University Communications

New York State has eased the quarantine requirements for some travelers, but please continue to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing and good prevention hygiene, get a flu shot, and take care of your mental health.

Our students are not immune to the stresses that surround all of us. We write to highlight current challenges and offer suggestions, and to remind you of Columbia’s resources that you can call on to support student mental health and well-being.

The President’s Advisory Task Force on COVID-19 will hold a virtual forum for faculty and employees on Nov. 16 and 17, to discuss current and vital information about public health, spring term planning, and other campus-related issues. 

With some final decisions still outstanding, Dean Amale Andraos announces that the architecture school is planning for the format to be very similar to the fall term.

The Ivy League Council of Presidents has decided that league schools will not conduct intercollegiate athletics competition in winter sports during the 2020-21 season.

Although case counts on campus remain relatively low, New York City is experiencing a rise in its positivity rate and we want to remind everyone to be vigilant in following public health guidance and University requirements.

In the wake of important COVID-19 updates, the Office of University Life issued new useful FAQs and reminders to students.

While the local COVID-19 situation is distinctive from elsewhere in the U.S., largely due to remarkable efforts by New Yorkers, rising rends in positive test results compel the Columbia community to redouble our efforts to practice safe behavior.

Letter from Dean Mary C. Boyce outlines on-campus housing options, as well as course offerings and registration details, for undergraduate engineering students. 

The College plans to modestly increase the number of students invited back to campus housing for spring term and will prioritize seniors so that they can experience campus during their final term at Columbia.

Housing arrangements for undergraduate GS students for the spring 2021 term will remain generally unchanged, with priority approval for housing in Columbia Residential given to seniors.

The university will adjust the capacity of undergraduate residence halls to offer single rooms to all seniors enrolled in Columbia College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The deans will be in touch with further details.

Changes for the fall 2020 term are to acknowledge the difficulties faced by students this term because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Columbia College has announced that students can pass/D/fail a single class this semester.

Dr. Melanie J. Bernitz, with Columbia Health, provides an update on the COVID-19 testing program, including new testing program details for the spring 2021 term.

In the run-up to the Thanksgiving holiday, Dean Gillian Lester shares important information about concluding Fall 2020 and planning for Spring 2021. 

As the infection rate for SARS-CoV-2 continues to increase, the University's HR Department reminds its colleagues of resources that are available for faculty and staff as they juggle family and work responsibilities in this challenging and ever-changing landscape.

Dean Merit E. Janow provides details on a few important matters related to campus safety, courses, and plans for Spring 2021. 

Troubling changes since the last communication, including some here in New York City, require further vigilance.

As of Jan. 4, 2021, all faculty, staff, and students accessing Columbia campuses and other facilities--including those who have been on a campus throughout 2020 and who previously complied with the requirements--will be required to take a new gateway test.