West 120th Street buzzed with anticipation as more than 900 students arrived on TC Way, ready to begin their journey at Teachers College.

This year’s incoming class represents 43 states and 50 countries, with over 22 percent identifying as first-generation students. Organized by the office of Student Success, the three-day New Student Orientation offered interactive activities, vital campus resources and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow new students. 

“At Teachers College, my hope is that you feel part of a true community—one where you are supported and given the help you need to reach your goals,” said President Thomas Bailey during the festivities. “This isn’t just a place you attend; for a time, it becomes your home. I want that experience to be supportive, comfortable, and inspiring. Teachers College is special in this way. When I travel and meet TC alumni around the world, they often share how much the community spirit here impacted their lives.”

Centered around the theme of “Live from Morningside Park,” the celebration paid tribute to the New York City parks system — of which there are more than 1,700 within the five boroughs, including Morningside Park and Riverside Park.

Here’s an inside look. 

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President Thomas Bailey (left) welcomed new students as part of an interactive talk show gathering that helped students get to know the College, its community and one another. (Photo: Kevin Chiu Films)

New students were welcomed by TC’s enthusiastic NSO staff as they stepped into Everett Lounge, where they checked in, received their itinerary for the day and grabbed some celebratory TC merch. (Photo: Kevin Chiu Films)

All students were invited to explore the ins and outs of TC’s campus with a guided campus tour hosted by Student Life Ambassadors. “Every fall brings a fresh wave of passion and purpose to our Teachers College community. NSO is our chance to celebrate the start of that journey and make sure every new student feels supported from day one,” shared Amelia Jones, Assistant Director of Student Success. “It’s such a privilege to welcome our new students to the community and watch them find their footing. That day one enthusiasm gives the entire campus a boost as classes begin!” (Photo: Kevin Chiu Films)

Afterward, students gathered for their department-specific “mix and mingle,” during which they enjoyed lunch, made new connections and received a surprise visit from President Bailey, Interim Provost Laura Smith (pictured above) and department faculty members. (Photo: Kevin Chiu Films)

Debuting this year, "Live from Morningside Park" brought a talk-show twist to the day’s programming. Hosted by Tom Rock, Vice President for Community & Student Affairs, the event featured fun facts, trivia, and engaging moments designed to help students connect with the TC community and learn about the neighborhood.

“This is always my favorite time of year at TC! The excitement and enthusiasm from our new students is contagious,” shared Rock. “We know that these new students are changemakers and that they are embarking on this great journey at Teachers College because they want to make a difference in the lives of others. From this day forward, TC is now a part of their story and they are part of our legacy. We need them just as much as they need us to do this great work together.”

Students enjoyed a TC-themed game of Family Feud, with teams competing as The Deweys (in honor of TC’s historical education philosopher John Dewey) and The Dodges (in honor of TC founder Grace Hoadley Dodge). "It was so exhilarating getting to see how much fun students had,” says Alana Crosby, Director of Graduate Student Life & Development, who hosted the Family Feud game. “TC students are so effervescent and it was thrilling to witness their excitement throughout New Student Orientation. The Student Success team did an incredible job planning NSO, as did the College Events team who facilitated the talk show.” 

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Students put their TC knowledge to work during an interactive scavenger hunt highlighting key campus locations, resources and more. With the support of a campus map and clever clues, participants explored the campus and discovered what Teachers College has to offer. (Photo: Kevin Chiu Films)

The vibrant day concluded with an opportunity for students to explore TC’s wide array of campus resources and involvement opportunities, including the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS), the Cowin Student Success Hub, TC’s Digital Futures Institute and more. (Photo: Kevin Chiu Films)

(Photo: Kevin Chiu Films)

That’s a wrap, TC! See you this year on #TCWay.

— Jacqueline Teschon