Events Newsletter 2026-27

University Life Weekly: Community Citizenship Initiative, Food Pantry Resources & This Week’s Events

October 20, 2026
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Dear Students,

Chilly days, sunny skies, and a busy semester ahead! Stay warm and see what’s happening on campus this week. 

The Community Citizenship Initiative continues through November 6, with many opportunities to learn, engage, and explore something new. Offerings listed below and on our website.

University Life Events & Opportunities 
All events listed below are in Eastern Time (ET), free, and open to all students across all schools and campuses.

  • Sacred Music at Columbia (Hybrid). Join Religious Life at St. Paul’s Chapel for a free, weekly Sacred Music concert, featuring artists and musicians from across the globe. TODAY, October 20, and Thursday, October 22, 6 p.m. Learn more about Sacred Music at Columbia. 
  • AI in the Ballot Box (2026 Edition) (In-Person). Hear from leading experts across disciplines on how generative AI is reshaping electoral politics and public discourse. As part of the Frontiers in Data Science and AI initiative at the Data Science Institute, this event is co-sponsored by University Life. TODAY, October 20, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Register for AI in the Ballot Box.
  • Sip & Refresh (In-Person). As midterms approach, take a break and refresh your knowledge of academic policies and helpful campus resources! Stop by Lerner Ramps to learn about the policies that support your academic success, explore resources available to you, and enjoy a refreshing boba iced tea while you’re there. Wednesday, October 21, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Learn more about Sip & Refresh.
  • Baseball as a Road to God: Film Screening and Discussion (In-Person). Join Religious Life for a film screening and discussion with former New York University (NYU) President John Sexton, whose book of the same name provides the inspiration. Wednesday, October 21, 7 - 9 p.m. Register for Baseball as a Road to God: Film Screening and Discussion.
  • Columbia Serves: Morningside Park Cleanup (In-Person). Help keep Morningside Park beautiful alongside the Friends of Morningside Park volunteer organization for a morning spent giving back to the community. Afterward, enjoy a meal together with new friends! Friday, October 23, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Register for Columbia Serves: Morningside Park Cleanup.
  • Yoga Class (In-Person). Take a break to relax and refresh with yoga in Earl Hall, offered every Monday evening during the fall 2026 semester. Be sure to bring your own mat. Monday, October 26, 7 - 8 p.m. Register for Yoga Class.
  • SGARB & Student Group Accountability Scavenger Hunt Competition (Online). Think your student group knows Columbia policies and resources? The group with the most correct submissions from this scavenger hunt wins a free pizza party for their next meeting (courtesy of Group Conduct)! Now through October 26. Participate in the SGARB Scavenger Hunt.
  • University Life Office Hours (In-Person). Have something you want University Life to hear? Charles Todd, Vice President for University Life, is holding weekly office hours on Tuesdays and Fridays. Bring a question, an idea, or an issue to discuss. No agenda required, and no topic too small. Sign up for University Life Office Hours. 
     

Community Citizenship Initiative (CCI) Events
The events below satisfy CCI requirements.

  • Free Expression and Community: Understanding the Rules of University Conduct (In-Person). Join the Office of Rules Administration to explore the role of Columbia’s Rules of University Conduct and how they seek to safeguard open debate and free expression. 
  • What Comes After Surviving? An Honest Conversation with Neisha Himes (Online). Join advocate and educator Neisha Himes for a webinar on intimate partner violence and its impact on survivors. Drawing on her lived experience and professional work, Himes will discuss the challenges survivors face and explore what healing can look like. Wednesday, October 21, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Register for What Comes After Surviving?
  • Unlearning Islamophobia: How to Recognize and Interrupt It (In-Person). In this discussion, participants will enhance their awareness of Islamophobia’s history and how it shows up today, unpack evidence-based insights and case studies, and gain actionable strategies to interrupt it. Thursday, October 22.
  • Navigating Difficult Conversations (In-Person). Grounded in Difficult Conversations by the Harvard Negotiation Project, this interactive workshop delivers practical tools to resolve conflict. Master listening, reframing, and navigating disagreements with peers and teammates through active exercises and group discussion. Friday, October 30. 2 - 4 p.m. Register for Navigating Difficult Conversations.
  • Jewish Identity and Antisemitism (In-Person). Through interactive discussion and reflection, this workshop explores the roots and contemporary realities of Jewish identity and antisemitism. We will examine the diversity of Jewish experiences and consider how that diversity complicates simple narratives about the Jewish community today. Thursday, November 5. 

Waitlisted Events
Registration for these events has reached capacity, but you may still be able to attend! You can join the waitlist, and we’ll be in touch if a space opens up. Questions? Reach out to the email listed on the registration page.

More Events and Opportunities Happening Around Campus
The events below are only some of the free, University-wide events open to all students unless otherwise noted. For a full list of events, visit the University Events Calendar.

  • How Well Are States Governed? The Governance Performance of US States 2005-2025 and the Future of American Democracy (In-person). Join Columbia World Projects, the Committee on Global Thought, and the European Institute for the release of a new assessment tracking governance capabilities across all 50 US states. Experts will explore findings on state capacity, democratic accountability, and public goods provision ahead of the midterms. TODAY, October 20, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Register for How Well Are States Governed?
  • CPR Training (In-Person). Interested in knowing how to act in an emergency situation? Columbia University Emergency Medical Service (CUEMS) in partnership with Columbia Health is piloting a no-cost CPR training. A certificate will be issued upon training completion. TODAY, October 20, 7 - 9 p.m. Register for CPR Training.
  • Rooted: An Intimate Conversation with Leopoldo Goût (In-Person). Join Mexico City-born artist, novelist, and filmmaker Leopoldo Goût as he discusses his haunting new novel, Rooted. The event begins with light refreshments, followed by an author conversation, audience Q&A, and a book signing. Friday, October 23, 6 - 9 p.m. Register for Rooted: An Intimate Conversation with Leopoldo Goût.
  • Black Lives Matter: What Movements Want From Parties — and What They Can Get (In-Person). Nearly seven years after the 2020 George Floyd protests, join leading scholars and organizers to reflect on the legacy of Black Lives Matter. This panel, hosted by Columbia World Projects, explores movement sustainability, policy implementation, and building civic power today. Tuesday, October 27, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Register for Black Lives Matter: What Movements Want From Parties.
     

Campus Resources to Support You  

  • Office Hours with Student Support. Have questions about campus or community resources? Stop by Student Support office hours for one-on-one help! This month’s focus includes food security, basic needs, and transportation support like Fair Fares. The next office hours are Friday, October 23 from 1 - 2 p.m., but you can always schedule a virtual or in person meeting with a Student Support Manager/Specialist. Register for Student Support Office Hours.
  • CSSI Food Pantry. Do you know your Columbia food pantry options? The Food Pantry serves all currently registered students across all 21 Columbia schools and affiliates. Just register online to place an order - there are no financial requirements or extra criteria. If you have a need, support is available! Learn more about the Food Pantry.
     

Questions, ideas, or just want to say hello? Reach out anytime at [email protected].

Wishing you all the best, 
University Life