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
Columbia University Facilities and Operations completed a comprehensive renovation and historic restoration of Low Plaza and the granite steps connecting College Walk to the plaza, helping to ensure that one of the University’s most recognizable and heavily used campus spaces can be used and enjoyed for decades to come. The project is Low Plaza’s first major, holistic renovation since its construction circa 1897.
Originally known as South Court, Low Plaza was designed by architect Charles Follen McKim as part of McKim, Mead and White's 1894 master plan for Columbia’s Morningside campus. The plaza was constructed using dark red Catskill brick in herringbone and running bond patterns and Joliet limestone to emulate the colors seen in surrounding academic buildings, linking the plaza's design to the rest of the campus.
The renovation addressed deterioration of the plaza’s walking surface, strengthened the substrate below the plaza to better withstand the significant loads and stress the plaza endures, and substantially modernized the plaza infrastructure. Improvements include a new drainage system; new and upgraded electrical service to better support major events and activities; and new lighting infrastructure, including adjustable lighting in the fountains and along the plaza.
In addition, the granite steps leading from College Walk to the plaza were replaced with the same Stoney Creek granite that was used during original construction to address damage incurred over time, natural wear and tear, and uneven settling.
Photo of the Week
COLUMBIA HISTORY
Columbia started classes in the new Morningside Heights campus in October 1897. On this brand new campus, the engineering students finally had ample classroom and laboratory space in their two new buildings: the School of Mines (now Lewisohn) and the School of Engineering (now Mathematics). But did you know that there used to be a full-size locomotive engine underneath Havemeyer Hall?
KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST
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
More Stories
Photos crackling with the buzz of our community coming back together again.
Professor Jeremy Dauber takes on middle-grade readers in his second book for children.
The academic year may have only just started, but Columbians have hit the ground running. Test your knowledge of the latest news stories across the University!
Bookmark these 10 low-cost NYC itineraries, curated by Columbians.
A Health Promotion Appointment is your helpful portal to finding health, care, and community on campus—and off.
Plus, five student organizations to check out, and guidance on how to find more clubs.
Careful evaluations found several little-leaved linden trees along College Walk in irreversible decline, and their removal offers an opportunity to reimagine and enhance this iconic campus landmark.
Check out our updated 2025 list of restaurants, markets, bakeries, pet stores, and more for when you return to campus this fall.
Anya Schiffrin, co-director of the Technology, Policy, and Innovation Concentration at SIPA—and lifelong Upper West Side resident—shares her favorites.
From NYC songs for a forthcoming playlist to your "only in New York" moments, we want to hear from you to help inform our back-to-school guide.
From major research breakthroughs to Emmy nominations, Columbians had plenty to celebrate this past month.
Columbia's Warrior-Scholar Project Academic Boot Camp is more than just a preview of what college life might look like for veterans and current service members—it is a call to action.
