Campus & Community

A blue and green graphic with the words "Campus & Community" in its center alongside icons that represent Columbia University and New York City.

This page is dedicated to stories about Columbia's campus and community. From student, staff, and faculty profiles to interesting events happening on campus and in our surrounding neighborhoods, here is where you can find the latest about what's happening on and around Columbia's campuses. 

Story Highlight

viewing eclipse on low steps
Look Up! 8 Luminous Photos From an Eclipse-Viewing Gathering on Low Plaza

Graduation season is here and it is time for the Class of 2024 to strike a pose. Every year, we love to see the creativity and verve that goes into your grad poses — from selfies, to family pics, to group snaps, and everything in between!

We know everyone wants to grab an iconic photo in their regalia with Alma Mater, but construction for Commencement and school ceremonies starts earlier than you think. This year, the date for construction load-in is April 12. What's a grad to do? Columbia News has you covered with ideas for other iconic spots on and around Columbia's campuses to grab your photos.

On April 8, 9, and 10, the Commencement team has also set up special grad photoshoots with professional photographers that you can sign up for here. You can find price points for photo packages here.

Photo of the Week

Magnolia tree on campus.
Flower Power

Spring has sprung! Take time to revel in the beauty of the season, despite the cold and rain. 

QUIZ

MArch Madness at Levien
The Columbia News Quiz: March Madness Edition

Test yourself with questions on Pi Day celebrations, electric fish at the Zuckerman Institute, and the Battle of the Dining Halls. Let's see how much you remember from the month of March.

COLUMBIA HISTORY

Low Library being constructed
Six Secrets of Low Library

From its Pantheon-inspired dome to its sweeping staircase, Low Library is the beating heart of Columbia’s Morningside campus. Designed by McKim, Mead & White, the architects behind the Brooklyn Museum and Boston Public Library, Low is an iconic nationally recognized landmark. But it is also full of arcane bits of history that would be lost to time were it not for the archivists, geologists, and other curious minds who have dug up pieces of its past.

Here are six things every Columbian should know about Low (including a handy tip should you need a rescue from its historic single-occupancy elevator). 

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST

Avery Hall blobs.

Did you know we have a biweekly newsletter filled with Campus & Community content you might not find anywhere else, delivered straight to your inbox?

Find the most recent editions here. And make sure you subscribe to receive the newsletter in your inbox every other Wednesday. 

Out and About

Featured

I am I can
Self-Care Fair

MONDAY, APRIL 22

Take a much-needed pause from your studies and immerse yourself in a world of relaxation and mindfulness at the Self-Care Fair hosted by SVR. Join us at Lerner 555 for an enriching experience where you can create your personalized self-care kit, explore the calming effects of painting, coloring, and Lego building, and gain valuable insights into mindfulness, stress management, and improving sleep. Don’t miss the chance to enter a drawing for prizes, capture the fun moments at our photo booth, and enjoy a variety of food and beverages. This rejuvenating event is exclusively open to Columbia students (including affiliates) - mark your calendars and let us help you unwind and refresh!

More Stories

Abbey Hsu (CC'24) and Kaitlyn Davis (CC'23) were both selected in the 2024 WNBA Draft, the first two selections in Columbia women's basketball hist

We're keeping track of the Columbia Lions who are headed to the Paris Olympics to compete this summer. Here's who to watch out for. 

With Commencement, class days, and general graduation festivities around the corner, here's who we expect to speak to our graduates in celebration

On April 8, Columbians gathered on Morningside campus to witness a partial solar eclipse.

This year’s honorees include Kizzmekia S. Corbett-Helaire, Zvi Galil, Barney S. Graham, Robert Reffkin, and Darren Walker.

The night of May 15, the Empire State Building will glow blue for Columbia Commencement. Here’s where to capture the best photos with it.

The conversation focused on the task force’s first report and the experiences of Jews and Israelis at Columbia.

Learn about her passion for astroparticle physics, why she donated her guitar, and what extreme sport she would like to do—again.

Signed, sealed, and delivered: these Columbia women made their mark on the world and your mailbox.

On March 21, five dining halls competed in an epic food showdown with a new twist: all the dishes were entirely plant-based.

From Academy Awards to league titles, Columbians were racking up the honors this spring.

Thanks to US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Project Start Right will extend DDC’s resources to first- and second-year college stude