dorm-life

Film screenings and festivals have historically required large gatherings of people in one room, all looking at the same silver screen. But due to social distancing measures taken in response to the coronavirus pandemic, that is not an option anymore. Yet the show went on for the second annual CU Film Showcase, which brought people together from all over the world on April 27 to watch students’ short films on their personal silver screens.

If you’re an admitted student, you’ve probably heard Columbia College Dean James Valentini’s catchphrase that Columbia is the “greatest university in the greatest city in the world.” From internships to museums to all types of shows and entertainment, the opportunities and lifestyle that New York offers are a defining feature of the Columbia education. What you might not know much about, however, is Morningside Heights, the neighborhood where Columbia is located.

Alicia Lawrence, deputy dean of Barnard who was beloved for her support for students of color as one of the few Black administrators on Barnard’s campus, died Thursday evening from a pre-existing health condition unrelated to COVID-19, according to an email from Barnard President Sian Beilock. She was 36 years old.

This semester, there have been three reports of swastikas being painted on the 16th floor of East Campus. This is the same floor on which Chinese students’ name tags were burned in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The day after Columbia canceled class last Sunday, Low Steps were packed with people in summery outfits creating Instagram stories and enjoying spring picnics in the sunshine. Some of those students might have enjoyed the previous night’s “cancelation of class” parties, while others planned more activities for the break. Some may have complained about the catastrophic stock market decline and the suspension of their internships while setting up coffee chats.

“No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here.”

The housing registration period is starting, and as you’re scrambling to figure out where and with whom you’ll be living next year, you might have overlooked that the housing registration process is completely changing this year for Columbia. Housing registration will now be online and there will not be any in-person registration appointments. To help you navigate these changes, Spectrum is here to guide you through the Shaft, which has added new features to adapt to these new rules.