CUIMC 101: Helpful Tips and Campus Life Information for New Employees

So, you’ve been hired by Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Congratulations! We’re glad you’re here. To help you hit the ground running, we’re sharing a few tips that we think may be helpful.

Here’s How to ...

Sign up for direct deposit 

Information about direct deposit (amounts, withholding, benefits deductions, etc.) is available online at MyColumbia, a portal that enables University faculty and staff to find information and resources in one central place. After you log in with your UNI and password, look under the self-service menu for direct deposit information (this step will require two-factor authentication for added security).

Find a nearby bank or ATM

 Several major commercial banks are located within the boundaries of the campus. Here are a few:

• Chase Bank, 180 Fort Washington Ave. (near 168^th Street in the Harkness Pavilion). Chase also has ATMs in the Presbyterian Building.
• Chase Bank, 3940 Broadway (at 165^th Street).
• Santander Bank, 650 W. 168^th St. (between Broadway and Fort Washington Avenue in the lobby of the William Black Building).
• Santander Bank ATM, 722 W 168th St. (in the Mailman School of Public Health.)
• Bank of America ATM, 4005 Broadway (at 168^th Street).

Find a nearby post office

 If you want to send mail or buy stamps or a money order, visit the post office at 511 W. 165^th St. It’s next to Gregorio Luperon High School for Science and Mathematics.

Request a security escort

Public Safety department personnel on the medical center campus are available to provide escorts within a defined area from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. These will be walking escorts; vehicles may be used if they are available. A valid Columbia ID card is required to obtain an escort. Call 212-305-8100 to request an escort and allow 10-15 minutes for the escort to arrive. The department also maintains a Lost and Found desk in Room 109 in the William Black Building at 650 W. 168th St. Visit the department’s website for full details and to sign up for emergency text message alerts.

Travel from the medical center to the Manhattanville and Morningside campuses

Columbia Transportation provides free shuttles for members of the Columbia community, and local residents with qualifying disabilities, for travel among the University’s campuses. Visit Columbia Transportation to learn more about the routes. You can also track shuttle locations by downloading the Passio GO! app for free.

Find out about wellness programs on campus

Walk to Wellness, Mindfulness Training for Stress Reduction, and EAT 5 nutrition workshops are among the many wellness programs offered. Visit the university’s Office of Work/Life to learn more.

Get fit on campus

The Bard Athletic Center, located on levels 2B and 3B of Bard Hall, 50 Haven Ave., helps CUIMC students, faculty, and staff improve their health. In addition to fitness classes, members may use treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, rowing machines, stair climbers, a basketball court, and a swimming pool. Learn more about membership rates. The university also maintains a list of local gyms that offer discounts to Columbia’s faculty and staff.

Get great discounts—only for CUIMC employees!

• On and around campus, several restaurants may offer discounts to University ID holders.
• The website Corporate Shopping offers discounts on a wide variety of consumer goods and services—such as car insurance, jewelry, electronics, cable service, smartphones, flowers, travel, entertainment, and apparel for the entire family—from the nation’s top retailers. Columbia faculty and staff are eligible for free membership. And, once you’re a member, you can invite friends and family to become members.
• CUIMC’s Human Resources maintains a page with other offers, including on computers, wireless service, and cultural events.

Get a degree or skills training

Here are some of the ways to keep learning at CUIMC:

• A singular benefit of working at Columbia is the Tuition Exemption Benefits Program, which pays tuition for a University officer’s undergraduate and graduate courses at Columbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College. This is not a reimbursement or remission program; your tuition is simply exempt. Employees who are designated university officers are eligible for this benefit after completing two years of regular, full-time salaried continuous service.
• Faculty and staff have unlimited access to a vast library of high-quality video tutorials taught by industry experts through Lynda.com, a popular online learning platform that offers instruction in business, software, technology, and creative skills. Visit the University’s portal to Lynda.com.
• Employees may also register for ongoing learning and development workshops that help promote individual development and skills building for managers.

Explore child care and elder care options

Columbia offers a number of benefits to help employees provide care for children or an adult loved one. Sign up for a workshop to learn more.

Learn to get around on campus

Download this handy map that shows the buildings on campus or see the interactive Google map on the Facilities Management and Campus Services website. While you’re there, it’s a good idea to sign up for the department’s building alerts.

Get care during the workday

CUIMC faculty and staff can use the Workforce Health and Safety office for any concerns that may arise during the workday.

Find parking for your car or bicycle on campus

If you are a full-time, permanent Columbia University Irving Medical Center employee who resides outside of Manhattan, you are eligible to apply for CUIMC commuter parking. See parking garage locations and rates.

If you are a bicycle commuter, you may register your bicycle with Public Safety and request access to several on-campus enclosures.

See your benefits information and the holiday calendar

Log in to MyColumbia to learn about your benefits. Find the holiday calendar here.

Get to campus while the 1 train is bypassing the 168^th Street subway station

Visit our 1 train advisory page to find information about the Columbia Intercampus Shuttle and alternative mass transit routes, including ADA-accessible options.