Announcements

Resources to help you navigate the 2025–26 academic year

September 15, 2025
Blue background with a white All! University Life logo, a Columbia Student Health on Haven Logo, and a Columbia Health logo

Dear Students, 

As you begin to settle into the fall semester, we want to share some of the resources and services available to help support your well-being as you navigate a new academic year. Whether you’re returning or new to the University, we’re here to help you thrive at Columbia.

In this message, you’ll find information on building community, finding health and well-being support, and helpful public health reminders.

Navigating a new year at Columbia

New to Columbia or want to check in on your progress? Download this first-semester checklist for suggestions on making the most of your semester, personally and academically.

Need some well-being support but unsure where to begin? Schedule a Health Promotion Appointment (Morningside/Manhattanville students) or a Well-Being Strategy Session (CUIMC students).

Generate Connection and Build Community

  • Sign up for a Listening Table session. Hosted by The Trust Collaboratory, these events are open to all and provide space to safely navigate difficult conversations, enhance understanding, and develop ideas to make our community even stronger. With sessions scheduled throughout the semester, you can find one that works best for you!
  • Did you know that University Life hosts events that are open to all students from all schools across all campuses? Whether you’re a graduate student or an undergraduate, you’re welcome to attend. Learn more about the latest University Life events and opportunities via the weekly newsletter!
  • How to Build Thriving Relationships: Skills for Communication, Consent, and Connection. (Thursday, October 16, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Virtual) Exploring new relationships can be both intimidating and exciting. Join Pleasure Educator Luna Matatas to help build your relationship skills like navigating consent, exploring boundaries, managing rejection, sharing space with others, and more. You’ll get tools for understanding your emotions better and tips for building meaningful connections while at Columbia and beyond.

Get to know your student health services and get help when you need it. You have access to medical care, counseling, health education, disability accommodations, violence prevention and advocacy, support for health insurance concerns, and numerous workshops and trainings to help you thrive.

Public Health Reminders
Get your no-cost flu shot at the upcoming flu vaccination events! Available to all registered students, regardless of credit load. 

Morningside/Manhattanville students: 
Walk-in only, just bring your CUID.

  • Morningside Location: Low Library Rotunda (enter via the Northwest entrance)
    • Monday, September 29: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Tuesday, September 30: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, October 1: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Manhattanville Location: Geffen Hall 3rd Fl Board Rooms
    • Wednesday, October. 8: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
       

CUIMC students: 
Schedule your flu vaccine appointment online through the Student Health Portal or by phone at 212-305-3400.

Looking for the most recent COVID vaccine?
As you may have seen, Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on September 5 ensuring New Yorkers access to the 2025–2026 COVID vaccine through October 5, 2025. We will share more information about where you can find a vaccine as it becomes available.

When you feel well, you can take advantage of everything Columbia has to offer. Make your well-being a priority this semester and reach out for support when you need it! We're here for you.

Be well, 

Melanie Bernitz, M.D., M.P.H.  (she/her/hers)
Interim Executive Vice President, University Life
Senior Vice President, Columbia Health 
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (in the Center for Family and Community Medicine) 

Marcy Ferdschneider, D.O. (she/her/hers)
Assistant Vice President, Student Health on Haven
Assistant Professor of Medicine at CUIMC