Resources to help you navigate Spring semester

Dear Students,

As the new year and the new academic term start, we want to remind you of the numerous resources and services available to support your well-being. As President Armstrong wrote last week, we’re beginning this spring semester during a time of significant change and uncertainty. Recent natural disasters and other events have heightened these feelings of uncertainty for some members of our community.

In this message, you’ll find information about support for immigration questions, resources for those affected by the Los Angeles fires, tips for starting the semester strong, and important public health updates. Whatever you’re facing, we’re here to help you navigate it.

Support regarding recent immigration policy changes

• Review University Life’s curated list of services and external resources to help you navigate recent policy changes and their potential impacts.
• Reach out to the International Students and Scholars Office and check out resources they have curated, including travel tips and FAQs.

Support for those impacted by the Los Angeles fires

• Morningside/Manhattanville students*
  • Counseling and Psychological Services is hosting a weekly virtual support group for impacted students (Fridays, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. through February 7)
  • For urgent mental health support, call 212-854-2878 (available 24/7) or access in-person drop-in.
  • Bookmark these free online tools to cope with distress.
• CUIMC students
  • Individual support sessions are available through Counseling Services. Visit the Student Health Portal to schedule a session.
  • For 24/7 urgent mental health support, call 212-305-3400, option 7, or access support via chat and phone through TELUS Health Student Support.
  • Check out these on-campus and community resources.

As you dive into your courses and co-curricular activities, please remember to make your health and well-being a priority. The University offers resources to help you navigate all the complexities of life so that you can be your best self both inside and outside the classroom.

Navigating a new semester 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 not sure where to begin? Schedule a Health Promotion Appointment (Morningside/Manhattanville students) or a Well-Being Strategy Session (CUIMC students).
• Fostering a sense of community and belonging across our campus is essential to the Columbia experience. Check out University Life’s list of resources that encourage and create a culture of inclusion.
• Generate connection and build community by participating in a Listening Table event. Hosted by The Trust Collaboratory. These events provide space to safely navigate difficult conversations, enhance understanding, and develop ideas to make our community even stronger. All are welcome; weekly sessions begin on January 29^th.

Get to know your campus’ 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.

• Morningside/Manhattanville students: make an appointment with Columbia Health, sign up for an upcoming event, and learn how to seek help in an emergency.
• CUIMC students: make an appointment with Student Health on Haven, sign up for the weekly Well-Being and Health Promotion newsletter, and learn how to seek help in an emergency.
• All students: see this curated list of events across campuses from University Life.
   

Public health reminders

As upper respiratory infections continue to increase, it is important to continue to practice essential hygiene and prevention measures such as washing your hands, and wearing a mask if you are experiencing symptoms. Most crucially, stay home if you are sick, including staying home from classes. If you haven’t yet, get the flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine through your campus student health service.

We are also seeing a rise in Norovirus, often called the “stomach bug,” across the country and in NYC. If you experience any symptoms – most commonly vomiting and diarrhea – stay home. If you’d like to speak to a clinical provider for support:

• Morningside/Manhattanville students*: call 212-854-7426, option 4 or make an appointment
• CUIMC students: call 212-305-3400, option 8, or make an appointment

Rest assured that our health and well-being services and offerings remain unchanged, and we look forward to expanding on them to best serve our community’s needs. As you strive to engage with your courses, co-curricular activities, and our community, please remember to make your well-being a priority.

Reach out when you need to, whether from your peers, advisors, or the various University resources here to support you because when you feel well, you'll do even better.

In health,

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

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D. (he/him/his)
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
University Life

*Students who have paid the full-time health and related services fee are eligible to participate.