COVID-19 Resource Guide

Returning to Campus After Winter Break

Read the latest guidance on testing, boosters, and masking, as well as important information for travelers and this recent announcement that provides guidance as of May 11, 2023, in conjunction with the planned ending of the COVID-19 national public health emergency. 

At-a-Glance COVID-19 Policies

COVID-19 Testing

Testing is available at community locations throughout New York City and elsewhere. In addition, at-home tests are also widely available. 

  • Students: Testing is strongly recommended for students in the 48 hours prior to arrival on campus
  • Faculty and Staff: Testing is strongly recommended for faculty and staff who have not been on campus or who have been traveling domestically or internationally
  • Persons with a positive test should delay their arrival to campus and notify [email protected]
  • Persons who test positive when they are already on campus should notify [email protected] and follow isolation guidelines per the CDC
  • Anyone who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should follow CDC guidelines
  • Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home, mask, and take other precautions, including getting tested and seeking further assessment

Columbia Community Compact

New students and faculty and staff are required to sign an updated version of the Columbia Community Compact that is available via the Reopen CU app.

Current affiliates do not need to sign this new version.

Gatherings and Meetings

There are no restrictions on social gatherings on or off campus, except for clinical-related settings. See masking details below.

Masking

Masking is strongly recommended in all indoor settings.

  • Classrooms: Masking is strongly encouraged in classrooms
  • Clinical and Clinical Research Settings: Masking in indoor settings in clinical and clinical research areas and other human subjects research as well as field research is required
  • Shuttles: Masking is strongly encouraged on Columbia-operated shuttles

Symptom Attestation

We no longer require any faculty, staff, students, or visitors to conduct daily attestation, but expect that they will take necessary precautions to stay home as noted in the COVID-19 testing section above.

Travel

There are no COVID-related restrictions on personal or Columbia-related travel; however, we urge caution when traveling to countries with CDC Travel Health Notice Level 3 or 4 or “Level Unknown,” and International Travel Planning Policy requirements remain.

Read the updated fall travel guidance for details.

Vaccination

All Columbia students are required to have had the primary vaccination series plus one booster dose, when eligible. Students should ensure that evidence of primary and booster vaccination is uploaded as soon as possible to their appropriate student health portal to prevent a registration hold or deregistration.

All Columbia faculty and staff are required to have had the primary vaccination series.  Boosters are strongly encouraged.

Visitors

All visitors, including vendors and alumni, must meet the primary vaccination series mandate.

For additional details, refer to the most recent University Updates.

Required Protocol for Coming to Campus

These rules—and related policies and guidelines—apply to all affiliates. You must follow all University Public Health Protocols.

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Get Vaccinated and Boosted, and Upload Documentation

Get vaccinated and get a booster dose using the New York Vaccine Finder. Students who have not complied with the booster mandate will get a red pass and will have building access denied. Booster dosing is encouraged for all faculty and staff who meet eligibility criteria.

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Read and Sign the Compact

If you are new or returning to campus for the first time, you must sign the Columbia Community Health Compact in the ReopenCU app.

Resources for Researchers

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Guidelines for Field Research

Resumption of any field research requires adherence to research guidelines and prior approval by the relevant dean, director, or vice president; with a report to the Office of the Provost. State and University travel policies must be followed.

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COVID-19 Guidelines for Human Subjects Research

Any in-person human subject research procedures that have been paused due to the pandemic may resume, provided that critical health and safety requirements are followed, and in accordance with a research protocol approved by Columbia’s Human Research Protection Program.

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Research Administration and Compliance FAQs

The Offices of the Executive Vice President for Research answer frequently asked questions, including on human subjects research.

Campus Updates

More News

Support Is Available

For general questions about University COVID-19 policies, consult the resources below.

Emergency Situations

For immediate treatment of very serious or critical conditions, call 911.

You can also call Public Safety:

Morningside: 212-854-2797
(On campus x4-5555)

Manhattanville: 212-853-3301
(On campus x3-3333)

Medical Center: 212-305-8100
or 212-305-7979

If You Are Sick

Morningside students: Contact Columbia Health

Medical Center students: Contact CUIMC Student Health Service.

Faculty and staff should call their primary care provider.

 

If You Test Positive from an Outside Provider

Email [email protected] at any time.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Morningside students in need of counseling or psychological services can call 212-854-2878 for 24-hour support.

CUIMC students can schedule services via the web portal, which offers 24/7 on-call clinicians. For after-hours urgent care, call 212-305-3400.

Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).