Volunteer
We welcome alumni who are interested in donating their time and expertise to the College of Dental Medicine. There are many ways to volunteer:
Join the Alumni Association Executive Committee
This New York City-based group plans events for alumni, students, and faculty, creates engagement opportunities with students, and assists with fundraising.
Participate in Student Engagement Outings
The Alumni Executive Committee organizes fun outings around the city for students to interact with each other and with alumni in a fun, informal setting, and provide an opportunity to explore new neighborhoods. Alumni can connect with students, offer advice and guidance, network with fellow alumni, and help build a vibrant and sustainable alumni network.
Become a Student Mentor
The Columbia Dental Alumni Association Mentor Program links CDM students with alumni in all areas of the dental profession as a means of supplementing the four-year academic experience. The goal is to provide students with exposure to the practice of dentistry as well as access to the vast knowledge, experience and resources that our alumni can provide.
Mentors provide valuable insights and guidance into dental practice and the profession, as well as an important referral network for future practice opportunities. Mentors are typically matched one-on-one with a student in the third or fourth year. Mentees visit their offices, connect by email or phone, or meet for dinner or at CDM events or professional meetings.
Those unable to commit to being matched can opt for a one-time office visit or advise students at the annual Mentor Reception. To become involved or to learn more about the Mentor Program please contact Dr. Jenn Castro at castrojenn@gmail.com or Melissa Welsh, Alumni Director, at mmw7@columbia.edu or 212-305-6881.
Be a Reunion Chair for Your Class
Reunion chairs serve as liaisons for their class during the reunion panning process, to connect with and encourage classmates to attend reunion.
Participate in Continuing Education
The Office of Continuing Education offers an array of courses for dental professionals. Taught by our faculty, alumni, and visiting scholars, the courses range from evidence-based didactic sessions to hands-on model-based learning. If you are an experienced speaker or academician with knowledge to share on new research, techniques, or technologies, contact the CE office about teaching a course.
Speak at Alumni/Student Events
There are many opportunities for alumni to speak to alumni and current students about their career paths and share your professional expertise.
Host a Regional Event or Study Club
You can host a brunch at a local restaurant, invite alumni to your home, plan an outing, or start a study club in your area. The Alumni Office will be happy to help coordinate.
Our Code of Conduct
We abide by the CAA Code of Conduct, which has been developed to help ensure that Columbia alumni volunteer experiences are meaningful, productive, and safe for all participants. Read the full text of the Code of Conduct here.
Contact Information
To learn more about volunteering, please contact:
Melissa Welsh
Alumni Director
212-305-6881
mmw7@columbia.edu
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