Columbia College Will Close Building on Saturdays
The building at 33 E. Ida B. Wells will close on Saturdays starting October 10 as part of college budget measures.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Starting October 10, 2026, Columbia College will shutter its 33 E. Ida B. Wells campus building on Saturdays. This change represents the fourth campus building closure on Saturdays as the institution works to address an $18 million operating deficit.
Why it matters
The institution is consolidating weekend operations to support essential evening activities and manage its significant financial shortfall. Administrators maintain that the move will not impact major college-wide events like Open House or Admitted Student Days.
The college currently faces an $18 million operating deficit, necessitating the closure of the 33 E. Ida B. Wells facility on Saturdays. Following this change, 11 other campus buildings will remain open on Saturdays, while the Student Center stays open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The players
Columbia College
This Chicago-based private non-profit arts and media college is currently navigating an $18 million operating deficit.
The details
The facility houses the School of Communication and Culture, the Center for Student Success, the Academic Center for Tutoring, the Honors Lounge, the Columbia Chronicle, and WCRX. All campus buildings will remain closed on Sundays regardless of these new Saturday restrictions.
Timeline
The college fiscal year began on September 1, 2026.
A reporter found the building empty on October 3, 2026.
The Saturday closure officially begins on October 10, 2026.
Market Landscape
This decision follows the broader trend of institutions tightening physical operations to mitigate structural deficits in higher education. The college is prioritizing key resources while reducing overhead to stabilize its long-term financial health.
Students and staff who rely on the 33 E. Ida B. Wells building will need to adjust their weekend study and work schedules starting this Saturday. Those requiring access to campus facilities can utilize the Student Center, which maintains Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The takeaway
Students should verify the operating status of their specific campus departments ahead of any planned weekend activities. Leveraging the Student Center during its designated hours serves as the primary alternative for weekend access.
Further reading
For more information on campus facility changes, visit the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Columbia Chronicle.
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