Columbia University Thanksgiving Break

Photo by Diane Bondareff/Columbia Dining

Dear Columbia families,

Thanksgiving break is a wonderful time of year that many of us spend with our loved ones, family, and friends. Whether your student is traveling or remaining on campus, we hope that they are able to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the comforts of good food and camaraderie. Last week Columbia students were emailed about Thanksgiving break, and we want to ensure that you also receive that information.

Health & Safety

Thanksgiving Break officially begins on the evening of Tuesday, November 23 and classes will resume on Monday, November 29. If your student plans to travel for the holidays we encourage them to make appointments for a voluntary Covid-19 PCR test (before and after they travel), the flu shot, or COVID-19 Booster shot through the Columbia Health Patient Portal. We also recommend that you review Columbia’s Travel Restrictions and Guidelines for Fall 2021.

Travel to and from NYC

If you plan to pick your student up in New York City, leave early and with plenty of time to spare. Large numbers of out-of-town visitors and cars crowd NYC streets throughout November and December, creating more than the usual traffic and gridlock.

Please encourage your student to program the phone numbers, websites, and social media handles (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) of their airline or transit operator into his/her cell phone if traveling by bus, plane, or train. This will come in handy in the event of a delay or cancellation and will allow your student to keep your family updated.

Students traveling by taxi or car service are encouraged to share a ride and find a classmate traveling at the same time. It will cut down on both the fare and on traffic!

During the Break

Many Columbia University offices will be closed Wednesday, November 24 - Friday, November 26. Columbia Public Safety and other essential staff members remain on campus and on-call to assist with any questions or concerns. Please call Public Safety at +1-212-854-5555 for any urgent matters. Columbia Dining has also posted information about dining hall hours for the break.

Planning Ahead

Similar to Thanksgiving Break, residence halls remain open during Winter Break and students will have access to their rooms. Many students like to return early to see friends and experience life as a tourist in NYC. Talk with your student to determine the date they will return to campus.

Grades

Final grades are not sent home at the end of the semester. Students should now know their exam schedules, and can plan to see their grades on SSOL within one week of taking finals. If you have not already done so, talk with your student to outline expectations and develop a plan for how they will share grades with you.

With final exams right around the corner, we encourage all students to get plenty of rest, ask for help if needed, and to finish the semester strong and in good health. Students should touch base with their adviser in the Berick Center for Student Advising for any needed academic support.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we also want to offer our most sincere thanks and gratitude to all Columbia families. We thank you for your patience and flexibility as we continue to navigate through the global pandemic. We appreciate your feedback about the fall semester, and we are excited to engage with you in the spring.

Wishing you and your loved ones health and safety.

Warmest Regards,

Matthew Patashnick
Associate Dean for Student & Family Support

Veronica Bjorkman
Director of Family Outreach & Support