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
The annual community celebration supported by Columbia University provided local youth with the supplies and resources needed for a successful school year.
The project is Low Plaza’s first major, holistic renovation since its construction circa 1897.
A new eight-month leadership program begins with 10 graduate students, reflecting a mix of talents and ambitions from schools across Columbia University.
On the first day of classes, President Mnookin welcomes the Columbia community to a new academic year.
Three of Columbia’s top leaders are graduates of the same school from three very different paths.
This August, major cancer breakthroughs earned government approval, new residential buildings opened, and Columbia researchers worked atop an active volcano. Test your knowledge of the latest news stories across the University!
As new and returning students step onto campus, Columbia News looks back on a summer full of activities for President Jennifer L. Mnookin, who took the reins on July 1, 2026.
Radhika Jones brings experience across print, digital, film, television, and audio to the classroom.
As the school year kicks off, bookmark these old and new spots to add to your caffeination rotation.
First piece of advice? “I really need my students to fail in front of me.”
Allia Mohamed (SIPA’18) co-founded the startup Openigloo with fellow Columbians to help New Yorkers vet their landlords. Here’s her advice for making connections here that could define your career from the very start.
Associate Professor of Computer Science Brian A. Smith has four Columbia degrees. How did he find his path, and what advice does he have for the rest of us, who are looking for one as well?
