Dear TC Students:

First and foremost, we want to let you know you are ever present in our thoughts each and every day as we make decisions and navigate current events together. We are following up on President Bailey's message to express our support for you as we finish our last few days of classes, move into final exams, and focus on graduation and other end of year celebrations. 

We know there have been some questions raised, and we wanted to provide some additional information.

  1. Operational Status: We are open. With recent changes to end-of-term activities at Columbia University, there have been inquiries about Teachers College's plans. Teachers College will conclude the term fully operational. We are open and together in person because we believe the campus is safe, and we can be better together.

  2. Working with Faculty. Regarding the end of term, Provost O’Meara has asked faculty to continue to operate their in-person classes as planned, but to work with students who have concerns about coming to TC given recent events. Please work with course faculty to discuss remote access to a class or final exam, and any other specific requests related to finishing the semester.

  3. Supports. We realize how challenging this time has been and we know our faculty, staff and other leadership understand this as well. A variety of support resources are available to engage with you in these last few days of the semester and as we move into our summer term at the College. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Student Support & Advocacy Office for additional academic and personal support that you might need. Also, community safety and transportation resources are listed here, and you can access the Resources in Challenging Times web page for mental health and other resources. 

Finally, we have been in touch with many individual faculty and staff who we know are supporting students in classes, programs, offices and residence halls. They want you to feel their support and care, and we encourage you to please reach out to them as well. 

Warmly,

KerryAnn O'Meara
Provost and Dean of the College
Professor of Higher Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
she/her/hers

Tani Castaneda signature
Tani Castañeda
Vice President of Enrollment and Student Success
Teachers College, Columbia University
she/her/hers