Your Guide to Key University Policies

Dear Students,

As the new academic year begins, we write to share some important policies Columbia has in place to ensure a safe and productive academic community. In this email, you will find a basic summary of select policies that govern behavior, events, and attendance at Columbia—many of which apply to the entire Columbia community, including faculty and staff. 

As a member of the Columbia community, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with these important University policies, many of which are updated annually. We strongly advise you to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the full text of these policies, which can be found by clicking through any of the links below.

Safety and Behavior-related Policies

• Alcohol and Drugs
  • These policies on alcohol and drugs aim to provide an academic and social environment that supports individual freedom while promoting individual responsibility, health and safety, and community welfare, in compliance with New York State law and other applicable regulations.
• Anti-Doxing and Online Harassment
  • Columbia University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and safe community in person and in online spaces. The ability to engage in rigorous discourse and uphold University values depends on maintaining a community built on mutual respect and accountability. Those who engage in doxing and online harassment interfere with the University’s community, as well as its academic purpose. This policy aims to prevent and address doxing and online harassment and preserve a community where students, faculty, staff and other community members can do their best work.
• Anti-Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy and Procedures for Students
  • Columbia University is committed to ensuring that all students are able to learn, live, and engage in the University community in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. This Policy prohibits discrimination and discriminatory harassment based on protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws and University standards. It further outlines the procedures for reporting such conduct, the University’s processes for addressing reported concerns, and the resources available to support affected individuals.
• Anti-Hazing
  • All students and other members of our community should be able to participate in student organizations without fear of the harm and intimidation that comes with hazing. This policy prohibits hazing, details how to report any incident of it, and describes how the University will work to prevent hazing and share information about incidents, resources and supports.
• Campus Safety and Security
  • The Department of Public Safety governs policies on campus safety and publishes an annual security report containing information on security policies and crime incidents. Columbia University is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. The Public Safety Annual Security Report is available via the Public Safety website, and printed copies are available at the Public Safety offices on the Morningside, Manhattanville, and Medical Center campuses.
• International Travel Planning
  • This policy outlines resources to assist and protect those undertaking international travel with assessing risks and required travel registrations.
• Posting Policy
  • This policy provides guidelines for the permitted use and placement of banners, posters, and related signage on campus. The unauthorized display and placement of such materials on campus is strictly prohibited.
• Rules of University Conduct
  • All members of our community may engage in our cherished traditions of free expression and open debate. However, the right to demonstrate cannot come at the expense of the right of others to counter-demonstrate, to teach, or to engage in academic pursuits.
• Standards & Discipline
  • Columbia students are expected to uphold the core values of respect, integrity, and civility. These policies outline the standards that Columbia students are expected to uphold and the disciplinary policies that can follow violation of these standards.
• Title IX and Related Misconduct Policy and Procedures for Students
  • The Title IX Division provides educational trainings, support for individuals who have been impacted by sexual and related misconduct, and pregnancy accommodations for students. The Title IX and Related Misconduct Policy outlines prohibited conduct and resolution options and procedures, which include investigations and informal and supportive resolutions. The University does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment.
• University Events
  • This policy delineates a framework to aid University groups and organizations in planning and scheduling events at Columbia. Student organizations, managers of Columbia event venues, and University departments and groups requesting to reserve campus facilities or outdoor spaces are expected to follow this policy.
• University Regulations
  • These University Regulations govern all registered students, as defined by the regulations. They contain policies on attendance, religious holidays, hazardous activity in connection with initiations and affiliations, possession of firearms on campus, student discipline, and academic discipline.
     

Privacy and Consumer-related Policies

• Policy on Access to Student Records under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as Amended
  • Learn about Columbia’s application of FERPA, a Federal law protecting the rights of students and their families regarding the privacy of their educational records.
• Social Security Number (SSN) Usage
  • Guidance on SSN usage, how to eliminate unnecessary storage, and the use of SSNs as the primary identifier at the University, where possible.
     

Technology-related Policies

• Information Technology Policies
  • The University maintains certain policies regarding the use and security of its Information Technology (IT) resources, including computer usage, computer systems, and networks. All users of Columbia University's IT resources and facilities are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the Columbia University IT policies.
• Student Email Communication
  • Columbia has established email as an official means of communication with students. This policy outlines student rules and responsibilities regarding Columbia University email addresses.
• Student Consumer Information
  • In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, Columbia University provides pertinent information and disclosures for enrolled and prospective students.
     

Please be aware that policies are subject to change. For full policy texts, links to additional resources, and the most up-to-date information, please refer to the University Policies website, which also includes Additional Policy Sources for policies that apply solely to an individual Columbia entity, such as a school, department, laboratory, or research center.

Sincerely,

Melanie Bernitz, MD, MPH (she/her)
Interim Executive Vice President, University Life
Senior Vice President, Columbia Health
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (in the Center for Family and Community Medicine)