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!