Mother nature just doesn't want any more freshmen

In case you weren’t aware, there’s a pretty big rainstorm that’s going to hit the northeast this weekend, just in time for NSOP. Bwog has been mystified by the Weather Channel the past few days (Seriously! 24 hours devoted just to weather! What is this madness) and really, the coming Hurricane Irene is no joke. It’s significantly more powerful than last fall’s Hurricane Earl, and some NSOP festivities are being cut. COÖP has already been cut short by a day, and now an announcement has just been posted by Student Affairs (expect an e-mail shortly) announcing that Columbia College and Columbia Engineering Convocation has been canceled. Move-In Day this Sunday has also been moved to Monday, for both Columbia and Barnard.

The Division of Student Affairs advises all those moving in this weekend to frequently check their website for periodic updates. Notes about Convocation and COÖP below.

Update (7:37): Barnard and NYU move-in days have been delayed as well!

Inclement Weather Update #3 (Thursday, August 25, 2011, 3:15 p.m.)
Columbia Announces Changes to Move-In and NSOP Due To Hurricane Irene

Dear Columbia University Students and Families,

As you are aware, it is likely that we can expect to see the effects of Hurricane Irene sometime on Sunday, August 28 in the New York Metro area, bringing the potential for severe weather and hazardous travel conditions. Given the unpredictability of the strength and direction of the storm, the University and the City must prepare accordingly. The safety of our students and campus community is paramount and as a result, we are cancelling Move-In Day on Sunday, August 28. Move-In Day will be held on Monday, August 29 from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. To further accommodate students and families who have experienced travel disruptions and will arrive to campus on Tuesday, August 30, we will extend check-in hours from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

During official check-In, Columbia staff members will guide you to the appropriate check-in locations based on your residence hall assignment. We will not be able to accommodate early check-in or baggage drop-off on Friday, August 26 or Saturday, August 27. If you are unable to check-in during extended official check-in hours, please go to the Hospitality Desk (staffed 24 hours a day) at Hartley Hall, where staff will be able to accommodate your late arrival.

Essential services, including Housing, Dining, and Health Services, will be available for all students on-campus for Pre-Orientation Programs and Athletics.

The following adjustments will be made to the Sunday Orientation schedule:

  • The CUE Family Brunch, scheduled for Sunday, August 28 at 9:30 a.m. has been cancelled
  • The Family Welcome Reception, scheduled for Sunday, August 28 at 5:00 p.m. has been cancelled

The following adjustments will be made to the Monday Orientation schedule:

  • The Convocation Ceremony, scheduled for Monday, August 29 at 2:30 p.m. has been cancelled to accommodate the extended check-in hours
  • The Family Welcome Reception, scheduled for Monday, August 29 will have extended hours from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Faculty House

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and your family. We ask for your patience and flexibility as we welcome the Class of 2015 to campus. Please bookmark http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/orientation/preparing for all updates related to Move-In 2011 and the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP).

Sincerely,

The Division of Student Affairs

Inclement Weather Update #2 (Thursday, August 25, 2011, 10:30 a.m.)
COOP Program Information

Dear students, parents, and families,

In advance of the approaching inclement weather, the COOP Program will end all three of its outdoor orientation programs on Saturday afternoon. Students will return to campus on Saturday evening, well before the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Irene. The COOP staff will be in constant contact with the Division of Student Affairs and Park Rangers on-site to ensure the safety of all trip participants. Please contact Parent and Family Programs at ugrad-family@columbia.edu for additional information.

Sincerely,
The Division of Student Affairs