Midterms Study Tips, Fighting Flu, & Other Well-being Resources for You

Dear Students,

I write to share some resources to support you, whether you're managing midterms or just trying to make time for yourself. I hope these help you care for yourself as you focus on your studies. 

Please know that there are many resources available to you. If you're in a difficult moment and need support, I encourage you to reach out and ask for help. Your academic advisers, professors, friends, counseling services, as well as your personal networks outside Columbia can all be good places to turn.   

Study Tips & Well-being Resources

• Explore one of these study spots. A change of scenery can be a helpful reset.
• Need support with research assignments? Librarians are here to support you. Ask a Librarian or stop by drop-in hours to get help with research and citations. 
• Try this 1440 worksheet from Columbia Health to plan your day. Did you know there’s 1440 minutes in a day? This guide will help you plan yours.

Take breaks that feel meaningful to you. Need some ideas?

• Enjoy this penguin livestream, courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo.
• Visit these five uptown parks for beautiful Fall foliage this October and November.
• GoAsk Alice has some suggestions for stress-relieving breaks.

Protect Our Community - Get a Flu Vaccine

The most effective way to limit the spread of flu is to get vaccinated. 

Morningside/Manhattanville Students: Columbia Health is hosting walk-in vaccination fairs* in Lerner Auditorium (Morningside campus):

• Monday, October 28, 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 29, 9:00 a.m.  - 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 30, 7:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 31, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

And in the Alumni Suite, 2nd Floor, Geffen Hall (Manhattanville campus)

• 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

*No appointment needed. Just bring your CUID. Learn more.

CUIMC Students: The flu vaccine is required for all clinical students and strongly encouraged for all students. Student Health on Haven is offering free vaccination fairs.  An appointment can be made on the Student Health Portal.

• Wednesday, October 23, 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., 50 Haven – Main Lounge
• Thursday, October 24, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., VEC Lobby
• Monday, October 28, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., VEC Lobby
• Wednesday, October 30, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., 50 Haven – Main Lounge

*Walk-ins will be accepted.  Please bring your CUID. If you receive your vaccine with anyone other than Student Health on Haven, please submit documentation through the Student Health Portal (required for clinical students).

Help inform Columbia’s campus policy on smoking/vaping!

Columbia Health Alice! Health Promotion is hosting a virtual town hall on Monday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the Nicotine Awareness and Help (NAH) initiative, funded by the Truth Initiative. Hear from project leaders and ask questions about this effort to promote education on the effects of nicotine use, identify cessation support for community members who want to quit nicotine, and develop a task force to reassess our campus smoking and nicotine policies. Register for the town hall.

Unable to make it? Share your thoughts via survey. 

Resource Spotlight: Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Office provides a safe and confidential space to discuss academic concerns, clarification of policies, student-instructor misunderstandings, discrimination, roommate conflicts, and many other concerns. The Ombuds Officer will listen to you and then explore options and/or resources towards pursuing a resolution. Learn more.

University Resources to Support You During Hard Times

Sometimes we face unexpected and challenging moments during our academic career. It could be a natural disaster, war, or other traumatic events impacting your home community; a death of a family member or loved one; or personal health challenges. The Columbia community is here for you. Please note the following key resources, should you need additional support:

• Support from your school: Contact the Dean of Students office for your school. 
• Counseling and well-being resources: 
  • Morningside and Manhattanville students: Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) offers individual counseling, drop-in hours, and support groups. 
    • CPS is also available 24/7 at 212-854-2878 if you need immediate assistance.
  • CUIMC students: Student Health on Haven offers support sessions, individual counseling, and support groups. 
    • TELUS Health offers 24/7 support via chat and phone if you need immediate assistance.
• For spiritual support, you can connect with a Religious Life adviser. 
• The Center for Student Success and Intervention is available to support you, including with basic needs, such as food or housing insecurity. 

Find More Resources

Upcoming Well-being Events

• Pet Therapy for CUIMC Students
  Hosted by Well-Being and Health Promotion
  Sign up for updates.
   
• Do's and Donuts of Thriving Relationships @ Manhattanville
  Hosted by Columbia Health Sexual Violence Response
  Tuesday, October 22, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. 
   
• Self-Care Pop Up with SVR
  Hosted by Columbia Health Sexual Violence Response & University Life
  Tuesday, October 29, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Take care,

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D. (he/him/his)

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
University Life