Dear Students,
The University continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic status in the New York City metro area and on our campuses, with the well-being of our community members at the forefront of all decision-making. We are starting to see transmission of COVID-19 and positive cases decline both in the city and at Columbia, but it remains imperative that we continue to follow Columbia's Community Health Compact to reduce the spread on campus and in our surrounding neighborhoods.
Wellness Tip
As we gear up for the Spring term, it can be challenging to maintain the calm of winter break. One way to prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed is to turn notifications off on your phone. Taking this simple action has been shown to reduce stress and improve concentration, and helps ensure that you’re more purposeful about using your phone. Try it for 24 hours–it may be easier than you think!
Mask Update
The University is now requiring that you use surgical masks as opposed to cloth. Columbia affiliates are required to wear masks at all times indoors in Columbia facilities, regardless of vaccination status, and masking outdoors in large gatherings is strongly encouraged. Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks both indoors and outdoors.
Gateway Testing
It is strongly recommended that all students get a PCR test at a local testing site 48 hours prior to arrival on campus. In addition, students are required to get a COVID-19 PCR gateway test at one of Columbia’s five testing sites as soon as possible. Find guidance for your specific requirements under Testing Approaches.
Get Boosted!
Remember that the University has expanded the COVID-19 vaccine mandate to include a booster shot. Please see the vaccine documentation upload instructions for details on submitting your documentation by January 31. If you reach eligibility on or after February 1, please get it within 31 days and upload your documentation at that time.
New Student Checklist
If you have any questions or concerns about these policies and requirements or anything else, please reach out to [email protected].
Take care,
Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
University Life
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His
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