Graduate Student Life & Development
Teachers College is located in New York City, one of the most important and dynamic cultural and educational centers in the world. Our student population is very diverse and includes international students, scholars and faculty from over 75 countries. TC combines a large number of part-time and full-time students who are very active in professional education circles and either commute or live on campus. There are a variety of student services and organizations at TC designed to support students’ programs of study, provide professional development opportunities, foster community and celebrate diversity.
The Division of Student Affairs strives to enhance the graduate school experience by creating student pathways designed for success in the College and University communities.
For more information, please contact studentaffairs@tc.edu.
Graduate Student Life & Development (GSLD)
Members of the GSLD team encourage the TC student body to become familiar with programs and services designed to enhance the graduate student experience at Teachers College. Alongside academic studies in the classroom, Teachers College students have many out-of-class opportunities to engage with peers to make meaningful connections, explore NYC, navigate cross-cultural dialogues, and obtain skills and resources through TC and CU resources. GSLD is the office that hosts New Student Orientation, advises the 40+ thriving student organizations, and serves as a place for Student-Parents to find support. The office sends out a weekly newsletter during the Fall and Spring semesters for students to learn about events and opportunities hosted on both Teachers College and Columbia’s campuses.
Graduate Student Life & Development Website
Graduate Writing Center (GWC)
The Graduate Writing Center, a branch of the Office of Graduate Student Life & Development, offers a variety of writing services to the Teachers College community. During one-on-one consultations with peer advisors, writers have the opportunity to focus on different aspects of the academic writing process. The types of assistance often sought include support with brainstorming, organizing, drafting, and revising. The Graduate Writing Center also offers workshops throughout the year on topics such as concept mapping, outlining, and researching and writing literature reviews. The mission of the Graduate Writing Center is to support students' development as writers, rather than serve as a proofreading or editing service.
Graduate Writing Center Website
Teachers College Student Senate
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.
Student Support & Advocacy (SSA)
Members of the Student Support & Advocacy team work closely with Teachers College students navigating both personal and academic difficulties. We connect students to support and resources available at TC, Columbia University, and local resources available in NYC through individual meetings, programming, and initiatives. The SSA team is here to support students throughout their graduate school journey so that all students reach their goal of graduation. Some issues and concerns that students may face include mental health support, financial difficulties, academic challenges, and returning to TC after a medical leave or hospitalization. SSA sends out monthly newsletters during the fall and spring semesters so that students are aware of SSA initiatives and resources throughout the academic year.
Student Support & Advocacy Website
TC CARES
The TC CARES (Connect, Assess, Respond, Educate, and Support) initiative is a collaboration between the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Public Safety that helps to address student concerns that may interfere with students being able to meet their aspirations and goals during their time at Teachers College. When students face challenges where resources are needed, or if a TC community member identifies a student in need of support, they can request support or make a referral through the TC CARES referral process. Once a referral is made, members of the Student Support & Advocacy Office or the TC CARES team will reach out to the student to offer a TC CARES support meeting to determine appropriate resources to help the student succeed.
(TC NEXT) Navigating & Exploring for Tomorrow
TC NEXT empowers students and alumni by providing the skills, resources, and opportunities to plan and navigate your chosen career pathways…from Day One at TC and beyond!
Our staff works with TC students in all programs and fields of interest. Students can meet one-on-one with a career coach for a 30-minute appointment, or they can drop by the office during walk-in hours for quick questions.
Please log into the Career Resources Portal via myTC Portal to schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach.
Need to cancel your appointment? Please cancel within 24 hours, so that the appointment is available for another student.
Coaching appointment categories:
Learn more about yourself, possible career paths aligned with your degree, career transitions, industry trends, and how to build connections within your field of interest.
Get organized and start your job search campaign! Partner with a career coach to develop a resume/CV that highlights your skills and achievements, and cover letters specific to positions you’re interested in. Including support with digital portfolios, personal websites, LinkedIn, and more.
You can even have your resumes reviewed with our AI partner, Quinncia, by clicking here. You can log in with your UNI.
Build confidence with practice and receive feedback about how to improve your communication and negotiation skills during interviews.
Applying for Doctoral Programs
Are you a master's student looking to apply for a doctoral program? Look no further, we can support you from choosing programs, preparing career documents, to choosing the right school and program for you.
Master the skills to effectively search for opportunities. Whether it is a full-time position, internship, fellowship, postdoc opportunity, or more, we got you covered! We can also explore how networking fits into searching for opportunities, best practices for networking, and informational interviews with professionals in your field.
Are you a TC student looking for on-campus job opportunities? We're here to help! You can schedule an inquiry appointment through the Career Resources Portal, or simply e-mail us at the following address: Studentemployment@tc.columbia.edu
The Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs leads the President’s and College’s initiatives concerning community, diversity, civility, equity, harassment prevention, and anti-discrimination. By encouraging the College community to listen, learn, educate, and work together in positive ways. 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.
As Title IX Coordinator, Janice Robinson has primary responsibility for compliance to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination and gender-based misconduct in education and the New York State Sexual Assault Enough is Enough Law.
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 College’s Discrimination Laws Compliance Working Group and the President’s Committee for Community and Diversity, the only cross-college multi-constituent committee. The Associate Director and Executive Director are also members of the Committee, and their responsibilities coincide with all of the initiatives of the Office as it continues to lead and implement the diversity, community and equity vision at Teachers College.
Important Websites
tc.edu/diversity & tc.edu/titleix
Contact Information
Janice S. Robinson, Esq.
Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs
Associate Professor in Higher Education, Department of Organization and Leadership
Teachers College Title IX Coordinator
128 Zankel, (212) 678-3391
jsr167@tc.columbia.edu
Melissa Rooker, J.D.
Executive Director for Equity
128 Zankel, (212) 678-7508
mor2102@tc.columbia.edu
Juan Carlos Reyes, M.A.
Associate Director for Diversity and Community Affairs
128 Zankel, (212) 678-8410
jcr2101@tc.columbia.edu
Simone Guerrier-Slater
Program Manager
128 Zankel, (212) 678-3391
sg3243@tc.columbia.edu
The Teachers College Office of the Ombuds is a resource available to students, faculty and staff for resolving problems and conflicts when they need advice or after other efforts have not been successful.
The Ombuds:
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Listens to concerns, clarifies the issues in a problem and evaluates a range of solutions and options.
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Offers coaching in how to deal with a problem.
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Creates ways for those involved in a problem to communicate, including setting up meetings when necessary; and helps mediate a solution.
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Provides information about other resources and makes referrals.
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Identifies issues and trends in common issues and concerns.
Discussions with the Ombuds are confidential, as permitted by law, except in matters of imminent or actual physical or mental harm. In such matters the Ombuds considers the interests and safety of all involved parties in maintaining confidentiality.
The Ombuds is an advocate for the solution of a problem, not for any particular party, and gives equal attention to the rights and responsibilities of all concerned. Individuals seeking a confidential resource with whom to discuss Gender-Based Misconduct may contact either the Ombuds, or the Ombuds for Gender-Based Misconduct Concerns, Dr. Sandil. Individuals with concerns about faculty, staff or students in the Department of Clinical and Counseling Psychology should contact Dr. Peverly. Individuals with concerns about faculty, staff or students in the Department of Health and Behavior Studies should contact Dr. Sandil.
The use of the services of the Office of the Ombuds does not substitute for a formal grievance procedure.
Contact Information
Stephen Peverly, Ph.D.
College Ombuds
Program Director, School Psychology Ph.D. Program
280 Grace Dodge Hall
(212) 678-4169
ombuds@tc.columbia.edu
Riddhi Sandil, Ph.D.
Ombuds for Gender-Based Misconduct Concerns
Program Director, Psychological Counseling Program
(212) 678-4016
328B Horace Mann Hall
sandil@tc.columbia.edu
All Teachers College (TC) students are assessed the Columbia Health & Related Services Fee (CHRSF) at either the full-time or part-time (reduced fee) rate. Students living in TC residence halls (regardless of credit status) and/or students registered for 9 or more billable credits for the term and/or international students (regardless of credit status) are assessed the full-time CHRSF. See below for additional information on what the CHRSF offers students:
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Part-Time Fee grants access to:
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Full-Time Fee grants access to:
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Certain services ordered by Medical Services and Counseling and Psychological Services providers that are accessed off-campus (e.g. prescriptions, radiology, off-campus counseling) are not covered by this fee. Additional coverage for prescriptions, off-site laboratory costs, visits to medical specialists (referral-required), and hospitalizations are covered by the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan offered through Columbia University and Aetna.
Students living in Teachers College residence halls and/or taking 9 or more billable credits and all international students (regardless of credit status) are required to enroll in the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan, or provide proof of comparable insurance coverage in order to request a waiver*. Information is available at Columbia University Insurance Office, 212-854-3286, or email studentinsurance@columbia.edu. Students should contact the Insurance Office using their TC email account with their TC ID in the subject line.
*Domestic Students only. International students with a comparable US-based healthcare plan may be considered.
Immunization Records
New York State and University policy require that all students born on or after January 1, 1957 provide proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) before course registration in the first term of entry. Documentation should include full name and date of birth and be uploaded to the Patient Portal (Medical Clearances section). In addition, all students must make an informed decision to:
- be immunized against Meningitis ACYW within 30 days;
- opt not to be immunized;
- or provide documentation that they have received the Men ACWY vaccination within the past 10 years
The meningitis vaccination is not required for attendance; however, completion of the Meningitis Response Form in the Patient Portal (Medical Clearances section) is mandatory before course registration.
Teachers College has a long history of welcoming international students, scholars and faculty to our academic and social community. Currently, over 1300 students and scholars from over 80 countries are enrolled at all degree levels and in every department. International Students & Scholars provides services and programs that support the growth, development, and welfare of international students and scholars on multiple levels, including immigration regulatory advising and processing, cultural adjustment, social enrichment, and assistance with practical matters related to living in the U.S. International Students & Scholars also acts as a center for cultural and educational programming that advances cross-cultural understanding and interaction between the U.S. and international students and scholars, and promotes cultural competency across the College. In addition, International Students & Scholars provides support to hiring officials and department managers in regard to the employment of international students and scholars, and promotes intercultural competency through collaborative programs across campus. 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 visit the OIS website at tc.edu/international
Access & Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Teachers College strives to be responsive to both the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other legislation. The College has developed a professionally-staffed office to achieve this goal. Programs and services for individuals with disabilities have been developed to ensure that Teachers College is physically, programmatically, and attitudinally accessible. The aim of the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities (OASID) is to ensure equal access through the provision of a wide range of individualized services for persons with varying disabilities.
Registering with OASID
The registration process includes the completion of a registration form, presentation of medical/clinical documentation, and a one-on-one meeting with an OASID representative. Services are available only to individuals who have completed this process. Although an individual accommodation plan is developed during the initial meeting, the plan can be modified as needed throughout the semester. While students can register with the office at any time, they are encouraged to do so at the beginning of or prior to each semester.
Resources/Accommodations
OASID offers a variety of accommodations, services, and resources for those registered with the office. Accommodations are developed on an individualized basis, however, some of the most frequently requested accommodations include:
Readers, notetaking, sign language interpreters, Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART), alternative format reading materials, testing accommodations, and adaptive technology.
OASID Contact Information
301 Zankel
(212) 678-3689
oasid@tc.columbia.edu
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Contact:
Robbie Berry, rb3420@tc.columbia.edu
(646) 755-3144 Video Phone
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.
Teachers College maintains a full service proprietary Office of Public Safety, comprised of a Public Safety Team and an Environmental Health & Safety Team, charged with providing a safe and secure environment in which College community members can enjoy the Teachers College experience. Public Safety staff members work 24 hours a day, seven days a week providing security for both the academic and residential buildings on campus. Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) staff members work extended business hours and are on-call for special projects and events.
The administrative office for the Public Safety Team is located in Whittier Hall, Suite 1A. The office is open during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. The phone number for the administrative office is (212) 678-8164.
The Public Safety Central Information Center (CIC) is located in the Whittier Hall lobby and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The phone number for the CIC is (212) 678-3220. The phone number to report campus emergencies is 212.678.3333, or 3333 from any on-campus phone line.
The administrative office for the Environmental Health & Safety Team is located in the Zankel Building, Room 31. The office is open extended business hours Monday through Friday, from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. The phone number for the administrative office is (212) 678-3111.
The Public Safety Team enforces laws, rules and regulations on campus; controls access to the campus; deters and investigates crime (in cooperation with the New York City Police Department); leads the College Crisis Management Plan; leads the College Campus Safety Advisory Committee; coordinates key provisions of the College Business Continuity Plan; leads the College Policies and Guidelines for the Supervision of Minors on Campus; supervises special events; leads the College Behavioral Threat Assessment Team; and provides general information for visitors and members of the College community. The Team provides community education in crime prevention, personal safety, and fire safety. The Team manages a technically advanced system of electronic access control, closed circuit television cameras, and emergency alarm systems. Members of the Public Safety Team provide emergency medical assistance, and emergency response to conditions of fire, or to any other critical incident on campus.
Uniformed Public Safety Officers are licensed by the State of New York; certified as New York City Fire Safety Directors; certified in First Aid, CPR, in the operation of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED), and in administering naloxone for opiate overdose. The Public Safety Team works in partnership with the Environmental Health & Safety Team, and the two teams share resources and responsibilities to promote a safe and healthful environment for all members of the College community.
The Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Team assists the Teachers College Community in promoting a safe and healthful environment. The EH&S Team provides critical expertise, technical assistance, education, and hazard assessments for the community.
The EH&S Team offers a broad range of services and actively partners with faculty, staff, and students to ensure a safe work and study environment, and compliance with College policy and with applicable regulations of local, State, and federal regulatory agencies covering a wide range of environmental and workplace safety best practices. Teachers College is proud of its excellent safety record and is committed to continuing to provide a safe and healthful environment for its students, staff, faculty, and guests.
The Teachers College Office of Public Safety, prepares an Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report. This report contains important information for the Teachers College Community and is prepared in accordance with the federal Campus Security Act, and the New York State Education Law Articles 129A and 129B. The most current version of the Teachers College Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report may be found at: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/public-safety/campus-security-report/. Paper copies of the Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report are available from the administrative office of the Public Safety Team, in Suite 1A, of Whittier Hall.
Contact Information
Emergency – extension 3333 from any on-campus phone, or 212.678.3333 from any phone
John DeAngelis
AVP Office of Public Safety
Email: deangelis@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212-678-4180
Patrick Mathelier
Director, Environmental Health & Safety Team
Email: prm2129@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212.678.6640
Yeremy Chavez
Director, Administration & Systems, Public Safety Team
Email: ychavez@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212-678-3335
Robert Wilson
Director, Public Safety Operations, Public Safety Team
Email: rw2549@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212-678- 7468
Hoi-Ming So
Associate Director, Operations, Public Safety Team
Email: so@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212-678-8359
Michael Porter
Associate Director, Operations, Public Safety Team
Email: porter@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212-678-7469
Edward Kurzum
Assistant Director, Environmental Health & Safety Team
Email: esk2147@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212.678.4017
Steve Doyle
Assistant Director, Fire & Life Safety, Environmental Health & Safety Team
Email: sd2945@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212.678.8164
Joseph Rinaldi
Assistant Director, Operations, Public Safety Team
Clery Compliance Officer
Email: jr3589@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212-678-4081
Kevin Scanlan
Assistant Director, Operations, Public Safety Team
Email: ks3584@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212-678-3064
David Gaynor
Assistant Director, Operations, Public Safety Team
Emergency Operations Manager
Email: dmg2190@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212-678-7462
Malissa Garner
Secretary/Coordinator for the Office of Public Safety and EH&S
Email: garner@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212-678-3340
Gary Lord
Lieutenant, Operations, Public Safety Team
Email: gal11@tc.columbia.edu
Phone: 212.678.3220
Public Safety Sergeants
Elihu Anderson
Edward Smyth
Public Safety Officers
Dennis Chambers
James Kearney
Josue Rosario
Duamatef Hensekh
Julio Mendez
Elsie Legrand
Wagner Blackshaw
David Jones
Linda Thomas
Luis Cruz
Zacchaeus Jaurey
Frederick Awity
Douglas McCartney
Cheryl Wall-Robinson
Felipe Naves
Tariq Simmons
Robert Coapman
Reynaldo Medina
Ronald Chambers
Adam Gullo
Patrick McDaniel
Sherry Simmons
Daniel Smith
Jill Giunta
Anthony Gordon
Marlon Todd
Angela Nelson
Jimmy Arroyave
Jacob Keller
Public Safety Team Website
https://www.tc.columbia.edu/publicsafety/
EH&S Team Website
https://www.tc.columbia.edu/environmentalhealth/
For more than 120 years, Teachers College has educated nearly 100,000 people from around the world. With a tradition of innovation and insight, Teachers College embraces three fields of study: education, psychology, and health. But Teachers College is more than a school for teachers. Students prepare for careers in all aspects of understanding, managing, and enhancing human potential and performance.
Learn More at tc.edu/veterans
Additional services available to students include the Teachers College Cafeteria, Security Information Desk, Psychological Counseling Services, the Rita Gold Early Childhood Center, and ATM.