Research & Service

The impulse to be engaged in the world and in solving society’s challenges both at home and abroad runs deep in Columbia’s tradition, most recently evident in our community’s support for earthquake relief in Haiti. During the spring semester, the University has an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the core value of public service as a participant in the first ever NYC Service College Challenge.

The College Challenge is a new initiative sponsored by the Office of the Mayor to promote local volunteer service among the city’s collegiate students, faculty and staff. We embark on this friendly, symbolic competition with the hope that it will inspire both innovations in service programs and even wider participation among New York City’s higher education community. 

From now until April 30, individuals who volunteer in local service projects will have the opportunity to record their hours, which will contribute to a combined University total, as well as their own personal tally. This includes both curricular service-learning and extra-curricular volunteer work done in New York City with a recognized nonprofit, city agency, or campus organization. Group efforts are certainly encouraged, but please note that individuals must log on to the NYC Service site to post their own service hours.

Later this spring, the mayor’s office will recognize not only institutional leaders in service, but also the individuals who contributed the most hours during the semester. Here on campus, President Bollinger will host an event to honor all of our College Challenge participants and recognize Columbia’s most “active citizens” for their service.

Join Us

We take pride in our official name, “Columbia University in the City of New York” and encourage students, faculty and staff to embrace the NYC Service College Challenge as a symbol of our shared commitment to the city and community we call home. For more information about this initiative please visit the College Challenge website, where you can also create a log-in account, or e-mail Adrienne Jozwick, Office of Communications and Public Affairs.