There are many student groups at SIPA that provide a place for discussion, debate, fun, networking, and friendship.  A full list of student groups can be found by clicking here.  One such group, the SIPA Energy Association, asked me to send out a message to incoming students that selected Energy and the Environment as a concentration.  However I thought it would be nice to post the message for all to view.  Orientation will feature a time to get to know representatives from other groups as well.

Dear Incoming International Energy Management and Policy (IEMP) Track Student,

On behalf of the SIPA Energy Association (SEA) Board, congratulations on your acceptance into the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and on your choice to follow the IEMP Track.  The IEMP Track is one of the most prestigious energy programs in the world, and will equip you with the requisite skills to succeed in the dynamic international energy sector.

I would like to take this opportunity to briefly introduce you to SEA, a student-run organization whose efforts (with your involvement) will positively complement your academic achievements.  The primary missions of SEA are 1) to build a closely-knit community of students and practitioners of energy, 2) to enhance the energy curriculum by conducting a broad spectrum of activities outside the classroom, and 3) to act as the collective voice of energy students vis-a-vis the Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy (CEMTPP), the body which administers the IEMP Track.

SEA works closely with CEMTPP’s director as well as the IEMP Program Assistant (PA), to schedule guest speakers, panels, site visits, energy-related international trips and much, much more.  Programming for the 2009-2010 academic year is already underway.  You can expect to attend the IEMP fall retreat, the Joint SIPA-SAIS Washington DC Energy Policy and Career Networking Trip, the Annual Alumni Dinner, the NYMEX trading competition, the Spring Energy Symposium and countless individual speakers, to name a few.  In addition, SEA releases a monthly student-run alumni newsletter, and plans to publish the first edition of a student-run SIPA Energy Journal this fall.  Finally, because SEA believes in building comradery amongst energy peers and establishing lasting relationships, we host countless happy hours throughout the year.

How can you get involved?  SEA strives to foster a culture of commitment to the energy program.  Thus, we believe the more you become engaged in SEA’s mission, the more you will gain personally and professionally during your time at SIPA.  In addition to attending general member events, all SEA members are invited to volunteer to assist with larger events, initiate and execute new projects (subject to the board’s approval), or compete for various assistant director or editorial positions.  Please mark your calendars for the First General Member SEA Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, September 10th from 7-9 pm in SIPA IAB room 1512.  At this meeting, you will have the opportunity to meet SEA Board members and learn details about membership and involvement, dues, and perhaps most importantly, be entered into the listserv as well as into the SEA peer networking database to assist you in your career building activities.

Until then, please feel free to contact one of the following SEA Board members (according to the first letter of your last name) with any questions about SEA, the IEMP Track and energy curriculum, CEMTPP, SIPA or regarding any other general issues.:

Last name A-I contact JP Yorro (President): jpy2103 [at] columbia.edu
Last name J-R contact Meaghan Casey (Vice President): mec2175 [at] columbia.edu
Last name S-Z contact Jeffrey Klug (Director of Communications): jjk2162 [at] columbia.edu

Again, congratulations on your acceptance into the program.  We look forward to meeting you all in September!

Sincerely,

JP Yorro
President, SEA