Established in Summer 2008, the Office of Student Relations (OSR) is committed to building bridges and enhancing services to help support and improve the student experience at Teachers College. The OSR listens to students and helps them navigate College policies and procedures, while educating them about appropriate resources at the College. The OSR provides an environment in which students are welcome to share issues, questions, and concerns related to any aspect of their student experience (i.e., administrative, academic, personal, and emotional). Students who are unsure who to speak with regarding a matter of concern are encouraged to reach out to the OSR once they have made an effort to resolve their questions and concerns locally with the appropriate office(s) or department(s). The OSR serves as a liaison and in some cases as an advocate, working collaboratively with other College offices and departments. 

 

Students with academic concerns (i.e., related to faculty, courses, grades) as well as those related to cheating, plagiarism, advisement, access to dissertation sponsor, and certifica-tion exams should seek the assistance of the Office of Student Relations only after they have consulted with their Academic Advisor, Program Coordinator, Department Chair, or other relevant member of their department.

 

Complaints alleging harassment based in race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, sexual harassment or assault fall under the College’s Protection from Harassment Policy, and initial inquiries should be directed to the Office of the Vice Provost.

 

The Director of Student Relations works closely with the College’s Clinical Graduate Assistant and is able to provide confidential referrals for free short-term consultation to any student in need (regardless of whether the student has paid the Health Services Fee or has University Health Insurance). The Clinical GA is available to any student experiencing personal, psychological, or academic distress that is interfering with her/his well being. The Clinical GA can also be reached directly through the Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services at (212) 678-3262. 

 

Students who experience extenuating circumstances that may affect their ability to continue matriculation within a given semester in which they are registered should consult with the Office of Student Relations.

 

Office of Student Relations

 

(212) 678-3383

 

 

www.tc.edu/studentrelations

 

Janice S. Robinson, Esq.

 

Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs

 

Assistant Professor of Higher Education,

 

Department of Organization and Leadership

 

128 Zankel, (212) 678-3391

 

 

 

 

Jolene A. Lane

 

Director for Diversity and

 

Community Affairs

 

128 Zankel, (212) 678-8410

 

 

The Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs leads the President’s and College’s initiatives concerning community, diversity, civility, equity, and anti-discrimination. The philosophy is to encourage the College community to listen, learn, educate, and work together in collaborative and positive ways. Working collaboratively and in broadly overlapping areas to weave the Teachers College community together, we endeavor to unify the diverse constituencies, serving the students and alumni, full-time and adjunct faculty, and professional and union staff that comprise the TC community. The Office continues to lead and implement the diversity and community vision by engaging the entire College community academically, administratively and culturally. The areas of focus are diversity and community, equity, anti-discrimination, retaliation and due process concerns, as well as collaboration with the Ombudsman which is an independent office.  Simultaneously, the Office focuses on systemic issues by addressing policy and procedural concerns. The Vice President serves as a member of the President’s Senior Staff. She chairs the President’s Committee for Community and Diversity, the only cross-college constituent committee. The Director of the Office is also a member of the Committee, and her responsibilities coincide with all of the initiatives of the Office as it continues to lead and implement the diversity and community vision at Teachers College.

 

 

Erwin Flaxman, Ph.D. 

 

College Ombudsman

 

280 Grace Dodge Hall,

 

(212) 678-4169

 

 

 

The Teachers College Office of the Ombudsman is a resource available to students, faculty and staff for resolving problems and conflicts after other efforts have not worked satisfactorily, or when they no longer want to pursue their concerns through formal channels. It is important, however, that they attempt to resolve their problems or register their concerns with their advisors, instructors, department chairs, supervisors or the staff of the College offices before coming to the Ombudsman. The Office of the Ombuds- man adheres to all policies and practices of Teachers College and standards of professional practice. Please note: The Ombudsman will always act as a neutral party.

 

Services

 

The Ombudsman will help to resolve problems by:

 

1. Identifying and recommending options;

 

2. Providing needed information about relevant college policies and procedures;

 

3. Investigating the problem and gathering information;

 

4. Creating an opportunity for better communication among those involved in resolving the problem, including setting up meetings when necessary;

 

5. Identifying problems that require changes in College policies and practices.

 

Confidentiality 

 

All conversations with the Ombudsman are strictly confidential. They will never be discussed without the permission, in writing, of the individual involved, nor can anyone compel the Ombudsman to reveal any information about the situation.

 

Impartiality and Independence 

 

The Ombudsman is an advocate for the solution of the problem, not for any particular party, and gives equal attention to and protects the rights of all concerned.

 

The Office of the Ombudsman does not report to any College administrative office.

 

The use of the services of the the Office of the Ombudsman does not substitute for a formal grievance procedure. A communication with the Office is off-the-record and does not put Teachers College on notice of a problem.  If an individual wishes to place the College on notice, the Office can provide information about how to do so.

 

 

The Office of Student Activities and Programs (OSAP) includes five major areas: Aquatic Center, Graduate Writing Center, Office of Insurance and Immunization Records, Student Activities, and Orientation/New Student Experience. The Office strives to enhance the quality of life and academic experience for students by providing services and programs designed to engage students in the College and University communities. There is a strong commitment to promote professional, co-curricular, recreational, social, cultural, and wellness programs. Events, such as the Casual Conversation Series, and Doctoral Students Dinner Discussions, provide students with the opportunity to learn about College resources and hear faculty and administrators share their research interests and professional experiences. Other co-curricular programs sponsored by OSAP include: Take a Break Series, Broadway shows, sporting events and NYC trips. Students can also participate in more than thirty student organizations which provide additional opportuni-ties to network with all members of the College community. Student organizations varies from special interest groups to honor societies to local chapters of national organizations.

 

Some of  the active organizations are:

 

• African Studies Working Group

 

• American Sign Language Club

 

• Association of Latin American Scholars (ALAS)

 

• Black Student Network (BSN)

 

• Coalition of Latino/a Scholars (CLS)

 

• Current Issues in Comparative Education (CICE)

 

• Global Intitative for Social Change through the Arts (GiSCA)

 

• Kappa Delta Pi (national honor society)

 

• Korean Graduate Student Association

 

• Organization and Human Development Consulting Club (OHDCC)

 

• Peace Education Network

 

• Queer TC

 

• Society and Economics in Education

 

• Society for Human Resource Management

 

• Society for International Education

 

• Student Advocates for the Arts (SAA)

 

• TC Coalition for Social Justice (TCCSJ)

 

For more information, please contact the Office of Student Activities at (212) 678-3690 or email tudentactivities@tc.edu.

 

All students living in Teachers College residence halls are assessed the health service fee. Additionally, all students registered for 12 or more credits in the fall or spring semester are assessed the health service fee. The fee covers primary care, counseling and psychological services, health education, advocacy and services for students with disabilities, support for suvivors of sexual assault, as well as the public health services provided to the university community. Additional coverage for medications, lab costs, visits to medical specialists, and hospitalizations are covered by the student insurance plans available through Teachers College. Information is available from the Office of Insurance & Immunization Records, (212) 678-3006, or email health-immunization@tc.edu.

 

Immunization Records

 

New York State requires that all students born on or after January 1, 1957 provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. In addition, New York State requires all students to decide whether or not to be immunized against meningitis and to provide formal documentation of their decision. The required immunization form, which is available on the Admitted Student website, is to be completed and submitted to the Office of Insurance and Immunization records prior to initial class registration.

 

 

Teachers College also houses its own Aquatic Center which is open to all Teachers College and Columbia students, staff and faculty, as well as area neighbors. A modest membership fee is charged for the use of the facility. The Aquatic Center provides swimming lessons, CPR, first aid, and lifeguard training. Times mare available for lap and family swimming. 

 

For more information please contact the Aquatic Center at (212) 678-3307 or email aquaticcenter@tc.edu.

 

 

The Teachers College Student Senate is composed of elected student body representatives from academic departments and positions at large. The Senate advocates for student voice on campus and participates in college-wide committees which impact the decision-making process and enhances communication amongst students, administration and faculty. For more information please contact the Student Senate via email student-senate@tc.edu.

 

 

The Graduate Writing Center provides discipline-specific, individualized, professional development to TC students. The emphasis is on preparing graduate students to be more successful writers, both within their disciplines and in their publishing communities. The Center offers one-on-one fee-based consultations and free writing workshops.

 

For more information please contact the Graduate Writing Center at (212) 678-3789 or email writingcenter@tc.edu.

 

 

Teachers College has a long history of welcoming international students, scholars and faculty to our academic and social community. Currently, over 600 students from 75 countries are enrolled at all degree levels and in every department. The Office of International Student Services (OISS) provides extensive orientation and intercultural program through- out the year; information on responsibilities, benefits and alternatives under immigration laws and regulations; counsel on personal, financial, cultural, academic and other concerns; and campus-wide international awareness events. The OISS staff also assists students in contacting campus and community resources when appropriate. In addition, OISS provides visa and orientation services for international visiting scholars, visa services for non-immigrant staff, resources for delegations of international visitors and assistance to the College community on regulatory compliance and other international issues and concerns. The office is located in L5 Whittier Hall; (212) 678-3939. Interested individuals can contact the staff by email at tcintl@tc.columbia.edu. In addition, prospective, admitted and current students are encouraged to go to www.tc.edu/ international for up-to-date information.

 

Individuals with Disabilities

 

The Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities ensures that programs and services at Teachers College are physically, programmatically, and attitudinally accessible to individuals with disabilities. Equal access is achieved through individual-ized responses addressing the needs of individuals with conditions including but not limited to vision impairments, mobility impairments, deafness/hearing loss, medical conditions or learning disabilities that affect one or more academic activities. A full-time Director, an Associate Director/Pro-gram Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, and Assistant Director, are available to meet with students, facilitate accommodations, and advocate on behalf of students with disabilities. For more information call (212) 678-3689, (212) 678-3853 (V/TTY), (866) 624-3281 (video phone), email oasid@tc.edu, or visit our website at www.tc.edu/oasid.

 

 

Directly across the street from Teachers College is the Columbia University Marcellus Hartley Dodge Physical Fitness Center, an indoor sports and exercise facility open to our students. The center features two full-size gymnasiums, a swimming pool, 16 squash and handball courts, fully equipped exercise and weight rooms, a judo-karate room, fencing room, wrestling room, indoor track, and  saunas. In addition, there are tennis courts located on the 120th and Broadway corner of Columbia’s main campus. 

 

Career Services Teachers College Career Services (TCCS) is committed to guiding all TC students and alumni throughout the different phases of the career development process. Whether you are entering a new field, advancing within your current profession, or changing directions, we will help you identify and develop the skills and resources necessary for achieving your career goals. TCCS offers individual career consultations and group workshops on all aspects of career development, which equips participants with the information and skills necessary for setting career goals, conducting a successful job search, and managing the interview and salary negotiation processes. Additional TCCS resources include a resume, curriculum vitae (CV), and cover letter review service, self assessment services, mock interviews, doctoral preparation, and a comprehensive online career opportunity database. TCCS’s online job database, TCCS LINK, allows employers to promote career opportunities and recruitment initiatives to TC students and alumni. TCCS LINK enables students and alumni to search full-time and part-time job openings, as well as internships and volunteer opportunities; electronically submit resumes, curriculum vitas (CVs), and cover letters; view and apply for employer on-campus interviews schedules and resume drops; view and register for career service programs/workshops, career fairs, and employer presentations; and access an online resource library. TCCS also coordinates a diverse array of programs and panel presentations throughout the year to help students explore their career options and create professional networks in the areas of education, psychology, health, and international and transcultural studies. Additionally, we offer several career fairs (e.g., PreK-12 Education Career Fair), networking receptions (e.g., Meet the Firms), and employer information sessions to help students and alumni connect with potential employers. The TCCS Alumni Mentoring and Career Networking Program is another valuable resource, which provides students and alumni with an opportunity to meet and speak with TC alumni who are currently working within a variety of career fields. Students and alumni will also find extensive resources in the office’s on-site Career Resource Library, as well as on the TCCS website: http://www.tc.edu/careerservices. Sample online resources include: interview guides, internet resources, school directories, educational publications, professional organizations, and templates for resumes, CVs, and cover letters. For those students and alumni requiring a centralized location for letters of reference and other pertinent materials for the job search and/or graduate school applications, a 24-hour online service through Interfolio, Inc. is accessible through our website. Teachers College faculty and administrators can request specialized workshops for their classes and/or academic programs/departments. Finally, TCCS also has computers, scanners, and printers available for your job search needs. We encourage you to come visit our office so that you can start your career development journey. Career Services is located in 44 Horace Mann, (212) 678-3140, careerservices@tc.edu.

 

 

The Office of Public Safety is charged with providing a safe and secure environment for our College community. The Office is organized functionally with teams assigned to (1) Emergency Operations, (2) Security, and (3) Environmental Health and Safety.

 

Uniformed proprietary Public Safety Officers provide around-the-clock security for both the academic and residential campuses. Teachers College maintains a system of security video cameras throughout the campus, as well as ID card swipe access-control.

 

Teachers College Public Safety Officers work closely with institutional security officers from Columbia University, Barnard College, and Union Theological Seminary. The Morningside Area Alliance, a community agency funded in part by various institutions in Morningside Heights, provides additional security to compliment Teachers College efforts.

 

The Teachers College campus is located within the 26th Precinct of the New York City Police Department. Teachers College Public Safety Officers work closely with the New York City Police Department, and various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

 

New York City is one of the world’s safest metropolitan communities and our Morningside Heights neighborhood is one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City. The greater Columbia University family of campuses enjoys the lowest crime rate of any Ivy League school in the United States.

 

Other Services

 

Additional services available to students include the Teachers College Bookstore, Teachers College Cafeteria, Security Information Desk, Psychological Counseling Services, the Rita Gold Early Childhood Center, ATM and postage machines.

 

(This copy belongs with the Campus Crime Statistics Chart, which is an eps file).

 

The Advisory Committee on Campus Safety will provide upon request all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education (visit www.highered.nysed.gov/Quality_Assurance/home.html). You may also contact the College at (212) 678-3098 or visit us at www.tc.edu/security for more information.