Undergraduate Committee Global Thought

The Undergraduate Committee on Global Thought (UCGT), celebrating its 20th year in 2026-2027, is an open forum that connects undergraduate students to the rich resources on global issues available at Columbia University. The UCGT brings together undergraduate students interested in engaging issues of global relevance and involves them in the interdisciplinary work of the CGT via events and initiatives of particular significance to the undergraduate community.

Programming is organized by the UCGT Core Committee. The UCGT collaborates to plan an end-of-year conference or symposium that explores a yearly theme. Learn about past events by clicking the menu on the right.  

The Committee is open to join for all Columbia University undergraduates. Register your interest in becoming a member of the UCGT Core Committee by completing the form at the button below!

The David Bartsch and Joan Haffenreffer Bartsch Fellows to the UCGT

Each year, UCGT Fellows work alongside the faculty and staff of the CGT to lead and help cultivate the Undergraduate Committee and to plan events and initiatives specifically for undergraduates.UCT Conference

The Undergraduate Committee on Global Thought hosts an annual conference exploring a theme of particular interest to the undergraduate community. Bartsch Fellows of the UCGT and the UCGT Core Committee conceptualize, research, and lead conference workshops. Learn more about past conferences by clicking the menu on the left.

2026-2027 UCGT Fellows 

HISHAM OSMAN | COLUMBIA COLLEGE (‘29) | UCGT CO-CHAIR

Hisham Osman is studying Sociology and Political Science on the Pre-Law track. He is dedicated to uncovering the sociological and political foundations of civil rights inequalities, with a particular focus on how systemic policies and legal frameworks structure economic opportunity. At the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, he has published research examining the effects of childhood and adulthood socioeconomic status (SES), and shifts in SES over time, on the subjective health of older adults. After being selected to present these findings at the International Neuropsychological Society’s Conference in New Orleans, he furthered his engagement with policy as a legislative intern at the U.S. House of Representatives in the Office of the former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

UXUE SANSINENA | COLUMBIA COLLEGE (‘29) | UCGT CO-CHAIR

Uxue Sansinena is a first-generation Spanish American from New Mexico majoring in Political Science with a minor in French and Francophone Studies. Her interests center on the intersection of public policy and law, particularly evidence-based initiatives in education, economic justice, and foreign affairs. She has contributed to statewide education reform with the NM Legislative Education Study Committee and conducted data-analysis at Los Alamos National Laboratory. At Columbia, she builds on her commitment to uplifting community voices by volunteering as a debate coach with Youth for Debate and serving with the Columbia New York Small Claims Advisory Service. In her free time, Uxue coordinates Café y Conversación for Casa Hispanica, plays saxophone with Columbia Wind Ensemble, and serves as Drum Major for the Pep Band.