Columbia Together Campaign Connects Faculty and Staff During Social Distancing

Columbia University Human Resources launched a campaign for faculty and staff feeling isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic to share their new remote and social-distancing work experiences and offer solidarity with colleagues on campus. The Columbia Together campaign features images of people adjusting to their new work environment—at home offices, on kitchen tables, or around campus—along with "shout-outs" to the essential workers who are making personal sacrifices to serve the community. 

New people are added every day. Submit your message and image now.

The personal submissions from faculty and staff are as varied as the Columbia Community: a physician plays violin on his Brooklyn stoop to cheer up neighbors; volunteers pack medical masks for Columbia hospitals; public safety officers mind empty campus grounds; administrative staff set up make-shift offices in their kitchens, closets, and apartment nooks; and cats pester people on their computers. The funny, poignant, and uplifting captions express emotions we are all feeling during this unusual time.

The collection of stories, images, and praise for co-workers is a true testament to the strength and can-do spirit of Columbia's faculty and staff.

Columbia Together has received over 150 submissions across schools, departments, and the four campuses. Thousands of people have viewed the website to date. Seeing how colleagues are coping with social distancing and working remotely provides comfort and kinship—and sometimes a good laugh.

To add your workday image and message, go to Columbia Together. Please share on your social media channels and use the hashtag #ColumbiaTogether.