Security

On Wednesday night, University officials confirmed that Google removed the file containing the personal information of about 5,000 current and former Columbia students. The removal of the file follows Tuesday evening's e-mail message that informed students that due to a mistake by a student employee at Housing and Dining, personal information including social security numbers had been posted online for over a year.

In Barnard College residence halls, the policy dictating security practices seems simple—a desk attendant is stationed at the front entrance of all dorms, and students flash their Barnard IDs when entering. But this may change soon, as safety and security officials are considering switching to swipe access because the current system is prone to error.

University officials released a letter to faculty on Feb. 14 outlining signs of potential violent behavior, and the proper response if an official or faculty member notices students exhibiting such indicators. The letter was released just hours before a gunman at Northern Illinois University killed five students, injured 18 others, and took his own life.

More than a month after a pair of hate crimes shook Teachers College, the school has installed a new ID reader to secure campus buildings.

Starting as early as next semester, Columbia students may be able to use Flex points at local businesses to pay for food off campus.

Anticipating the hordes of demonstrators expected to protest Monday’s speech, public safety announced that Columbia’s campus will be closed to non-Columbia affiliates, and movement on and off campus will be heavily restricted.

Reasonable people can debate whether a new year in college actually offers a chance to recreate your identity. This year, however, Columbia is offering a comparable opportunity: new identification cards.