Announcement

Safety resources and reminders

September 17, 2024

Dear Columbia Community Members,

As you settle into your schedules and routines for the fall semester – and as we do at the start of each year – I want to remind you of the myriad resources available to keep you and our university community safe. These tools combined with good safety practices will help create a safe environment in which to learn, work and live. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or request assistance from one of our officers.

Recent Crime Information and Trends

While New York City overall and Columbia’s neighborhoods in Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, and Washington Heights are relatively safe, it is important to take precautions to keep yourselves and others protected. I remind everyone to remain vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and take advantage of the available safety resources provided by the University. Consult Public Safety’s extensive library of crime prevention tips and follow the latest crime information and trends in Columbia’s neighborhoods from resources provided by the NYPD.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Last academic year, there was a rise of scams targeting Columbia students where scammers impersonate faculty members with job offers. Learn more about this and other common scams, along with tips to avoid them.

Phone Snatching

Police departments nationwide are reporting an increase in phone snatching. Follow these tips to safeguard your phone, remain aware of your surroundings and consider keeping your phone secured in a zippered or buttoned pocket rather than easily accessible in your hand or backpack.

Getting Around Safely

  • The Intercampus Shuttle runs Monday to Saturday (excluding University holidays) among Columbia’s Morningside, Manhattanville, and CUIMC campuses. It also provides connections with MTA stops and the Metro North 125th Street station.
  • The Manhattanville Loop connects frequently visited places on the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses and operates Monday to Friday (excluding University holidays).
  • The Passio Go! app allows you to view University buses in “real-time” as they travel and stay up to date with any service-related announcements.
  • The Evening Shuttle, powered by Via, provides transportation around the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses until 3:00 AM. Learn more about how it works, hours of operation and download the Evening Shuttle app on the App Store or Google Play Store. This fall, the Evening Shuttle will continue piloting a “+2 service” in which riders can bring up to two additional passengers per ride. All riders in the group must show a valid Columbia University ID and have the same pick-up and drop-off destination to be eligible.
  • Safety Escorts are available to walk with you across the Morningside, Manhattanville, and CUIMC campuses and surrounding areas.

For additional transportation options, visit the Columbia Transportation website.

Stay Informed on Campus Access

  • Campus status levels are in place to simplify communication regarding current circumstances on and around the Morningside campus. Stay informed about the latest campus status level and access points.

Download Lion Safe, Columbia’s Public Safety App

  • The Lion Safe app – recently redesigned with student input – is available to all Columbia affiliates and allows you to quickly request emergency services, access maps, shuttle schedules, crime alerts, emergency protocols, and campus safety notifications. The Friend Walk feature allows you to share your location with a friend in real-time.

Make Sure You Receive Emergency Text Messages

Save Public Safety Emergency Phone Numbers

You never know when you may need help. Please store these critical numbers in your phone so you can reach us quickly.

  • Morningside Campus Emergency Line: 212-854-5555
  • Manhattanville Campus Emergency Line: 212-853-3333
  • Medical Center Campus Emergency Line: 212-305-7979

Upcoming Safety Awareness Events

  • Security Awareness Days Keep yourself and your property safe during your time at Columbia, with resources including free tattoos for electronic devices so they are easier to identify if lost or stolen, bike tune-ups and registration, one-on-one consultations with safety specialists, and more. Sept. 20 at CUIMC, and Sept. 25 at Manhattanville.
  • Situational Awareness Training (Virtual). Learn to be alert to potential threats to your health and safety and be cognizant of emergency exits and other paths to safety. Next session on October 14 at 11 a.m. Learn more and register.

A full calendar of events is available on the Public Safety website.

Connect With Us

Public Safety is here to support you 24/7/365 and strives to continually improve our service to the Columbia community, and your feedback is welcome. You can also always email Public Safety with feedback and questions.

In closing, I remind you that we each play a significant role in keeping the Columbia University community safe. If you see something, say something, by alerting Public Safety.

Sincerely,

Gerald Lewis Jr. (he/him/his)
Vice President, Public Safety
Columbia University in the City of New York