Trans @ Columbia

Trans @ Columbia is a page dedicated to providing up-to-date policies, services and resources for Columbia's transgender community. Please email lgbtq@columbia.edu if you have any questions, content additions or suggested edits for this page.

"Preferred Name" Policy

As of Spring 2016, Columbia University has adopted a "preferred name" policy to allow students to change their first and/or middle name in Student Services Online (SSOL). The "preferred name" will appear on University ID Cards, class rosters, CourseWorks/Canvas, CourseWorks discussion groups and the Public Directory (unless a FERPA information block has been requested). Get additional information and see frequently asked questions about the policy.

Changing Name and Gender Markers on Government-Issued Identification

The following webpages offer helpful information for students who wish to change their name and gender markers on various forms of identification:

Gender Inclusive Housing for Transgender Students

To create safer and more inclusive living environments for transgender students, Housing (in partnership with the Office of Multicultural AffairsResidential Life and Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at Columbia) developed a clearer process by which students can request a housing accommodation that is mindful of needs related to gender identity and expression. Details related to how students can request housing accommodations and learn about a variety of trans-inclusive housing options are available.

Gender Neutral Restroom Map

A map of the gender-neutral restrooms on campus is available.

Swim Test Accommodations & QSplash

All students in Columbia College are required to pass a swim test or take beginning swimming for one term to fulfill the swim requirement. Students may, however, request waivers and accommodations on the grounds of religious observance or gender identity/expression concerns. All requests for waivers and accommodations are reviewed by the director of physical education. Learn more about swim test waivers and accommodations. In addition, LGBTQ @ Columbia holds an annual event, QSplash, a queer, trans, and body-positive undergraduate pool party and CC swim test event so students can take their test in an affirming and community setting. 

Transgender Health

Columbia Health is committed to addressing the health needs of transgender students at Columbia University. Columbia Health's Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) and Medical Services provide on-campus resources or access to off-campus resources to support the needs of students who identify on the transgender spectrum.

Medical Services

Transgender students, those who feel their sex assigned at birth is an incorrect or incomplete description of themselves, may seek individual, customized care with Medical Services providers. In an effort to better support and communicate services for LGBTQ students, Columbia Health developed an LGBTQ at Columbia Health webpage that highlights the mental health and support, medical care and resources available specifically for transgender students. Students may schedule an appointment with a health care provider at Medical Services to talk about their options.

Services include:

Mental Health and Counseling

Students may schedule an appointment with the clinician at Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) to discuss a range of topics to address their mental health needs. CPS also has an Sexual and Gender Identity Team with a special interest and expertise in working with LGBTQ students.

Off-Campus Services

The Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan provides coverage for hormone therapy and gender affirming surgeries, which are conducted off campus. To schedule an appointment with a Medical Services provider who can provide more detailed information, visit the Columbia Health website.

Student Organizations

GendeRevolution (GendeRev/GR) is the trans support and advocacy group of Columbia and Barnard that embraces an intersectional approach to social justice. GendeRev aims to create safe spaces and advocate for trans and queer students to raise awareness for the spectrum of trans identities and experiences. Meetings are held Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Stephen Donaldson Lounge located in Furnald Hall. To get in touch with GenderRev, please email grboard@columbia.edu. You can also view the GendeRevolution Tumblr account.

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