The CUFO Guide to Getting Things Done

By
Office of the Executive Vice President
September 11, 2015

Whether you are a brand new employee or a long-time member of the Columbia 25 Year Club, sometimes you need to know where to go to get things done. We hope the following answers to commonly asked questions will help you more successfully navigate our great - albeit sometimes complex - University.

Event Planning

Communicating

Getting Around

Accessing Facilities Services

Telephone and Computer Assistance

On-Campus Dining

Benefits and Perks

Public Safety

Athletics

Who's Who?

Acronym Definitions

Event Planning

University Event Management (UEM) can assist with planning your event from space reservation to catering and audio-visual support.

Reserving Space

  • In most instances, space for events is managed by University Event Management. To review the process and to browse spaces available, visit the UEM Web site.
  • Alternative spaces for events are operated by the department responsible for the space. For further information on these spaces and availability, you can check out Other Campus Venues.

Catering

  • Catering for events is provided by UEM. In Lerner Hall, UEM is the exclusive caterer. Other locations may allow for additional caterers at a premium cost for the space.
  • The catering managers will be happy to assist you by providing options for your meeting or event. Request catering services.
  • You can view menus and options for catering on line
  • Faculty House is the exclusive caterer for events in Faculty House. View Faculty House menus.

Audio Visual Services

Guard Services

  • Some events require guard services depending on the nature of the event and/or the number of attendees.
  • To obtain guard service for your event, if required, contact Public Safety at 212-854-2797.

Other Services

  • Other event services, such as custodial assistance and furniture rental, are available through Columbia University Facilities and Operations. Visit Events Administration for a full range of support available.
  • Certain additional services can also be arranged by UEM.

Communicating

In today's information age, it is important to communicate clearly, consistently and effectively. The Facilities and Operations Guide to Communicating has information to help us present a clear, unified message, from branding, marketing and signage to media relations and customer service. If you have a specific communications question or issue, please contact your CUFO communications representative. Other helpful communications resources include:

  • Print Services
  • Mass e-mail
  • Mail Services
  • Signage
  • Media

Getting Around

There are many resources for traveling to and between campuses, including:

  • The free (with University ID) Intercampus Shuttle has stops at the Medical Center, Manhattanville, and Morningside campuses, as well as the A train subway stop, Harlem Hospital, 96th Street and Metro North. You can download the Transportation App for real-time shuttle information.
  • The George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal Shuttle runs between the Medical Center, GWB Bus Termnial and Fort Lee.
  • The Lamont-Doherty Shuttle runs between the Morningside campus and the University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, NY.
  • The Evening Shuttle provides shuttles between 6pm and 4am between 135th Street and 106th Street.
  • Walking escorts are available between 7pm and 3am by calling 212-854-7233 (854-SAFE).
  • While parking is a limited resource around campus, the Parking Web site has information on locations, applications, eligibility and rates.

Accessing Facilities Services

Question

Answer

Telephone and Computer Assistance

Question

Answer

On-Campus Dining

There are a variety of on-campus dining locations.

Dining Services locations

  • Faculty and staff are welcome to eat in any of the Columbia University Dining locations on campus. All locations accept cash, credit card or Flex for payment.

Faculty House

  • Faculty House is open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner from Monday through Friday in the fourth floor Dining Room. Reservations are recommended, but not required.
  • Faculty and staff can get together on the fourth floor of Faculty House weekly on Thursdays at 5:00 pm for Community Hour. A variety of appetizers and drink specials are highlighted with tastings and live music. Check the website for a calendar of events.

Other Campus Locations

Coffee and/or food are also available at these privately operated establishments on the Columbia campus:

  • Brad's Café - campus level adjacent to the Journalism School
  • Joe Coffee - 2nd floor Northwest Corner Building
  • Brownie's - Avery
  • Nous Cafe - Philosophy

Flex Spending

  • By adding money to a Flex Account, any student or employee can use the Columbia University ID to purchase items at accepted flex locations such as the Dining Halls, the University Bookstore, some campus vending machines, and a variety of off campus locations.

Benefits and Perks

  • Columbia University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package. Reminder - new employees must enroll for benefits within 31 days of your start date.
  • Explore online and classroom professional development opportunities
  • Take advantage of a myriad of employee discounts for computers, at the Columbia Bookstore, home phone plans, and much more!
  • Visit the Office of Work/Life for information on adult and elder care, breastfeeding support, child care and schooling, flexible work arrangements, housing and relocation assistance, and wellness-related discounts and healthy lifestyle changes.

Public Safety

Enhance your personal safety and safeguard your property by taking advantage of the many free and discounted programs offered by Public Safety, including:

  • Property engraving, registration, and anti-theft programs
  • Computer and bike locks
  • Self-defense classes
  • Fingerprinting
  • Lost and Found

Athletics

  • The Dodge Fitness Center at Columbia University is a comprehensive wellness facility conveniently located on the Morningside campus. Memberships for faculty and staff are available at a reduced, competitive rate.
  • Cheer on your Columbia Lions! Faculty and staff get discounted tickets for football and basketball games. All other intercollegiate contests are free.

Who's Who?

Link to org chart

Acronym Definitions

Warning - acronyms ahead! Here at Columbia, like many other large institutions, we have lots of acronyms. When you come across an acronym you may not know - and you will - this (admittedly incomplete) list may help.

ARC: Accounting & Reporting at Columbia
APR: Academic Progress Report
ARF: Academic and Residential Facilities
CC: Columbia College
CCSC: Columbia College Student Council
CPS: Counseling & Psychological Services
CSR: Central Service Registry
CUEMS: Columbia University Emergency Medical Services (Formerly CAVA)
CUID: Columbia University Identification Card
CUFO: Columbia University Facilities & Operations
CUIT: Columbia University Information Technology
CUMC: Columbia University Medical Center
DAF: Departmental Authorization File
EFT: Electronic Funds Transfer
ELR: Employee Labor Relations
EMS: Event Management Systems
ESC: Engeneering Student Council
EZ-PO: EZ Purchase Order
FFE: Financial Front End
GS: General Studies
HR: Human Resources
HROS: Human Resources Organization Services
HSC: Health Services at Columbia
IDI: Interdepartmental Invoice
IGC: Inter Greek Council
ISSO: International Students and Scholars Office
JTS: Jewish Theological Seminary
LDS: Labor Distribution System
MLC: Multimedia Learning Center
MMR: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
NSL: Nursing Student Loan
ODS: Office of Disability Services
OMB: Office of Management and Budget
OTC: Office of The Controller
OTPS: Other Than Personal Services
OVP: Office of the Vice President
PAF: Personnel Action Form
PCMS: Primary Care Medical Services
SEAS: The Fu Foundation School of Engeneering and Applied Science
SFS: Student Financial Services
SSOL: Students Services Online
SVPRP: Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program
TC: Teacher's College
UEM: University Event Management

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