Resources for Students and Other Columbia Community Members

November 16, 2016

Here are important resources for our students and others in our community who may have concerns about immigration, mental health, harassment and violence.

Students can always go to student affairs staff and academic advisors for help and for more information on available resources.


Skip toUniversity Statements  |  Immigration  |  DACA/Undocumented Students  |  Public Safety  |  Counseling Services  |  Report an Incident  |  University Chaplain and Interfaith Advisors

Download Printable Essential Resources for Students: All Campuses | Morningside | Medical Center

Download the University Life app for easy access to all of these resources.


University Statements on Immigration Executive Orders and Undocumented Students

March 6th Message from President Lee C. Bollinger Responding to Second Executive Order on Immigration and Refugee Policy

As we have said many times and on many occasions, we will continue to support students, faculty, and visiting scholars from the now six designated countries, and all others in our community who may be harmed by this policy. 
Read the full message here.

Columbia Joins Amicus Brief Opposing Executive Order

On February 13th, Columbia filed a friend-of-the-court brief with 16 other universities in a challenge to the immigration executive order issued in late January. The brief argues that “safety and security concerns can be addressed in a manner that is consistent with the values America has always stood for, including the free flow of ideas and people across borders and the welcoming of immigrants to our universities.”
Read the full message here.

January 29th Message from President Lee C. Bollinger Responding to Executive Order on Refugee and Immigration Policy

We join with many peers in decrying this action as discriminatory, damaging to America’s leadership in higher education, and contrary to our nation’s core values and founding principles.
Read the full message here.
Related: read President Bollinger's message to the community regarding the 2016 presidential election here.

Message from Provost John Coatsworth

Information about relevant policies and the University's plans for ensuring that every person at Columbia feels safe, is able to proceed unimpeded with their studies and their work, and understands beyond question that Columbia’s dedication to inclusion and diversity is and will remain unwavering. 
Read the full message here.


Immigration

Private Small-Group Advisory Sessions

If you are directly affected by the recent executive action on immigration, the Office of University Life and the International Students and Scholars Office can facilitate private information and discussion sessions. For information, contact Jody Drafta at the Office of University Life, [email protected] or 212-854-5527

Guidance for International Students

Columbia has advised community members and visiting scholars from the countries designated in the Jan. 27 executive order to suspend plans for international travel. Please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for further guidance. 

The International Students and Scholars Office provides advisory and documentation services on issues including— but not limited to—visas, employment, travel, and tax-filing obligations. 

  • Morningside & School of Public Health Students -- International House North, 1st Fl. (524 Riverside Dr.) 212-854-3587
  • Morningside Professors, Researchers, & Scholars -- Nash Building, 5th Fl. (3280 Broadway) Directory
  • CUMC Except GSAS Doctoral & School of Public Health Students -- 650 W. 168th St., Rm. 126B (1st Fl.) 212-305-8165

Counseling Services

Columbia’s Counseling & Psychological Services (Morningside) and Mental Health Services (CUMC) offer ongoing support for international students. Morningside students can contact: Dr. Carolina Franco, [email protected](212) 854-2878; CUMC students contact: Dr. Claire Haiman, [email protected](212) 305-3400.

For DACA Recipients and Undocumented Students

For a brief overview of DACA, click here.

Liaison for DACA/Undocumented Students

  • Associate Vice President for Student Life Ixchel Rosal serves as a liaison for DACA and undocumented students across the University. AVP Rosal is available to meet with students individually and convenes the DACA/Undocumented Students Working Group, which is a committee of students, faculty and staff from across the University working to identify and develop initiatives to support DACA and undocumented students. Email: [email protected]. Office hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 - 2:30 p.m.; additional appointments available.

Pro Bono Legal Representation and Assistance

  • The University has arranged for pro bono legal representation for DACA and undocumented students. Undocumented students can work directly with a lawyer at no cost regarding immigration-related issues. Students interested in connecting with attorneys can contact Courtney Evans at   [email protected] or 212-854-5527.
  • Small-group information sessions for Columbia students who are undocumented or who are DACA recipients are also available. To inquire about future sessions, call or email Don Harrison (contact information above). The Office will not be keeping records of who attends these sessions. 

Support from Counseling & Psychological Services (Columbia Health)

  • Students who are concerned about immigration policies affecting DACA and undocumented students can join a support group for mutual support and stress management strategies. The group also provides a safe, unstructured space for students to voice their thoughts and feelings about these issues. To join, please email Dr. Carolina Franco, [email protected] or call, (212) 854-2878. Dr. Franco specializes in the immigrant experience and new American/first generation identity development, and many other psychological and social concerns.

Admissions and Financial Aid Policy at Columbia College and Columbia Engineering

  • Recently, Columbia College and Columbia Engineering publicly announced their need-blind admissions policy for DACA and undocumented undergraduate students. Information about the policy can be found here.

Admissions and Financial Aid for International Students at Mailman School of Public Health

  • Information about applying to Mailman School of Public Health as an international, DACA or undocumented student can be found here.

Additional Information

  • Related resources, FAQ and information that may be educational for undocumented students and others in our community are available here


Public Safety

Columbia Public Safety is available 24/7/365. Call (212) 854-5555 for emergency response, security escorts, reporting incidents or threats on or near campus, or assistance with law enforcement.

Morningside -- 111 Low Library (southeast entrance)
212-854-5555 | Website

CUMC -- 109 Black Building (168th/Fort Washington Ave.)
212-305-8100 | Website

Barnard -- 104 Barnard Hall (Broadway between 116th & 118th)
212-854-6666 | Website

Teachers College -- Whitter Hall, Suite 1A (Amsterdam Ave./120th)
212-678-3333 | Website


Counseling Services

Get short-term counseling, including trauma support, referrals for ongoing mental health services, and/or join student support groups. 

Morningside -- Lerner Hall, 8th Floor (Broadway/115th)
212-854-2878 *After hours, press 1 | Website

CUMC -- Bard-Haven Tower 1, Suite 1D (60 Haven Ave. between 169th & 170th)
212-305-3400 *After hours, press 4. | Website

Barnard -- 100 Hewitt Hall, 1st Floor (Broadway/116th)
212-854-2092 | Website


Report an Incident Online

  • Use this form to report a general concern about violations of Columbia policies.
  • Use this form to report discrimination, harassment or gender-based misconduct or related concerns about violations of Columbia policies. 

University Chaplain and Interfaith Advisors

Faith-based and identity-based support from religious life advisors is available through the Office of the University Chaplain. No personal religious affiliation required.

212-854-1493 | Website