Messages From EVP Goldberg
Welcome to Columbia’s 267th academic year
I write to add a warm welcome to the year from University Life. There is no shortage of pressing issues to discuss as a University community and we will be inviting you to campus forums, our Awakening our Democracy series and other opportunities for University-wide conversation.
Welcome, and Welcome Back – Student Voices Videos, Tips for Getting Involved, and Events 9/8 to 9/18
Welcome, and welcome back to the start of the new academic year! Whether you are near or far from campus, University Life has wonderful opportunities to help you connect with other students across the University and to find resources you may need.
This Wednesday: University Life Forum: Returning to Campus – What You Need to Know, 8/19 at 11 AM EST
You’ll hear updates on Columbia’s COVID-19 testing requirements, the Columbia Community Health Compact and symptom self-check app, mental health and self-care during quarantine and more.
Wed Aug. 5: Repairing our Voting Infrastructure + Civic engagement opportunities for you
Civic engagement is always important, and even more so in the midst of a global pandemic, ongoing anti-racist protests, and an upcoming U.S. presidential election. Join a webinar to learn about the unprecedented challenges facing the 2020 elections due to COVID-19, plus find out about other opportunities for civic engagement at Columbia or elsewhere.
This Wednesday: University Life Forum for Students on Returning to Campus, 11 AM EST
I write to remind you about our University Life Forum for Students on Returning to Campus, this Wednesday, July 22 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM (EST) on Zoom, where you can learn about Columbia University’s plan to return to campus and get answers to your questions.
University Life Forum for Students on Returning to Campus, Wed 7/22 at 11 AM
Join a special University Life Forum for Students on Returning to Campus on July 22 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM (EST) on Zoom. You’ll hear updates on COVID-19 transmission, campus facilities health enhancements, testing requirements, the Columbia Community Health Compact and strategies for managing stress – and we’ll have plenty of time for your questions.
Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride in our Community
As New York City heads into a virtual LGBTQ+ Pride weekend, we mark this Pride Month by inviting you to join a global discussion: Pride Without Prejudice: The Moral Arc of LGBTQ+ Law & Justice, cosponsored by Columbia’s Global Centers and University Life, on Tuesday, June 30 at 11 AM Eastern Standard Time.
In Response to a Racist Email Sent to Members of our Community
On Sunday, some Columbia affiliates, as well as others from beyond our community, received an email bearing the subject line “Pre-Qualification Request.” The message contained virulent anti-black language. We write to alert you to this email and to make clear our disgust with its abhorrent content.
Columbia Applauds the US Supreme Court Ruling Upholding DACA Program
We are so pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program can remain in place and that the Trump administration’s rescinding of DACA was impermissible.
Racial Justice Resources for Students
As protests calling for an end to anti-black violence and systemic racism continue across the nation, I want to share a new resource page from University Life, curated in partnership with Columbia Libraries, that features books, articles, videos and other media focusing on systemic racism in this country.
Addressing Racial Injustice as a Community
We know many of you are focused on how you can contribute your energy and talents to a more just society. This is especially so amidst historic national and international protests for racial justice and against anti-black violence, and as COVID-19 has amplified racial and other disparities within communities.
University Life Forum on Black Lives Matter, Protest and Creating Change, Thurs. 6/11 at 4 pm
June 8, 2020 - Featuring experts from across Columbia, this is the first of two important virtual summer convenings from University Life about race, injustice and efforts to achieve transformative change. Registrants can submit a question for our experts to answer.
Standing Together in the Wake of Anti-Black Violence
As protests and understandable outrage unfold across the nation over the recent killings of unarmed African Americans, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, we want to acknowledge the tremendous pain this violence has caused to many in our own community.
A Personal Video Note, a Pop Quiz from University Life, COVID-19 Testing Info, Commencement, and More
Warmest congratulations to our soon-to-be-graduates, and to every Columbia student for your tremendous accomplishments this semester and this year.
Study Breaks, Columbia Welcome Ambassadors, Resources and new Title IX Regulations
As you’re now in finals, I’ll keep this email shorter than usual, with news, study break ideas and reminders about help for whenever you need it.
New Title IX Regulations From the U.S. Department of Education
We are reviewing the regulations carefully and will revise Columbia’s policies as needed and in keeping with our strong commitment to addressing, investigating and adjudicating gender-based misconduct reports fairly and with sensitivity to the issues, and the people involved.
Economic Recovery Forum, COVID-19 Student Service Corps, Summer Info, Writing Help, PK-12 Resources for Student Parents
As classes wind down and you turn toward final papers and exams, all of us in University Life are sending encouragement your way, wherever you are in the world.
Updates on Student Financial Services, ISSO, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, CovidWatcher, Food Assistance and More
With just over a week of classes remaining, I want to recognize with appreciation your active participation in community events and volunteer activities, and your support for each other and yourselves from all parts of the world.
University Life Forum on COVID-19 and Economic Recovery, Wed. April 29, 4:30 pm
You are invited to join a University Life Forum: COVID-19 and Economic Recovery, next Wednesday, April 29, 4:30-5:30 pm on Zoom.
Important Student Information | SFS Updates, Face-Coverings, COVID-19 Archives, New Events and Writing Center Resources
As we end another week, I hope you are finding new ways to connect with Columbia friends and classmates and perhaps to join an event or volunteer from wherever you are in the world.
Virtual Student Events next week, Student Resources and Volunteer Opportunities
As our world suffers so many losses to COVID-19, I know some of you are experiencing personal losses of family and friends, as well as in our own Columbia community as President Bollinger wrote yesterday. Many of you may be facing other types of loss as well — of routines, relationships, or peace of mind. Please know that you are all in our thoughts.
University Life COVID-19 Forum Monday, April 13
We invite you to join a University Life Forum: Your Questions Answered on COVID-19 this Monday, April 13 at 12:15 pm on Zoom.
Your COVID-19 Questions, Mask Information, Resources and Volunteer Opportunities for You
I hope you have found moments of inspiration and reprieve this week amidst the stress and challenges in our nation and our world. I am glad to share that we had a great turnout for our first virtual fitness event and that many students are participating in online activities, groups and community spaces (more below).
Virtual Student Resources, Events and Important Information
As Columbia “returns” from spring break, I am ever inspired by your resilience in adapting to our changing world. Please save this email, as it includes important information for you about resources, student community activities, and more.
University Life Forum on COVID-19 — This Wednesday 4-5:30 pm
I write to invite you to a special opportunity to learn from Columbia experts about the coronavirus pandemic, with a focus on public health, scientific advances and our community’s mental health and well-being.
Support for you (Including This Weekend) and Update on New York State Restrictions
As this week comes to a close, it may feel hard even to remember life as it was last Friday. Just a few hours ago, New York’s governor announced new restrictions on daily life in New York City and state, and you heard from President Bollinger about changes to classes, grading and the University-wide ceremony surrounding commencement.
New COVID-19 Update for Students (Sunday)
I want to recognize that these are extraordinarily stressful times for many of you. In just a week, it may seem that everything familiar has changed — online classes, housing for some of you, new health concerns, and a need to navigate social distance, even with your friends and family. We want to help you find ways to stay connected, safely, and also get the support you need.
Important COVID-19 Update for Students
Starting next week, many Columbia staff and faculty will work remotely to help reduce density on our campuses, in keeping with public health guidance and directives. If you are on campus, here is what you need to know. Your school will follow up with more, too.
Pay Continuation for Student Employees
We know many of you have questions and concerns regarding your ability to work on campus, including those of you who are funded by federal work-study.
Important: Student Information for Remainder of Spring Semester
I want to recognize that these are challenging times, with each day bringing new information and new questions. For many students, there is also a great sense of concern as the semester changes in ways no one anticipated even a few weeks ago. One certainty is that your health and well-being are at the heart of every difficult decision we are making.
Important Update for the Next Two Weeks (March 14-29)
This message contains important information about classes, travel registry, and campus resources for Saturday, March 14 through Sunday, March 29.
Online Instruction: Resources for Students
We write to share resources and tools for online instruction, which starts for most classes tomorrow on Wednesday, March 11. Please review this email carefully before Wednesday morning.
Important COVID-19 Update for Students
This email contains important information for this coming week. As President Bollinger informed you, in light of new developments related to COVID-19, classes are suspended on Monday and Tuesday, March 9-10, as we prepare to move to an online format for instruction for the rest of this week. Please read to the end of this message.
Campus Events and COVID-19 (Morningside and Manhattanville)
An update for students, faculty and staff about campus events as part of Columbia’s ongoing response to COVID-19.
In Response to the US Government’s New Travel Restrictions on Six Nations
The U.S. government on Friday announced new restrictions on immigration to the United States by people from Nigeria, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Sudan and Tanzania, all nations with substantial Muslim populations. Student visas and other non-immigrant travel remain unaffected. Still, as an educational institution committed to the free exchange of ideas irrespective of national boundaries, bans on immigrants because of their nationality are deeply concerning.
On Last Night's Attack at a Hanukkah Gathering in Monsey, NY
We learned late last night about the horrific stabbings at a Hanukkah party in Monsey, New York, and we are keenly aware of the significant increase in hate crimes against Jewish communities in New York more generally.
Mourning the Tragic Death of a Barnard Student
Dear Columbia Community, We write to share profoundly sad news about the death of a Barnard student, Tessa Majors, who was fatally injured during an armed robbery on Wednesday evening in Morningside Park.
On Yesterday’s Shootings at a Kosher Market in Jersey City, New Jersey
Three people inside a kosher supermarket in Jersey City, New Jersey, were killed yesterday, and multiple reports have indicated that two of them were members of the Jewish community in Jersey City and the third an immigrant from Ecuador. The attackers also killed a longtime Jersey City police detective. Early reports in the ongoing investigation indicate a link between the attacks and antisemitic and anti-police views expressed in writings of one of the assailants.
Reaffirming Columbia’s Commitment to DACA and Undocumented Students
Read Columbia’s Supreme Court Brief in Support of Our DACA Students
Sexual Respect: It’s Time to Take the Initiative
As we head into the last days of the Sexual Respect and Community Citizenship Initiative, I find myself thinking a lot about the number of students in our community who have experienced sexual harassment, assault, or stalking. I’m also thinking about the knowledge that our community has gathered in our ongoing efforts to understand and prevent the spread of all forms of gender-based misconduct.
Standing Together Against Antisemitism
Yesterday in Halle, Germany, a heavily armed gunman attempted to enter a synagogue during Yom Kippur services, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. When his effort was thwarted, he killed two people nearby. The attacker’s aim to massacre Jews at worship, recorded on livestream, was intended to create a “worldwide effect,” according to Germany’s chief prosecutor. We stand with the Jewish community in Halle and around the world to denounce this and all other acts of antisemitism, and we mourn the loss of life at the hand of intolerance and hatred.
Anti-Semitism and free speech: 4 points in response to the Malaysian prime minister
On the Tragedy in El Paso and Dayton
It is with heavy hearts that we write regarding two mass shootings within 24 hours in our nation in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. We share our condolences with all those affected by these events, and reaffirm our commitment to sustaining a safe and inclusive campus at Columbia.
Resources for DACA and Undocumented Students
In Response to a Racist Message Sent to Members of the Lamont-Doherty Community
In light of the shooting at University of North Carolina - Charlotte
We want to remind you that Columbia Public Safety has important information for you about safety and emergency protocols on and off campus, especially in light of yesterday's tragic shooting at University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
In Response to an Antisemitic Attack in San Diego
In the Wake of the Terrorist Attacks in Sri Lanka
On the Terrorist Attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand
Resources for support in light of the Tornadoes in Alabama, Across the Southeast
In Response to the Department of Education's Title IX Proposal
Throughout Columbia’s extensive work on gender-based misconduct prevention and response, the University is deeply committed to supporting all of our students and providing a process for responding to reports of gender-based misconduct that is fair to all students and sensitive to the issues involved.
Welcome to the new semester - here's what's happening on campus!
Welcome to the Spring 2019 semester! I look forward to seeing you around campus and invite you to the many great events and activities hosted by the Office of University Life including:
Affirming Columbia’s commitment to an inclusive community
Public declarations of hostility and intolerance cut against core values of our community, even when they are within someone’s rights to express. It is important to restate in the strongest terms Columbia’s deep commitment to a community and a living and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender and other aspects of identity.
Denouncing Antisemitism and Supporting Our Community
A Jewish faculty member’s office at Teachers College was vandalized yesterday afternoon with swastikas and an antisemitic slur spray-painted on her office walls. The University strongly denounces this antisemitic act that seeks to create fear and to intimidate members of our community.
Student Privacy and the Gender-Based Misconduct Process
The University takes very seriously our commitment to student privacy, and we will not generally share information about individual cases other than with the students who are parties (complainants and respondents) in a case. Here's why...
Proposed Title IX regulations and Columbia’s commitment to gender-based misconduct prevention and response
As we review the newly proposed regulations on Title IX from the U.S. Department of Education, I want to affirm Columbia’s commitment to creating a community free from gender-based misconduct and to responding to incidents that occur with support and processes that are fair to all members of our community and sensitive to the issues involved.
Expressing concern and sharing resources during CA fires
The Columbia community shares concern for those of you with family and friends who may be impacted by the wildfires in California. Our thoughts are with you, affected residents and all first responders facing emergency conditions in several counties.
Expressing concern after the tragic shooting in California
We are saddened by the news of a fatal shooting last night at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, and write to share concern for those of you who may have family and friends in the area. The Columbia community joins with all who mourn victims of gun violence.
Let’s Talk Elections – Student-Led Discussion & Awakening Our Democracy
I write to invite you to two University-wide discussions of yesterday’s elections – 11/8 at 2 pm and Tuesday, 11/13 at noon:
On yesterday's tragedy in Pittsburgh
We are deeply saddened by the horrific antisemitic attack on Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday morning. Violence in our nation’s houses of worship is an affront to the freedoms our community holds dear. We stand strongly against yesterday’s violent attack on the Jewish community and against other efforts to create fear and terror.
Affirming protection for Columbia's transgender students, faculty and staff
In light of recent news reports about a proposed federal policy that would restrict the rights of transgender individuals, it is important that we reiterate Columbia's commitment to our transgender and gender non-binary students, faculty, staff and other community members.
October 10, 2018
Resources for Support in light of Hurricane Michael
The Columbia community is thinking of those of you with family and friends who may be affected by Hurricane Michael. There are several on-campus resources that can offer help during this difficult time.
Supporting all of our students on campus
The safety and well-being of all of our students at Columbia is fundamentally important, together with the exchange of ideas and a deep commitment to diversity of both identity and viewpoint.
September 25, 2018
Sexual Respect in the #MeToo Landscape
As the new academic year begins, sexual respect is front and center in discussions on- and off-campus, as allegations regarding sexual misconduct pervade the news in all sectors, from media and the arts to government and academia.
Resources for support in light of Hurricane Florence
I write to express concern for those of you with friends and family who may be affected by Hurricane Florence. Below are resources available that may offer help during this difficult time.
June 26, 2018
On immigration policies and community support
In light of today’s Supreme Court ruling related to a ban on immigration that primarily affects individuals from Muslim-majority countries, and recent disturbing news of fraught situations involving immigra
Offering support in light of Kilauea
Free yoga, Well-Being Survey prizes, Events Council applications, and Race, Ethnicity and Inclusion Task Force update
In these last days of classes, here are four things you can do for yourself and for our community.
Take the Columbia Student Well-Being Survey!
Today begins the Columbia Student Well-Being Survey, an important way for you to contribute to what we know about campus life, mental health and gender-based misconduct. By sharing your knowledge and experiences, we can work toward specific changes to help inform and strengthen resources, programs and campus life for all Columbia students.
An Update on Columbia's Support for our DACA Students and the DACA program
In this time of uncertainty about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protection against deportation, I am writing to reiterate Columbia’s support both for our own students with DACA and for the DACA program.
Join us: Beyond #MeToo; Exploring Race with Claudia Rankine, Whitney Dow and Joy Reid; and Much More
Ever wonder how you can connect with other students from all Columbia schools, together with faculty and staff? Join us this Wednesday and next to find out.
Watch “Get Out” with us Thursday @ 6pm. And a Campus Conversation leadership opportunity!
Whether you’re eager for bold conversations, provocative film, or listening in, the Office of University Life offers two great opportunities for everyone this week.
Wellness Days events – all week long! Plus join our student survey leadership team
Winter Wellness Days @Columbia have begun! Check the full schedule for freebies, playtime with dogs, a personal story from Professor Goldberg, and much more.
On Sitting, Walking and Winter Wellness Days
I think we can all relate to the need to slow down, at least every once in a while, and that taking steps, whether by sitting, walking or just taking a deep breath, can make a real difference in how we feel. Wellness Days at Columbia provide a jumpstart, with many paths for fun, relaxation and learning.
Winter Wellness Days start Monday!
Winter Wellness Days – in support of mental health, well-being and community at Columbia – kick off next week! Get the full schedule including the events listed here and drop-in snack/study breaks all week long.
Welcome back! Winter Wellness Days and more
Welcome to the spring semester and to all the possibilities of the new year! Get ready for Winter Wellness Days, organize your own well-being event, come to the Community Citizenship Film Screening, join the Student Survey Leadership team, and welcome Columbia’s new Muslim Life Coordinator.
A Conversation about the Rules of University Conduct and Invited Speakers on Campus
This post shares highlights from many conversations I have had this year with students and faculty about the Rules of University Conduct and their application to campus events with invited speakers. I have prioritized questions about student involvement in protests, though the Rules apply to other contexts as well.
Expressing concern about the wildfires
Expressing concern after the tragic shooting in Texas
We are saddened by yesterday's news from Southeast Texas, and share concern for those of you who are from or may have loved ones in the area of Sutherland Springs/San Antonio. We want to remind you of supportive resources available for you on campus, in addition to your dean of students.
Responding to Speaker Disruptions on Campus
How does Columbia respond to disruptions of speakers who have been invited to our campus? Because I have recently heard a wide variety of responses to this question from students on campus, I want to help clarify what our rules are, and are not.
Contentious speakers on our campus
Here’s an abbreviated explanation of why the University allows student organizations to invite speakers whose views conflict so directly with our institutional values: It is foundational to Columbia’s learning and teaching missions that we allow for the contestation of ideas. This includes expression of ideas that are deeply unpopular, offensive to many in our community, contrary to research-based understandings, and antagonistic to University tenets.
Expressing concern during California wildfires
In the Wake of Violence in Las Vegas
The Columbia community shares in the shock of this senseless tragedy and expresses profound condolences to the many families affected by the attack and its aftermath. Our hearts are with the Columbia students, faculty and staff who have connections to the area and with all who are affected nationally. Today at noon, the bells of St. Paul's Chapel will ring to honor the victims. In addition, spaces for reflection are available throughout the week from 9 am until 9 pm at St. Paul's Chapel and in Earl Hall.
Affirming Columbia’s commitment to our global community
With a new immigration executive order that imposes profound and indefinite restrictions on entry to the United States for citizens from six Muslim-majority nations as well as North Korea and Venezuela, it is important to reiterate Columbia’s fundamental commitment to welcoming students, faculty and staff from around the world.
In Light of Hurricane Maria
The Columbia community is thinking of those whose loved ones and hometowns may be affected by Hurricane Maria. In addition to support from individual school deans of students, there are immediate resources are available.
Supporting Our DACA Students
Columbia unequivocally opposes the ending of DACA and is working with others in higher education to urge Congress and federal officials to reinstate DACA’s protections and protect the rights of those with DACA status. The Office of University Life will continue its working group that focuses on the needs of undocumented students and is also available to help individual students access information and resources.
Also visit: universitylife.columbia.edu/daca
Expressing concern about Hurricane Harvey
Rejecting Violence and Hatred
Being Well at Columbia
How do we also recognize and strengthen the support culture that is such a strong part of our community? Inspired and encouraged by many conversations across the University, the Office of University Life and partners across campus introduce: Wellness Days @Columbia.