COVID-19 Insights & Information

Whenever and wherever—Columbia will meet you both physically and intellectually, supporting you with incredible resources and a 30,000+ global alumni network.

Student FAQ

Can students be trained (or a demo shared) to utilize Big Blue Button on Canvas?

Absolutely! Our Online Curriculum and Instruction team offers a comprehensive video tutorial which can be found by clicking here. Additionally, if students need more personalized assistance, they may submit a help desk ticket at cusps.zendesk.com. 

Can the Career Design Lab build and host more workshops surrounding, “How to be Virtual” and virtual etiquette?

Yes! The Career Design Lab is actively offering educational programs to address the changes taking place in industry. As always, we encourage students to reach out to their career coaches who regularly address questions around virtual etiquette during weekly coffee chats as well as in individual coaching sessions.

Who are immediate points of contact if a student expresses that they are in crisis? 

If students are facing an emergency situation that needs immediate assistance, please contact local law enforcement at 911 or Columbia University Public Safety at 212-854-5555. In addition, please utilize the below campus resources. If this is a non-emergency situation, SPS students may contact their academic advisor or Danielle Pompili, Associate Director for Enrichment and Support at dmp2176 [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (dmp2176[at]columbia[dot]edu). 

Medical Emergencies: If you are uncertain whether this is an emergency, contact Medical Services at 212-854-7426, available 24 hours a day. Urgent medical concerns are prioritized and will be assessed by a triage specialist, who will provide recommendations for care. Columbia University Emergency Medical Service, an ambulance service, is also available by calling 212-854-5555. This on-campus ambulance service is available 24 hours a day free of charge for the Morningside campus. It provides pre-hospital emergency medical care and transport to the Mount Sinai St. Luke's Hospital Emergency Room located at 1111 Amsterdam Avenue at 113th Street.

Mental Health: If you are experiencing an urgent mental health concern, please call Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS)  immediately at 212-854-2878, available 24/7. A clinician will assess your concern and recommend next steps for your care.

For immediate psychiatric care: Students may also go directly to Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital Emergency Room located at 113th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, 212-523-3347.

Physical Safety: If you are being stalked or threatened, or have immediate concerns about your physical safety, contact Public Safety at 212-854-5555. Public Safety also provides an escort service; request an escort by calling 212-854-SAFE.

If you would like confidential non-emergency support and guidance around issues of personal safety—stalking, interpersonal harrassment and threats, or other issues of personal security—contact Sexual Violence Response (212-854-HELP/4357) and speak with a survivor advocate, available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Does SPS have an Emergency Relief Fund? 

Yes! We would like to remind students of our long-standing SPS Emergency Fund, and to let you know that we have made changes to the program in response to the rising levels of financial need among SPS students as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. 

To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in a Master of Science degree program, have completed at least 12 credits towards their degree and hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Additionally, students must have exhausted all other financial resources, including loans. Eligibility to apply does not guarantee and award. 

For more information on the fund and how to apply, please visit our website by clicking here. If you have questions about the fund please contact Danielle Pompili, Associate Director for Enrichment and Support at dmp2176 [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (dmp2176[at]columbia[dot]edu).