In an attempt to improve its leave policies and protocols, Columbia has piloted a new medical leave readmission process to allow students on leave to register for classes before their anticipated return, the first step in a larger effort to create a “simplified readmission” policy.

After the announcement of a new room inspection policy for Columbia residence halls last week, administrators from Columbia Housing, Residential Life, and Fire Safety released a clarification email this morning saying that they would postpone the inspections to begin on Monday, Nov. 19, so that students can familiarize themselves with the inspection procedures.

In just the first month of the semester, residents in East Campus have been plagued by a slew of facilities issues, including mold infestations, erroneous fire alarms, and a lack of usable stoves. As it turns out, however, EC’s recent problems are not a novel phenomenon.

Following a string of false fire alarms in East Campus in the past two weeks, Columbia will now temporarily station Public Safety officers in the residence hall 24 hours a day to serve as “fire guards,” according to an email sent Wednesday evening to EC residents by Columbia Housing, Residential Life, and Fire Safety.

Student life fees for both the School of Engineering and Applied Science and Columbia College will increase to cover the rising costs of student groups. However, because Bacchanal is no longer funded as a governing board, the total amount allocated to governing boards is six percent less than last year.

In light of Columbia’s infamous stress culture and a recent series of suicides, the University has released a set of reforms to its mental health policies, a majority of which are scheduled to take effect this coming year.

Nicole Allicock, CC ’18, found her place in the Columbia community by supporting other students who were seeking to do the same.

The Steering Group on mental health will implement 14 major changes in health services and programming for the 2018-2019 academic year, including bolstering student trainings during the New Student Orientation Program and developing anti-overdose medication administration tutorials, Dean of Columbia College James Valentini announced in an email to undergraduates on Thursday.