To-Do Tuesday Issue 3 | May 19, 2026

Hello [FIRST_NAME],

This is the first To-Do Tuesday we are sending exclusively to your Lionmail inbox. If you would like to view prior messages, check out the archive here. Today, we are highlighting immunization requirements and the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).

Due June 15—Immunization Requirements

There are two immunization requirements that all students—regardless of credit load—must meet.

MMR: New York State public health law and university policy requires that all students born on or after January 1, 1957 document immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. This requirement applies before students are permitted to register for their first term at Columbia.

Meningitis Decision: New York State public health law and university policy requires that students must also document that they either have received the meningococcal meningitis vaccine (MenACWY) or have declined to receive it. This requirement applies before a student is permitted to register for their first term at Columbia.

While not required, it is also strongly recommended that students submit COVID-19 and flu vaccination records.

Submitting Documentation

Submit documentation to the Columbia Health Immunization Compliance Office. PLEASE SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION ONLY ONCE using one method and allow at least 15 business days for processing. Submitting via multiple methods will result in delays. The office will reach out via your Columbia email if your records do not demonstrate the required compliance.

Preferred Methods:

Online: Secure digital upload via the Columbia Health Patient Portal (Immunization Record under the Medical Clearances section)

See step-by-step instructions for:

• MMR
• Meningitis Decision

Fax: 212-854-5078

Email: immunizationcompliance@columbia.edu with the subject line Immunization Compliance Records - [Your UNI and Academic School/College]

Please note, although email is a preferred method, communications sent via email are not necessarily secure. Columbia University cannot guarantee that the information and records submitted via unencrypted email will not be intercepted and read by other parties besides the university.

Alternate Method:

Mail: Immunization Compliance Office, John Jay Hall 3rd Floor, MC 3601, 519 W. 114th St., New York, NY 10027

There is no in-person option to submit documentation. Please use only the methods described above. Be sure to keep a copy of your fax or delivery confirmation as we cannot verify receipt of individual documents. For questions or concerns regarding your immunization documentation, please email immunizationcompliance@columbia.edu.

International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)

As immigration requirements are subject to change, students on F-1 or J-1 visas should review Immigration Resources for up-to-date information. They may also view ISSO Updates and Resources as well as the orientation video, ISSO Immigration Essentials For F-1 and J-1 Students, for additional information. Click here for upcoming ISSO programs and events.

Students may also be interested in the video on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Overview and Website Navigator.

Any questions, please email newintlstudent@columbia.edu.

Super Student Services Team Spotlights

Mario Porras supports strategic communications and student engagement initiatives across the CLS community. In his role as Student Affairs Communications Manager, he helps shape internal communications, student facing messaging, and cross departmental initiatives that support both student services and academic operations. Mario works closely with student leaders, faculty, and administrative teams to strengthen engagement, streamline communications, and enhance the overall student experience.

Fun Facts: Originally from El Paso, TX, Mario is a classically trained opera singer with a graduate background in vocal performance. Before moving to New York City, he also played professional volleyball in Dallas and is currently continuing his academic journey through graduate studies in Strategic Communication at Columbia University School of Professional Studies.