FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below please find the answers to many frequently asked questions about The Columbia University Club of New York. If you cannot find the answer to your question here or on the other pages of our site, please e-mail us at info@columbiaclub.org.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership Eligibility
The Application
Process
Dues
Payment Options
Spousal Memberships
CLUB BILLS
Club Services
USING THE CLUB
The Fitness Center and Squash Courts
Conference Facilities & Private Rooms
COLUMBIA IDENTITY
The Columbia University Club’s Home at The Princeton Club
HOUSE RULES & FACILITY INFORMATION
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MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible for Club membership?
All graduates of Columbia University are eligible for membership, as well as current faculty members, staff, and full-time graduate students.
Are graduates of Barnard and Teachers College eligible for membership?
Yes, graduates of these schools along with faculty, staff, and current graduate students are eligible to join the Club.
I received an advanced degree, not an undergraduate degree, from Columbia; may I still join?
Yes. All graduates are eligible for membership. However, please note that your dues will be calculated based on the year you received your undergraduate degree, even if Columbia did not grant that degree.
Do I need to have a Columbia affiliation to join the Club?
Yes. The Club can neither solicit nor accept applications from individuals who do not fit the above criteria.
I attended Columbia but never received a degree; may I still join?
Please e-mail us at admissions@columbiaclub.org to discuss your application.
Though I did not attend Columbia, my parent or child did; may I join?
No. Unfortunately, we cannot offer membership to relatives of Columbia alumni.
The Application Process
How do I become a member of the Club?
Only eligible candidates may receive
applications for membership in the Club. You may receive an application in one
of two ways:
TO VIEW AND PRINT OUT A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
TO THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CLUB, CLICK here.
TO RECEIVE A COMPLETE MEMBERSHIP PACKET BY MAIL, send an email to info@columbiaclub.org. Please include the following:
1) Your name
2) The year you received your undergraduate degree and the college that granted it [even if that is not your Columbia degree]
3) The years/degrees you received from Columbia [if different from above]
4) The address to which you would like the packet sent
We will mail you a packet within two business days.
All applications must be approved by the Club’s Admissions Committee, which meets once each month, usually on the second Monday of the month. If you wish to speak about the application process in more detail with someone at the Club, you may call (212) 719-0380.
Do I need to include payment with my application?
No. Candidates accepted for membership are billed for their annual dues and initiation fee. Please do not include any payment with your application form.
How long does the approval process take?
The Club has an Admissions Committee that reviews all applications once each month, usually on the second Monday of the month. Candidates accepted for membership are billed the week following the Admissions Committee meeting. Upon receipt of payment, a membership card will be issued.
For further information on applying for membership, you may also CLICK HERE.
DUES
Where can I find out how much my dues are?
CLICK HERE for more information on calculating your 2002-2003 dues.
How are membership dues calculated?
Membership dues are based on two criteria:
1) Where a candidate for membership lives and works
2) The year the candidate received his or her undergraduate degree
For more information on eligibility requirements, CLICK HERE.
What are the residency categories?
There are three residency categories: Resident, Suburban, and Nonresident:
1) Resident members are those individuals who either live or work in the five boroughs of New York City
2) Suburban members are those individuals who both live and work outside of New York City, but within a 50-mile radius of the Club
3) Nonresident members are those individuals who both live and work outside the 50-mile radius of the Club
How are distances calculated?
Distances are calculated using air miles from a central point in New York City; we use Hagstrom’s map as our guide.
I received my advanced degree from Columbia; how are my dues calculated?
Your dues are based on your undergraduate degree year, even if Columbia did not grant that degree.
Are there any discounts?
Yes. Discounts apply to full-time graduate students, retirees, members of the clergy, and full-time educators. For complete information on the rules concerning these special categories, please CLICK HERE.
Payment Options
Payments for Club dues and initiation fees can be made by check or credit card.
May I pay in installments?
Membership dues may be paid in quarterly installments (interest free) if charged to a credit card. The one-time initiation must be paid in full before a membership can be activated.
What credit cards do you accept for payment?
We accept Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
After I am accepted into membership, can I call you with my credit card information?
No. We must have your authorization in writing to charge your credit card. We cannot accept phone authorizations. Please also note that each year when you renew your membership, you must sign a new credit card authorization form.
Are there any forms of payment you do not accept?
Please note that we cannot accept money orders or starter checks and that a check must have the name and address of the member (or the member’s business, for corporate checks) pre-printed on its face. Please also see the information on credit card payment above.
SPOUSAL MEMBERSHIPS
May I get a separate membership card for my spouse?
Upon written application by a member (space is provided on our membership application form), a member’s spouse may have membership privileges at the Club for a small additional fee. This membership includes a separate membership identification card and house statement. Please note that spousal members may not issue guest cards and may not vote in the general election of the Club.
CLUB BILLS
Club Services
How are club services billed?
Services at the Club, including dining room charges, overnight room charges, athletic facility fees, and other “house charges” are billed monthly on a Columbia University Club house statement. Cash is not accepted for services at the Club.
TIPPING
Is there tipping at the Club?
No. Club employees may not accept tips. A gratuity is added to all dining room bills; other employees are compensated by members’ contributions to our annual holiday fund. Please note that personal trainers, massage therapists, and barbers are not club employees.
OTHER BILLING QUESTIONS
Is there a food and beverage minimum?
If you are Resident Member of the Club (CLICK HERE for definitions of membership categories), you are required to spend $50 per quarter on food and beverage at the Club.
Are there exceptions to this requirement?
Yes. If you received your undergraduate degree in 1998 or later, you do not need to meet this minimum. In addition, Suburban and Nonresident members are exempt.
What charges qualify toward the food and beverage minimum?
Charges in our Bar & Grill and Woodrow Wilson Room count toward your minimum as do certain Club events (e.g., chef’s tasting dinners and holiday meals). Taxes and gratuities do not count toward the minimum, and money spent on private events (conferences, room rentals, banquets) does not count.
What happens if I don’t meet the minimum?
The unspent portion of your minimum appears as a charge on your house bill at the end of each quarter.
Are there assessments as in other private clubs?
No. At this time, the Club does not assess any mandatory charges beyond your annual dues and your one-time initiation fee.
Are there voluntary contributions?
Yes. Each quarter the Club asks its members to contribute $30 toward a Voluntary Capital Improvement Fund. As the name suggests, this contribution is wholly voluntary and each individual may decide whether he or she wishes to contribute. Once each year the Club asks members to contribute to a Library Fund and to a Holiday Employee Fund. Again, both of these contributions are voluntary.
Is use of the Fitness Center or squash courts included in my annual dues?
No. The Fitness Center membership and use of the squash courts are billed to your house account. For more details on these rates, CLICK HERE.
USING THE CLUB
DINING AT THE CLUB
Are reservations required in the dining rooms?
Reservations are recommended in the Woodrow Wilson Room but are not required in the Bar & Grill.
How are my dining room charges billed?
At the end of each month, you will receive a house statement with all current charges. Your dining room charges will include a gratuity and applicable taxes. If you are a Resident Member, you will also see how much you have spent against your food and beverage minimum.
May a prospective member use the dining rooms?
At this time, prospective members cannot use the Club’s facilities. However, if you would like to be sent information on our next member reception, send e-mail to openhouse@columbiaclub.org and we will keep you informed.
For more information on the dining rooms, CLICK HERE.
Fitness Center and Squash Courts
Is use of the Fitness Center or Squash Courts included in my annual dues?
No. The Fitness Center membership and use of the squash courts are billed to your house account. For more details on these rates, hours of operation, and an overview of the facilities, CLICK HERE.
How large is the gym?
The Athletic Facility consists of two international Squash Courts, a fully equipped Fitness Center, classroom, lounge, and men’s and women’s locker rooms.
Does the Fitness Center get crowded?
The Fitness Center gets the most use before and after work. However, members find they do not have to wait for equipment.
Do I have to pay the annual Fitness Center fee to use the Squash Courts?
No. Use of the Squash Courts is independent of use of the Fitness Center.
What types of classes are offered?
We currently offer Spinning, Yoga, and Aerobics. Some of these classes require extra fees.
Are private lessons and training sessions offered?
Yes. Sessions with our personal trainers can be scheduled and lessons are available from our squash pro for additional fees.
Are any lessons included in the regular fees?
Yes. The first time a member signs up to use a Squash Court, he or she will get a free lesson from our Pro. Also, when a member first uses our Fitness Center, he or she will get a complimentary personal training session.
Can my spouse also use the athletic facilities?
Yes. A spouse who has been issued an annual spouse card may sign up to use the athletic facilities.
For more information on the Fitness Center, CLICK HERE.
Overnight Accommodations
How many overnight rooms are there?
The Club has 49 overnight rooms. For complete information on rates and amenities, CLICK HERE.
Can I have guests stay at the Club?
Yes. Guests are welcome to stay at the invitation of a member. Please note that a member must make the reservation for the guest.
Can a prospective member stay at the Club?
No. Overnight rooms must be reserved for members and their invited guests, as well as for the use of members from our reciprocal club network. We are happy to show vacant overnight rooms on all tours of the Club (CLICK HERE for more information on scheduling a tour).
How easy is it to reserve a room?
Throughout most of the year, members have little difficulty securing a room. However, from Labor Day to Christmas, New York sees its greatest influx of out-of-town visitors, so members should plan accordingly. Our busiest season is the time between the Thanksgiving and New Year holidays.
Guest Privileges
How can I have friends use the Club?
Temporary
Guest Cards, valid for a maximum period of two weeks, are available for use by
family or friends of members. A Guest Card may be issued to the same guest no
more than twice in a calendar year. The Card entitles the guest to use all Club
facilities. Please note that spousal members may
not issue guest cards.
When a
Guest Card is activated, a $5.00 service charge is incurred. Guest rates will
apply for bedroom occupancy. Requests for Guest Cards must be made by the
member through the reception desk or by calling 212-596-1240/1241. When
requesting a Guest Card, the member must include his/her account number, the
name of the guest, and the date(s) the guest will be using the Club facilities.
By requesting a Guest Card, the member agrees to guarantee payment of all
charges incurred by the guest. A separate bill for those charges will be sent
to the member either to be paid by the member or to be forwarded to the guest
for payment. A guest is permitted to settle his account with a major credit
card.
Programs and Events
What types of events does the Club offer?
To look at some of our forthcoming programs, CLICK HERE.
How do find out about Club events?
In addition to this website, Club events are listed in a monthly newsletter mailed to each member and the Club has an email newsletter. If you are not on our email list, please email a request to info@columbiaclub.org to be added to the list.
Do I get to participate in all events?
Yes, you are eligible as a member to participate in all Columbia University Club and all Princeton Club events. However, many events have a limited capacity, and reservations are always on a first-come, first-served basis.
Conference Facilities & PRIVATE ROOMS
How can I hold a private program or event at the Club?
Our
Banqueting Department handles the rental of Club rooms and catering; please
call 212-596-1210.
How many rooms does the Club rent for meetings and conferences?
The Club has ten rooms on two floors that are available for rental by members.
How many people can the Club accommodate?
Individual rooms can accommodate from 10 to 250 people.
Do members hold social functions at the Club as well?
Yes. The Club is happy to host weddings, parties, and other social functions.
Can a non-member rent space at the Club?
No. Non-profit regulations do not permit us to rent our space to anyone but members of the Club.
Can I bring my own food to an event?
No. We have a full-service catering staff to handle your food and beverage needs.
Do you have a kosher kitchen?
No. We do not have a kosher kitchen, but can arrange for kosher food to be brought in.
Columbia Identity
The Columbia University Club’s home at the princeton club
What is the relationship between The Columbia University Club of New York and The Princeton Club?
The Columbia University Club of New York and the Princeton Club are partner organizations. In November 1998, the Columbia University Club moved into the Princeton Club’s facilities at 15 West 43rd Street and members of both clubs have full and equal access to all areas of the Club. However, the Columbia University Club is a separately incorporated non-profit organization with its own board of directors and executive staff. Columbia University Club membership issues are handled by your own representatives and the Columbia University Club hosts its own series of events and programs that are wholly separate from the Princeton Club.
Are Columbia University Club members eligible to attend Princeton Club functions?
Yes. As a member of the Columbia University Club, you will receive each month a Columbia University Club newsletter and a separate Princeton Club newsletter. While some events will be advertised in both, each Club offers unique programs and Columbia University Club members may attend them all. (For information on forthcoming club events, CLICK HERE.)
Do I pay my bills to the Columbia University Club or the Princeton Club?
Your dues and initiation fees are paid directly to the Columbia University Club. As well, any events that are sponsored by the Columbia University Club and open only to Columbia University Club members will be billed directly by our office. All other house charges (including food and beverage, hotel rooms, and Princeton events) are billed on our behalf by the Princeton Club and payment should be sent directly to the Princeton Club. (For other billing questions, CLICK HERE.)
Does Columbia have an identity within the Club?
The partnership with Princeton Club allows great visibility for The Columbia University Club. Our flag flies outside and our name appears on plaques on either side of the front door. Portraits of Columbia University Presidents adorn the lobby, and a great bronze lion hangs prominently on the wall of the Bar & Grill. The grill and some of the fourth-floor conference rooms also feature wonderful black-and-white photographs and architectural drawings from the Columbiana collection. More photographs and other identity items will be put in place, including photos of Columbia’s campus. For members who rent conference space at the Club, we offer Columbia barware, pencils, note pads, cocktail napkins, and other items to signal our identity at the Club.
Perhaps most importantly, our ever-growing membership is the most visible “Columbia” element at the Club. Columbia members use the Club every day from the athletic facility to conference rooms. As members meet each other, they find they see more and more familiar, collegial faces at the Club.
HOUSE RULES & FACILITY INFORMATION
Dress Code
Business casual Business Casual Attire - is permitted at all time in the Clubhouse. It includes neat and presentable collared shirts, casual pants, slacks, skirts, and dresses. In the President’s Room jackets are required for men and similar attire for women.
What attire is not permitted at the Club?
Sweat
suits, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, spandex, or any ragged or frayed attire are
not permitted in the Club with the exception of the Athletic Facility or
overnight guests going to and from their rooms.
Parking
Does the Club have valet parking?
No. The Club has an arrangement with the Hippodrome Parking Garage, also located on the block between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The entrance is on 44th Street at Sixth Avenue.
Do I get a discount at the Hippodrome Parking Garage?
Yes. Take your ticket to the front desk to have it validated to receive the discount.
Smoking
Is smoking allowed at the Club?
Smoking is permitted only in designated guest rooms. Smoking is prohibited in all other areas.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Is the Club wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All floors of the Club are wheelchair accessible.
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Directions to the Club
The Club is located at 15 West 43rd Street, between Fifth Avenue and the Avenue of the Americas (a.k.a., Sixth Avenue).
BY CAR
If you are driving north on Sixth Avenue, turn right on 44th Street, right on Fifth Avenue, and right on 43rd Street. The Club is on the right.
If you are driving south on Fifth Avenue, turn right on 43rd Street. The Club is on the right.
For complete driving directions, visit Mapquest by clicking here.
BY SUBWAY
Take the N, R, 1, 2, 3, or 9 to Times Square. Walk east on 43rd Street; the Club is on the north side of the street between Sixth and Fifth Avenues (closer to Fifth).
Take the 4, 5, or 6 to Grand Central Terminal. Walk west on 43rd Street; the Club is on the north side of the street, just beyond Fifth Avenue.
BY BUS
The M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7 and M104 all stop near the Club.
For bus and subway maps and schedules, visit the MTA’s web site.
BY METRO NORTH
Take the
Metro North train to Grand Central Terminal. Walk west on 43rd Street; the Club
is on the north side of the street, just beyond Fifth Avenue.
Scheduling a Tour
Tours of the Club are given weekdays between 12:00 and 4:00 PM. Please schedule a tour in advance by E-mailing us at info@columbiaclub.org with the date and time you would like to take a tour. Tours take approximately 20 minutes.
In addition, the Club hosts a number of receptions for new and prospective members throughout the year. To receive an invitation to our next reception, e-mail us at openhouse@columbiaclub.org.