Breaking: Columbia projects budget deficit will fall by more than half
After layoffs and cuts, the operating deficit is projected to be about $18 million this fiscal year after the college budgeted for a $40 million deficit last year.
Anna Bitz, Campus News Editor
Columbia eliminates two career advisor positions in recent staff layoffs
The Career Center will still provide its same resources to students because the leadership team will step in to help, said Anna Ogier-Bloomer, associate dean of career development and industry relations.
‘Let them know’: New students are urged to find their voice, build community and take risks
Columbia welcomed hundreds of first-year and transfer students at Convocation and Connections on Friday, Sept. 4, reflecting the rise in enrollment compared to last fall.
Breaking: Columbia lays off staff amid continued cost-cutting
The college has not disclosed the total number of staff positions eliminated this week. The layoffs include 14 members of the United Staff of Columbia College, according to the union.
Breaking: ‘We slowed the bleeding’: Columbia pushes faculty to move forward
Administrators highlighted improving enrollment and retention as faculty pressed for more details about how the college will address its financial and institutional challenges.
Exclusive: After a difficult first year, Bolton looks to what’s next for Columbia
A year after receiving a standing ovation at her first all-college meeting, Bolton will address Columbia faculty and staff again this week following a year of layoffs, senior leadership departures and a deficit that could exceed $40 million. In an interview with the Chronicle, she said her focus is now on putting the college’s three-year strategic plan into action and moving Columbia toward greater stability and growth.
Columbia caps most Big Chicago classes to 45 students
The change makes smaller class sizes the standard for Columbia's required first-year seminar, with college leaders hoping students will build stronger connections with classmates and faculty.
Breaking: Chief of Staff Adriel Hilton leaves Columbia after less than a year
The college declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding Hilton’s departure. The move comes two weeks after longtime executive assistant Yvonne Sode was terminated after more than two decades at the college.
Remembering Richard Laurent
Chronicle illustrator Lilly Sundsbak, a senior illustration major, paid tribute to the longtime part-time instructor with a cartoon.
Manifest 2026: Live updates from Columbia’s 25th annual arts festival
The 25th anniversary of the college’s annual arts festival is a public all-day event showcasing graduating senior and graduate student work.
Bolton presents strategic priorities to trustees in push to stabilize Columbia
The board also approved a 4:3 teaching load increase for tenured faculty and revised the college’s severance and termination procedures under adverse circumstances to set the notice period to 10 business days but to retain one year of compensation and health benefits.
Breaking: Columbia shifts oversight to five deans in administrative restructuring
As it continues to address the budget deficit, the college will replace 10 program directors with five deans across the existing schools. Two existing dean positions will be folded into the Office of the Provost. No programs will be cut, and Interim Senior Vice President and Provost Suzanne McBride said students may not notice what she described as “managerial changes.”
Columbia relocates tutoring center, unveils redesigned Honors Lounge in Ida B. Wells building
The relocation brings tutoring and honors students into a shared sixth-floor hub, as Columbia continues shifting services ahead of its new Center for Student Success.
Columbia considers new bachelor’s in creative professional studies
The degree, which could be completed online or in-person, uses Columbia’s existing courses in six disciplines with additional foundation classes. The degree is under review by the Office of Provost. If approved, the program would launch in Fall 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.
Chronicle wins 34 ICPA awards, named best student newspaper for mid-sized schools
The Chronicle won nine first-place awards, including general excellence for print. It also won the sweepstakes award in its division. The annual statewide contest recognizes student media across Illinois.
Sex, satisfaction and the orgasm gap
Research shows heterosexual women orgasm less frequently than men, a disparity known as the orgasm gap. Experts and students point to gaps in sex education, cultural expectations and communication as contributing factors.
Breaking: Columbia weighs 4:3 teaching load for tenured faculty
The shift would require tenured professors to teach one additional course each year as the college confronts a $40 million deficit and seeks to avoid further faculty layoffs, the interim provost said at a town hall on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Columbia’s Faculty Senate approves C-minus policy change
The unanimous vote on Friday, Jan. 16, will allow any C grade to count toward undergraduate major requirements, replacing a policy that required students to repeat major courses after earning a C-minus — even if the grade counted as passing at another institution.
How a year with Trump in office changed campus politics
A year into President Donald Trump’s second term, students across Columbia are dealing with a mix of political exhaustion and renewed hope in activism — a divergence observed by both professors and student leaders.
Exclusive: Columbia to end Arc at Old Colony lease as housing demand drops
The Arc at Old Colony will no longer be a Columbia-leased dorm starting in Fall 2026. Students will have the option for on-campus housing at The Dwight, 30 E. Balbo Drive and the University Center.
College celebrates Weisman Award recipients
Founded in 1974, the art competition gives students the opportunity to win a $2,000 grant for completing a significant body of work. It is the longest-running award at Columbia, and has granted over $1 million to more than 1,000 students.
Columbia’s first ‘Snoozefest’ engages students in sleep health
The event brought sleep-related activities to The Hive for students to improve and learn about their sleep habits.
Columbia honors veterans with art, gratitude, community
The college hosted its annual celebration for Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, honoring student and faculty veterans for their service.
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.
Student performers take the stage for Columbia’s annual drag show
Columbia student drag talent joins professional drag queens at “Who Dunnit, Diva?” for the 9th annual drag show for Wicked Week.
Guided tours explore Wabash Arts Corridor murals through theme of “Shift”
Columbia students lead mural tours that explore how street art can shift perspectives and spark conversations across the South Loop.
Columbia students prepare for the Arts in the Dark parade, featuring dance, handmade costumes
This year marks the college’s largest involvement yet in the city’s iconic Halloween parade and will feature new student-made art and performances.
Chance the Rapper speaks to Columbia students on artistry, activism
The Grammy-winning artist and Chicago native was on campus on Saturday, Oct. 11, while in the city for his “AND WE BACK TOUR.” The exclusive event was arranged through part-time instructor Andre Daniels who teaches in Columbia’s School of Audio and Music and has collaborated with Chance in the past.
Students curate Columbia’s 135-year-old story in new exhibit
Erin McCarthy’s “History of Chicago” class turned the college’s archives into a visual celebration of its legacy with a new exhibit at the Hokin Gallery.
MoCP exhibit explores body as a channel of memory, meaning
The fall exhibition at Columbia’s photography museum, co-curated by professor Joan Giroux, features international artists whose work connects lived experience to the body. Students got an early look during a reception designed to introduce them to the museum’s resources.
Columbia watches, waits as first-year competes in ‘AGT’
Students cheered from the Student Center on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in support of first-year Keith “Kash” Smith and Chicago’s Leo High School Choir performing in the final round of “America’s Got Talent.” The winner will be announced tonight during the season finale, broadcast on NBC.
Columbia comedy students watch as Trump targets late-night hosts
ABC will bring back Jimmy Kimmel’s show after suspending the late night host indefinitely last week. Columbia students told the Chronicle that even when comedians get censored, comedy will never die.
Columbia student clubs face new funding tiers after last year’s cuts
A system finalized this month replaces across-the-board budgets with allocations based on projected expenses.
Center for Student Wellbeing marks first year with focus on accessibility, collaboration
Now, one year after its opening, the center is aiming to expand its resources and partnerships while continuing to adapt to student needs.
Student organizations face new funding model amid budget cuts
With the new funding structure still in the works, some student leaders are putting plans on hold as they navigate an unclear process that could reshape how clubs operate this year.