Intercollegiate Athletics
Columbia has a long tradition of success in intercollegiate athletics and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science has always been an active participant in these programs. While Columbia’s intercollegiate athletics program is governed by Ivy League regulations, Columbia is also a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Columbia sponsors men’s varsity teams in baseball, basketball, cross country, fencing, football, golf, rowing (heavyweight and lightweight), soccer, squash, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), and wrestling.
Women in all undergraduate divisions of Columbia and in Barnard College compete together as members of University-wide athletic teams. The arrangement, called a consortium under NCAA rules, is one of only three in the nation and the only one on a Division I level. Currently, there are women’s varsity teams in archery, basketball, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, squash, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball.
Columbia’s commitment to success in intercollegiate athletics competition has been matched by the determination of alumni and administrators to upgrade the University’s athletic facilities. The Baker Field Athletics Complex, a few miles up the Hudson River on the northern tip of Manhattan, has been completely rebuilt and expanded. The complex features Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium, a 17,000-seat football and lacrosse facility; Robertson Field at Satow Stadium, home of the baseball program; Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium, home venue for soccer programs; softball and field hockey venues; and an Olympic-quality synthetic track. The Remmer and 1929 Boathouse includes a three-bay shell house, complete with an upper level that includes an erg and weight room. The Campbell Sports Center, features coaches' offices, a strength and conditioning center, a theater-style meeting room, as well as a student-athlete lounge and study space. Opened in February 2023, Columbia’s Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center is a state-of-the-art facility which includes 6 indoor courts and 6 outdoor courts, conference rooms, meeting spaces, a strength and conditioning area, as well as hospitality areas.
Columbia’s Dodge Physical Fitness Center draws thousands of students each day for recreation, physical education classes, intramurals, club sport practice and competition, group fitness classes, personal training, and wellness programming, in addition to varsity sport contests and practices. Dodge Fitness Center houses most indoor sports and is available to all registered students. Major athletic facilities on campus include two full-size gymnasiums for basketball, volleyball, and badminton; 3 squash courts; the eight-lane Uris pool with a diving well; a fully equipped three-level cardio and strength training facility; two aerobic group fitness rooms; a functional fitness studio; an indoor cycling studio; a fencing room; a wrestling room; an indoor running track; and two fully equipped saunas.
Eligibility for Intercollegiate Athletics
Any student in the Engineering School who is pursuing the undergraduate program or an approved combined program toward a first degree is eligible for intercollegiate athletics. To be eligible for athletic activities, the student must:
- Be a candidate for a bachelor’s degree.
- Upon full-time matriculation at any institution, must be within their NCAA 5-year clock
- Be registered for at least 12 points of credit each term to maintain full-time status. Seniors who need less than 12 points to graduate in their final semester of enrollment may petition to go part-time in that final semester and be eligible to compete. Petition needs to be approved by the student-athletes advising dean.
- Make appropriate progress toward the degree as defined by the NCAA, the Ivy League, and Columbia University. These criteria are monitored by the Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and certified by the Office of the Registrar.
- Have attended the University for no more than eight terms.
- Not have completed the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
Any questions about athletics eligibility should be referred to the appropriate academic adviser and the Associate Athletics Director for Compliance in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education.
Recreation Programs
In addition to the required physical education courses (see Academic Bulletin), the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education offers a comprehensive recreation program, including Intramurals, Club Sports, Group Fitness, Personal Training, Wellness Programs, and Open Recreation.
Through Intramurals, students have the opportunity to participate in both individual and team sports within the campus community. Individual activities function through tournaments, while team activities feature both league and tournament competition.
Club Sports are designed to allow groups of individuals who share a common athletics interest to organize and collectively pursue this activity. Club Sports are organized on recreational, instructional, and competitive levels.
The Wellness program supports students' well-being through movement and mindfulness.
The Group Fitness program has about 50 group exercise classes per week during the academic semester which include sculpt, yoga, Zumba®, core, and cardio focuses, while the Specialized Class program offers skill-based courses.
The Functional Fitness Studio, in the squash court hallway, hosts both classes and open hours. Classes in the Functional Fitness Studio use kettlebells, TRX® straps, sandbags, and body weight training in circuit format.
The Indoor Cycling studio is also found in the squash court hallway and hosts classes through the day. Personal Training is also available at Dodge Fitness Center.
Details about all the programs, activities, schedules, and employment opportunities are available online and in the Office of Physical Education and Recreation, 336 Dodge Fitness Center.