Policies and Protocols

Columbia University encourages the use of non-motorized transportation but recognizes that it is necessary to establish campus guidelines for the safety of pedestrians, non-motorized device operators, and the campus population. 

Bicycle Safety on the Morningside Campus webpage 

At Columbia University, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is an important priority. Columbia's campuses and their environs are safe and have a relatively low crime rate for an urban university. The University is required by federal law to publish an annual security report containing information with respect to campus security policies and statistics on the incidence of certain crimes on and around our campuses. 

Campus Safety and Security webpage and latest report 

The CUID serves as identification to access many of the University’s facilities, services and resources. Many University buildings have a card access system which is activated by the Columbia University Identification Card (CUID). Card access can only be granted to cardholders with a valid CUID. 

Card Access webpage 

This policy concerns the installation and use of CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) to monitor and record areas for the purposes of safety and security. 

CCTV Monitoring and Recording Policy webpage 

Parking or standing of vehicles on College Walk is strictly limited. The College Walk parking policy sets forth the guidelines for obtaining exemptions for standing or parking of vehicles on College Walk (116th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue). 

College Walk Parking Policy webpage 

Learn what to do in the event of a broad range of emergencies that may occur on campus.  

Emergency Protocols webpage 

A memorandum recognizes that our Department of Public Safety will work with the NYPD in specified circumstances, including to investigate reports of missing students and criminal offenses involving violent felonies. All colleges and universities in New York are required by state law to enter this agreement.

Face masks or face coverings are not allowed for the purpose of concealing one’s identity in the commission of violations of university policies or state, municipal, or federal laws. Face masks or face coverings are always allowed for religious or medical reasons. 

Policy Regarding Face Masks or Face Coverings on Campus webpage 

See also Public Safety Update on Special Patrol Officers, Masking, and Identification 

This policy clarifies that chaining oneself (or similar) to University property or to objects on University property is not permitted. This behavior poses risks to the safety of those involved and to others, can damage University property, and disrupts campus operations. If individuals engage in this behavior, steps including, but not limited to, the following may be taken:

• Involved individuals will be identified according to the steps outlined here.
• Individuals will be asked to voluntarily remove the chains.
• Public Safety officers will remove the chains or will call emergency services for assistance in doing so.
• Involved individuals who refuse to comply with Public Safety and/or University Delegates will be issued warnings regarding trespass and/or potential violations of the Rules of University Conduct; those who resist removal may be removed by an authorized individual and subject to arrest for trespassing.

Affiliates will be subject to disciplinary consequences, with referrals to, depending on the circumstances, the Rules Administrator, the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI), or other appropriate office.

This protocol has been posted to inform and assist affiliates; it is consistent with past practice. 

Protocol for Potential Visits to Campus by ICE Agents webpage 

See also Frequently Asked Questions: Visits to Campus from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 

Columbia University Facilities and Operations recognizes the potential danger to the health and safety of University personnel, students and the general public of unauthorized roof, ledge and balcony access in buildings they maintain on and around the Morningside and Manhattanville Campuses. This policy states that the non-public roofs, window ledges and balconies of all University buildings are considered restricted to authorized users only. 

Roof, Ledge and Balcony Access - Morningside and Manhattanville webpage 

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that members will only use physical force that is reasonably necessary to bring an incident under control, while protecting the lives and safety of the member and others present and within the allowable guidelines of Article 35 of the New York State Penal Law. 

Use of Force Policy webpage 

The operation of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), a drone, is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  As a private institution, Columbia University established this policy to govern the operation by any person of a UAS from or above the University's campuses or properties. This policy extends to any and all property owned, rented, leased, and controlled by The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York. **Please note that, in addition to Federal/FAA and state law, NYC restricts the flying of drones in NYC and requires a special permitting process.** 

Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems on University Campus and Property webpage 

To enhance communication, respect, and trust between Public Safety officers and our community, we have developed the Your Rights and Responsibilities When Interacting with Public Safety Personnel at Columbia brochure. It is designed to increase your understanding of how best to respond if you are stopped by a Public Safety or Police Officer, whether on campus or elsewhere, and to enhance communication between the Department of Public Safety and the community we serve.