NEW! Debuting 24-25 Academic Year
Advancing Community Together (ACT)
Teachers College has launched the Advancing Community Together (ACT) initiative with the aim of supporting the health and strength of the TC community through a range of strategies and actions in two broad categories:
- Community Engagement
- Infrastructure
Role of a Community Representative
One component of ACT is the new TC Community Representative program. The role of a Community Representative is to support the well-being and cohesion of the Teachers College community, fostering a positive and supportive environment, where all members can thrive in areas such as academic success, social justice and community building. A TC Community Representative plays a vital role in facilitating communication, engagement and support for planned (and unplanned) events, protests or demonstrations — a volunteer cohort of staff and faculty will be trained to serve as a bridge between students and administrators, acting as a first point of contact in preparation for events, as well as through on-site presence, to advise on community guidelines and foster communication.
Key responsibilities may vary depending on the context, but some common roles include:
1. Facilitating dialogue and communication
2. Ensuring policies are adhered to
3. Promoting diversity and inclusion
4. Ensuring that core College principles of freedom of expression are upheld
Management of the Community Representative Program
Designed by the Vice President for Administration and the Associate Vice President/Chief Student Affairs Officer, the Program will be managed through TC Student Affairs in close partnership with Public Safety (similar to the TC CARES Program).
Visibility of Community Representatives
Community Representatives will be visibly identifiable to event attendees and organizers as they will be wearing the sticker below:
During a planned protest/demonstration, Community Representatives will be known to the group organizers because of prior meetings and/or communication leading up to the event.
During an unplanned protest/demonstration, Community Representatives will first introduce themselves to event organizers. Depending on the nature of the protest or demonstration, Community Representatives can engage with the student(s) or group. If individuals are peacefully protesting, Community Representatives will explain why they are there and offer support.
Important Policies to Know
To improve transparency and to ensure clear communication across our campus, Teachers College has reviewed and strengthened College policies. While TC is committed to empowering its learners and leaders to advocate for societal change and social justice, it's imperative that advocacy not interfere with the ability for one to live, learn and navigate campus life; it becomes crucial for community members to review and familiarize themselves about newly revised TC Policies, linked below. Questions regarding any of the policies may be directed to tcACT@tc.columbia.edu.