions

• One copy of your script for the Dean of Students Office, email a second to the adviser, plus a hard copy to the adviser if he/she requests it. Include a Post Script and Source List as described above

• One copy of your project on audio CD for Dean of Students Office, and a second for your adviser. In addition, provide your adviser a copy of the .wav file (i.e. the final mix “bounce,” on a data CD).

• Label all your CDs, tapes and accompanying materials with complete project information (author(s), title, adviser). Indicate whether CDs are data or audio.

Digital Media Instructions

• A printed cover page with your names, topic and URL, and a copyright statement. One hard copy to Dean of Students Office, another emailed to your adviser.

• A printed source list and P.S. as described above. In most cases, your “about us” should suffice. Bring one copy to Dean of Students Office; send a second by email to your adviser.

• There are three options for developing and submitting your Digital Media masters projects:

Static Website: If you are producing a Web site using only HTML/CSS, etc. (i.e. you are not using a dynamic system such as Wordpress), you will be given FTP access to the Journalism School’s Web server. You may develop your sites offline or on your personal Web server, but you must upload the final version of your Web site to the Journalism School’s Web server by the final Masters Project deadline. You must include all multimedia elements, including videos, photos, and interactive elements. You may not embed video (i.e. Vimeo, Blip) or interactive elements. Video should be in QuickTime format. After the deadline, you will no longer have access to the server to make changes to your project. Kenan Davis will be providing FTP access information to each team in the next week.

Dynamic Website Hosted by CUIT: If you wish to produce a Web site using Wordpress, but do not want to register your own domain name or pay for your own Webhosting, CUIT will provide a Wordpress site for your use. After the deadline, you will no longer have access to the server to make changes to your project. There are many caveats if you choose to go with the CUIT solution. First, CUIT is the University’s IT department. They are outside of the J-School. So, you will be dealing directly with them. Response time for support from CUIT is unpredictable. Second, CUIT limits the number of themes and plugins it supports. Third, CUIT will not give any PHP access for extensive Wordpress modification. To have a Wordpress site set up for you on the CUIT server, please contact a Digital Media Associate. The DMA will work with our IT department to have your site activated. Please do this by March 4.

Dynamic Website Self-Hosted: If you wish to produce a Web site using Wordpress on your own Web server, you must also submit a static-copy of your site on DVD. You will be given training as how to export static pages of your site. Along with your static pages, you must also include all multimedia elements, including videos, photos, and interactive elements — embed codes and links will not be accepted.

*DM Project students with questions regarding these instructions should seek out guidance from one of the Digital Media Associates.

Your Copy

• Keep a copy of your project for yourself. Neither the Journalism School nor the Journalism Library is able to provide on-demand copies of your work.

Congratulations!

2011 Commencement - Regalia, Announcements, Rings, Diploma Frames

Grad Fair

On March 22nd, 23rd, and 24th the Columbia University Bookstore will hold its annual Grad Fair at the Bookstore in Lerner Hall. The Grad Fair provides the opportunity for all degree candidates to purchase Regalia (worn only for CU ceremony, not J-School one), Announcements, Rings, and Diploma Frames - all of the items you need for Commencement. Representatives from each company will be on hand to answer all of your questions. Some of these items can also be ordered online.

Important: Master’s degree candidates may purchase the regalia at the fair. Doctoral candidates will be measured and may place orders for regalia at the Grad Fair.

Class Rings and Announcements

• Class Rings and Personalized Graduation announcements may be ordered on-line through our Graduation Partner, Balfour at www.balfour.com/college.

• Traditional Announcements may be purchased at the Columbia University Bookstore.

Regalia (Please note that regalia is worn for the University ceremony only)

• Master’s Regalia: Your regalia is custom designed with Columbia Blue Fabric with Columbia Crowns embroidered on the front panels. These gowns are not rentals, but souvenirs, and are yours to keep. No preordering is required. Cap, Gown & Tassel: $56 + tax

• Doctoral Regalia: The doctoral gown features black velvet chevrons and panels with the Columbia Crowns embroidered on the front panels. A pocket slit is also added to allow access to clothing beneath the robe. The hood is designed to represent your degree, discipline and Alma Mater.

Regalia can also be ordered online through the bookstore.

Military Recognition

Graduates who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces are invited to wear a red, white, and blue honor cord at Commencement Week ceremonies in recognition of their service to our country. These cords will be provided by the University to any eligible graduate who requests one. To request a cord, please contact Amber Griffiths at ag2943@columbia.edu by May 11, 2011.

For full details on Columbia Commencement and the Journalism School Graduation Ceremony, please see our graduation page!

Do You Procrastinate? What Can You Do About It?

Procrastination Workshop

This hands-on, sequential 4-session* workshop will:

Address procrastination and time management difficulties which affect your studies and your life

Enable you to pinpoint the problem and address its’ solutions

When? Mondays, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4 & 4/11/11

What time? 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Where? Counseling & Psychological Services’ Conference Room, Alfred Lerner Hall, 8th Floor

To reserve a spot or for more information, please e-mail: Dr. Yaniv Phillips at py2120@columbia.edu

*Students must attend the first meeting and are expected to attend all 4 meetings.

Dear Public Safety Friends,

Groundhog “Staten Island Chuck” is predicting an early spring (Hopefully). Which means dusting off your bike and getting it ready for the spring. Before doing so keep this in mind:

According to a survey conducted by the New York City Transportation Alternatives organization, bike ownership has increased dramatically. This is great news for the environment, as well as for public and individual health. Unfortunately, already labeled the “bike theft capital” of the nation, we’ve recently seen a further increase in reports of bike theft. A major cause is the improper securing of bikes. In each bike theft report received by Public Safety, the owner had used a cable type lock to secure their bike, or had not properly secured it. Public Safety offers FREE bike registration by appointment with the NYPD / CU, as well as discounted Kryptonite bike locks. Please avoid using any type of cable type lock, which can easily be cut. Always use a U-shape type lock and secure the frame and tire together to a bolted down bike rack, not to STAIRWELLS, HAND RAILINGS, DISABILITY RAMPS or to the POLES AND CHAINS that separate the cement and grass on South Field, College Walk and Low Plaza. These poles can be removed and your bike stolen. Use the over 200 bike racks available on campus. Click here to find a bike rack closest to you: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety/bikemap.pdf For the Medical Center Campus bike rack locations please see attached PDF. For more information please call 212-854 8513.

New for 2011- Public Safety has teamed up with PIN Head Locks www.pinheadcomponents.com
Have you ever locked up your bike with a U-lock and returned to find your wheels, seat, or handlebars stolen? The Pinhead patented locking fastener system secures your individual bike components from theft. Unlike a conventional U-lock, which only secures your bike frame, the Pinhead locking system se-cures your individual bike components from theft. The Pinhead bicycle locking system locks your front wheel, rear wheel, seat, and handlebars to your bicycle frame. Each Pinhead locking component replaces the standard fastener (pin assembly or hex nut) that your bike was built with. Install the locking components, then forget they’re there. Once in-stalled, the Pinhead locking system remains on your bicycle when you ride, protecting your components from theft. If you do need to remove a component for bike maintenance, a unique locking key lets you quickly and easily remove any component. No more removing your wheels or seat each time you leave your bike in a vulnerable area! Pinhead’s pat-ented locking fastener devices secure your components from theft.

Discount Pinhead and Kryptonite bike locks can be purchased at the following Public Safety locations:

Morningside Campus Public Safety Office
Room 111 Low Library
9am-5pm Mon-Fri

Medical Center Campus Public Safety Office
650 West 168 Street
Black Bldg room 109
24 hours

Thank you,

Ricardo Morales
Columbia University
Department of Public Safety
Manager Crime Prevention Programs
Crime Prevention Specialist
212-854-8513
www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety
Pride-Professionalism-Service

Dear Students:

We are beginning the planning for the 2011 graduation festivities. Please see our graduation page for information. It will be updated frequently as more details are confirmed!

The faculty invites students to nominate names for two graduation-related speakers. The final decision is made by the faculty, but they would like to see your suggestions.

THE COLUMBIA JOURNALISM AWARD is the school’s highest honor and is a “lifetime achievement” prize. This person is, in effect, your main graduation speaker (and will be addressing you in front of your parents and guests). Recent winners: Gail Collins, Jim Amoss, David Halberstam, Seymour Hersh, Paul Steiger, Joseph Lelyveld, Pete Hammill, Carl Rowan, Joan Didion, Walter Cronkite, Ben Bradlee (see full list on awards wall outside glass door in front of Deans Suite on seventh floor).

THE PRINGLE LECTURE is typically given by a journalist covering national affairs. The lecture is given at one of the smaller graduation-related ceremonies and is ONLY to students and faculty, with no guests. Recent lecturers: Eugene Robinson, Farnaz Fassihi, Michael Kinsley, Molly Ivins, Mary McGrory, Jay Harris, Tom Bettag, Cokie Roberts, Dana Priest. See the 2010 speaker below.

FORM: To give your suggestions, fill in the 30-second form here (all fields are optional):

DEADLINE: Tuesday, March 1, 2010 - 1 p.m.

Please remember: This is NOT a vote. The faculty just wants to get a sense of what names are proposed.

PLEASE NOTE: Continuing part-time students are invited to attend the ceremonies and are welcome to nominate speakers.

Thanks for playing,
The Office of Student Affairs

Dear Public Safety Friends,

CU Public Safety will be engraving & registering laptops, MP3 Players, I-pads, Kindles, & other electronics in the lobby of the SIPA Building by the “FISH BOWL,”
Friday, February 11, 2011, between the hours of 10:30 am - 2 pm. Property engraved will be registered with the NYPD & CU Public Safety from New York to California. Operation ID is FREE, EFFECTIVE, A GREAT LOST & FOUND TOOL, and makes it difficult for a thief to sell engraved/registered property.
If you have not down loaded the FREE PC & laptop recovery program, PC Phone Home or Mac Phone Home from the CUIT website, please go to: www.columbia.edu/acis/software/pcphonehome follow the instructions on this link for PC or Mac Phone Home. This program is FREE for Students, Faculty, Staff only and will assist the Police & Public Safety in locating your laptop or PC anywhere in the world. Not needed for download, record your computer’s serial number / Mac Address & keep it in a safe location, Public Safety will need this information in the event of theft.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call CU Crime Prevention at 212-854-8513.

Hope to see you there.
Ricardo Morales
Columbia University
Department of Public Safety
Manager Crime Prevention Programs
Crime Prevention Specialist
212-854-8513
www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety
Pride-Professionalism-Service

Dear Students,
Now that we are in the full swing of the second semester, I want to remind you of all the terrific services Columbia has to address your health and emotional needs. The list below includes everything from back rubs to couseling!

Also, please note that Deans Sreenivasan and Huff are also available to meet with you about concerns you may have.

Alice! Health Promotion Program connects students with information and resources, and supports healthy attitudes and behaviors within the campus community.

• Health Questions: http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/
• Stress Management: http://health.columbia.edu/services/alice/stress-management
• Back Rubs: http://health.columbia.edu/services/alice/stressbusters
• Getting More Sleep: http://sleep.health.columbia.edu/
• Sexual and Reproductive Health: http://health.columbia.edu/services/alice/sexual-health
• Excercise Tips and Tools: http://health.columbia.edu/services/alice/cumove#exercise_tips
• Alcohol and Other Drugs: http://health.columbia.edu/topics/alcohol-other-drugs/alcohol

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) offers short-term individual counseling, couples counseling, student life support groups and medication consultation.

Office of Disability Services (ODS) coordinates reasonable accommodations and support services including assistive technology, networking groups, academic skills workshops and learning specialists.

Primary Care Medical Services (PCMS) provides routine and urgent medical care, as well as sexual health, reproductive and gynecological services, travel medicine, LGBTQ healthcare, confidential HIV testing and immunizations.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program (SVPRP) supports students in healing from sexual and relationship violence, as well as educates students about consent and coercion to promote a respectful and safe campus

The Gay Health Advocacy Project (GHAP) volunteers are trained to address a broad range of issues pertaining to sexual and emotional health. They offer workshops on HIV transmission and risk reduction; other STIs, and the physical and emotional health of the LGBTQ community. Contact them at http://health.columbia.edu/contact-us#Contact_GHAP