Category Archives: Tips

Spam Warning

Career Services, Safety/Security, Tips

Dear Students,

I am writing to alert you to fake job offer scams being perpetrated on college/graduate students.   Read and follow the information and guidance below to protect yourself!

FAKE JOB OFFERS:

  • These job offers are usually sent via email unsolicited (which is rarely the case for legitimate jobs)
  • Or you are invited via email to apply for a job with with great promises:
    • Short hours
    • Easy tasks
    • Ability to work from home
    • Amazing salary
  • Frequently the sender appears to be legitimate with a “.edu address” but a quick search reveals that person and email address are not real.
  • The professor for whom the work will be done may not exist or if the person is real, they are not reachable at the email provided for your reply and they are not hiring and unaware of the scam.
  • These emails frequently include bad grammar and spelling.
  • The work often involves the following:
    • You are asked to buy office supplies or other goods with a promise of reimbursement.
    • You are asked to send money in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency or bitcoin (all untraceable and unrecoverable)
    • You are sent a check and it bounces.
  • Scam job offer emails can be generic.  They often begin with “dear student.” They frequently do not include your name or the name of your school.
  • Or they can attempt to fool you by using the name of a real professor or dean.  These usually include a “reply to” email address that clearly doesn’t belong to that person.
  • Scam job offers are often too good to be true (very few hours with a large salary).
  • Scammers often ask for your personal information immediately and do not ask for a W9.

Legitimate job/internship postings come through legitimate sources that are known to you and that you can easily verify.  When you receive a job posting/offer email, check all the names and all the emails listed.  Remain skeptical until you have done your research.  Ask us if you are in doubt about anything you receive via email.

Check out the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website for more scam information. 

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM, PLEASE DO THE FOLLOWING:

  • Protect yourself by stopping any further communication with the scammers
  • Notify Dean Huff
  • Notify Columbia Public Safety
  • Change the passwords to any accounts that were involved in the scam
  • Contact any financial institutions (your bank) if they are involved.
  • File a complaint with the FBI.

Also check out this video from the Columbia School of Professional Studies about avoiding fraud while job hunting online.

Fall Prep Day is this Friday!

Adjuncts, Alumni, Faculty, Fun Stuff, M.A. Program, M.S. Program, Orientation, Part-time Students, PhD, Staff, Surviving the School, Tips
Hello All,
This Friday is Fall Prep Day!
All faculty, staff and students are invited!
Below is the schedule.  We look forward to seeing all of you at this official launch of the fall semester!

Friday, September 2, 2016 – Fall Prep Day

10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., Miller Theatre

Welcome from the Alumni Board

Karen Toulon, J’85, Chair of the J-School Alumni Board

 

“How to Survive – and Thrive – at the J-School” – All-Class Lecture

Prof. William Grueskin gives his annual presentation on what you need to know to get the most out of your year here — and out of your career as a journalist. (You won’t want to miss this one — it’s legendary!)

 

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Furnald Lawn/Furnald Plaza

BBQ Picnic

Join faculty, students and staff for an old-fashioned picnic.

*You must attend the morning lecture to be admitted to the BBQ.

 

1:00 p.m. Lecture Hall, 3rd FL

Student Government & Affinity Group Briefing

Learn about how our student government and affinity groups operate and what you can do to get involved!

 

2-3:30 p.m. Rooms listed below

Affinity group first meetings

 

2 p.m.

African Students Association – Room 601C with Ajibola Taofee Amzat, J17 & Evelyn Corchado 

National Association of Hispanic Journalists – Room 607B with Prof. Elena Cabral

National Gay & Lesbian Journalists Association – Brown Center with Spencer Macnaughton, J’15 & Prof. Mark Hansen

South Asian Journalists Association – Room 601B with Noreyana Fernando, J’16 & Anusha Shrivastava

 

2:30 p.m.

Asian American Journalists Association – Room 601C with Evelyn Corchado

Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association – Room 601B with Dean Melanie Huff

National Association of Black Journalists – with Carlett Spike, J’16

 

3 p.m.

Women in Media – Stabile Student Center with Rachel Lowry, J’16

MAJOR MEMO: Journalism Library Basics

Getting Things Done, Newly-admitted students, Tips, Useful Websites

Journalism Library Basics

J-Library Website: library.columbia.edu/journalism

CLIO (Columbia’s discovery portal): clio.columbia.edu

Columbia Libraries: library.columbia.edu

 

Need help?

Journalism Library

  • Location: Journalism 204 (Stabile)
  • Hours:
    • – Thurs. 1pm-8pm; Fri. 1pm-6pm (until Labor Day)
    • – Thurs. 10am-8pm; Fri. 10am-6pm (after Labor Day)
    • See bit.ly/jlibraryhours for monthly schedule
  • Librarian Office Hours
    • and Fri. 1pm-5pm
  • Email: journalism@library.columbia.edu
  • Chat reference: ly/AskCUL
  • Phone: 212.854.0390

 

Journalism Research Guide (popular resources)

http://guides.library.columbia.edu/journalism

 

Beat Neighborhood Research Guide

http://guides.library.columbia.edu/journalism-nyc

 

Master’s Projects & Thesis Index:

bit.ly/jlibrarymasters

 

Links to read the New York Times:

https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/3327564

  • Factiva “News Page:” headlines, current issues
  • ProQuest Central: search for specific articles (1980-present)
  • Historical Newspapers: search for old articles (1857-2010)

 

Other Columbia Library Locations

http://library.columbia.edu/locations/libraries.html

Major Memo: University Travel Advisory – Zika Virus

Healthcare Issues, Safety/Security, Tips, Useful Websites

Dear Students,

Columbia University is monitoring Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advisories regarding Zika virus.

The CDC has posted an “Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions,” for areas in the Caribbean, Central, and South America where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. (See map at:http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/) There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is evolving, but until more is known, CDC recommends special precautions for the following groups:

  • The CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
  • For those women who are trying to become pregnant or who are thinking about becoming pregnant, the CDC recommends that they talk with their doctor about any travel plans to affected regions.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted through mosquitos. Anyone travelling to, or living in, areas with confirmed cases of Zika virus is, therefore, at risk for infection. Symptoms of Zika virus include rash, fever and joint pain. Only 20-30% of infected individuals will become symptomatic. The incubation period of the virus is unknown, but thought to be in the range of 3-12 days. There is currently no vaccination against Zika virus; treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms of infection and is not specific to Zika virus.

While there are three reported cases of Zika virus in New York City, these were all associated with travel to the affected region.

While no one is obligated to travel to an affected area on University business, those who do are strongly advised to adhere strictly to mosquito precautions:

  • In contrast to other mosquito-related illnesses, where the highest risk of exposure tends to be at dawn and dusk, Zika has been reported to be contracted during daytime hours as well.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Sleep under a mosquito bed net.
  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for effectiveness.
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear, or treat them yourself.

Additional precautionary measures can be found here.

For more information on Zika virus, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html

Spring Prep Day 2016 Agenda

Career Services, M.S. Program, Speakers, Spring Prep, Tips

8:30am-9:00am – Lobby

Student Registration

 9:00am-10:00am – Lecture Hall

Covering the Transgender Story

Producers from ABC News & FRONTLINE discuss the Bruce Jenner interview and how to report on children in transition.

  • Prof Betsy West moderator
  • Miri Navasky & Karen O’Connor, Producers/Directors FRONTLINE “Growing Up Trans”
  • Margaret Dawson & Claire Weinraub, Producers ABC News “Bruce Jenner Interview”

10:00am-11:00am – Lecture Hall

Reporting on Syria’s 2013 Sarin Gas Attack 

CBS News Anchor Scott Pelley and Sr. Producer Nicole Young talk about reporting an international war crime; Syria’s President Assad use of sarin gas on civilians in 2013, and 60 Minutes’ decision to show graphic footage of the victims.

  • Prof/duPont Jury Chair Dick Wald interviewer
  • Scott Pelley, CBS News Anchor; “60 Minutes: A Crime Against Humanity”
  • Nicole Young, CBS News Sr. Producer; “60 Minutes: A Crime Against Humanity”

11:00am-12:00pm – Lecture Hall

Career Services Presentation

In this session we will present an overview of spring events and deadlines that will help you plot your post-graduation careers. Topics include: Your career search timeline, a round-up of exclusive internships that are available only to J-Schoolers (deadline Feb. 25), upcoming career-related workshops, and how to start preparing now for Career Expo 2016. This talk is aimed at students in all degree programs at the J-School. Presented by the Career Services team.

12:00pm-1:00pm

Lunch on your own

1:00pm-2:00pm – Lecture Hall

“Discrimination, Harassment, and Gender-Based Misconduct”

*Attendance will be taken at the close of this session.

2:00pm-3:00pm – Lecture Hall

Uncovering Misconduct 

Investigative reporters from WNYC in New York, KMOV-TV in Missouri, WBAL-TV in Baltimore and KCBS radio in SF speak about covering the criminal justice system and un-covering misconduct by thos”e in power.

  • Prof June Cross moderator
  • Craig Cheatham, Investigative Reporter frmr KMOV – now at KSTP: “The Injustice System: Cops, Courts & Greedy Politicians”
  • Robert Lewis, Reporter, WNYC “NYPD Bruised”
  • Jayne Miller, Investigative Reporter, WBAL, “Freddie Gray Investigation”
  • Doug Sovern, Reporter, KCBS “Unholy Water” (duPont Finalist)

3:00pm-4:00pm – Lecture Hall

International Reporting Now

Reporters and producers from VICE News, HBO Real Sports, and FRONTLINE in conversation about innovative foreign reporting – from covering the Ebola outbreak in West Africa (including using 360 video), to harnassing social media to track Russian soldiers in Ukraine, to mixing humor, sports and tragedy to tell important international stories.

  • Prof Ann Cooper moderator
  • Simon Ostrovsky, Reporter (VICE),”Selfie Soldiers”
  • David Scott, Correspondent/Producer, HBO Real Sports, “The Price of Glory”
  • Dan Edge, Sr. Producer, FRONTLINE, “Outbreak”
  • Sasha Joelle Achilli, Producer, FRONTLINE “Outbreak”

CU Public Safety Message: Pick Pocket Incidents

New York City, Safety/Security, Tips

As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, something to keep in mind:

Dear Public Safety Friends,

According to the NYPD, Pick Pocket incidents increase during the months of August, September and October. Obviously during the start of the school year. In the majority of the reported incidents, the victim had their wallet removed from their backpack front compartment, a common location where students put their wallets. Carry your bag in front of you. Gentlemen, carry your wallet in your front pocket.

Common locations where thieves target victims:

 By the subway turnstiles– Thief one walks in front of you swiping their metro card but they use a card that denies them access while the 2nd thief is behind you,  bumps into you removing your property (cell phone, wallet, etc)

 In a crowded train– removing your wallet from your backpack front compartment.

 Going up or down the stairs of the subway–  removing your property from your backpack front compartment.

Pick Pockets thieves look like you and I, they usually work in a team of two or three.

 Below is a link to view an excellent news project / short video done by one of our Journalism students on Pick Pocketing in the subways. Please share with students, faculty, staff, family, friends and members of the community:

http://dnainfo.com/20091009/morningside-heights/police-warn-columbia-students-about-backpack-pickpockets

Thank you for your continued help.

Ricardo Morales

Assistant Director

Crime Prevention Programs

Columbia University Public Safety

212-854-8513    Fax  212-932-0798

www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety

Pride-Professionalism-Service

Instructions for Viewing Course Evaluations

Getting Things Done, Preparing for the School, Registration, Tips, Useful Websites

INSTRUCTIONS FOR VIEWING COURSE EVALUATIONS IN COURSEWORKS

STEP 1:   Log into OLD CourseWorks at https://courseworks.columbia.edu/welcome/ using UNI and password

STEP 2:   In the upper right hand corner, click VIEWABLE COURSES

STEP 3:   Under Search Viewable Courses, click Search for Evaluations

STEP 4:

  • Type in the last name of the Instructor you are interested in.
  • Under School Name, scroll to Graduate School of Journalism.
  • Under Department Name, scroll to Journalism.
  • Click on Show Instructor Evaluations.
  • Click submit.

STEP 5:    A list of courses will appear. Once you have selected a course click on Click Here at the left of the screen under Evaluation.

STEP 6:   Past evaluations from the course selected will appear. Click on one of the links and you can view that semester’s evaluation of the course.

See example: Screen shot 2015-07-10 at 11.30.32 AM

Finding Your PID

Getting Things Done, Newly-admitted students, Preparing for the School, Tips, Useful Websites

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PID)

You have been assigned a unique personal ID number that will be used around campus to identify you as a Columbia University student. This is your Student Identification Number or what we call your “PID #”. It is a ten digit ID number that begins with the letter “C”.

You can view your PID # by logging on to Student Services Online (SSOL) at https://ssol.columbia. edu

Please keep this number handy. In the future you will need to reference this number on all Columbia University documents (like registration, loans, etc.)

Recruitment Announcement – Mailman School of Public Health

Healthcare Issues, Other Schools, Tips, Volunteer

This summer we researchers at the Mailman School of Public Health are conducting a research study to learn about how the environmental conditions in the bedroom – especially heat – affect sleep quality. We are looking for Columbia University faculty, research and administrative staff, and graduate students who do not have or rarely use air conditioning to take part in this study.

The study duration is 20 days. During this time we will monitor your sleep quality as well as the environmental conditions of your bedroom using unobtrusive loggers and surveys.

Participation is voluntary and there is no compensation. But you will receive a summary report and learn about your sleep and the environmental conditions of your bedroom.

Interested? Get in touch with us at ehs.sleep@cumc.columbia.edu<mailto:ehs.sleep@cumc.columbia.edu> or call (212) 305-5342.

HEALTH: Greetings from Alice!

Fun Stuff, Healthcare Issues, Tips, Useful Websites
As spring approaches, the weather tends to be a bit more attractive for getting active. At Alice!, we understand that harnessing the motivation to get moving is sometimes easier said than done. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, it is recommended that adults 18 and older get about 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity and engage in muscle strengthening activities on two or more days a week. In addition to getting fit, being physically active on the regular can help with stress management, improve energy levels, boost your mood and even help you sleep better at night. Ready to get a move on?

 

Try these simple steps to start getting active:

  • Set a goal for yourself. CU Move has a list of mobile apps and low cost technologies that can help you track your progress.
  • Sweating it out at the gym not your thing? Try moving your body in ways that you enjoy by dancing, jogging outside, doing yoga or taking a martial arts class.
  • Pencil in your workouts. Scheduling about 30 minutes in your day can make it easier to dedicate time to being physically active. Can’t spare a half hour? Break it up into 10 minute increments over the day.
  • Grab a friend. Working out on your own can get old. Getting a gym buddy can help you both stay motivated.
  • Take it step by step. Consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator or getting off one stop early and walking the rest of the way to your destination.
  • Fuel up! Eating a well-balanced diet will give you the energy you need to be active.
  • Be kind to yourself. Try to pace yourself if you are new to exercise and give yourself a break if you miss or skip a workout every once in a while.

Want more tips on getting active sent directly to you? Sign up for the CU Move newsletter sent straight to your inbox.  You can also “like” CU Move on Facebook and check out the calendar for upcoming events.

 

Helpful Resources

Alice! Health Promotion

CU Move

get balanced!

Columbia Health

 

Related Q&As from Go Ask Alice!

Working out at home

Is there a proper workout order routine?

Best time of day to exercise?

Best thing to drink before a workout? After?

Dancing for health

Beginning to exercise and out of breath!