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

Students jumping off the Sundial.
10+ Photos Bringing Glorious Back-to-School Energy as Columbia Students Begin the Fall Semester

To say the energy on Columbia's campuses these past few weeks has been electric would be an understatement. Starting in August, students began returning in droves for a mixture of orientation programs, ceremonies to celebrate their new chapters, and lively events meant to bring everyone together...not to mention classes, which officially started on Sept. 5!

From Convocation, to move-in and family goodbye, the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) and ice cream trucks on College Walk, the fall semester is already in full gear and we can't wait to see what comes next. 

Photo of the Week

Clouds over Morningside campus.
At Home in the Clouds

Campus views can inspire reflection and wonderment. As the sun sets on week two of the fall semester, we wish you a dreamy weekend.

News Quiz

A dog and cat on Columbia's campus.
The Columbia News Quiz: Dog (and Cat) Days of Summer Edition

We featured some cool cats and hot dogs on campus for International Cat Day and National Dog Day, but there's plenty more happening at Columbia as we prepare for the fall semester. 

COLUMBIA HISTORY

Four Columbians with hispanic heritage
This Hispanic Heritage Month, Here Are 12 Columbians You Should Know

Take a look at any industry and you’re bound to find a Columbian with Hispanic heritage that is making waves at the top of it. From groundbreaking works of literature and film, to the study of the brain, the world of politics, and beyond, our university’s contributions to society would not be the same without these impressive alumni, faculty, staff, and students. 

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

World Leaders Forum in Low Rotunda
World Leaders Forum

SEPTEMBER 18-22, 2023

The World Leaders Forum is an event series at Columbia University that has hosted over 300 heads of state and world leaders from over 85 countries since it was first established in 2003. This year, hear from the President of the Dominican Republic, the President of Romania, the President of the European Parliament, the President of the Republic of Paraguay, and a special panel featuring Gary White and Matt Damon, Cofounders of Water.org & WaterEquity. 

More Stories

What do a former Speaker of the House, the Large Hadron Collider, and a bird of prey all have in common?

What makes a great teacher? Read what their students have to say.

With finals around the corner, you may be in need of a quiet moment away from it all. We've got you covered with some ideas on where to go.

“Days of 2023” will bring the work of C.P. Cavafy to campus on May 1.

Leslie A. Zukor (JRN'23) shares her journey to organizing Columbia's first-ever Disability Affinity Graduation celebration.

Alethea Harnish (CC’23) and Mark Taylor are co-teaching a course this semester, the final one for both of them at Columbia.

A family of red-tailed hawks have moved into a nest on the clock at Havemeyer Hall.

On April 18, Julia Gonski, a postdoc, will deliver a public talk on new research in particle physics.

The night of May 17, the Empire State Building will glow blue and white for Commencement. Here’s where to capture the best photos with it.

As we look ahead to President Lee C. Bollinger’s last Commencement as president on May 17, here are some highlights from the last 20 years.

Columbia's chefs, social workers, and climate scientists had a busy month in March.

Commencement volunteers are integral to pulling off the university's largest event celebrating our graduates, and after 20+ years of service, Dave