Support for you (Including This Weekend) and Update on New York State Restrictions

March 20, 2020

Dear Students,

As this week comes to a close, it may feel hard even to remember life as it was last Friday. Just a few hours ago, New York’s governor announced new restrictions on daily life in New York City and state, and you heard from President Bollinger about changes to classes, grading and the University-wide ceremony surrounding commencement.

As you try to adjust and find your new “normal,” you may find that some extra support will be helpful – both from your friends and family in virtual get-togethers, and from all of us at Columbia. This message contains important information about health and well-being resources for you, and about what the new changes in New York mean for students on campus.  

Here’s what you need to know about New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive order:

  • Limit your outside activity to getting groceries, medicine and exercise. When you exercise, stay 6 feet away from others.  
  • Subways and buses will keep operating but don’t use them unless absolutely necessary. Roads will also stay open.
  • All nonessential gatherings of any size are banned.
  • “Essential” businesses can remain open. These include grocers, restaurants (for takeout and delivery), health care providers, pharmacies, hardware stores, laundromats, banks, convenience stores and some others. Get more information here.

I want to say again that we are here to offer support in the midst of these changes. I continue to be inspired by the kindness you have shown to yourselves and others, and the creative and generous ways you are staying in community.

The rest of this email includes health and well-being supports for you, with Morningside, CUIMC and University-wide listings. We will write again next week with additional activities and opportunities to come together as a University community. In the meantime, please keep in touch with us at [email protected] with your questions and suggestions.  
 

HEALTH and WELL-BEING RESOURCES  

In addition to the resources listed here, Columbia Health lists free mobile apps that can help with coping and calm, and information about national hotlines and text lines for crisis help.

Morningside Campus

All services have Monday-Friday hours, and 24/7 call lines are bolded below. Visit health.columbia.edu for more information.   

  • Alice! Health Promotion: Virtual health education and BASICS appointments: Write to [email protected] or call 212-854-5453.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS): Virtual individual counseling and medication management plus assistance with referrals to local resources, for all students enrolled in Columbia Health. After-hours crisis intervention is available at all times, including days and nights this weekend. Call 212-854-2878 for all services.
  • Medical Services: For urgent, in-person medical needs, call 212-854-7426 to speak to a Columbia Health clinician. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Virtual appointments available on weekdays for routine and urgent medical care. After hours call 212-854-7426.
  • The Student Health Insurance Office: Virtual support for your insurance questions. Write to [email protected].
  • Gay Health Advocacy Project (GHAP): Virtual individual sessions for sexual health-related concerns. Call 212-854-6655 or email [email protected]

Medical Center Campus

  • Medical and Mental Health Services: Use the health portal to schedule telephone appointments and to communicate directly with your provider. After-hours access remains available for urgent medical or mental health needs. For after-hours support, call 212-305-3400, option 7.

  • Center for Student Wellness: Write to  [email protected].
  • Insurance-related questions: Write to [email protected].
  • Other questions and concerns: Write to [email protected].
  • To share all other feedback: Write to [email protected].

Visit CUIMC Student Health Service for more information.

University-wide Resources for Students

  • Disability Services: Virtual support for academic and housing accommodations for students registered with Disability Services. Write to [email protected] or call 212-854-2388.
  • Sexual Violence Response (SVR): Virtual trauma-informed, confidential support. Weekdays call 212-854-3500 or email [email protected]SVR’s 24/7 year-round helpline: 212-854-HELP/4357.

Again, you are always in our thoughts. Please use the resources above and write to us with your questions and suggestions. We have a tremendous Columbia community, and we will continue to grow and strengthen together in these challenging times.

In community,

Professor Suzanne B. Goldberg
Executive Vice President for University Life
Herbert and Doris Wechsler Clinical Professor of Law