Seminar News
Announcements from the Office
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Please mark your calendars for the [ ] Annual Dinner. This dinner is a celebration of our community and open to University Seminars chairs, members, rapporteurs, and seminar friends.
Registration is required.
An official invitation with all details will follow
Reminders for Chairs and Rapporteurs
NEW MINUTES TEMPLATE REQUIREMENT
Beginning in AY2025-2026, we are requiring rapporteurs to use the Minutes Template. Rapporteurs may change the formatting of the template, but all information must appear in the order in which it is listed. This template includes a new Privacy Policy and Code of Conduct statement to be read at the beginning of every meeting. The template also includes an option for the speaker to donate their presentation to The University Seminars Digital Archive, a replacement for the Speaker Acknowledgement form.
NEW PRIVACY POLICY FOR MINUTES
At its last meeting, the Executive Committee decided that the policy for the minutes will be the same for all seminars. All seminar minutes will be closed. Minutes will be archived, held for five years, and will then be made available through The University Seminars Digital Archive at Columbia’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
NEW SPEAKER PRESENTATION DONATION OPTION
The University Seminars Digital Archive is an invaluable piece of Columbia University’s intellectual history consisting of minutes and associated documents since 1945. The addition of a speaker’s presentation adds depth and context to the collection but is only included with the express consent of the author.
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT TEMPLATE
In addition to providing meeting information to seminar lists, announcements serve multiple administrative purposes for the office. An announcement template is available through the Administrative Portal.
PAYMENT FOR MEALS AT FACULTY HOUSE
Attendees may use the Credit Card Payment Form to pay in advance or on the day of the event via credit card. Checks can be accepted in special circumstances. Cash is not an allowed method of payment.
UPDATED CODE OF CONDUCT
At its last meeting, the Executive Committee amended The University Seminars Code of Conduct and how it appears on the website.
The University Seminars are based on the idea that all participants are regarded as equals in inquiry. Accordingly, all seminar meetings and events should be conducted on a basis of mutual respect among all participants. This norm is especially applicable to instances of sharp disagreement. No participant should ever be the subject of disparaging remarks.
Please see a fuller statement of The University Seminars Code of Conduct HERE.