At issue is the judgment, denominated an order, denying the petition to annul a determination of the Columbia University trustees denying petitioner's transfer application, and dismissing the proceeding brough pursuant to CPLR article 78. The petition is time-barred. The August 25, 2025 email from a Columbia University dean to petitioner stating that "admissions decisions are final" and "[t]here is no appeal process" was an unambiguously final decision as to petitioner's transfer application. Petitioner did not commence this proceeding until more than four months later, on December 30, 2025. Even assuming that another university official's earlier email suggested that an appeal was available, the August 25 email unequivocally foreclosed that possibility and put petitioner on notice that the limitations period had commenced. Petitioner did not demonstrate any fraud, misrepresentation, or deception that would justify the application of equitable estoppel.
Matter of Anonymous vs. Trustees of Columbia Univ. in the City of N.Y., NY Slip Op 06549 (1st Dep't November 10, 2026)
