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
Audrey Litvak (SIPA'19), assistant director of government affairs at Columbia, has the answers to students' most pressing voting questions.
Here’s what you need to know about the Nov. 5 General Election.
We're kicking off the academic year with a new president, a major gift, and impactful research at Columbia.
The report focuses on student experiences, and offers recommendations on training, reporting, and student group governance.
“Everyone needs to feel engaged, that their voices matter and that they belong here, Armstrong said in one welcome address.”
For students, by students: Advice on life at Columbia, New York City, and the ways to make the most out of your life as a Lion.
Sandra Harris and Diana Mejia have worked on the campus for a combined 50-plus years — they have insider tips to share.
Mia DeLuis Zayas (CC'20) is now a manager of housing services at Columbia, but she knows how to get settled into a routine from her four years in the residence halls.
Lorraine Frazier and Jingjing Shang recently visited China to foster international collaboration and enrich nursing education.
Wisdom for the ages lies inscribed across Columbia's Morningside Heights campus — you just have to look closely.
New to campus? Take a tour of works located inside buildings on the Morningside grounds.
Check out our updated 2024 list of restaurants, markets, bakeries, pet stores, and more when you return to campus this fall.
