Policies

Dodge Fitness Center Policies

General Facility Policies

  • Members and visitors must abide by all posted and written policies as well as comply with requests made by Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education & Recreation Staff members. 
  • Members and visitors exhibiting abusive behavior, either verbally or physically, toward another patron or staff will be asked to leave the facility immediately. Members may be suspended from using facilities for their abusive behavior. If a patron refuses to leave the facility upon request of a Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education & Recreation Staff member, Public Safety will be contacted to remove the patron.
  • Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education & Recreation Staff reserves the right to refuse service to any participant.
  • Dodge Fitness Center is subject to 24-hour surveillance. The video is randomly monitored by Recreation Operations Staff and Public Safety.
  • Food, non-water drinks, chewing gum, spitting, or the use of tobacco/vape products are not permitted.
  • Columbia University and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education & Recreation are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
  • All items left within recreational facilities will be collected and held for up to two weeks. Items left after two weeks will be donated to a local charitable organization.
  • Food, drinks, and gum are not allowed in activity spaces.
  • Members are responsible for removing their trash from activity spaces and using the trash bins to recycle or throw away accordingly.
  • Enclosed water bottles with water only are allowed in activity areas; no glass containers are allowed.
  • No alcohol products of any kind are allowed in any facilities or during any events. Members suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave the particular facility immediately.
  • Bicycles are not allowed within the facilities. Bicycles must be locked up outside in the designated areas. Members with rollerblades or skateboards cannot use them in recreational facilities. 
  • Front Desk Staff cannot store patron’s personal items behind the front desk. 
  • Participants should attend to matters of personal hygiene as well as cleanliness of workout wear.
  • Non-marking, closed-toe athletic shoes must be worn in all activity spaces. Any patron wearing shoes that mark the court floors will be asked to change shoes before they may continue participation. Members may not participate in socks or bare feet (except while in a fitness class or other recreation program as directed by the instructor).
  • Activity spaces must be kept clear of personal items. Backpacks and gear bags should be stored in lockers. Members who leave bags unattended will be asked to move their belongings.
  • Members using personal stereos must have headphones. 
  • Pets are not allowed inside facilities. Service Animals and approved Assistance Animals are welcomed. Visit https://health.columbia.edu/ for more information
  • Photography and videography are permitted in Dodge Fitness Center for personal and academic use, with the exception of the locker rooms. Personal privacy of members must be respected. Recreation Operations staff reserves the right to ask any patron to cease taking photos or video. Taking photos and videos must be done in a safe manner, must not interfere with operations, and must not disrupt other Members’ activity. 
  • Inappropriate use of photography and videography will be asked to stop, leave the facility and will be reported to Public Safety. 
  • Photography or videotaping for commercial purposes must have prior approval by the Athletic Facilities Office and Columbia University.

ID policy

  • Participants gain entry into Dodge Fitness Center using their Columbia ID (CUID) or their Dodge Fitness Center Visitor Tag.
  • Any attempt to gain or provide unauthorized entry into athletic and recreation facilities may result in the suspension of privileges.
  • All CUID cards and Visitor Tags are non-transferable.
  • Members or Visitors who forget their entry cards will be granted three look ups per semester. After three look ups, members will not be permitted to enter into the facility. 
  • Lost or stolen CUID cards must be reported to Public Safety immediately, https://publicsafety.columbia.edu/content/id-card-access
  • Affiliate, Alumni, and Household members who have lost or had their CUID cards stolen can have them replaced for a nominal fee.
  • Recreation Operations Staff reserves the right to perform random identification checks at all our facilities to ensure the safety and security of all our members. 

 

Guest Passes

  • There is a nominal fee per guest per visit per day.  The guest passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education is not responsible for lost or stolen cards. 
  • The guest must show a valid government-issued photo ID when he/she uses the guest pass and must come in with their sponsoring member.
  • Guests must be at least 6 years of age or older.
  • Guests and their sponsoring member must register with the Recreation Operation Staff upon entry into the facilities. Guests over the age of 18 must present a valid government-issued photo ID with proof of age.
  • Sponsoring members must know their guests and accompany their guests for the duration of their use of the facilities. 
  • Guests are not eligible to enroll or participate in any Physical Education and Recreation programs.
  • Guests are not allowed to bring their children.
  • Columbia Recreation Staff cannot sponsor the general public.
  • Secure your belongings. The Dodge Fitness Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Daily lockers may only be used during the time of your workout. Please make sure to empty your daily locker at the end of your workout.  A fee will apply for abandoned items and missing keys.
  • Overnight lockers must be renewed or emptied by the end of each semester.  Renewal deadline reminders will be communicated via email.  Items not removed from lockers will be stored for two weeks from locker expiration. If items are collected within the two weeks a $20.00 retrieval fee will be applicable.
  • Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education and/or Columbia University will not be responsible for lost items during the locker clean-out procedures.
  • The use of personal locks is not permitted. Personal locks will be cut if found on a locker.
  • Suit Mate is to be used for wet bathing suits only, not for drenched workout apparel. Dry all bathing suits prior to storing in lockers.
  • Unclean or wet items should not be left in lockers overnight. Do not leave unlaundered items in the locker that may create an odor. This is intended to help maintain a clean, healthy, and odor-free environment in the locker rooms.
  • Lockers are to be kept clean and sanitized by the user. Columbia Recreation reserves the right to clean and sanitize individual lockers as needed. If lockers are to be cleaned by Recreation Operations staff, users will be notified in advance. Fees may be assessed for locker damage caused by abuse or neglect.
  • Lockers are subject to inspection at any time. For example, lockers may be inspected for:
    • Odors
    • Physical damage or defaced lockers
    • Suspected illegal, illicit, harmful, offensive, or inappropriate contents
    • Risk to the general welfare of the university
  • Members may not share lockers. Lockers are rented as a secure location to store a patron’s personal belongings. Sharing this space compromises that security by allowing another person access to the locker combination.
  • These items and activities are prohibited:
    • Personal displays of affection
    • Exercising or conducting physical activity in the sauna
    • Glass containers and all food items, including gum, are prohibited – water in a sealed non-glass container is allowed
    • Leaving belongings on bench for extended periods of time
  • Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education reserves the right to revoke a locker rental should a patron fail to maintain his or her assigned locker and any contents in a sanitary condition. At least one warning will be issued before the rental is revoked.
  • Notify front desk staff of any issues or concerns. 
  • Lockers should be locked while unattended to prevent theft.
  • Turn off water faucets and showers when finished using them to conserve water and energy.
  • Place towels in the bin outside of the locker room entrance after use.
  • The use of cell phones and other recording devices is strictly prohibited. 
  • Members may check out a range of fitness and sport equipment by using their Columbia ID (CUID).
  • Equipment must be returned by the member who checked the equipment out.
    • Do not leave checked equipment around facility for others to use. If equipment is damaged or lost, member who checked out check last will be assessed a fine.
  • CUID cards will be scanned at the time of equipment check out and again when items are returned.
  • Members with towel and locker service will need to present CUID to receive a locker key and/or towel.
  • Place used towels in the bin outside of the locker room entrance or near the Equipment Check Out Room.
  • All equipment, including locker keys, must be returned before leaving the facility.
    • Unreturned items or items returned with damage will result in a fine.
  • For all unreturned equipment, or damaged equipment, a replacement fine will be collected; fines vary depending on equipment.
    • A charge form will be filled out and responsible parties will have seven days to pay the fee to avoid losing access to Dodge Fitness Center Equipment Check out Privileges.
      • Members who return the equipment in this period will have fines waived.
    • Replacement fines will be removed from account when the equipment is returned, or when the fine is paid.
      • Replacement fines not paid within 7 days will result in loss of access privileges to Dodge Fitness Center Equipment Check out Privileges.
    • Equipment Check out privileges at Dodge Fitness Center are temporarily suspended until all fines are paid
    • Fines vary by equipment. See full list here: Equipment Check out- Fine Catagories
    • Fines may be paid either: in person at the Membership Office or the Recreation Operations Office. Or online at recreation.columbia.edu and by signing into your account, accessing your profile to see and pay any equipment fines located under the “Invoices” section
    • To contest a fine, email [email protected]
  • Stolen items should be reported to the Recreation Operations Office. A report will be filed with Public Safety and the member reporting the stolen equipment will have to provide information for report. Fees will be waived upon Public Saftey completing the investigation.
  • If a member uses someone else’s membership card in an attempt to check out equipment, the card is to be retained by the Recreation Operations Staff and held until the proper owner retrieves it. If the card is not retrieved, it will be returned to the CUID Card Office.
  • Members may only check out one towel at a time. 
  • Dodge Fitness Center saunas produce dry heat and will be irrevocably damaged by any liquid. Such damage will result in sauna closure.
  • Do not tamper with the heating element, sensors, or thermostat.
  • Clothing is required. Excessive or constrictive clothing should not be worn.
    • Proper swimwear is permissible.
      • If you do not wish to wear swimwear, we recommend a cotton t-shirt and athletic `shorts.
      • Additional lightweight/athletic attire that will not be damaged or cause an aroma under high temperatures can also be worn.
    • Using only a towel is not permissible.
    • Jewelry in the sauna is not advised
    • Shoes are prohibited
  • Do not adjust the sauna temperature, it is regulated by the Department of Health. Please report sauna temperature issues to the Front Desk or Recreation Operations Office (DFC 401).
  • Use of steam room or sauna should not exceed 30 minutes. Excessive exposure can be harmful to health. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene does not recommend the use of this facility before consulting their physician, for individuals who,
    • have poor health; or
    • have high blood pressure or a heart or circulatory disease; or
    • are using prescription medication; or
    • are pregnant.
  • Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not use this facility.
  • These items and activities are prohibited:
    • Personal displays of affection
    • Exercising or conducting physical activity in the sauna
    • Breathing training devices
    • Glass containers and all food items, including gum, are prohibited – water in a sealed non-glass container is allowed
    • Backpacks, handbags, purses, or any personal bags
  • The use of cell phones and other recording devices is strictly prohibited.
  • Please be considerate of others, do not bring electronics into the sauna.
  • No eating or glass containers.
  • Do not pour anything on the heating element.
  • Please no aromatic products.
  • Do not dry clothes on the heating elements.
  • All policies of the sauna are in compliance with the New York City Health Code Article 165
  • During recreational swim times, circle swimming is enforced when there are more than two people swimming in the lane.
  • Be courteous of personal space and communicative with fellow swimmers when sharing a lane.
  • No running on the pool deck.
  • No sitting or hanging on lane lines.
  • Swimmers must remove all bandaids, and other first-aid coverings before entering the pool.
  • Pool staff are not responsible for swimmer’s personal belongings such as towels, jewelry, etc.
    • Lockers are provided through the Membership Office (room 439).
  • Food, drinks, chewing gum, spitting, or the use of tobacco/vape products are not permitted in the pool area.
  • Swimmers must wear proper bathing attire, i.e. no gym shorts, leotards, cut-offs, etc.
  • No one is allowed entry to the pool deck without a lifeguard present.
  • Children under 16 will not be allowed to use the pool unless under the direct supervision of an adult.
    • The lifeguard may request a swim test for children wanting to swim in the deep water.
    • Infants are required to wear plastic pants or swim diapers in the pool.
  • Children who use inflatable objects because they cannot swim must be under the direct supervision of an adult. Flotation devices are not permitted unless they are Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Devices.
  • No pets allowed in the pool area.
  • Diving, flips, cartwheels, handstands, and backwards/spinning jumps from the side of the pool are prohibited.
  • Do not sit on the disabled lift unless you require it to enter the pool.
  • Person with inflamed eyes, nasal or ear discharges, boils or other evident skin infections shall be excluded from the pool.
  • No urinating or discharging of fecal matter in the pool
  • All members must follow the directive of aquatic staff to ensure a safe swimming environment.
  • Pool schedules are subject to change due to Physical Education classes, recreational programming, intercollegiate athletics, special events, and/or maintenance.
  • The pool area shall be maintained in a safe and orderly manner. Excessive noise, rowdiness, or interference with lifeguard surveillance is not allowed.
  • Only swim instructors and coaches employed by Columbia Recreation are allowed to train members in the Dodge Fitness Center.
  • Pool toys such as noodles and diving rings are allowed under adult supervision and at the discretion of the lifeguard staff.  Other toys may be allowed if deemed safe and appropriate.
  • Per New York City Health Department Guidelines, everyone must shower before and after using the pool.
  • Diving is prohibited during recreation hours.
    • Visit perec.columbia.edu for a list of hours.
  • Scuba equipment, including masks and snorkels, are not permitted in the pool. Exceptions will be made only for those participating in Physical Education and Group Fitness classes.
  • Spray bottles and paper towels must be used to wipe down machines, mats, and equipment after use
  • Always re-rack weights when you are finished using them
  • Please observe proper lifting techniques
  • Proper athletic attire, including athletic shoes or sneakers must be worn at all times. Sandals, flip flops, slides, open-toe shoes, open-back shoes, boots, high heels, crocs, jeans and jean shorts are NOT permitted.
    • Closed-toe and closed-heel athletic shoes must be worn in the Tri-Level Fitness Area at all times
    • Jeans, medical scrubs, work boots, and other non-athletic attire are not permitted to be worn while working out in the Tri-Level Fitness Area
  • No one under the age of 16, unless training with DFC Personal Trainer, is permitted in the area
  • Only personal trainers employed by Columbia Recreation are allowed to train members in the Dodge Fitness Center
  • Please be mindful of other members waiting to use the equipment
  • Allow others to share equipment and work-in when possible
  • Be mindful of the limited space within the tri-level fitness center
  • Do not throw medicine balls or slam balls against the walls
  • Do not slam or drop weights
  • The use of weight collars is required for free weights
  • The use of chalk, including liquid chalk, is not permitted
  • All equipment must be used for its designated function
  • No stepping on upholstery
  • Do not stack equipment on top of other equipment
  • Do not move equipment, including weights, barbells, or dumbbells, between floors.
  • Weights 25 pounds and under are permitted in the University “Blue” Gym
  • Do not remove carabiners from cable machines.
  • Please notify staff or the Front Desk of any broken or damaged equipment
  • Squash courts can be reserved in advance in person at the front desk, online at recreation.columbia.edu (active membership required, must sign into account), or over the phone at 212-854-7149.
  • Reservations can be made for one hour per day.
  • Squash Courts A, B, and C may be used only for racquet sports and authorized activities.  
  • Athletic shoes with non-marking soles are required in all squash courts.
  • Eye guards are required for all racquet activities.
  • Please turn off the lights and leave the door open when leaving the courts.
  • Members can claim their court at any time during their one hour reservation.
In Case of Emergency 
  • In case of injury or other emergency, please alert any Dodge Fitness Center employee.
  • First aid kits are located in the Recreation Operations Office (DFC 401), and on the pool deck.
  • First aid kits can be requested at any Dodge Fitness Center employee station.
  • Ice bags are for only members who have injured themselves in the facility.
    • An injury report must be submitted to receive an ice bag.