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A Message from The Board of Trustees

To the members of the Columbia community:

The Board of Trustees regretfully accepts Minouche Shafik’s decision to step down as president of the University. Minouche has contributed so much to the Columbia community in an extraordinarily challenging time and has been a wonderful colleague and friend. While we are disappointed to see her leave us, we understand and respect her decision.

In this difficult year, Minouche has worked, inspired, and led tirelessly. Her wisdom, empathy, and deep commitment to our community have guided us through challenges that are both unique in scale and unique to this moment. She achieved significant accomplishments for the University, including a set of strategic initiatives on academic excellence, operational efficiency, and community designed to help our institution flourish. She has recruited outstanding talent to Columbia: our new provost, new chief operating officer, deans of the schools of Law and the Arts, and our director of the Data Science Institute. Minouche also appointed the University’s first ever chief climate officer, embedding a commitment to sustainability and climate action into all aspects of Columbia’s work. We are grateful for all she has done and thankful for the support she has pledged during the transition to a new president. On behalf of the Columbia community, we wish Minouche the very best in her future endeavors.

At this critical time for Columbia, we are taking all necessary steps to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Most importantly, we are very pleased to announce that Dr. Katrina Armstrong has agreed to serve as our interim president.

Katrina is well-known to the Columbia community. Since arriving as chief executive officer of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, executive vice president for Health and Biomedical Sciences, and dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine and the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, she has transformed the health sciences at Columbia. As you may know, CUIMC is comprised of four schools: Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mailman School of Public Health, School of Nursing, and the College of Dental Medicine. Already, the recently launched Vagelos Institute for Biomedical Research Education has created an academic model and research environment that demonstrates a dedication to bold experimentation and a focus on solving long-standing medical problems. During her career at Harvard University, the Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Pennsylvania, and now here at Columbia, Katrina has distinguished herself as a physician, investigator, teacher, and leader with a unique ability to listen actively to all voices, incorporate lessons from across disciplines, advance innovative teaching that positions learners of all backgrounds for success, and bring together teams from across communities to work together toward a common purpose. Authentic and direct, she has exhibited exemplary, values-driven leadership while managing the largest and most complex division of our University.

Katrina brings a truly exceptional skillset to our University and our current challenges. She is a medical leader who cares deeply about community and society–a scientist and a humanist. She has spent decades involved in rigorous and innovative research to transform our understanding of cancer, genomics, and health care disparities. She has analyzed the roles that segregation, discrimination, and distrust play in the health of marginalized populations. Katrina’s most recent investigations have looked at health disparities in rural areas and include partnerships with Lakota tribal communities and organizations in western South Dakota. And, most recently at Columbia, she has turned her focus to the nation’s mental health challenge. She is committed to the evolution of ever-deepening knowledge related to human health, the human condition, and society at large.

We believe that Katrina is the right leader for this moment. We are grateful to her for stepping in, and we call on our community to support her. As we look ahead to the new term and beyond, let’s all recommit to the core mission of Columbia, as one of the world’s premier educational and research institutions: teaching the next generation of leaders, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge to have the greatest impact on the world around us.

Sincerely,

David Greenwald and Claire Shipman
Co-Chairs, on behalf of the Trustees of Columbia University

Welcome to the Office of the Secretary of Columbia University.

Established in 1895, the Office of the Secretary has primary responsibility for facilitating the governance of the University. The office directly supports the work of the Board of Trustees, including the staffing of quarterly board meetings, annual board retreats, committee meetings, and orientation for new Trustees. The office also maintains a directory of trustees and updates the University Charters and Statutes.

In addition, the office oversees the process for selecting honorary degree recipients and the winners of the University Medal for Excellence. The Office of the Secretary also undertakes, from time to time, special projects on behalf of the president and the University Trustees.

News and Announcements

August 14, 2024

A Message from the Board of Trustees of Columbia University

To the members of the Columbia community:

The Board of Trustees regretfully accepts Minouche Shafik’s decision to step down as president of the University. Minouche has contributed so much to the Columbia community in an extraordinarily challenging time and has been a wonderful colleague and friend. While we are disappointed to see her leave us, we understand and respect her decision.

April 24, 2024

Statement from the Board of Trustees

The Columbia University Board of Trustees strongly supports President Shafik as she steers the university through this extraordinarily challenging time. During the search process for this role, President Shafik told us that she would always take a thoughtful approach to resolving conflict, balancing the disparate voices that make up a vibrant campus like Columbia’s, while taking a firm stance against hatred, harassment and discrimination. That's exactly what she's doing now.

June 26, 2023

Resolution of Appreciation for Lee C. Bollinger

This week marks the end of what will undoubtedly be one of the most consequential periods in the history of Columbia. Lee Bollinger has led this University to astonishing new heights and now leaves it primed for even greater excellence. The Trustees are immensely grateful for his leadership and proud of all that was accomplished during his presidency.

I Need Help With

Academic Appointments

Appointment or reappointment of officers of instruction and the terms of appointment are first confirmed in writing by the department chair or dean. They are then subject to approval by the Provost of the University. Upon approval, the Office of the Provost issues formal letters of appointment on behalf of the Secretary of the University.

Questions regarding academic appointment letters should be directed to the Office of the Provost

Obtaining Blue Seal Letters

Blue Seal Letters enable faculty to receive appropriate courtesies for observation and study while traveling; they are addressed to officials in charge of archives, government agencies, institutes of health, and institutions of learning, libraries, and museums.

To obtain a Blue Seal Letter, send a request via email to [email protected] with the following information:

  • Name
  • Department
  • Tenure Status
  • Travel Dates and Requested Permissions
  • Contact Information

Processing takes approximately one week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I obtain information on University Trustees?

An official list and official biographies of University Trustees are available on the Board of Trustees page.

Where can I submit a nomination for University Honors and Prizes or the Medal for Excellence?

Information regarding the process, background, and form for nominating candidates can be found in the Honors and Prizes section of our website.

I have a question about my appointment letter.

Questions regarding academic appointment letters may be directed to the Office of the Provost. For more information, please visit their website.

Contact Us

Office hours are 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

211 Low Library, MC 4324
535 West 116th Street
New York, NY 10027

[email protected]