Preparing for the 2021-2022 Academic Year
There are many details still to be determined as we work out the precise contours of a return to campus, but here’s what we can say with confidence right now:
- We are planning for a standard two-semester academic year. We expect to return to our usual fall and spring term configuration, including orientation and Legal Methods I/Introduction to American Law in August and a one-week intensive term in January. The tentative 2021-2022 academic calendar is available here.
- Classes are expected to take place on campus. In line with President Bollinger’s message, our hope is to resume on-campus teaching and learning. Faculty and students should plan to be in New York in time for the start of the fall semester.
- A COVID-19 vaccination will be mandatory for all students present on campus, starting this fall. The University will provide religious and medical exemptions, as for the influenza and measles vaccines, in accordance with New York State public health laws.
- Law School employees will return to campus on a phased timeline. Per the message from the University, we are planning for Law School staff to return to campus in a phased manner, depending on their specific job responsibilities and taking into account public health requirements. We expect that more detailed information will be shared with employees in May.
- Visit the updated FAQ page, which will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
Stay Healthy. Keep the Compact.
All of us have a role to play in keeping our community healthy. Our individual actions can and do affect our collective health and well-being. That’s why each of us is expected to do our part and uphold the public health and safety commitments outlined in the Columbia Community Health Compact. Learn More
Video Tour
Learn more about the public health and safety measures in Jerome Greene Hall.
Important Information: Protocols for Accessing Campus
All students, faculty, and staff who plan to be on campus must complete the campus protocol, which includes the following steps:
- Read the Enhanced University Health and Safety Policy
- Read and sign the Health Compact
- Complete Safety Training
- Self-quarantine, if required
- Get Tested
- Complete the Daily Symptom Self-Check via the ReopenCU App
The Law School will fully comply with all applicable State, and University-wide measures designed to protect the health and safety of the community, as well as visitors, while on campus. These protocols, which have been developed in consultation with leading public health experts, include:
- Testing of all persons for COVID-19 upon returning to campus, followed by subsequent sampling of the campus population
- Daily self-checks for symptoms and potential exposure via the ReopenCU App
- A campus-wide contact tracing program
- Mandatory wearing of face coverings
- Observance of six-foot physical distancing except where it is impossible to do so
- Reduction in density of students, faculty, and staff present in campus buildings, as well as limitations on in-person events and group gatherings
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of classrooms, common areas, restrooms, and work spaces
In addition, we have made a number of adjustments to the Law School physical plant, including installing touchless restroom fixtures, hand sanitizing stations, plexiglass barriers in select high-traffic areas, and signage to manage the flow of foot, stair, and elevator traffic.
We rely on all campus citizens to abide by the health and safety protocols adopted, including affirmation of the terms of the Community Health Compact. At the heart of the Compact is the ethos that each member of our community is responsible to abide by the campus public health and safety protocols not only to protect themselves, but also to protect others.
To access all Law School buildings, entrants must:
- Be a Law School student, faculty, or staff member
- Complete the daily symptom self-check and obtain a Green Pass via the ReopenCU App
- Present and/or tap a valid CUID card
The operating hours and access protocols for the Law School’s buildings will be as follows. Please note that buildings will be closed to all, including with swipe access, outside of the designated open hours.
|
Building |
Open Hours |
Access Protocols |
|
Jerome Greene Hall |
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday–Sunday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
|
|
William and June Warren Hall |
Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday–Saturday: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday: Closed |
|
|
William C. Warren Hall |
Limited access for Law Review student staff, and select faculty and staff |
CUID card swipe required to enter. |
|
Jerome Greene Annex |
Closed |
No admittance |
| Greenhouse | Closed | No admittance |
