Events Newsletter 2026-27

University Life Weekly: Explore NYC, fulfill CCI requirements, and enjoy the arts

October 13, 2026
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Dear Students,

As the temperatures begin to cool, we hope that you are able to find some cozy and relaxing time to unwind amid your busy schedules. 

Keep in mind that the Community Citizenship Initiative is underway, with many opportunities to learn, engage, and explore something new. 

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


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

  • Leading and Engaging in Society – Creating Positive Change (In-Person). Reflect on your impact as a global citizen and an agent of positive social change. This session will specifically look at ways to help you strengthen your skills in empathy, collaboration, and community engagement. Tuesday, October 20, 12 - 1:15 p.m. Register for Leading and Engaging in Society – Creating Positive Change.
  • What Comes After Surviving?: An Honest Conversation with Neisha Himes (Online). Drawing from her lived experience and professional work as an advocate and educator, Neisha Himes will talk about the many ways abuse can show up, how identity and systemic barriers can shape survivors’ experiences, and what healing can look like when there is space to discover who you are beyond. Wednesday, October 21, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Register for What Comes After Surviving?
  • 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 help balance the exercise of free expression rights. Wednesday, October 21, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Register for Free Expression and Community.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • Find a Friend: Jazz Junction (In-Person). Calling all jazz fans! Connect with others through music-themed games and activities, add your favorite tracks to a collaborative playlist, and meet someone new who shares your love for this globally influential genre. Instruments are welcome. TODAY, October 13, 5 - 6:30 p.m. Register for Find a Friend: Jazz Junction.
  • Arts in NY: Buena Vista Social Club (In-Person). Experience the award-winning Broadway musical Buena Vista Social Club with University Life! Meet new friends, dive into Cuba’s rich history, and explore the diasporic roots of iconic art and music. Wednesday, October 14, 4:30 - 9:45 p.m. Join the waitlist for Arts in NY: Buena Vista Social Club.
  • Grads Give Back: Lions for Little Lions (In-Person). Connect with other graduate students and bring warmth to the “little lions” in NYC by assembling Roaree-inspired stuffed animals together. All plushies will be donated to New Alternatives for Children, a non-profit dedicated to providing care for the most vulnerable children in the city. Wednesday, October 21, 5 - 7 p.m. Join the waitlist for Grads Give Back: Lions for Little Lions. 
     

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.

  • Flu Fair - Manhattanville (In-Person). Columbia Health is hosting a walk-in flu vaccination clinic for students from the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses, Teachers College, Lamont-Doherty Observatory, and Nevis Laboratories. No appointments needed, just bring your CUID. Thursday, October 15, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn more about the Flu Fair - Manhattanville. 
  • Flu Fair - CUIMC (In-Person). Student Health on Haven is hosting a flu vaccination clinic for students at the CUIMC campus. Please note: An appointment is needed for the CUIMC campus. Schedule your appointment through the Student Health Portal or by phone at 212-305-3400. Friday, October 16, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn more about the Flu Fair - CUIMC.
  • Pop-Up Exhibition: The Odyssey in Books (In-Person). A collaboration with Columbia Libraries, the Columbia Classics Department and the Barnard Department of Classics and Ancient Studies, this pop-up exhibition invites students, staff, and faculty to see how The Odyssey has been reimagined over the millennia. This exhibit will feature materials from the Rare Book & Manuscript's collection ranging from papyrus fragments of the poem dating back over two millennia to modern works inspired by the epic.
  • 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, and aims to foster rigorous dialogue on how generative tools impact political persuasion, voter profiling, and democratic participation. Tuesday, October 20, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Register for AI in the Ballot Box (2026 Edition).
     

Campus Resources to Support You

  • Have a question? Ask a Librarian! As we continue to dive deeper into the academic semester, don’t forget that Columbia Librarians are here to support you. The Ask a Librarian services are available for queries surrounding, workshops, research guides, library services & tools, and instructional sessions. Learn more about Ask a Librarian. 
  • Traveling between Columbia Campuses? Don’t forget about the shuttles. The Columbia Shuttles offer free transportation between Columbia's Morningside, Manhattanville, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Medical Center campuses, and Fort Lee, as long as you have your Columbia ID (CUID). Learn more about Columbia Shuttles. 
     

Questions, ideas, or just want to say hello? We’re here to help! Reach out anytime at [email protected].

Wishing you all the best, 
University Life