Important Update Regarding Travel

On Friday, February 12, the following message was sent to all GS students regarding an important update for students planning to travel (this includes travel during the March 1-5 spring break.)

February 12, 2021

Dear Students,

We hope your semester is off to a good start and that you are staying safe and well. As we near midterms and spring break, we write to share some essential information regarding travel and the Columbia Community Health Compact.

While we as a University community have been very successful in working together to keep everyone safe and to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus on campus, the number of cases in the United States and throughout the world remains a great concern. As such, it is essential for all students to remember and abide by the University’s restricted travel policies, which strongly urge students to avoid travel for all but instances of personal or family emergencies. This includes travel during the March 1-5 spring break. Traveling remains a high-risk activity, not only for you but for those around you, both at potential origin and destination points.

Students living in Columbia Residential housing or accessing campus

Students living in Columbia Residential housing or those planning to access campus who must travel during spring break for emergencies, urgent medical needs, or religious observation must comply with the below University requirements.

  • Travel by students must be registered via the Travel Form no later than February 19 in order to secure approval for specific plans. Failure to register and receive approval prior to travel will result in disciplinary action.
  • Students who reside in Columbia housing and travel during this period must comply with the applicable New York State (NYS) travel quarantine requirements, but University quarantine housing is not guaranteed upon return. Some students may be required to quarantine off campus prior to returning to Columbia housing and before participating in any applicable in-person instruction or on-campus activity.
  • Students who live near campus, but do not reside in Columbia housing, must also adhere to the New York State (NYS) travel quarantine requirements before participating in any applicable in-person instruction or on-campus activity.
  • Please note the University restriction that students may not travel in groups. A student may travel with only one other Columbia student or with others who share the same apartment.
  • All students remain accountable to the Community Health Compact, and must review the Required Protocol for Returning to Campus.

Students not accessing campus

All students are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel and to consult with CDC guidance and regional travel advisories if travel is required.

We are grateful for the efforts GS students continue to make to keep our community safe and healthy and wish you a restful break.

Columbia University School of General Studies