Too relatable that it hurts

While some things at Columbia can be taught (like remembering Ferris is closed on Sundays), other things are harder to pick up on, like knowing the difference between a Deantini and a martini. Recognizing this frustration, we have put together a short list of important buzzwords & slang to know at Columbia. If we’ve missed any important abbreviations or acronyms, let us know in the comments (God is God and we are Bwog).

• Prez · bo – noun – President Lee Bollinger. Leader of Columbia College and star of one of Bwog’s best memes. Notorious for never walking–he drives from his house on 116th and Morningside to campus.
• Dean · ti · ni – noun – Dean James Valentini, previously known by his initials JJV before Bwog renamed him. Is generally well-liked, but faced criticism after using a map to navigate campus last year.
• D · Spar – noun – Barnard’s President Debora Spar. Seems to care more about plastic surgery than the Barnard faculty’s labor union.
• Al · ma – noun – Short for Alma Mater, the only woman who really has it together on this campus.
• Mudd – noun – The Computer Science building. Has a lot of nerds. Also has the best/most easily accessible roof on campus.
• Di · an · a – noun – The Diana Center–home to delicious pizza and Michael Miller’s gigantic Intro to American Politics class. If you’re a man, beware.
• But · ler Camp · er – noun – Someone who reserves a place in Butler Library by leaving more items than they actually plan on studying with to signal to other students, “back the fuck up–this is my seat for the next 10 hours.”
• CDCJ – noun – The acronym for the activist group Columbia Divest for Climate Justice. They famously occupied Low Library last April.
• U · Sen · ate – noun – The University Senate, Columbia’s legislative body. It’s debatable if they actually have any power since the Board of Trustees has to approve anything they try to do. They’re shady.
• No · Co – noun – The Northwest Corner building. Home to Joe’s and the Science & Engineering Library.
• Bwog – noun – Our name is not an acronym. It’s a portmanteau.

Image via The English Blog