Columbia Chronicle selects William Blakley and Sofía Oyarzún as editors-in-chief
The student leaders will guide the newsroom through the summer and fall, bringing experience across reporting, photography and bilingual coverage.
Allison Shelton, Reporter
Chicago mourns Rev. Jesse Jackson, a giant of the civil rights movement
The two-time Democratic presidential candidate was honored in the city where he built his political base as mourners began a week of memorial events celebrating his decades of influence on civil rights and American politics. Jackson died on Feb. 17 at 84.
Exclusive: Columbia to end Dwight Lofts lease, leaving two residence halls for Fall 2026
With fewer students living on campus than four years ago, administrators say maintaining four residence halls is no longer financially sustainable. The college is also ending its lease with The Arc at Old Colony. Designated floors for honors students and those 21 and older will no longer be offered, along with roommate groups during room selection.
How dating apps became a playground for narcissists
Dating apps promise connection, but their swipe-driven design may favor narcissistic traits, leaving many daters questioning whether the problem is who they meet or the platforms themselves.
‘People are on edge’: students at Columbia react to latest deadly encounters with federal agents
The killings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis has ignited protests in Chicago and across the country, renewing scrutiny of ICE and Border Patrol, particularly in communities of color that have long lived under aggressive enforcement.
Four budget-friendly food apps every student should know
From discounted meal kits to deal-finding tools, these apps make it easier for students to eat well on a budget.
Exclusive: David Dolak, who taught ‘Science of Musical Instruments’ for 27 years, confirms layoff
After 27 years of building more than 2,000 instruments with students, Professor of Instruction David Dolak is among five full-time faculty members laid off in Columbia's third round of cuts this year, raising questions about the future of his nationally distinctive course.
Columbia Chronicle names Sydney Richardson editor-in-chief for spring semester
The senior journalism major from suburban Woodridge is known for her sharp storytelling instincts and leadership skills at the Chronicle.
Students prepare for registration amid enrollment dip
Columbia is adjusting course offerings and faculty schedules to reflect student enrollment and ensure required classes remain available. Registration opens Monday, Nov. 10.
Columbia to meet with students for ‘Hi-Tea’ forum
President and CEO Shantay Bolton is scheduled to meet with students at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21 during the Student Government Association’s weekly Tuesday meeting.
AWS outage disrupts access to Canvas
Canvas was back by early evening after a Amazon Web Services failure earlier on Monday, Oct. 20 caused a global disruption that also impacted services like SnapChat, Lyft and Venmo.
Protestors in downtown Chicago denounce Trump immigration tactics, National Guard presence
About 1,000 demonstrators marched through downtown Chicago near Columbia on Wednesday, Oct. 8, condemning federal immigration raids that have left communities reeling from military-style operations by masked agents.
Columbia students face fifth week without loan refunds after delays
Loan disbursements that were expected in the third week of the semester are still on hold, leaving students without funds for food, travel and other expenses — and with few answers about the cause.
Survey shows students prefer, perform better in-person
Columbia students complete in-person courses at higher rates than online or hybrid formats, according to the college’s Student Voice Survey results from fall 2024 and spring 2025.
Services for Students with Disabilities office temporarily switches to in-person accommodation letters
A temporary change from online accommodation letters to physical accommodation letters leaves students with disabilities to deliver these letters in-person to the Services for Students with Disabilities office and to their professors.
Review: Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Man’s Best Friend’ figuratively raises both middle fingers
The 12 track album relays the realities of heartbreak. The order of the album follows her growth beginning at a place of anti-relationship and then, eventually, saying “Goodbye.”
Breaking: College will remain open if National Guard comes to Chicago
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said at a news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 2 that the Trump administration had already begun preparing the Texas National Guard to deploy into the city.
Columbia’s new president draws standing ovation after outlining her vision
Shantay Bolton, who took office in July, earned praise from faculty after her first formal address on Wednesday Aug. 20. The reception marked a sharp contrast to last year’s tense meetings over program cuts, although the college is still confronting enrollment declines and financial strains. Enrollment for Fall 2025 is about 4,300 students.
Columbia set to launch mobile app, other tools with MyColumbia upgrade
After more than a year of development, Columbia will roll out the last phase of a project to revamp the student information system this month, unifying registration, grading and academic tools.
Chicago Street Race hiatus puts brakes on Columbia’s NASCAR collaborations
After three years in the South Loop, the race will move to San Diego next summer.
Exclusive: Columbia sells controversial presidential residence for $2.3 million
The buyer, Chicago resident Sylvia Ramsay, of Hyde Park, told the Chronicle the house would be a private residence.
Columbia students rev up race weekend with NASCAR fashion show
The high-speed collaboration between the Fashion Lab and NASCAR puts sustainable fashion on the fast track with a live runway show during Chicago’s Street Race weekend in early July.
Chicago’s 24th Pride Fest draws crowds despite sweltering heat
With many performances and activities, the annual festival united many in celebration of their identities.
Columbia moves to cover fall courses following latest round of layoffs
The college laid off 20 full-time faculty on Tuesday, June 17, forcing the reassignment of dozens of fall courses. The move comes as Columbia continues to adjust to lower enrollment and shifting academic needs, according to a college spokesperson. The college has laid off 43 full-time faculty in total this year, representing about 20% of all faculty.
Tens of thousands rally in downtown Chicago as part of national ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump policies, military parade
Amid nationwide demonstrations, Chicago protesters marched from Daley Plaza to Ida B. Wells Drive to oppose the Trump administration’s immigration raids and planned military parade in Washington.
Columbia restricts campus building access to weekdays
Every campus building, except for the Student Center, will be closed on the weekends this summer.
