Workplace Conduct and Training

Workplace Conduct

Maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, free from discrimination and harassment, ensures all members of our community can contribute to their fullest potential. Columbia conducts required training courses, and offers resources and programs that establish a welcoming environment for everyone who works and studies on our campuses.

Resources

To learn more about non-discrimination, policies, training and accommodations, visit the University’s Office of Institutional Equity.

To report an incident, use this reporting form.

Equal Opportunity & Affirmation Action Statement

As an institution, Columbia University is committed to the principles of fairness and excellence. It actively pursues both, adhering to the belief that equal opportunity is the partner of excellence. Columbia University's goal is a workforce and student body that reflects the diversity and talent of New York City, the larger metropolitan area, and the nation. In furtherance of this goal, Columbia has implemented policies and programs which seek to ensure that its employment and educational decisions are based on individual merit and not on bias or stereotypes.

The University’s Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) has overall responsibility for the management of the University’s Employee Policies and Procedures relating to discrimination, discriminatory harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking; coordinates compliance activities under these policies and the applicable federal, state and local laws; and is designated as the University’s Compliance Office for Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other equal opportunity, nondiscrimination and affirmative action laws.

Columbia University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action -- Disability/Veterans employer. 

The Ombuds Office offers a confidential place to discuss workplace issues, academic concerns, issues relating to administrative paperwork and process, explanation and interpretation of policies and procedures, and many other issues or concerns. You can speak freely to us because we promise to keep our discussions confidential, and we are not part of any formal University process. We don’t take sides in disputes and operate independently of the Columbia administration, reporting only to the president.

You control the process and decide when, or even whether, to take action. Learn more and contact the Ombuds Office.

For All Employees

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a network of free or discounted services to support employees with everyday challenges. TELUS Health is Columbia's EAP provider.

Office of Institutional Equity
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) has overall responsibility for the management of the University’s Policies and Procedures on Discrimination and Harassment. Members of the faculty, staff and student body may contact the office to inquire about their rights under the University's policies, request mediation or counseling, or seek information about the application of the policies to specific situations.

Additional guidance for Officers of Instruction and Research is listed in the Faculty Handbook.
 

Support Staff in Collective Bargaining Agreements

Those represented by a collective bargaining agreement must refer to the grievance procedure in that agreement and may may reach out to Columbia's Office of Labor Relations for assistance. 

Office of Labor Relations

615 West 131st Street, mail code 8710
Studebaker, 5th floor 
Phone: 212-851-4089
Fax: 212-234-1819

Discrimination & Harassment

For complaints of discrimination and harassment, please contact Columbia's Office of Institutional Equity.

Columbia University is committed to operating with integrity in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. The University expects the highest standards of ethical conduct from the members of its community and is dedicated to upholding its reputation as one of the top academic and research institutions in the world.

Columbia's Office of University Compliance manages conduct relating to:

  • Fraud and financial improprieties
  • Research misconduct
  • Discrimination or harassment
  • Conflict of interest
  • Breaches of confidentiality
  • Inappropriate use of University resources

    Columbia's Department of Public Safety is the place to report a crime or other emergency, find crime statistics and learn crime prevention tips. 

    Emergency Numbers

    • Morningside Campus: 4-5555 (on campus); 212-854-5555
    • Manhattanville Campus: 3-3333 (on campus); 212-853-3333
    • Medical Center Campus: 212-305-7979

    To contact the New York City Police/Fire Department or Ambulance service, call 911.

    From energy conservation to award-winning recycling and ReUse programs, Columbia is fully-dedicated to creating a greener, more sustainable planet. Sustainable Columbia, the University’s campus sustainability initiative, covers environmental issues on campus, including efforts to: