Students | COVID-19 Resource Guide for the Columbia Community

Practical information for students
returning to campus in the fall

Required Protocol for Returning to Campus

1. Read the Enhanced University Health and Safety Policy

This policy has been established to help protect individuals in the Columbia community and our neighbors.

Everyone who returns to campus must sign the University Health Compact.

If you are returning to campus, you must take the COVID-19 safety course before you return to campus. Researchers must complete this training in Rascal and sign the related attestation.

4. Self-quarantine, If Required

International students and those traveling to campus from certain states or territories must self-quarantine as required by New York State.

5. Get Tested

To provide an additional layer of safety, Columbia will require an initial single COVID-19 PCR diagnostic test of all faculty, staff, and students returning to campus.

6. Complete the Daily Symptom Self-check

All faculty, staff, and students must complete a daily symptom self-check before enter ing campus.

Read the FAQs

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Do Your Part

A woman walks across campus wearing a mask and holding a cell phone.

Wear a Mask

Protect yourself and others by wearing a mask unless you are alone in a room with the door closed or eating.

Idyllic home with white picket fence and large oak tree in yard

Stay Home if You Feel Sick

Stay home if you feel sick and notify your primary care physician.

A person washes their hands with soap beneath a running faucet.

Practice Healthy Hygiene

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

Floor signage reads: Stay healthy; stand here.

Maintain Physical Distancing

Maintain six feet of physical distance between yourself and others. Stay home and avoid large gatherings.

Read the New Health Protocols

Columbia College Town Halls

Learn more about what the College has planned for the coming academic year at "Our Path Forward."

Webinar for Students

Webinar for Families

How Campus Life Will Be Different

Facilities and Operations has implemented several changes to improve health and safety on campus. Check back frequently for updates.

Classrooms

Classroom capacity will be limited to accommodate physical distancing. Classrooms will also be updated with technology that facilitates hybrid learning.

Cleaning

Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting that meets or exceeds CDC, New York State Department of Health, and OSHA standards

Elevators

Elevator capacity will be limited. Follow the instructions on the sign nearby whatever elevator you plan to use.

Outdoor Space Use

On campus and in outdoor spaces, everyone must follow University health policy.

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