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!