Columbia began distributing notices at the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” Monday morning, informing individuals present that they have until 2 p.m. to clear out, identify themselves to a University official, and commit to abiding by University policies “through June 30, 2025, or the date of the conferral of your degree, whichever is earlier.”

“It is important for you to know that the University has already identified many students in the encampment,” the notice reads. “If you do not identify yourself upon leaving and sign the form now, you will not be eligible to sign and complete the semester in good standing. If you do not leave by 2 p.m., you will be suspended pending further investigation.”

At a noon assembly, demonstrators voted to stay in the encampment past 2 p.m.

“To be clear, if you personally do not feel comfortable … you don’t have to stay, but we’re making a decision as a collective,” an organizer said to demonstrators before the vote.

Interim suspensions include restriction from all Columbia “campuses, facilities and property, including all academic, residential and recreational spaces.” Students on interim suspension would have their Columbia IDs deactivated and would not have access to their campus housing.

“You will need to contact your Dean of Students to make arrangements to obtain your personal belongings,” the notice reads.

Columbia students suspended following the April 17 and 18 encampments were allowed to remain in their individual rooms in residence halls, but were not permitted to access “common spaces” or other University property.

During interim suspension, students are not able to participate in classes, academic events, and extracurricular activities.

“You are not permitted to complete the Spring 2024 semester, including participate in classes or exams in-person or remotely or otherwise submit assignments or engage in any activities affiliated with Columbia University,” the notice states. “You may lose the semester. If you are scheduled to graduate, you are no longer eligible.”

The four-page notices—which include space for students to self-identify and sign the agreement—were handed out less than two hours after University President Minouche Shafik announced in an email to the Columbia community that negotiations failed to come to an agreement and that Columbia will begin to consider “alternative internal options” to clear the encampment.

Columbia University Apartheid Divest and members of the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” pledged to remain inside the encampment until the University divests from companies with ties to Israel, provides financial transparency for its holdings, and grants amnesty to disciplined pro-Palestinian students. Shafik announced Monday morning the University, though presenting alternatives to several demands, would not divest from Israel.

“Exams are beginning and thousands of your peers are due to graduate. These are among the most significant aspects of students’ academic programs,” the notice reads. “We urge you to remove the encampment so that we do not deprive your fellow students, their families and friends of this momentous occasion.”

The University “will offer an alternative venue for demonstrations after the exam period and commencement have concluded,” according to the notice.

The notice states that encampment participants have been informed that they are in violation of multiple University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct and sections under the Standards and Discipline policy such as disruptive behavior, failure to comply, violation of University policy, vandalism or damage to property, and harassment and/or violation of the Columbia University non-discrimination policy.

The University stationed mobile ID readers in front of Butler Library, and a Public Safety officer inside Hamilton Hall required each individual entering to show their Columbia ID card.

The notice includes an “alternative resolution” process for students who self-identify and commit to leaving the encampment. The alternative resolution places students under disciplinary probation until June 30, 2025; has them commit to comply with University policies including the Rules of University Conduct, interim demonstration policy, and the University event policy; and has them agree to comply with any future or pending disciplinary processes. Students who accept the agreement can participate in other demonstrations if they are authorized through the relevant policies.

A Friday message to the community from Shafik, board of trustees co-chairs Claire Shipman, CC ’86, SIPA ’94, and David Greenwald, Law ’83, and University Provost Angela Olinto read that the University did not plan to call the New York Police Department to campus again “at this time.”