What Are Circles?
Circles are small, member-run communities within the Columbia Club website where you can connect with fellow members who share your interests — whether that’s a professional field, a neighborhood, a hobby, or a recurring get-together. Think of them as informal clubs-within-the-Club: a space to post updates, plan meetups, share resources, and build relationships beyond the events calendar.
Circles are entirely member-driven. Anyone can propose one, and once approved, you’ll run it your way — welcoming new members, posting updates, and keeping the conversation on-topic.
(Note: Circles are informal community spaces, not official CUCNY-sanctioned events — see our Circles Disclaimer for details.)
Some examples of what a Circle might look like:
- Columbia Runners of Manhattan — a group that organizes weekly weekend runs in Central Park
- Young Alumni Happy Hour Crew — informal monthly meetups at rotating NYC bars for recent grads
- CUCNY Book Club — a rotating reading list with monthly discussion threads
- Columbia Parents Network — alumni parents swapping advice on schools, activities, and playdates around the city
- Finance & Fintech Professionals — a space for alumni in finance to network and share industry news
- Long Island Chapter — for members out on the Island to coordinate local gatherings without a full trip into the city
- Wine & Dine Circle — members who love organizing dinners, tastings, and food-focused outings
- Columbia Sports Fans — game-watch meetups for football, basketball, or crew season
- Newcomers to NYC — a landing spot for recent transplants looking to make connections through the Club
Want to start one? Submit a request and we’ll set it up and hand you the reins as moderator.
But First — A few guidelines
These guidelines help ensure a positive and respectful environment for all members. Please read them carefully and adhere to them to maintain a thriving circle.
- Respect Others Treat all members with courtesy and professionalism. No harassment, discrimination, or personal attacks.
- Stay On Topic Keep discussions relevant to the group’s purpose.
- No Spam or Unsolicited Promotions Avoid excessive promotions, advertisements, or irrelevant links.
- Accuracy & Responsible Sharing Provide credible sources when discussing important topics.
- No Illegal or Inappropriate Content Do not share pirated materials, illegal content, or anything deemed inappropriate.
- Respect Privacy Do not share personal or sensitive information without consent.
- Follow Moderator Guidance Moderators ensure a safe and constructive space—respect their decisions.
Failure to follow guidelines may result in content removal or suspension. By participating, you agree to uphold these principles and help maintain a welcoming and respectful circle!