University Statements and Announcements

Dr. Richard Axel has informed the University that he is stepping down as co-director of the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. As a founding director, Dr. Axel’s vision has guided the Institute since its inception. The University is grateful to Dr. Axel for his scientific contributions and leadership in this innovative endeavor to further understand the brain. 

I have informed Columbia University that I will step down as co-director of the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute to focus on research and teaching in my lab. I also informed HHMI that I will resign my position as an HHMI Investigator.  

After careful review of operational and safety considerations, we have determined that all campuses will pivot to remote instruction tomorrow, February 23. Students will hear directly from their centers, schools, and instructors with additional details.

Melissa D. Begg will be stepping down from her role as dean of the Columbia School of Social Work as of August 31, 2026.

On Wednesday, February 11, the University’s Public Safety Team responded to an incident of anti-Asian harassment on our campus by a non-affiliate who gained access to campus. 

The University is committed to ensuring that the dental school’s admissions processes are fair and equitable and will undertake a review of the school’s current admissions processes for integrity and consistency with Columbia policies.

SPS and the University do not control or select the employers available on the 12twenty network. Job opportunities or career expo events made available on the platform should not be construed as a sponsorship or endorsement by SPS or the University. These events take place virtually and no students are required to participate.

Columbia University supports the right of individuals to peacefully protest. However, claims made against the University during today’s protest activity, which took place outside of our gates, are factually incorrect.

On Tuesday, January 20, a Columbia student was targeted with antisemitic slurs by a non-affiliate as they were leaving a JTS building near campus. The student reported the incident and Columbia Public Safety has been working with JTS to investigate.

The Pulitzer Prizes are housed at Columbia University, but the Pulitzer Prize Board is independent of the University and operates as such. 

We are writing with the exciting news that the Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Jennifer L. Mnookin, the current chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as the next president of Columbia University. She will begin her tenure on July 1, 2026. 

Since signing the agreement in July 2025, Columbia University has begun work to comply with its obligations under our federal resolution agreement. That work proceeds as planned, as outlined in the resolution agreement.