The Columbia University in the City of New York Podcast

Hey Roar-ee, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for September 29 through October 6. Let's get you set for the week—fast. First up—the "Youth in a Changing World: Aspirations and Anxieties" panel is happening tonight at 10:00 PM at the Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center. This event celebrates the launch of the "Youth in a Changing World" digital publication. It's a great opportunity to engage with discussions on youth perspectives in today's world. Next, if you're a first-year medical student with a last name starting from A to F, don't miss the Financial Wellness Seminar today from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at the Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center, Room 1302. This session will cover budgeting, credit, and loans—essential topics for managing your finances during med school. Finally, the "Application Overview: Personal Statement, Research Proposal & More!" workshop is scheduled for September 30 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM online. This session is perfect for undergraduates looking to strengthen their applications for research and fellowship opportunities. This past Saturday, our football team faced Georgetown in the Lou Little Cup at home. The game kicked off at noon at Robert K. Kraft Field. Looking ahead, the Lions are set to take on Princeton this Friday, October 3, at 7:30 PM in Princeton, New Jersey. Let's rally behind our team as they aim for a strong performance on the road. The Columbia Global series continues with "Road to COP30: Jordan" today at 3:00 PM. This virtual event is part of a series discussing how regions are preparing for the UN climate conference. It's a must-attend for those interested in global climate initiatives. On the dining front, the campus food truck lineup this week includes some new additions. Be sure to check out the latest offerings near Butler Library—perfect for a quick and delicious meal between classes. This week in New York City, expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 80s. A noticeable cool-down starts midweek, so keep a light jacket handy for those breezy afternoons. Your move: register for the "Application Overview" workshop happening tomorrow. It's a prime opportunity to refine your application materials and boost your chances for research and fellowship programs. That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

Good afternoon, Columbia community! It's Monday, September 22, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus this week. From today through Friday, Columbia Engineering is hosting a series of events as part of Climate Week NYC. Faculty and students will share their progress and initiate conversations on topics ranging from climate forecasting and plasma fusion to clean air and grid-scale energy storage. Join us to discover how we can work together to build a more sustainable world. On Wednesday, September 24, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, Teachers College will host a symposium titled "Educational Reforms and Innovation in a Changing World: Chinese Experiences and Global Perspectives." The event will take place in Russell Hall 306 and will explore education policy trajectories, transformations in undergraduate talent cultivation models, the impact of artificial intelligence on learning processes, and the role of education in advancing peace and social justice. Earlier this month, on September 2, faculty members held a "Speak Out" protest at the university's main gates, expressing concerns over potential encroachments on academic freedom. Eight professors, including four from the School of International and Public Affairs, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the university's commitment to delivering truth and preserving academic integrity. In recent research news, Columbia Engineering and the Ethereum Foundation have launched a research center to advance blockchain infrastructure. The center aims to develop and understand blockchain protocols and their applications, contributing to the growing field of decentralized technologies. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, and have a great week!

Good afternoon, Columbia community! It's Monday, September 15, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus this week. The 14th Annual Morningside Lights Festival is in full swing. Free lantern-building workshops are ongoing through September 19, celebrating the theme "TIMEFRAME 1965," which honors the images and influences of that pivotal year. The festivities will culminate in a grand procession on September 20 at 8 PM, starting from Morningside Park and concluding on Columbia's campus. Looking ahead, from September 22 to 26, Columbia Engineering is hosting a series of events as part of Climate Week NYC. Faculty and students will share their progress and initiate conversations on topics ranging from climate forecasting and plasma fusion to clean air and grid-scale energy storage. Join us to discover how we can work together to build a more sustainable world. On September 2, faculty members held a "Speak Out" protest at the university's main gates, expressing concerns over potential encroachments on academic freedom. Eight professors, including four from the School of International and Public Affairs, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the university's commitment to delivering truth and preserving academic integrity. In recent research news, scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute have identified a specific brain area in mice linked to the drive to consume sweets, fats, and salt. This discovery could have implications for understanding human cravings and developing strategies to address overeating. Effective September 2, Columbia's Morningside campus has expanded access. The campus remains open to active affiliate CUID holders, registered alumni, and approved guests. More gates are now available with extended hours to accommodate the community, and a dedicated line at 116th and Broadway (north gate) has been established for approved visitors with valid guest access QR codes. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, and have a great week!

Good afternoon, Columbia community! It's Monday, September 8, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus this week. This Friday, September 12, from 10 AM to 3 PM, the Career Design Lab is hosting the Fall 2025 Career & Networking Expo at the Westin Times Square. This event offers students and alumni a chance to engage directly with recruiters, network with professionals across various disciplines, and connect with representatives from leading professional associations. Don't miss this pivotal moment to advance your career! Starting this Saturday, September 13, the 14th Annual Morningside Lights event kicks off with free lantern-building workshops running through September 19. This year's theme, "TIMEFRAME 1965," celebrates the images, icons, and influences of the year 1965, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the School of the Arts. The festivities culminate in a procession on September 20 at 8 PM from Morningside Park to Columbia's campus. Looking ahead, from September 22 to 26, Columbia Engineering is hosting a series of events as part of Climate Week NYC. Faculty and students will share their progress and start conversations on topics ranging from climate forecasting and plasma fusion to clean air and grid-scale energy storage. Join us to discover how we can work together to build a more sustainable world. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, and have a great week!

Good afternoon, Columbia community! It's Monday, September 1, 2025, and welcome to this week's edition of our campus news podcast. Let's dive into the latest happenings and upcoming events at Columbia University. Starting with the weather, it's currently mostly cloudy with a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As the day progresses, expect temperatures to rise to around 80 degrees by mid-afternoon, with partly sunny skies. A pleasant day to be out and about on campus! This Friday, September 5, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the International Students and Scholars Office is hosting a welcome gathering for all new international students. Join us at Lerner Hall's Roone Arledge Auditorium to meet ISSO staff, enjoy snacks, entertainment, and connect with fellow students. It's a great opportunity to start your Columbia journey on a high note. [Learn more here.](https://isso.columbia.edu/events/fall-2025-new-international-student-welcome-gathering) Mark your calendars for Friday, September 12, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Career Design Lab is organizing the Fall 2025 Career & Networking Expo at the Westin Times Square. This event offers students and alumni a chance to engage directly with recruiters, network with professionals across various disciplines, and connect with representatives from leading professional associations. Don't miss this pivotal moment to advance your career! [More details available here.](https://careerdesignlab.sps.columbia.edu/events/2025/09/12/fall-2025-career-networking-expo/) From September 13 to September 20, participate in the 14th Annual Morningside Lights event. This year's theme, "TIMEFRAME 1965," celebrates the images, icons, and influences of the year 1965, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the School of the Arts. Free lantern-building workshops will be held from September 13 to 19, culminating in a procession on September 20 at 8:00 PM from Morningside Park to Columbia's campus. [Find out more here.](https://arts.columbia.edu/public-programs-fall-2025) From September 22 to 26, Columbia Engineering is hosting a series of events as part of Climate Week NYC. Highlights include: - : Tech CEO Lecture by Alexander Sarrigeorgiou on "Navigating Climate Challenges: Resilience through Insurance, Markets, and Public Policy" at Columbia Business School's Geffen Hall. - : "Data and Partnerships for Global Clean Air and Climate" at Tang Family Hall, Columbia Engineering Innovation Hub. - : Center of Advanced Electrification Fall Symposium at Davis Auditorium and Carleton Commons. These events showcase the school's commitment to engineering practical solutions to the planet's most urgent challenges. [More information here.](https://www.engineering.columbia.edu/climate-week-columbia-engineering-2025) On September 26, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, the Columbia Mailman Alumni Summit will take place at the Allan Rosenfield Building's Riverview Lounge. This event allows alumni to reconnect, learn about the incredible work fellow alumni are doing in public health, and network with classmates, staff, faculty, and current student leaders. [Reserve your spot today.](https://www.alumni.columbia.edu/events/columbia-mailman-alumni-summit-2025-0) On September 25 at 7:30 PM, the School of the Arts will celebrate composer, conductor, and educator Tania León, the newest recipient of the William Schuman Award. The concert will showcase the vitality and depth of her vibrant body of work. [Details here.](https://arts.columbia.edu/public-programs-fall-2025) In recent developments, Barnard College has officially adopted a policy of "institutional neutrality." This decision comes after months of practicing the policy on a provisional basis and aims to set clear community expectations moving forward. Last fall, on September 4, 2024, the first day of classes, pro-Palestinian protesters organized a "Shut it Down" picket at the 116th Street and Broadway gates. The demonstration, organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), also saw the Alma Mater statue being vandalized with red paint. The university community continues to engage in discussions surrounding these events and their implications. As we embark on a new academic year, let's embrace the opportunities to learn, engage, and grow together as a community. Stay informed, participate in events, and make the most of your time here at Columbia. That's all for this week's update. Stay safe, stay connected, and we'll see you next time!

Good afternoon, Columbia community. It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus. Today's forecast for New York City is mostly sunny with temperatures reaching a high of 86°F (30°C) this afternoon. Expect intermittent clouds throughout the day, with temperatures cooling to around 74°F (24°C) by late evening. A perfect day to enjoy the outdoors! *Data Breach Alert* Columbia University recently experienced a significant data breach affecting approximately 870,000 individuals, including current and former students, staff, applicants, and family members. The breach, discovered following a system outage on June 24, 2025, involved unauthorized access to the university’s network, resulting in the theft of around 460 GB of data. Compromised information includes names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, academic histories, financial aid records, demographic details, insurance, and health-related data. While there's no indication yet of misuse, Columbia is offering impacted individuals two years of free credit monitoring, fraud consultation, and identity theft restoration through Kroll. *Leadership Update* In recent developments, Robert Kasdin has joined the university's leadership team. This appointment comes as part of several updates to the leadership team as the university prepares for the fall term. *Knight-Bagehot Fellowship Announcements* The Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics and Business Journalism has announced its new class of ten fellows for the 2025-2026 academic year. These mid-career journalists will take graduate courses at Columbia's Schools of Business and Journalism, attending weekly seminars with media and business executives during the nine-month program. *Energy Journalism Fellows Cohort* The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs has announced the cohort for the 2025 Energy Journalism Fellows program. This year's group includes 20 journalists from around the world, aiming to deepen their understanding of complex energy and climate topics. *Universal Antiviral Therapy* A Columbia researcher is developing a therapy inspired by a mutation that makes people impervious to viral diseases. This groundbreaking work could lead to a universal antiviral treatment, offering hope for combating various viral infections. *ALS Treatment Advances* New findings from Columbia demonstrate that neuron rejuvenation therapy has real potential for treating Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This research brings us closer to effective treatments for this debilitating neurodegenerative disease. *Student Clubs and Involvement* As the new academic year begins, students are encouraged to explore the diverse range of clubs and organizations available on campus. Engaging in these groups is a great way to meet peers, develop new skills, and enrich your Columbia experience. *Health Promotion Appointments* For students feeling overwhelmed or seeking support, Health Promotion Appointments are available. These sessions serve as a portal to finding health care and community resources both on and off campus. *New Deli Opening* Hajis, a new deli and juice bar, is set to open near Columbia University’s Morningside Campus in late September. Located at 1129 Amsterdam Ave., Hajis will offer a variety of fresh options for the Columbia community. *Back-to-School Event Support* Columbia's Department of Public Safety, along with Facilities and Operations' Construction Business Initiatives and Columbia Community Service, is supporting the 9th Annual Back-2-School community event. The university is collecting school supplies to distribute to local students on Wednesday, August 28. Donations are welcome and appreciated. That's all for today's update. Stay informed, stay safe, and have a great day, Columbia!

Good afternoon, Columbia community. Today is Monday, August 18, 2025, and here are the latest updates from our campus. Columbia University has experienced a significant data breach affecting approximately 870,000 individuals, including current and former students, staff, applicants, and family members. Discovered after a system outage on June 24, the breach involved unauthorized access to the university's network, resulting in the theft of around 460 GB of data. Compromised information includes names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, academic records, financial aid details, and health-related data. While there's no evidence of misuse at this time, Columbia is offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection through Kroll. The university has confirmed that records from its medical center were not affected. In a landmark agreement, Columbia University has reached a $220 million settlement with the federal government, restoring previously cut research funding. This deal comes after concerns over campus antisemitism led to funding reductions. As part of the settlement, Columbia has agreed to increased federal oversight, including strengthening Jewish Studies programs, reviewing academic balance, and sharing admissions and hiring data for audits. While some view this as a threat to academic freedom, others see it as a model for reshaping higher education governance. August, an AI startup founded by Columbia alumni Rutvik Rau, Thomas Bueler-Faudree, and Joseph Parker, has raised $7 million in seed funding. The company focuses on automating document-heavy legal tasks for midsize law firms, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce costs. The funding round was led by NEA and Pear VC, with participation from notable figures in the tech industry. Based in New York, August plans to expand its team to 25–30 members by the end of the year. A new documentary titled "The Encampments" has been released, chronicling the 2024 pro-Palestinian campus protests at Columbia University during the Gaza war. Directed by Michael T. Workman and Kei Pritsker, the film features interviews with student leaders and provides an in-depth look at the events that unfolded on campus. Executive produced by musician Macklemore, the documentary premiered at CPH:DOX and is now showing at the Angelika Film Center in New York City. Claire Shipman, co-chair of Columbia's board of trustees since 2023, has been appointed acting president of the university as of March 28, 2025. This follows the resignation of interim president Katrina Armstrong amid campus protests and federal funding challenges. Shipman has been involved with Columbia's board since 2013 and takes on this role during a pivotal time for the university. The Columbia Lions football team is gearing up for the 2025 season under second-year head coach Jon Poppe. The Ivy League's preseason poll, released on August 4, places the Lions in the fourth position. Fans are eagerly anticipating the season opener at Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium. Currently, it's cloudy with a temperature of 66°F (19°C). Temperatures are expected to rise to a high of 76°F (25°C) by 5 PM, with intermittent clouds in the evening. That's all for today's updates. Stay informed and take care.

Good afternoon, Columbia community. Today is Monday, August 11, 2025, and here are the latest updates from our campus. Columbia University has experienced a significant data breach affecting approximately 870,000 individuals, including current and former students, staff, applicants, and family members. The breach, discovered after a system outage on June 24, 2025, involved unauthorized access to the university’s network, resulting in the theft of around 460 gigabytes of data. Compromised information includes names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, academic histories, financial aid records, demographic details, insurance, and health-related data. While there's no evidence of misuse at this time, Columbia is offering affected individuals two years of free credit monitoring, fraud consultation, and identity theft restoration services through Kroll. The university has confirmed that records from its medical center were not affected. Experts recommend using identity theft protection services and practicing good cyber hygiene to mitigate potential risks. Columbia University has agreed to a $221 million settlement with the Trump administration over allegations of antisemitism related to student protests and academic content concerning the Gaza War. The agreement includes significant restrictions, such as prohibiting diversity criteria in admissions and hiring, mandatory reporting of expelled foreign students, and the installation of a federal monitor. Acting President Claire Shipman described the settlement as a pragmatic compromise to restore $400 million in previously frozen federal funds. Critics argue that this sets a precedent for increased federal oversight in higher education, with similar pressures mounting on other institutions like Harvard. August, an AI startup founded in 2023 by Columbia alumni Rutvik Rau, Thomas Bueler-Faudree, and Joseph Parker, has raised $7 million in a seed funding round led by NEA and Pear VC. The company focuses on automating document-heavy legal tasks for midsize law firms, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The investment round also saw participation from notable figures such as Gokul Rajaram, Geoff Charles of Ramp, David Azose of OpenAI, and Kevin Zhang of Bain Capital Ventures. Based in New York, August plans to expand its team from 12 to 25–30 by the end of the year. The Ivy League has announced its preseason poll, with the Columbia Lions football team projected to finish fourth in the conference. The poll results are as follows: 1. Harvard 2. Dartmouth 3. Yale 4. Columbia 5. Princeton 6. Penn 7. Cornell 8. Brown The Lions are preparing for the upcoming season under second-year head coach Jon Poppe. Currently, it's sunny and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in New York City. Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day, reaching a high of 91 degrees by mid-afternoon. Please stay hydrated and take necessary precautions during the heat. That's all for today's update. Stay safe and take care.

Good afternoon, Columbia community. It's Monday, August 4, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus. Currently, it's partly sunny with a temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect hazy sunshine throughout the day, with temperatures reaching a high of 89 degrees by mid-afternoon. Columbia University has agreed to a $221 million settlement with the federal government to restore previously frozen research funding. This agreement includes a $200 million payment over three years and an additional $21 million to address alleged civil rights violations. The settlement follows accusations of antisemitism on campus and aims to implement significant reforms, such as adopting a federal definition of antisemitism and revising student disciplinary procedures. In the wake of the settlement, Columbia has seen notable leadership changes. President Minouche Shafik resigned on August 14, 2024, amid campus turmoil. Katrina Armstrong, previously the CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, served as interim president until March 28, 2025, when Claire Shipman, co-chair of the university's board of trustees, assumed the role. The recent federal interventions have sparked a broader conversation about academic freedom. Critics argue that the government's actions, including financial penalties and policy mandates, threaten the autonomy of higher education institutions. The administration's focus on issues like antisemitism and diversity policies has raised concerns about potential overreach into academic governance. Columbia Sportswear has filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging trademark infringement. The company claims that the university's merchandise labeled simply "Columbia" without additional identifiers violates a 2023 agreement and could cause consumer confusion. The lawsuit seeks to halt sales of the disputed products and recover damages. As the new academic year approaches, student activists are preparing to continue their protests against the university's financial ties to Israel. Despite new protest guidelines and leadership changes, organizers remain committed to their cause, indicating that campus demonstrations are likely to persist. That's the latest from Columbia University. Stay informed and engaged, and we'll be back with more updates soon.

Good afternoon, Columbia community. Today is Monday, July 28, 2025, and here are the latest updates from our campus. Columbia University has reached a significant agreement with the federal government, resulting in the restoration of previously suspended federal research funding. The university will pay over $220 million to settle investigations into alleged civil rights violations. Acting President Claire Shipman emphasized that this agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty. As part of the settlement, Columbia has committed to implementing reforms, including adopting a federal definition of antisemitism, revising student disciplinary procedures, and reviewing its Middle East curriculum. In related news, Columbia has taken disciplinary action against students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. The University Judicial Board has expelled and suspended multiple students for participating in protests that were deemed disruptive to academic activities. These actions are part of the university's efforts to address concerns about campus safety and adherence to university policies. On a brighter note, we are pleased to announce that Farah Jasmine Griffin has been named University Professor, one of the highest honors Columbia bestows on its faculty. Professor Griffin is renowned for her contributions to African American literature and cultural history. Earlier this month, Columbia hosted the "Clean + Go Green" event from July 9 to 11. This initiative encouraged the campus community to recycle and donate unwanted items, promoting sustainability and reducing waste. The event featured multiple drop-off locations and was supported by Facilities and Operations staff. Our alumni continue to make us proud. Kaitlin Balasaygun, class of 2022, won a Sports Emmy for her work on NBC's broadcast of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad. Additionally, Jean Chapiro, class of 2025, received the Live Action Award and Special Jury Award at the 2025 BAFTA Student Awards for producing the film "Extremist." Despite a bit of rain, the 2025 Commencement ceremony was a joyous occasion, celebrating the achievements of over 15,000 graduates from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The event featured traditional ceremonies and the lighting of the Empire State Building in Columbia's colors. Looking ahead, today's weather in New York City is sunny with temperatures reaching up to 94°F (34°C) by the afternoon. Please stay hydrated and take necessary precautions if you're spending time outdoors. That's all for today's update. Stay informed and take care.