An Update on COVID-19 University Guidance

Updated COVID-19 guidance for the Columbia community.

Editor's note:

The information on this page is current as of 3/5/24.

August 30, 2023

With updated CDC guidance, the University has updated its COVID-19 guidance as indicated below. Please also note the separate recommendations for those in clinical and clinical research settings below. 

  • Vaccination: There is no COVID-19 vaccine mandate at this time. However, we strongly recommend that all affiliates follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination. 
  • Masking:  Individuals may decide to mask based on their own circumstances and their preferences. Such decisions should be respected.
  • Positive COVID-19 tests: An affiliate with a positive test does not need to report their result to the University. Students with a positive test may consult their campus student health service (Columbia Health for Morningside/Manhattanville students or Student Health on Haven for CUIMC students) and faculty and staff may consult their provider for guidance. Affiliates can also refer to NYC guidance on isolation and masking for people who test positive for COVID-19.

Clinical and Clinical Research Settings

Masking and vaccination policies in these settings should be adhered to.

For All Settings

The University continues to strongly recommend that affiliates stay home if they feel unwell and isolate according to NYC guidelines if they test positive for COVID-19.

As always, the University will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation carefully and adjust these measures as needed.