News

During Earth Week, the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy hosted signatories from its Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge (PPCC) for an anniversary event. Columbia, among the first signatories for the program, presented a case study detailing accomplishments and challenges from its first full year of participation.

Yonkers-based construction firm GLP & Sons found success through Ascend New York City and the CU Grow: Vendor Development program. These Facilities and Operations-supported programs help firms in the built environment grow their businesses while helping Columbia meet its construction and maintenance needs.

As part of regular grounds maintenance, Facilities and Operations will be replacing several cherry trees along College Walk with new cherry trees.

Softside, an independent soft-serve ice cream parlor, has opened within Upside Pizza in Morningside Heights.

Happy National Pet Day! Today we’re celebrating the joy, comfort, and unconditional love our furry, feathered, and scaled companions bring into our lives.

This March, while students enjoyed a week off from class during Spring Recess, Columbia pantry workers and short order cooks hit the *cook* books. Over the course of two days, 40 Columbia Dining staff members took part in two courses: Knife Skills and Kitchen Equipment.

New York Times feature highlights university's food service program and partnership with celebrity chef Robert Irvine

Columbia has taken significant strides in reducing food-related carbon emissions in its first complete year of PPCC participation. The University seeks to achieve a 25% reduction in food-related emissions by 2030.

McDonald’s is making a highly anticipated return to the West Harlem neighborhood, opening on the ground floor of Columbia University’s new residential building at 600 W. 125th Street.

inFO is a monthly email with news from across Columbia University Facilities and Operations. Check out the March 2025 edition.

The Women Achieving Victory through Empowerment and Strength (WAVES) Employee Resource Group (ERG) hosted a panel discussion featuring women in CUFO leadership roles on Thursday, March 20th in Uris Hall, Calder Lounge.

Updated to include condom distribution. Campus Services and the Columbia College Student Council (CCSC) have partnered together to install tampon/pad and condom dispensers in the laundry room of the major undergraduate residence halls. The products are provided free of charge. This builds on previous initiatives to provide free product at accessible locations on campus.  

Facilities and Operations Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) began meeting in 2025 with a variety of celebratory events, planning meetings, and networking opportunities. ERGs bring staff together centered around a variety of cultures and interests to provide networking and mentorship opportunities, facilitate educational programming, and foster an overall sense of community and belonging.  

Upside Pizza, a local pizzeria recently named by the New York Times as one of the top 25 best pizza places in New York City, is the latest restaurant to join Columbia University’s retail lineup in Morningside Heights.

Affectionately Known as “Mr. Light” and Inspiring his Colleagues with his Work On and Off Campus