As U.S. birth rates hit a record low in 2024, Columbia students and faculty say the decline reflects not a rejection of family, but the rising costs, limited social supports and economic uncertainty shaping young adulthood.

Roughly 60 students rallied in the Student Center before joining high school and college demonstrators across the city on Friday, Feb. 13.

If approved, the change would affect how some students stay on track academically when they fall just short of current grading requirements.

Although more than half of Gen Z continues to rely on social media platforms like TikTok for health guidance, students at Columbia are rediscovering their own meaning of fitness through research, professional advice and smart media consumption habits.

Columbia’s annual arts festival will include ticketed events for the public, an alumni homecoming and possible street closures the weekend of commencement.

The college reported 4,461 students enrolled this fall, down from 5,571 a year ago. Despite the smaller student body, President and CEO Shantay Bolton told the Faculty Senate she remains optimistic about the path forward.

S&P Global Ratings lowered the college’s credit rating this week one notch from BBB- to BB+, citing declining enrollment and financial challenges. The downgrade reflects a national trend among small and mid-sized private colleges facing significant fiscal pressures.

Columbia’s Madison Yager, a junior double-majoring in art history and arts management, created a space on campus for art history students to escape misinformation, network between grade levels and find a supportive community.

INK Fest has become one of the college’s largest student-led events that is open to the public. An estimated 500 people were expected to visit based on ticket reservations, which exclude Columbia students and faculty.

As the Nov. 5 election approaches, tensions have increased for many students and their family members when they don’t agree on core issues like reproductive and gender rights, the environment and economic policies.