COVID-19 Resource Guide for the Columbia Community
Columbia University’s main hub for COVID-19 information, resources, news, and guidelines.

Office of University Life COVID-19 Resources

Public Health Protocols and Health Compact
A commitment to comply with all public health guidance is included in the Columbia Community Heath Compact that all affiliates will be expected to sign as part of the return to campus. In addition, it is strongly recommended that all affiliates follow these guidelines when engaged in social and other activities off campus, including physical distancing, face covering, and hand hygiene.

How Campus Life Will Be Different
The Facilities and Campus Life Working Group has established health and safety protocols for campus operations and created guidelines for use and assignment of space while COVID-19 mitigation strategies are in place.

Enhanced Health and Safety Policy
This document has been established to help protect individuals in the Columbia community and our neighbors as we return to campus. It outlines the expectation that all members of our community will follow specific health and hygiene practices.

Symptom Self-checking
As of June 22, 2020, all faculty, staff, and students will be required to complete a symptom self-check every day before they enter campus premises. This document provides background on the process, information on the ReopenCU app, information about check-in kiosks, and FAQs about the procedure.

Public Health Guidance
This document outlines Columbia’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for all its faculty, staff, students, and visitors. It also contains helpful information about COVID-19 symptom screening, testing, and tracing.

Columbia University Communications
Read all relevant University updates including letters from President Bollinger.

COVID-19 FAQ
This page addresses frequently asked questions related to the impact of COVID-19 and the return to on-campus learning in Fall 2021.

Hybrid Pedagogy Resources
This page serves as a resource for both faculty and students to learn more about remote learning and teaching best practices, including instructions on Remote Desktop Protocol.

Making Studio Update
The Making Studio will open in the Fall 2021 semester. Read about new required safety training and how to schedule shop time.

Avery Library Update
At the start of Fall 2021, all libraries will reopen for Columbia faculty, students, and staff for general use and study, including the Avery Library. Check the University Libraries page for the latest updates.

In 2020, Columbia GSAPP established a $250,000 Emergency Fund to assist current GSAPP students with unexpected expenses related to COVID-19. The fund was created by the Dean’s Office with the generous support of donors and alumni, who contributed specifically to support the student community. Two rounds of funding in the Fall 2020 semester met 100% of requests by disbursing $91,138 in October 2020 and an additional $127,654 in December 2020. Further requests for support were met throughout the Spring 2021 semester, disbursing an additional $71,951. The School expanded the original budget to provide a total of $290,743 in emergency aid to 195 students in the 2020-2021 academic year.

GSAPP is extending this support by renewing the GSAPP Emergency Fund in the 2021-2022 academic year. Read more here

Given the unprecedented and unexpected continuation of the pandemic and its effect on students and campus life, Columbia GSAPP is announcing the opportunity to apply for a one-time emergency grant paid directly to students. We understand many are experiencing challenges in finding work or other funding sources generally used to support items such as food, housing, course materials, technology, transportation, health care, and child care, and this grant is intended to assist students in overcoming those challenges.

Read more here

In the University Life series of Student Voices, GSAPP student Ochuko Okor explains why following the Columbia Community Health Compact is so important to the well-being of our entire community. You can hear additional Student Voices on #KeeptheCompact.

Columbia University and the ISSO are committed to supporting our international students and scholars. Review these pages for ISSO operations, FAQs, updates, and resources.

ISSO COVID-19 Hub

ISSO News and Announcements

ISSO Newly Admitted Student FAQ

ISSO Continuing Student FAQ