Housing Mobility Program 2021 Announcement

Dear Colleague:

In December 2015, the Office of the Provost announced the Housing Mobility Program (HMP), which offers Columbia faculty financial support for relocating out of Columbia housing or downsizing from a large Columbia apartment into a smaller one. We have been pleased with the response and plan to offer an application round each academic year, typically in the fall. We recognize, as well, that the past year and a half, challenging in many ways, has compelled many to contemplate changes in their living circumstances. For these various reasons, we are glad to again be able to offer this limited application-based program.

I want to thank those who participated in the earlier rounds. One reality of a dense, expensive residential market like New York is that even a slight increase in the availability of University apartments enhances our ability to recruit and retain the most outstanding faculty members, especially those with growing families. This remains true this year, as well. While we welcome applications from all tenants, we continue to be particularly interested in applications from faculty living in apartments with three or more bedrooms.

The decision to move is complex and highly personal and we encourage anyone interested in applying to the program to discuss long-term needs and goals with loved ones and financial planning experts. The program description, available on the Provost’s website under “Faculty Policies,” has information about the benefits, eligibility requirements, and application materials. Funding for the program is very limited; the program was not designed to meet all potential demand. 

This program is possible only due to the insights and wisdom shared during its development and throughout its implementation by members of the Senate Committee on Housing Policy, the Housing Priorities Committee, the Provost’s Faculty Advisory Council, and Office of Work/Life. The ongoing feedback of many of these same individuals has also allowed us to make improvements along the way.

If you have questions beyond these materials, including how to apply, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best,
Carrie Marlin
Associate Provost for Administration and Planning