reslife

The night before NSOP, I spent an entire dinner explaining a TED talk to my parents. I think that offers a kind of karmic explanation for the rest of the evening.

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.

All Columbia student dormitories will undergo health and safety inspections by University officials from Residential Life, Housing, and Fire Safety beginning Nov. 12, according to an email from Columbia Housing to students earlier this afternoon.

Amid confusion about the enforcement of a policy prohibiting outside furniture in residence halls, Barnard Residential Life and Housing has confirmed that students will no longer be penalized for violating the policy, which the college has said it is now re-evaluating.

Housing registration can be stressful as you try to piece together what vibe or social scene each first-year dorm provides. If you scrambling to find upperclassmen you know to get the scoop on the dorms, you’ve come to the right place. Spectrum will introduce you to the stereotypes of every single Barnumbia first-year dorm, so rest assured!

Barnard will implement a flat rate for upperclassmen single and multiple occupancy rooms—with the exception of studio singles—starting next year, Dean of the College Avis Hinkson, BC ’84, announced in an email on Tuesday.

A new Residential Life practice that could bring gender-neutral bathrooms to more dorms has provoked debate in the past week. But in most of Columbia’s residence halls, gender-neutral bathrooms were the only option for residents for over a decade.

It doesn't take much to perform a simple act of kindness, a common courtesy—to say thank-you. I am often baffled by the indifference shown toward campus employees. We are surrounded by people who work incredibly hard and take the time to make sure our experience at this institution is wonderful and to ensure that we are happy and safe here.

Barnard Residential Life & Housing has clarified that disciplinary processes involving Resident Assistants will be presided over by a third-party hearing officer—not ResLife leadership—in order to avoid bias that might come from an RA's supervisor serving as that RA's hearing officer.