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.
Resources for Researchers
Campus Updates
Spring 2023 Update on COVID-19 University Guidance
With the planned ending of the COVID-19 national public health emergency scheduled for May 11, 2023, the University is adjusting its COVID-19 guidance as of that date.
Public Health Update: Returning to Campus After Winter Break
Guidance about COVID-19 testing, boosters, flu vaccinations, and masking, as well as important information for travelers to and from the People's Republic of China and certain regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
Public Health Update: Masking Recommended in Public Settings
The University is strongly recommending that all Columbia affiliates wear high-quality masks in public indoor settings and crowded outdoor settings on campus. This includes classrooms, offices, laboratories, and while gathering indoors for events such as holiday parties.
Support Is Available
For general questions about University COVID-19 policies, consult the resources below.
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
Morningside students: Contact Columbia Health
Medical Center students: Contact CUIMC Student Health Service.
Faculty and staff should call their primary care provider.
Email [email protected] at any time.
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).