Creating Community Together and Well-being Resources for You

Dear Students,

I write to share resources and opportunities to support your well-being that I hope you will find useful. Throughout the semester, I encourage you to make a daily practice of taking time to care for yourself. A couple of small but important ways of prioritizing your well-being are making time to connect with your community and by taking time for yourself.

Health Reminders

• Get your flu shot! This is how we stay healthy together.
  • CUIMC students: Check out upcoming vaccination fairs with Student Health on Haven. 
  • Morningside/Manhattanville students: Missed the Columbia Health vaccination fairs? Make an appointment for your flu shot through Columbia Health or at a nearby pharmacy. If you receive the flu vaccine off campus, upload your documentation to the Patient Portal by October 30 for a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card.
• Take a moment to review: Updated guidance on COVID-19 masking policies.
• What should I do if I am exposed to or test positive for COVID? Follow isolation guidelines from the CDC, report your positive test to [email protected], and if you need support managing your symptoms, make a telehealth appointment with Columbia Health (Morningside/Manhattanville students) or Student Health on Haven (CUIMC students).
• Did you miss the “A Columbia Student's Guide to Monkeypox: What it is & How to Manage” webinar last week? Watch the recording online.

Student Spotlight

Centering Community and Celebrating Latinx Heritage as a First Generation American
Johanna Martinez (CC ‘24) is studying sustainable development and was selected as one of the inaugural Social Impact Fellows at Columbia World Projects. She hopes the program will give her the skills she needs to continue her work on women’s development and sustainability, two areas she’s been focused on since middle school.

“Being a first generation American makes me realize how important it is to value my culture and helps me challenge the idea that assimilation is needed to be successful in this country.” -Johanna Martinez (CC ‘24) Read more.

October is Relationship Violence Awareness Month. 

This month, Sexual Violence Response will host events to educate the community about violence in intimate relationships and to honor and celebrate survivors, advocates, and activists. Learn more about upcoming events.

Community Citizenship Initiative – Happening Now through November 4

The Initiative’s two components – Sexual Respect and Inclusion & Belonging – offer you new skills and the opportunity to contribute to our community’s well-being. All students who are new to their Columbia school are required to take the Initiative, and everyone else is welcome and encouraged to participate! 

Check our website for the full schedule of workshops and other options. 

Well-being Events and Opportunities with University Life 

• Financial Well-being: International Student Workshop (Virtual). Join Student Financial Services, University Life and the International Students and Scholars Office to learn about tools that enable a greater sense of agency and choice in your future, and get answers to frequently asked questions about managing finances as an international student. All are welcome. Friday, October 14, 12:30 - 1:30 PM. Learn more and register.
• Constructing Confidence: How to Combat Imposter Syndrome (Virtual). This workshop will help you learn about the signs and causes of imposter syndrome and will provide tools to feel more confident. This event – part of the Graduate Initiative for Inclusion & Engagement – was designed with the needs of students from historically marginalized communities in mind, including BIPOC and first-generation students. All students are welcome. Friday, October 14, 1:30 - 2:30 PM. Learn more and register.
• November Well-being Challenge (Hybrid). This month-long experience takes inspiration from scavenger hunts, fitness challenges and more to promote multiple dimensions of well-being. All are welcome to join the group challenge on the MoveSpring app, but spaces are limited! Learn more and register.
• Yoga Class (In-Person). Take a break and relax with yoga in Earl Hall, hosted by Religious Life every Thursday. Please bring your own mat and arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign in and set up. Thursday, October 13, 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Learn more.

Support Groups and Gathering Spaces

Connect with peers on a shared topic of concern at virtual and in-person support spaces. Share your experiences, learn from others, and deepen self-awareness in a safe space. 

• Columbia Health Student Support Spaces (Open to Morningside/Manhattanville Students). Groups beginning this month include Procrastination Workshop, Women of Color Support Group, and Sleep SOS. Counseling and Psychological Services providers will guide and facilitate the sessions. Learn More. 

• Student Health on Haven Support Groups and Gathering Spaces (Open to CUIMC Students). Active groups include Relationship with Food and Body, Connecting Through Loss, and Transitions: Leaning into Change and Growth. Learn more.

Take care,

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