2020-21 Academic Year

How to Combat Rising COVID-19 Rates, Campus Health Resources and Many Thanks

November 20, 2020

Dear Students,

As we approach the end of November, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come this semester. Dealing with the impacts of a global pandemic, a national legacy of anti-Black racism, an uncertain economy, and a contentious election, on top of your academic and extracurricular obligations, has been difficult. And yet, you have kept your commitment to the Columbia Community Health Compact. Your diligence has helped keep our campuses and neighborhoods safe. I am so grateful to each of you.

With COVID-19 infection rates rising across the nation and in New York, we must remain vigilant. Please read these FAQs for Guidance on Spikes in New York and the U.S. Some of you may be considering gathering with family and friends in the coming weeks as the holiday season gets underway. These decisions are difficult, but as you make your plans, please consider the risks. I encourage you to review these tips for socializing safely, and urge you to follow local public health guidelines to help keep everyone safe. You can share an incident via our general concern report.

Campus Health Resources – Flu Shots, Gateway Testing and CUEMS

If you haven’t already, please get your flu vaccination. It is one of the most important things you can do to keep our community healthy. A flu vaccine is mandatory for students who are coming onto our campuses and strongly recommended for all other members of the Columbia community. Learn more about how to get your free vaccine.

Please also remember to get your gateway testing if you haven't done so already. Students are required to complete testing to access campus buildings.

In other campus health news, I am happy to share that Columbia University Emergency Medical Service (CUEMS) has returned to providing 24/7 service. If you have a medical emergency, please call 212-854-5555 for a free ambulance service and transport. They will respond to on-campus and off-campus medical emergencies in Morningside Heights or Manhattanville. Write to [email protected] with questions.

New Student Voices Vlog

Finally, I encourage you all to watch this vlog from Erika Mitsui, a student at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. You’ll see her hard at work and studying, as well as doing yoga and playing the violin to decompress. If you’re interested in other stories from your classmates, please visit the Student Voices section of University Life's website.

Read on below for a list of other useful health and coping resources for you. As always, if you have questions or suggestions, write to us at [email protected]. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Take care,

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Office of University Life
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His  

COVID-19 TESTING RESOURCES

  • Undergraduates on and near campus have frequent required testing.
  • Graduate students who come to campus at least two days a week can sign up for free, voluntary testing. If you are selected for random surveillance testing, it's important for you to take part.  
  • While the University strongly urges you to postpone any planned trips, please know that any student traveling outside New York is entitled to receive both a free pre- and post-travel test.

Learn more and book an appointment.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT RESOURCES