Getting Support
Legal Resources
- Columbia Law School Immigrants’ Rights Clinic Defense Initiative
- The Columbia Law School Immigrants’ Rights Clinic (https://www.law.columbia.edu/academics/experiential/clinics/immigrants-rights-clinic) provides free, confidential advice and representation to Columbia students and staff at risk of deportation in the United States who have DACA, who are otherwise undocumented (with or without pending immigration applications or cases), or who have immigration status but are at risk of deportation.
- Pro-Bono Legal Representation and Other Assistance
- Students at Columbia University can work directly with a lawyer on immigration-related issues at no cost, thanks to arrangements the University has made for pro-bono legal consultation. If you would like more information about this service, please reach out to [email protected].
- The President's Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration (https://www.presidentsalliance.org): An alliance of American college and university leaders dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact our students, campuses, and communities.
- Legal Help for the Public (https://www.nycbar.org): A comprehensive website with links to resources, including information on help on pro bono cases and printable brochures on how to handle different types of legal matters, provided by the Association of the Bar of the City of New York.
- Legal Aid Society (https://legalaidnyc.org): Non-profit legal aid provider in New York City, provides legal assistance and information.
- Legal Referral Service (https://www.nycbar.org/get-legal-help): Sponsored by the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and the New York County Lawyers' Association, recommends attorneys with general experience or with expertise in particular areas.
- Many counties in New York provide lawyer referral services for individuals looking for an attorney. The New York State Bar Association (https://nysba.org) can guide you to these services.
- For additional information: https://ogc.columbia.edu/content/help-public
NOTE: Any links to non-Columbia University information are provided as a courtesy. These links are provided for reference and general informational purposes only. In no way does Columbia University, or the Office of General Counsel specifically, accept any responsibility for the content of the linked pages, or for any consequences of the use of said pages. Nor does the Office of General Counsel vouch for the validity of the information on said pages. In no way should the content of this page, or the linked pages, be construed as legal advice from Columbia University or any agent thereof.
Student Health and Counseling Resources
All visits and conversations with your student health providers are confidential, with limited exceptions. Services are available in person and via secure telehealth.
Morningside/Manhattanville students
- Make an individual counseling appointment via the Patient Portal (https://secure.health.columbia.edu) or by calling 212-854-2878.
- Urgent mental health support: call 212-854-2878 (available 24/7) or access in-person drop-in. (https://www.health.columbia.edu/content/same-day-service) Mondays - Thursdays from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. (check-in closes at 7:30 p.m.) in Lerner 502
- For urgent medical concerns, call 212-854-7426, option 4.
- Free online resources for self-help and coping with crisis. (https://www.health.columbia.edu/content/self-help-and-crisis-resources)
- All full-time students, international students, and students on the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan have healthcare coverage while traveling across the U.S. and around the world (https://www.health.columbia.edu/content/coverage-while-traveling).
- Columbia Health Insurance Office: John Jay Hall, 3rd Floor, [email protected], 212-854-3286
CUIMC students
- Schedule a counseling appointment, support session, or a Well-Being Strategy Session using the Student Health Portal (https://portal.studenthealth.cuimc.columbia.edu) or by calling 212-305-3400.
- For urgent mental health support, call 212-305-3400, after-hours press option 7, or access support via chat and phone through TELUS Health Student Support
(https://www.studenthealth.cuimc.columbia.edu/cuimc-telus-health) (available 24/7, within the U.S. and around the world).
- Utilize on-campus and community resources. (https://www.studenthealth.cuimc.columbia.edu/resources-and-support) Student Health on Haven's services and resources are tailored to the needs of students learning, training, and working in the health professions
- Free online resources for coping with uncertainty (https://www.studenthealth.cuimc.columbia.edu/resources-and-support/covid-19-resources/cop ing-with-uncertainty-and-transition)
- For urgent medical concerns, call 212-305-3400, after-hours press option 8.
- All full-time students, international students, and students on the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan have healthcare coverage while traveling across the U.S. and around the world (https://www.studenthealth.cuimc.columbia.edu/our-services/travel-medicine)
- Student Health on Haven, Insurance and Administration
- 100 Haven Avenue, Tower 2, 2nd floor
- [email protected] or call 212-305-3400
Additional resources for all students
- Public safety tips: https://publicsafety.columbia.edu/crimepreventiontips
- For spiritual support, you can connect with a Religious Life adviser. (https://religiouslife.columbia.edu/content/religious-life-advisers)
- The Ombuds Office (https://ombuds.columbia.edu) provides confidential support to discuss many concerns and issues.
Don't allow building access blindly.
Verify a visitor’s identity over the intercom before letting them in. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity like loitering and "piggybacking." People may wait outside the building for someone to leave or enter, allowing them access to an open door. If you believe someone has entered the building on false pretenses, call Public Safety immediately. (https://publicsafety.columbia.edu/crimepreventiontips)
External resources
- American Council on Education Issue Brief: Immigration-Related Campus Concerns
- Immigrant Arc’s Prepare for International Travel: Practice Good Digital Hygiene
- Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University: Press Statement
- Stay Informed: National Immigration Forum
- USA Today: Trump travel ban indefinitely delayed as U.S. continues to revoke visas
- Immigration Advocates Network: National Immigration Legal Services Directory
- Good Digital Hygiene Resources
- Graduation Guidance: Visiting Family and Friends
What do I do if I encounter challenges at a U.S. Port of Entry?
If you are an international student, faculty or researcher on a Columbia-sponsored visa and you encounter issues at a U.S. Port of Entry, ask the Customs and Border Protection officer to contact Columbia University Office of Public Safety. Public Safety has been instructed to contact an ISSO Director for assistance. Comprehensive information on what to expect at U.S. Ports of Entry can be found here for students and here for scholars.
Listening, Learning, and Starting the Conversation
Acting President Claire Shipman outlines her plans for navigating the University through this difficult moment to provide continuity while a presidential search process, which will include the community and faculty, gets underway.