2020-21 Academic Year

Join Us For Spring Forward: Rest and Renew Around the World!

February 25, 2021

Dear Students,

As we head into March, I encourage you all to focus on taking care of yourselves. Building our resiliency has never been more important.

I realize many of you are disappointed we cannot travel this Spring Break, a traditional way students often celebrate this time of year. If you have questions about the travel guidance, please review the FAQs on Columbia's travel restrictions website. Given where we are in the pandemic, the policy strongly discourages all travel, except in the case of emergencies. Traveling in groups is not permitted.

Spring Forward: Rest and Renew Around the World

While you’re home over the break, University Life and our partners across Columbia want to share some events and opportunities that we hope will help you recharge.

If you’re looking for ways to connect with other students and participate in fun activities, check out our Spring Forward: Rest and Renew Around the World programming throughout March. All Columbia students are welcome — wherever you may be — to join over the 3-week experience in our Slack channel and take part in activities that promote adventure online and in your own backyard.

More details can be found on Slack once you register, but here’s a sample of the offerings:

Art:

Travel:

  • #tbt to your most memorable trip and send us the photo with your best caption!
  • Take a virtual drive of an international city while listening to the local radio on the free Drive & Listen app.

Campus Events:

Hobbies:

  • Show us your favorite TikTok challenge and share your best moves!
  • Have a great recipe you love to make at home with your family? Share a video!

Share Your Story

As you reflect on how the pandemic has impacted you, consider sharing your thoughts with Columbia News. They’re looking for your reflections on what this year has led you to discover about yourself. What insight have you gained about life and what is meaningful over the past year (however small!)? Share your reflection on this form by 3/8 — your response could be included in an upcoming Columbia News piece.

As always, please reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions, concerns or suggestions.

Take care,

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

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