CSSW Student Life Newsletter

In the Office of Student Affairs, we deeply believe in the potential of our community. We face challenges, celebrate accomplishments, and strive to learn and grow together. Every voice in this community matters, and every story adds something special. As we look ahead, our commitment remains: to support students by providing the tools, opportunities, and experiences that enrich their academic journey, all while fostering a community of growth and understanding.

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UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Pride Month is a vibrant and inclusive celebration that honors the LGBTQ+ community, their history, achievements, and ongoing struggle for equality. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acceptance, diversity, and love. It brings together individuals, organizations, and communities to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and celebrate the progress made towards a more inclusive society.
 

What is Pride Month 2025?

Pride Month is a month-long celebration that recognizes the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to society. It is a time to acknowledge the challenges faced by this community and to stand in solidarity with their fight for equality, acceptance, and human rights. Pride Month is a joyful and colorful display of love, unity, and resilience, with events and activities that promote inclusivity, educate the public, and celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.

When is Pride Month 2025?

Pride Month is traditionally celebrated in June around the world, including in the United Kingdom. In 2025, Pride Month will take place from June 1st to June 30th. This extended period allows for a wide range of events, parades, marches, and discussions to take place, providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to come together and make their voices heard.

How can I get involved in Pride Month 2025?

Getting involved in Pride Month allows you to actively support the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to a more inclusive society. Here are some ways you can participate:

  1. Attend Pride Parades and Events: Check local listings for Pride parades, festivals, and events happening in your area. Participate in the vibrant celebrations, join marches, and immerse yourself in the supportive and inclusive atmosphere. These events are an opportunity to show solidarity and celebrate diversity while having a great time.
  2. Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to learn about the history, struggles, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Read books, watch films, listen to podcasts, and engage in conversations that foster understanding and empathy. Share your knowledge with others, particularly those who may be less familiar with LGBTQ+ issues, to promote acceptance and awareness.
  3. Support LGBTQ+ Organizations: Consider donating to LGBTQ+ charities and organizations that work towards promoting equality and providing support to the community. Volunteer your time or skills to help organize events or initiatives that uplift and empower LGBTQ+ individuals.
  4. Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights: Use your voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in your community and beyond. Engage in conversations, challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, and support legislative changes that protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
  5. Show Support on Social Media: Use your online platforms to show support for Pride Month. Share uplifting messages, stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, and resources related to LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Use hashtags such as #PrideMonth2025 and #LoveIsLove to amplify the message of inclusivity and love.

The History of Pride Month 2025:

Pride Month has its roots in the Stonewall Uprising, which occurred in New York City in June 1969. The uprising was a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, sparked by a series of protests against police harassment and discrimination. The following year, the first Pride marches were organized to commemorate the anniversary of the uprising.

In the United Kingdom, the first official Pride march took place in London in 1972. Since then, Pride Month has grown in significance, with cities across the UK hosting vibrant parades, events, and educational programs throughout June. It serves as a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to celebrate diversity, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights, and foster a sense of community and acceptance.

Pride Month also serves as a reminder that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is ongoing. It encourages individuals and communities to advocate for legal protections against discrimination, work towards inclusive policies and legislation, and challenge societal prejudices that continue to marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals.

Pride Month 2025 is an opportunity to come together and celebrate the vibrant diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. By participating in Pride Month events, supporting LGBTQ+ organizations, and advocating for equality, we can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society. Let us embrace the spirit of Pride Month, stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community, and work towards a world where love, acceptance, and equal rights are celebrated by all.

CSSW Events

All events in E.T.

Opportunities

All events in E.T.

For questions: Caitly Ann Dominici, [email protected]

https://linktr.ee/mindbodynaturecaucus

Two festival-goers hanging out at the park during Good Vibes in the Park.

10+ Uptown NYC Events Celebrating Juneteenth

From a fashion pop-up celebrating creativity to ever-popular and celebratory park events, Columbia Neighbors collected a few events happening this month throughout Upper Manhattan and the Bronx to celebrate and honor Juneteenth.

Signed into law as a federal holiday in 2021 and recognized as an official University holiday by the Columbia University Senate in 2023, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States by honoring the historic day of June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans that they were free and the Civil War was over, two months after the war ended and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

https://neighbors.columbia.edu/news/10-uptown-nyc-events-celebrating-juneteenth-2025?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20250611_Events_Faculty_Staff

Columbians pose in front of the Columbia Pride banner at the NYC Pride March

NYC Pride March 2025

Columbia Pride invites all LGBTQIA+ Columbians and allies to join us in the annual tradition of marching in the NYC Pride March. Mark your calendars today and don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect with community and show your pride! RSVP to be the first to alerted when registration for The March opens!

https://pride.alumni.columbia.edu/nyc_pride_march_2025

‼️ For Recent Grads: Access to Columbia Health and Campus Through August 14 ‼️

Health Access

All recent graduates who were full-time students, international students, or part-time students on the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan can continue to make appointments with Medical Services and Counseling and Psychological Services through August 14, 2025.

As a reminder, full-time students can access Columbia Health regardless of their health insurance plan. This access is covered by the mandatory Health and Related Services Fee.

Campus Access for Grads

  • Access is primarily through the gates on 116th Street (Broadway, Amsterdam, Wien).

  • Swipe access to the Lerner Broadway turnstile cannot be guaranteed.

  • Those with a scheduled appointment can show their reminder email or proof of appointment (via the Patient Portal) along with a photo ID.

  • Recent graduates can register for same-day access as alumni, including for drop-in services.

Health Insurance After Graduation Webinar

Health Insurance After Graduation (Virtual)
📅 Thursday, June 12 at 2 p.m.
🔗 Register: https://columbiahealth.zoom.us/webinar/register/5717271933864/WN_b8c4x-D7SnKcSD6jOR2JrQ#/registration

This 20-minute session covers your health insurance options after the Columbia Plan ends, including what to look for in a plan. A Q&A will follow.

Health Insurance Consultations

Encourage students with questions to email: [email protected]
In-person drop-in hours at John Jay Hall 300:

  • Monday: 2 – 4 p.m.

  • Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

  • Thursday: 1 – 3 p.m.

  • Friday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

By appointment only in July.

Getting Healthcare During the Summer

Columbia Health is OPEN!
Visit the Hours of Operation page for up-to-date hours (closed on University holidays).

  • Appointments: Available through the Make an Appointment page.

  • Same-day/Drop-in: Many departments offer virtual same-day visits or drop-in consultation. In-person drop-in is limited. Visit the Same Day Service page for details.

For urgent needs:

  • Medical Services: 212-854-7426

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS): 212-854-2878

  • Sexual Violence Response (SVR): 212-854-4357

All lines are available 24/7/365.

Click here for non-CU events and resources.

Resources

Columbia University is home to students and scholars from around the world. Our international students, faculty, and researchers contribute to Columbia and to our nation in countless ways; and the energy, creativity, innovation, and dedication they bring to advancing academic excellence and scholarship are a vital part of the fabric of our University community.

https://immigration.columbia.edu/

Resources That May Be Helpful to You or Someone You Know

For our international students, please continue to stay in contact with ISSO and the Office of Advising.

These links are live and updated regularly.

https://universitylife.columbia.edu/content/columbia-resources-student-faculty-and-staff-awareness
https://publicsafety.columbia.edu/content/frequently-asked-questions-visits-campus-us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement-ice
https://universitylife.columbia.edu/doxing-resources

Public Safety
https://publicsafety.columbia.edu/content/your-rights-and-responsibilities
https://publicsafety.columbia.

Stay Informed & Know the Protocol

The University is providing regular updates related to recent events. To ensure you have the latest official information, visit: University Statements and Announcements.

Link: https://shorturl.at/qhKDr

For guidance on protocols regarding visits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, refer to the official University protocol:
ICE Campus Visit Protocol

Link: https://shorturl.at/14exf
If you observe ICE agents conducting enforcement activities on campus, immediately contact CU Public Safety:

  • Morningside: 212-854-5555

  • Manhattanville: 212-853-3333

  • Medical Center: 212-305-7979

This ensures that Public Safety and the appropriate University offices are engaged in the response.

 

CPS is starting to offer weekly or monthly in-person support groups again, while continuing to offer virtual spaces as this modality remains quite popular and accessible to many students. Explore support groups and learn how to register here.

CPS has programming for veterans called Veterans Concerns, which consists of 5 counselors on staff with training from the VA and experience working with veterans; including 2 counselors on staff with experience in the Israeli Defense Force. Please visit their site for more information.

Support groups are open to Columbia students on the Morningside/Manhattanville campus who have paid the full Columbia Health and Related Services Fee. For a full list of spaces and groups, visit the CPS website.

Columbia Health has several helpful videos explaining available resources, as well as insurance basics.

Disability Services facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and support services. During the current pandemic, Disability Services continues to provide accommodations and services to eligible students, both virtually and in-person, dependent upon student’s location as well as the classroom setting.

Students seeking accommodations or support services from Disability Services are required to register with the office in advance of any referral for an assessment.

      • The Intercampus Shuttle runs Monday to Saturday (excluding University holidays) among Columbia’s Morningside, Manhattanville, and CUIMC campuses.
      • 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 track University buses in “real-time” as they travel.
      • The On-Demand Evening Shuttle provides transportation around the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses until 3:00 AM. Learn more about how it works and get a unique promo code to ride (UNI login required).
      • Safety Escorts are available to walk with you across the Morningside, Manhattanville, and CUIMC campuses and surrounding areas.
      • Neighborhood merchants serving as Safe Havens are here to help if you ever feel uneasy about walking home, waiting for a bus, or walking to a car. The businesses are easily identified by a “Safe Haven” placard prominently displayed in their front window.
      • Blue Light Emergency Call Boxes, placed in various locations, provide an immediate response to you if you need assistance.
 
 For more information on transportation services visit the Columbia Transportation website.