Columbia University Student Services
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Overview
Safety and security is a top priority at Columbia, and we work daily to ensure that our systems and procedures balance the demands of open an academic environment with a safe and secure campus.
Below, you'll find brief descriptions of some of the resources available on the Columbia campus and in the neighboring campus.
Day-to-Day Security
The University has procedures, policies and systems to protect the campus and community on a daily level. These measures include having a visible and highly trained Public Safety department that works closely with New York City agencies including the Police and Fire departments; secure access to residence halls and other buildings; a network of emergency call boxes, cameras and security patrols; and an extensive system of shuttle buses and on-call escorts for students, staff and faculty during late hours.Supporting these measures are many campus resources including primary and urgent healthcare programs; Counseling and Psychological Services, staffed by 30 professionals; a network of well-trained resident and graduate assistants and other advisers who help to prepare students for emergencies and provide guidance and support; an on-campus ambulance corps and a strong relationship with St. Luke’s-Roosevelt hospital, located just off campus; and the pastoral guidance of the office of the University Chaplain.
Emergency Response Planning
The continual development and refinement of Columbia's emergency response plan is the responsibility of the Emergency Management Operations Team. This team of senior Columbia officials meets regularly, consults and holds drills with government officials and experts, and evaluates our procedures. Among its many tasks is refining a communications matrix through which we can quickly deliver information to students, faculty, staff and families during emergencies.
