Intercollegiate Athletics Program

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; softball and field hockey venues; and an Olympic-quality synthetic track. At Columbia’s Dick Savitt Tennis Center at the Baker Athletics Complex there are six cushioned hard tennis courts, all of which are covered by a state-of-the-art air dome for winter use. The Remmer and 1929 Boathouse includes a threebay shell house, complete with an upper level that includes an erg and weight room. The Campbell Sports Center, the newest athletics building at the Baker Athletics Complex, features coaches, offices, a strength and conditioning center, a theatre-style meeting room, as well as a student-athlete lounge and study space.

Columbia’s Dodge Physical Fitness Center draws thousands of students each day for recreation, physical education classes, intramural play, club competition, and varsity sport contests and practices. The 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; six squash and handball courts; the eight-lane Uris pool with three diving boards; a fully equipped three-level exercise and weight room facility; two aerobic dance/martial arts rooms; 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
  • Be registered for at least 12 points of credit
  • 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 not more than eight terms
  • Not have completed the requirements for the bachelor’s degree

Questions about athletic eligibility should be referred to the appropriate academic adviser or the Director of Compliance in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education.

Recreational Programs

In addition to the required physical education courses, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education offers a comprehensive Intramural and Club Sports, Fitness and Wellness Programs. Through Intramurals, individuals have the opportunity to participate in both individual and team sports. 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. Activities range from organized instruction to intercollegiate and tournament competition. The fitness program has around 70 classes per academic semester which include sculpt, yoga, Zumba®, core, and cardio focuses. The Functional Fitness Studio, located past the Squash courts, hosts both classes and open hours. Classes in the Functional Fitness Studio uses kettle bells, TRX® straps, sandbags, and body weight training in circuit format. Personal Training is also available at Dodge Fitness Center. Details about all the programs and activities can be obtained in the Office of Intramurals and Club Sports, 336 Dodge Fitness Center or on the website at gocolumbialions.com.