Current Campus Access Status Level: "I" - ID Only
Campus open to active affiliate Columbia University ID (CUID) holders and approved guests only
Increased Same-Day Guest Access Announced – Learn More
Current Access Points to Campus
For CUID Holders, Registered Alumni, Approved Guests
The following entrances are available to active Columbia affiliates with a valid CUID, registered alumni, and approved guests. CUIDs and QR codes are accepted at:
- 116th St. and Broadway – 24/7 access (dedicated line for QR code visitor access at north gate, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- 116th St. and Amsterdam – 24/7 access
- Wien Gate (116th St. between Amsterdam and Morningside Drive) – 24/7 access
- Earl Gate (117th St. and Broadway) – Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For CUID Holders Only
The following entrances are available at times consistent with their building hours, open to active Columbia affiliates with a valid CUID only. (Registered alumni and approved guests must use one of the entrances listed above.)
- Carman Gate (114th St. near Broadway) – 24/7 access
- Lerner Gate (115th St. and Broadway) – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Northwest Corner Building, 120th Street and Broadway during regular building hours
- Mudd Building (120th St. near Amsterdam) during regular building hours
- International Affairs Building (117th St. and Amsterdam) during regular building hours
- International Affairs Buildings (118th St. between Amsterdam and Morningside Drive) during regular building hours
Accessible Entrances and Additional Information
CUID holders registered with the University for campus accommodations have swipe access into accessible building entrances at the campus perimeter. For questions regarding access please contact Public Safety at [email protected].
Guest Access
The guest registration portal is available for the entire campus community to request guest access at the Morningside campus for friends, family, and those visiting our campus for academic purposes. Anyone registering a guest assumes responsibility for their registered guest(s) and their guest(s)' actions while at the Morningside campus. This includes the registered guest's requirement to comply with all University Rules and policies while visiting Columbia.
UPDATED: Same-day guest access has been expanded! These updates take effect on September 8, 2026, coinciding with the start of the Fall 2026 Term. Learn more about the expanded guest access provisions and register your guests.
Alumni Access
Alumni visiting campus may use the online campus registration portal (UNI and password required) to register for same-day access to the Morningside campus. Don’t know your UNI or password? Follow instructions from the Columbia Alumni Center for help.
Once on campus, alumni can use their Community CUID to access libraries. Alumni who wish to apply for a Community CUID can find instructions on the Libraries’ website. Alumni with a Community CUID still need to complete the registration form ahead of their visit and have a QR code to enter campus.
Please note: Morningside campus access registration is not available to graduates of Barnard College, Teachers College, and Jewish Theological Seminary. Alumni of Columbia’s 17 schools may register themselves for campus access but are not able to register guests at this time.
Visit the Alumni website for information about campus access and other alumni benefits.
Community Access
Neighbors in our surrounding community may register for access to campus through the University’s Campus Access for Neighbors program, which provides an ongoing QR code for campus access, free of charge.
Building Access
Entrances at academic buildings located within the main Morningside campus do not require CUIDs during normal building hours while the campus remains open only to CUID holders and registered guests. All residential halls, libraries, labs, and other specialized facilities will continue to require CUID access, as will entrances to academic buildings from public streets. If you require urgent access during restricted hours, please contact Public Safety at 212-854-2797.
NEW: CU Access Service Kiosk (ASK)
Beginning in October, a new, temporary Access Service Kiosk (ASK) will be available at the 116th Street and Broadway gate. The kiosk will be staffed by a welcome team member dedicated to helping Columbia community members, guests, alumni, and visitors navigate campus access requirements. When problems arise, the ASK team will provide a clear point of contact to help answer questions and resolve any access issues, when possible. More details will soon be available.
The Campus Access Level System
The campus access status levels have been developed to simplify communication regarding the current circumstances on and around the Morningside campus. The current system - evolving from the previous color-coded system - is intended to clarify the description of access to campus.
The current campus access status level is determined by several criteria that evaluate the potential for disruption to our academic mission and/or campus operations. The status level will be adjusted up or down to reflect then-current circumstances, including information received from law enforcement and other sources regarding potential events that could affect Columbia. Depending on the circumstances, the campus status level could change with sometimes little advance notice based on changing circumstances.