Announcements

Spring 2021 will look similar to the fall and nearly all classes will be remote during the first two weeks of the new term. 

Front-line physicians, nurses, and staff at Columbia University Irving Medical Center last week began receiving the initial dose of the COVID vaccine from Pfizer, which received emergency FDA approval on Dec. 11.

With the number of COVID-19 cases in New York increasing, this is a reminder to all current faculty, staff, and students who have been on campus, as well as those newly arriving, regarding 2021 requirements. 

The Office of University Life offers important links for those who are returning to campus, including information on gateway testing for COVID, flu shot requirements, travel policies, and more. 

On Friday, Governor Cuomo announced a number of changes to the COVID-19 vaccination program, including an expansion to Phase 1b; this includes people age 75 and older, education workers (through grade 12) and public sector transit and public safety employees.

While “in-person college instructors” are eligible to be vaccinated beginning today, Columbia does not have access to the vaccine allocation at this time. 

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia's partner at the Medical Center, is now facing the daunting task of vaccinating hundreds of thousands of patients while also dealing with the continued increase in COVID patients.

Everyone must continue to abide by all City, State, and University health and safety guidelines as Columbia navigates a precarious period in the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Please join one of two virtual town halls about COVID-19 vaccines and distribution on Tuesday, January 19, at 2:30 p.m., and Wednesday, January 20, at 4:30 p.m.

In his letter, he reminds everyone of health and safety matters, including twice-weekly testing and upholding the Compact for those on campus. 

As we begin the Spring Term, this announcement from Dr. Melanie J. Bernitz provides some important reminders and updates as we navigate the continuing pandemic together.