University Statements

Virtual Student Events next week, Student Resources and Volunteer Opportunities

April 10, 2020

Dear Students, 

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.

The Columbia community continues to be here to support you. This includes virtual events to help you connect with your classmates, campus and other resources, and opportunities to give back to those in need. Please read this email carefully and check the updated University Life website for more events and information.

This coming Monday, April 13, at 12:15 pm on Zoom is a University Life Forum: Your Questions Answered on COVID-19 featuring Columbia experts. Register here and submit questions here or through event registration. This Q&A will focus on the scientific, public health and medical aspects of COVID-19, following on our March forum.

Join us, too, for these virtual student community events from University Life and the University Life Events Council:  

Want to plan student events next year or be part of Columbia Welcome during the first weeks of the fall semester? Find more information and apply at the links below. 

University Life Events Council - Leadership Applications: deadline to apply is Sunday, April 12 at 11:59 pm, http://bit.ly/ec_leadership20

Columbia Welcome Ambassador Applications: deadline to apply is Sunday, April 12 at 11:59 pm, http://bit.ly/ambassadors-20

I also want to be sure you’re aware of this “how to make a mask” video from the U.S. Surgeon General, and this podcast from the Mailman School of Public Health on coronavirus-related bias.

Please be in touch with your questions and suggestions at [email protected]. Columbia remains deeply committed to your well-being and, as always, I encourage you to make use of the resources below and on University Life’s site whenever you need them.

In community,

Professor Suzanne B. Goldberg
Executive Vice President for University Life
Herbert and Doris Wechsler Clinical Professor of Law  

Here are Columbia Health and Well-Being Resources, Religious Life, and Volunteer Opportunities:  

Easy-Access Medical, Mental Health, and SVR Contact Information:

  • To reach a medical professional, call 212-854-7426 (Morningside) or 212-305-3400, option 7 (CUIMC).
  • To reach a mental health professional, call 212-854-2878 (Morningside) or 212-305-3400, option 7 (CUIMC).
  • To reach Sexual Violence Response (all campuses), call 212-854-HELP/4357.

See below for websites and more information.

Information About COVID-19

  • Columbia’s COVID-19 website provides information, resources and volunteer opportunities for the Columbia community.
  • Call Columbia’s COVID-19 hotline for general questions, Monday-Friday 9-5 pm 212-854-9355.

Virtual Support Groups, Workshops and Gatherings – Counseling, Student Wellness, and Religious Life

Check the links here for many excellent groups available to Columbia students:

Virtual Health and Well-being Resources: Morningside

Columbia Health offers the following services (with 24/7 phone lines noted below). Visit the Columbia Health website for operating hours and more information.

Virtual Health and Well-being Resources: Medical Center Campus

For all other questions or concerns, write to [email protected], or visit CUIMC Student Health Service for more information.

Additional University-wide Student Resources (Morningside and CUIMC)

Students registered with Disability Services may obtain virtual support for academic and housing accommodations by writing to [email protected] or call 212-854-2388.

Sexual Violence Response (SVR) offers virtual trauma-informed, confidential support. On weekdays, students may call 212-854-3500 or email [email protected]. SVR’s 24/7 year-round helpline may be reached at 212-854-HELP/4357.

Volunteer Opportunities
The following volunteer opportunities have been identified in response to student requests for opportunities to help our community, though please know that Columbia has not formally vetted the organizations and programs included on this list. See Columbia’s COVID-19 website for more volunteer opportunities.  Thank you for wanting to support those impacted by COVID-19.

  • The COVID-19 Student Service Corps (CSSC) offers Columbia students the opportunity to engage in a remote service-learning model to promote social distancing and address urgent health systems concerns. Visit the website to learn how you can help.
  • Form a phone connection with an older adult and let them know you care at DOROT's Caring Calls Program.
  • Blood reserves are critically low right now. Visit the New York Blood Center to learn how you can donate blood.
  • www.MutualAid.nyc is a community organized resources spreadsheet to help neighborhoods work together to protect their most vulnerable members by organizing grocery trips for seniors, etc. 
  • New York #insulin4all is a support and advocacy group for people living with Type 1 Diabetes, with weekly calls on Zoom.
  • Invisible Hands Deliver is a volunteer service that delivers groceries and supplies to at-risk community members in the greater New York area.
  • Visit Help Now NYC to learn how you can help New Yorkers affected by the pandemic.
  • Volunteer New York!’s core mission is to inspire, mobilize and equip individuals and groups to take positive action to address pressing challenges, support nonprofits and strengthen the quality of life in New York communities. Learn about the virtual volunteer center and how you can help.
  • New York Cares meets pressing community needs by mobilizing caring New Yorkers in volunteer service. Find volunteer opportunities.