The Columbia Chronicle

Columbia’s spring enrollment falls to lowest level in more than two decades

The college reported 3,958 students in Spring 2026, continuing a years-long decline. Colleges typically enroll fewer students in the spring than in the fall, in part because of December graduates and students who transfer or leave.

Vivian Richey, Enterprise editor
March 16, 2026

At C3Expo, alumni panel examines Asian representation in media and fandom

The discussion on Saturday, March 14 ranged from viral internet trends to the changing portrayal of Asians in film and television.

Marc Balbarin, Reporter
March 15, 2026

Illinois voters head to the polls in unusually competitive primary

An open U.S. Senate seat and five congressional vacancies have created one of the most wide-open Illinois elections in decades, even as student engagement on campus remains limited.

Lily Thomas, Reporter
March 13, 2026

Award-winning photographer Bob Thall gives lecture on his melancholic street scenes

The photographer, who was also the former chair of photography at Columbia, showcased his decades-long work featuring street scenes on medium and large format cameras.

Anthony Hernandez, Reporter
March 13, 2026

Construction underway on Columbia’s new Center for Student Success

Advising, financial services, academic coaching and a campus food pantry will be housed together for the first time in the 33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive building. The project is funded through a grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Liam Rieber, Reporter
March 13, 2026

‘Kindness Week’ returns to campus with events focused on connection

Organized by the Student Government Association and the Center for Student Wellbeing, the weeklong initiative offers activities aimed at supporting student mental health and community.

Mya DeJesus, Reporter
March 12, 2026

SGA hosts ‘Pump Up The Love! Blood Drive’ amidst national blood shortage

The club’s fourth annual blood drive brought in student donors to give back to their community and address the nation’s “severe” blood shortage.

Lily Thomas, Reporter
March 11, 2026

Chronicle wins four national journalism awards at college media convention

The Columbia Chronicle was recognized for photography, multimedia reporting, website and newspaper at the College Media Association’s Spring 2026 convention in New York.

March 8, 2026

ASL club brings awareness to student mental health during De-Stress Fest

The “As Stressless As Possible” event aimed to support student wellbeing through crafts, discussions and a free raffle as the spring semester reaches its halfway point.

Mya DeJesus, Reporter
March 7, 2026

Columbia’s Student Programming Board, Student Organization Council host ‘De-stress With Dogs’

The event encouraged students to talk about mental health struggles and provided stress relief with therapy dogs.

Angel Cal, Reporter
March 6, 2026

Student Academy Awards inspire Columbia filmmakers to think beyond the classroom

Seeing award-winning student films from around the world is encouraging Columbia filmmakers to rethink how their own projects could move beyond the class assignments and reach a global stage.

Shawn Katz, Reporter
March 5, 2026

Investiture student activations highlight creativity across Columbia’s 8 schools

Student-led showcases across the Student Center replaced programming typically held during the college’s Persistence Scholarship Gala, giving visitors glimpses of work from Columbia’s eight schools during celebrations for President Shantay Bolton’s investiture.

Anna Bitz, Assistant Campus News Editor
March 5, 2026