What is the GSC?

The Graduate Student Committee (GSC) of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DEES) at Columbia University is an independent, student-led organization that provides a forum for concerns related to all aspects of student life within the department, including the academic program, student facilities, and social activities.  The GSC serves as a liaison between the graduate student body and the DEES faculty, and also to other groups with close ties to DEES: the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and the American Museum of Natural History.  Interaction among these groups are encouraged through the GSC's support of afternoon teas, lunchtime sports, and annual events such as the Chili Cook-Off and the Summer Picnic.  Due to a generous endowment from Dr. Paul Richards, Mellon Professor of the Natural Sciences, the GSC is also able to contribute funds toward special events and projects such as the Women in Earth Science Day, a career workshop with Dr. Peter Fiske, the Lamont Ball, and the renovation of the Jack Nafe Reading Room in the Geoscience Library.  All students are encouraged to attend and participate at GSC meetings and activities.