Resources and Support for You

A message reminding students to reach out to available support resources across campus.

By
Melanie Bernitz, Marcy Ferdschneider, & Joseph Defraine Greenwell
March 12, 2025

The message was sent to all currently registered Columbia students.

Dear Students,

We recognize that the spring semester has been especially stressful for many members of our community for a multitude of reasons. Our various teams are here to support you, answer questions, and help you navigate challenges. We encourage you to take advantage of the support resources listed below.

Remember: Student health services are available on all campuses, including for those on spring recess, and can provide and facilitate services even if you are not in New York.

1. Stay informed

2. Rest and reset

Take time to unwind. Try unplugging from digital devices or social media, getting good sleep, or creating new habits and letting go of ones that no longer serve you.

3. Build your well-being toolkit.

Sign up for sessions or events that can help set yourself up for success:

4. Continue practicing essential prevention techniques.

This is especially important during travel. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, and stay home if you’re not feeling well.

Make sure you have all travel-related needs and resources such as medications, vaccinations, and health insurance (Morningside/Manhattanville and CUIMC).

5. Get help when you need it

If you feel overwhelmed, ask a classmate, faculty member, adviser, or health provider to lend an ear – we’re here to help each other.

Please check your student health service for up-to-date schedules or make an appointment. 24/7 phone support is also available for urgent concerns, even during holidays and while you are traveling across the U.S. and around the world:

Remember: all visits and conversations with your student health providers are private and confidential.

Morningside/Manhattanville students

CUIMC students

  • Schedule a counseling appointment, support session, or a Well-Being Strategy Session using the Student Health Portal 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 (available 24/7, within the U.S. and around the world).
  • Check out these on-campus and community resources.
  • For urgent medical concerns, call 212-305-3400, after-hours press option 8.

All students:

We encourage you to keep making your health and well-being a priority. Please reach out when you need to, whether to your peers, advisors, or the various University resources here to support you. Columbia is committed to helping you thrive.  

With care for our community,

Melanie Bernitz, M.D., M.P.H. (she/her/hers)

Interim Executive Vice President, University Life
Senior Vice President, Columbia Health     
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (in the Center for Family and Community Medicine)

Marcy Ferdschneider, D.O. (she/her/hers)

Assistant Vice President, Student Health on Haven
Assistant Professor of Medicine at CUIMC

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D. (he/him/his)

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, University Life