The Columbia Undergraduate Journal of South Asian Studies (CUJSAS) is a web-only academic journal based out of Columbia University. The journal is a space for undergraduates all over the world to publish their original research on South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) from both the social sciences and humanities. The journal has been created by undergraduates for undergraduates, and so the selection process is administered by an editorial board comprised of Columbia students.

Editorial Application Information:
Get involved with the first undergraduate journal devoted entirely to South Asian studies! We are currently looking for a number of new editorial board members to help put together the Spring 2011 issue. **We encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply!** Applicants should enjoy working with peers, have some experience with publication or in a previous editorial capacity, and have a demonstrable interest in the study of South Asia. Applications can be found at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cujsas. The deadline for editorial board applications is March 6 before midnight.

Submission Information:
CUJSAS is currently accepting submissions for Volume II, Issue II.

1. Papers
We accept theses, research papers, seminar papers, and essays relating to the study of South Asia from both the humanities and social sciences. There is no ideal page range, though generally submissions between 15 and 40 pages are preferred. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply, as long as they attained their undergraduate degree no earlier than Spring 2010. More information can be found at:http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cujsas/submissions.html. Submissions are due on March 18 before midnight.

2. Book Reviews
For the first time, we will be publishing book reviews both online and in the Spring issue of the Journal. Reviews should deal critically with a work (non-fiction or fiction) that was published within the last year and deals with South Asia in some capacity; it should be 600-750 words. If you would like to write a review, email cujsas@gmail.com by March 18 with the details of the book you hope to review. For ideas, see the Columbia University Press website: http://cup.columbia.edu/subject/58/114

3. Notes from the Field
For the first time, we will be publishing a section of original journalistic research. If you have been “in the field” (i.e., working within South Asia or with diasporic communities) and would like to publish your research in the next issue, send your work with “Notes From the Field” in the title to cujsas@gmail.com by March 18. These submissions should be under 15 pages.

Any questions can be directed to cujsas@gmail.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The CUJSAS Editorial Board

March 9, 2011
8 PM, doors open at 7:15 PM
Roone Arledge Auditorium, Columbia University

CUID and ticket-holders ONLY; tickets available the week of March 7. See TIC for more information.Check-in located at North entrance to Lerner Hall; no bags or posters.Students will be invited to ask questions following the end of the discussion.

The Helvidius Group, the publishing body of the Columbia Journal of Politics & Society, the Middle East Institute, the Kraft Family Fund for Intercultural and Interfaith Awareness and the Office of the University Chaplain are pleased to host Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf (CC’69), who became known nation-wide as the “Ground Zero Mosque Imam” following the controversies of the Cordoba House project last summer. The event will be moderated by Dean Peter J. Awn, Dean of General Studies and head of the Middle East Institute. It promises to be a night of robust, intellectual and much needed debate.

Student co-sponsor groups include: Turath, The Roosevelt Institute, Columbia Political Union, Arab Students Association, College Democrats, College Republicans, The Current and the Muslim Students Association.

The faculty panel will include:
Jack Snyder, Robert and Renee Belfer Professor of International
Relations, Columbia University
Muhsin al-Musawi, Professor of Arabic Literature, Columbia University
Anne Nelson, Adjunct Associate Professor of International and Public
Affairs, SIPA
Hala Halim, Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
and Comparative Literature, NYU

Tuesday, March 1, 2011
8:15 pm
413 International Affairs Building

Please email Anna Feuer, CC ’11, at asf2130@columbia.edu for more information. Columbia PEN is a new undergraduate student group affiliated with the PEN America organization (www.pen.org).

NOMbox is a snack box filled with hand-crafted goodies made from sustainable ingredients. It’s TLC like from Mom, delivered to you by NOM. Our menu for this NOMbox is:
Almond-Honey Brittle (vegan)
Carrot Cake Whoopie Pie
Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola (vegan)
Caramel Apple “Fries”

This menu was designed to give you the delicious carbs you need for late-night studying and enough brain food to get you through midterm season! A portion of the proceeds will go towards GlobeMed’s partnership with the Gulu Women’s Economic Development and Globalization (G.W.E.D.G.) in Northern Uganda. For more information or to place your order, please visit http://nom3.org/nombox

Delta GDP – the Growth and Development Project – is proud to host Professor Xavier Sala-i-martin, who will be presenting a talk on his latest research about what makes countries competitive. There will be time for Q&A after the talk. There are limited seats and the event beings sharp at 8pm. See you there!

Professor Xavier Sala-i-martin is a Professor of Economics at Columbia, Senior Economic Advisor to the World Economic Forum, founder of the non-profit ‘Umbele: A Future for Africa’ as well as aficionado of funky jackets.

∆GDP BRIC Series: the Changing Role of India on the Global Landscape: Social, Economic and Political Issues
Co-sponsored with Zamana
Date/Time: February 25th. 1:00-2:00pm
Location: 602 Hamilton

It has been argued that the economic potential of Brazil, Russia, India and China is such that they could become the four most dominant economies by the year 2050. ∆GDP is proud to host Dr. A.M. Gondane and Akbar Zaidi to discuss the challenges that India faces as it continues to emerge as a giant on the global landscape. Issues include corruption and democracy, sustainable economic growth and the reduction of poverty and illiteracy.

Dr. A.M. Gondane is the Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of India, New York. He joined the Indian Foreign Services in 1985 and has worked in Indian Embassies around the world in various capacities. He has edited 2 books and written several articles on social development issues.

Akbar Zaidi is a visiting scholar in the Carnegie Endowment’s South Asia Program. His research focuses on development, governance and political economy in South Asia.

If you would like to volunteer for the event, please send the
following information to Jayme Johnson, jlj2145@columbia.edu:

Name:
UNI:

Opportunity Description: Be a vital part of the volunteer team as we
host Climb to the Top presented by Tishman Speyer on Sunday, February
27, 2011 at Rockefeller Center. One thousand participants are expected
to climb the 66 fights to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck!
Volunteers are needed to host a rest area, distribute t-shirts, cheer
on climbers as they reach the finish line at the Top of the Rock
Observation Deck, and much more.

Skills Required

Enthusiasm!: Must have a cheerful nature and true enthusiasm to encourage our participants as they scale 66 flights of stairs.

Willingness to help others!: Must be comfortable working with other
groups and help as needed.

Flexibility: Must be open to any duties assigned and open to a change in assignments if needed.

***If you have any questions please contact Jayme Johnson by email:
jlj2145@columbia.edu, or by phone: 718-679-8876.

In partnership with Columbia’s Global Center in Amman, the Columbia University Middle East Research Center, students will have the unique experience of studying ecosystems and environmental sustainability in the region:

SEE-U Jordan

May 21 – June 25, 2011

During this five week, six credit program you will embark in the exploration and appreciation of Jordan’s ecology through coursework and field research. This location is ideal for biodiversity studies, as a wide variety of flora and fauna are found in the wetland, marine, freshwater, desert, and forest ecosystems.

To supplement instruction, guest lecturers from Jordanian universities and organizations will be invited. Focus will also be placed on understanding the country’s important environmental issues such as:

- limited natural freshwater resources

- deforestation

- overgrazing and

- desertification

Ecology and biology coursework will be integrated with fieldwork taking place at various sites across the country. You will fly into the capital city of Amman, where lectures will take place for several days. You will then travel south to spend time in the coastal southern region of Aqaba, studying coral reef and marine ecology at the Red Sea Marine Science Center. A weeklong stay at the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature’s reserves in the desert region of Dana will provide a comprehensive look at the country’s biodiversity, as you work alongside Jordanian scientists.

Enrollment is limited to 15 undergraduates from Columbia College, General Studies, and Barnard College. Interested candidates should complete the SEE-U application available on the CERC website. Selected students will be subject to a competitive, intensive review process, including an interview with staff members.

For more information regarding the SEE-U program and the application process please see: http://www.cerc.columbia.edu/?id=see-u.

More detailed information regarding SEE-U Jordan will be posted soon.

Please contact Desmond Beirne at djb2104@columbia.edu if you are interested in this program.

- – -

SEE-U Jordan is part of CERC’s Summer Ecosystem Experiences for Undergraduates (SEE-U) program. Other Summer 2011 field sites include:

- Brazil (May 21 – June 25)

- Puerto Rico (May 28 – July 2)

- Dominican Republic (July 9 – August 13)

For more information on the SEE-U Program please visit our website and download our program brochure.

If you are interested in becoming a mentoring for CI, please email sadia.community.impact@gmail.com. We look forward to meeting and working with you.

The Kraft Family Fund supports collaborative efforts between recognized student groups at Columbia University to promote intercultural and interfaith understanding on campus during the academic year. The Kraft Fund seeks to provide students with timely and appropriate venues for exploring controversial issues and resolving conflicts in a manner that promotes greater understanding among Columbia University students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

· Requires two or more recognized Columbia University/Barnard College cultural and/or faith-based student groups working collaboratively
· Recognized student groups must schedule a brief meeting with Office of the University Chaplain staff at least 72 hours before the deadline in order to review their proposal
· All aspects of the program must take place on the Columbia University campus
· Deadline: 5pm on Friday, February 11, 2011 Deadline Extended, FEBRUARY 15, 2011
· Questions: kraftfund@columbia.edu

The Office of the University Chaplain Co-Sponsorship Fund

The Office of the University Chaplain Co-Sponsorship Fund is available to recognized Columbia University undergraduate, graduate, and professional student groups whose programs explore issues of religion, spirituality, race, ethnicity, sexual identity, gender, social justice or community service.

· Priority will be given new initiatives
· First-time, innovative programs are especially encouraged.
· All aspects of the program must take place on the Columbia University campus
· Deadline: 5pm on Friday, February 11, 2011 Deadline Extended, FEBRUARY 15, 2011
· Questions: commonmeal@columbia.edu

For additional information and an application, visit us online www.columbia.edu/cu/earl or call 212.854.4194.

The Columbia University Students for Human Rights have arrived! (That’s us.) CUSHR is an undergraduate group that will, roughly, promote the awareness of human rights on the Columbia University campus, provide a forum for discussion of human rights issues via various events, and connect students and Human Rights Concentrators with each other and with the Undergraduate Human Rights Program (UHRP), the Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR), human rights faculty, graduates of the human rights programs at Columbia, and alumni in the field of human rights. Basically, it’s about that cushie feeling.

This group has been in the works since last semester and our coming out party is happening all this week. Come greet us Wednesday, February 16, at 8 PM, location to be determined. We’ll also be handing out Valentines to all and sundry on February 14 and 15.

WE ARE THE MORNING AFTER

Hace frio,
CUSHR (*Supreet, Rachel, Angelica, Andrea, Valerie, Alan, Jacqueline)
GoCusher@gmail.com