Policies | Teachers College Columbia University

Accreditation

Accreditation

All Teachers College programs are registered with the New York State Education Department.

Teachers College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Teacher preparation and school leadership programs are accredited with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP, formerly NCATE).

A number of academic programs are accredited by specialized accrediting bodies, including:  

• American Psychological Association (Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology and School Psychology doctoral programs)
• American Speech-Hearing-Language Association (Communication Sciences and Disorders)
• Applied Behavior Analysis International (Applied Behavior Analysis)
• Association for Childhood Educators International (Elementary Inclusive Education)
• Association for Sport and Physical Education (Physical Education)
• Commission on Accreditation for Diabetics Education (Nutrition Education internship)
• Council for Exceptional Children (Special Education programs)
• Council on the Education of the Deaf (Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
• Educational Leadership Constituents Council (Summer Principals Academy, Urban Education Leaders Program)
• International Reading Association (Literacy Specialist)
• International Society for Technology in Education (Technology Specialist)
• Masters in Counseling Accreditation Council (Psychological Counseling)
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education)
• National Association of School Psychologists (School Psychology)
• National Council for the Social Studies (Teaching of Social Studies)
• National Council of Teachers of English (Teaching of English)
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (Mathematics Education)
• National Science Teacher Association (Science Education)
• TESOL (Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Contact information for each of the accrediting agencies listed above is available at the Office of Accreditation and Assessment: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/oaa/accreditation-/accreditation-overview/.

Responsible Office: Office of the Provost

Effective Date:

Last Updated: March 2016

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered and are responsible for absences resulting from late enrollment.  Attendance in online courses is defined as regular and substantive participation in the learning activities prescribed by the course instructor.  For courses that have face-to-face meetings and online components, both attendance at face-to-face meetings and regular and substantive participation in the online learning activities prescribed by the course instructor are required.

Responsible Office: Enrollment Services

Updated: September 2017

Auditing

Teachers College students currently enrolled for 15 or more points may audit one or two Teachers College courses during the term.  Also, fully certified doctoral candidates may audit Teachers College courses which enhance their professional interests.

 Applications for auditing privileges are obtainable from the Office of the Registrar during the change-of-program period.  Students must secure the written approval of the course instructor and return the approval form to the Office of the Registrar during the change-of-program period. 

 Audited courses will not appear on the transcript or fulfill any academic requirement and may not later be applied for credit.  Courses with limited enrollment, laboratory courses, seminars, continuing professional studies courses, and non-credit courses are not open to auditors.    

Responsible Office: Enrollment Services

Updated: September 2017

Continuous Enrollment

Continuous Enrollment Policy

Beginning in the Fall 2018 term, all students who enroll in a degree program must register for courses beginning with their initial term of entry and continuing each fall/spring term until their degree requirements have been met.  To meet the continuous enrollment requirement students must:

A.)    Register for course work, or

B.)    Register as a master’s candidate or doctoral candidate (each of which requires the College fee), or

C.)     Request and receive a leave of absence (medical, military, or personal) according to TC’s leave policy, or

D.)    Doctoral candidates who have reached a stage at which they are obligated for continuous registration will meet the requirements of the continuous enrollment policy by registering for their department’s dissertation advisement course, registering for at least 3 points of TC course work, or requesting and receiving a personal exemption or waiver according to the guidelines set forth in the appropriate doctoral student guide book. 

Summer registration is not required unless it is part of the program’s curriculum. Students who are in summer-only programs are not required to maintain continuous enrollment in fall and spring terms, but they must maintain summer enrollment each term.

Students must maintain an active enrollment status by selecting from option A, B, C, or D as outlined above.  Students who are unable to register in a fall or spring term must inform the College of their enrollment plan by the end of the term drop/add period or else they will be placed on an administrative leave of absence.  After being placed on administrative leave, students who do not communicate with the Office of the Registrar by the end of the term will be withdrawn from the College and will need to reapply for admission if they wish to resume their studies. Students who communicate with the Office of the Registrar before the end of the term may be eligible to request a change from administrative leave to personal leave, when applicable.

Students are permitted a total of two (2) terms of personal leave while matriculated at Teachers College.  An administrative leave will not convert to a personal leave if the student has already reached the personal leave limit of two (2) terms. 

Students should refer to the leave of absence policy for detailed information about the following areas while on leave:  academic policies, financial aid, housing, health insurance, and re-enrollment.

Responsible Office: Enrollment Services

Effective Date: February 21, 2018

Credit and Noncredit Courses

Some credit-bearing courses are offered also on a noncredit basis, as indicated in the course description.

Students registering for noncredit offerings do not earn academic credit.

A student who registers for a course on a noncredit basis may not change enrollment to credit once the course begins.  A student who registers for a course for credit may not change enrollment to noncredit once the course begins.

No Teachers College fee is charged if the noncredit course registration is the only course registration for the term; however, any laboratory fees or special fees for the course are additional.

Fees for noncredit offerings such as non-credit courses, workshops, institutes, and conferences vary. See the official announcement for these offerings for the tuition and fees charges.

Teachers College reserves the right to cancel or modify the courses listed in this catalog and other official publications and to change the instructors. 

Responsible Office: Enrollment Services

Effective Date:

Last Updated: March 16, 2016

Credit Hour Policy

A “point” (equivalent to a semester hour) is the College’s unit of credit. The New York State Education Department1 and the U.S. Department of Education2 regulate the minimum standards for a credit hour. To meet these regulations, the following standards apply to all Teachers College credit courses. These are minimum requirements; individual courses may have greater requirements as determined by the course instructor. Time spent out-of-class represent averages, and some students might find it necessary to devote more time than these stated expectations. For this policy, a contact hour is defined as 50 minutes

Please see the full policy here

Student Records and Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Statement

Student Records and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

1. General Background
   
   
   1. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) gives “students” a right of access to their "education records.” It also limits the disclosure of a student's education records by the College without the student's written permission.
      
      
   2. Under this policy, “students” are individuals who are or were registered students in attendance at Teachers College.  Persons who unsuccessfully applied for admission or who were accepted but never attended the College are not “students.” An unsuccessful applicant for admission to the College is not a College "student," even if the applicant is or was in attendance at another Columbia University school.
      
      
   3. Records Covered:
      1. A student’s "education records" include records, files, documents, and other materials regularly maintained by the College that contain information directly related to the student.
         
         
      2. Certain types of records are excluded from the scope of FERPA. For example, a student is not entitled to examine:
         
         
         1. Records maintained personally by an individual faculty member that have not been shared with and are not accessible by others.
            
            
         2. Records created or maintained by a physician, psychologist, or other recognized health care provider that are created, maintained, or used only in connection with the provision of treatment to the student and are not available to anyone other than persons providing such treatment.
            
            
         3. Records that are confidential as a matter of law, such as those that might be maintained by the College's attorneys. 
            
            
         4. Records containing financial information about a student’s parents, such as information submitted with an application for financial aid.
            
            
            
2. Maintenance of Education Records
   
   A student’s official academic record is maintained by the Registrar, and its use is carefully controlled. Official records include the transcript, certain documents submitted in support of admission to the College and degree programs, and the doctoral student’s record maintained by the Office of Doctoral Studies.  Documents may be kept in digital form.  In accordance with established records management procedures, some records are purged periodically.
   
   Teachers College students, alumni and former students may inspect their student records in accordance with FERPA. With the exceptions set out below, such records are generally not available to anyone other than College representatives with an institutional reason for reviewing them. Transcripts and other student records are released only in accordance with the College’s FERPA statement.
   
   
   
3. Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Statement
   
   FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:
   
   1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The student must bring valid photo identification to the appointment. Students will not be provided with copies of any part of their records other than the College transcript unless the inability to obtain copies of any part of his or her record other than the transcript would effectively prevent him or her from exercising his or her right to inspect and review his or her education records.
      
      
   2. The right to request the amendment of any parts of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Students who request amendment of a record that they believe is inaccurate should submit a written request to the Registrar in which they clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and why it is inaccurate. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing. If, after a hearing, the College decides that the records are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s rights, the student may place in the records a statement commenting upon the information and setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the decision.
      
      
   3. The right to withhold consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information (“PII”) contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.  It shall be a condition of the College’s disclosure of PII to a third party (1) that the party to which the information is released will not permit any other party to have access to such information without the written consent of the student and (2) that the released information may be used only for the purposes for which the disclosure was made. These conditions do not apply to certain subpoenas and court orders.
      
      Under FERPA, records containing PII may be disclosed without consent as follows:
      
      
      1. To “School Officials” with legitimate educational interests. A “School Official” includes a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position; public safety officials, members of the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or admission committee, or assisting another School Official in performing his or her tasks for the College. In addition, a School Official may be a contractor who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent.  A School Official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the College.
         
         
      2. Upon request and in the discretion of the Registrar, to officials of another school in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. 
         
         
      3. To authorized representatives of the U.S. Controller General, Attorney General, or Secretary of Education, or to State and local educational authorities.  Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the FERPA requirements,  in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs.  These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. 
         
         
      4. In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, the amount of the aid, or  the conditions of the aid; or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.
         
         
      5. To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the College, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs: or (c) improve instruction.
         
         
      6. To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.
         
         
      7. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
         
         
      8. If designated as “directory information.” The College has designated the following categories of information as directory information with respect to each student: name, mailing, campus and permanent addresses, photo, email address, Columbia University Network ID (UNI), degree program and major field of study, dates of attendance at the College, full-time, half-time or part-time status, degrees conferred and their dates, dissertation title and dissertation committee members and master’s essay title and sponsor. A student who does not wish to have “directory information” released to third parties should notify the Office of the Registrar in writing of his or her wish to withhold such information in the future.
         
         
      9. Under limited circumstances, to a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or sex offense.  The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding.
         
         
      10. Under limited circumstances, to the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, if the school determines the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation against the student.
          
          
      11. To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency subject to the provisions of the Regulations.
          
          
      12. To parents of a student under the age of 21 regarding the student’s violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation.
          
          
   4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with FERPA. More information about FERPA is available at www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa. FERPA is administered by:
      
      Family Policy Compliance Office
      U.S. Department of Education
      400 Maryland Avenue, SW
      Washington, DC 20202-8520
      
      
      
4. Student Requests for Release of Records.
   
   Upon written request by a student, the College may release information in that student’s Teachers College education records to third parties. The student should make a request for such release in writing with the student’s signature to the Registrar.   The third-party designated by the student will ordinarily not be provided with copies of any part of the student’s record other than the College transcript. The College may impose a charge for copying a student’s records in connection with such a release, generally 20 cents per page.   Transcripts are covered by a one-time fee paid by students upon registration.
   
   Questions about the interpretation of the guidelines should be referred to the Executive Director Academic Affairs Compliance at maul@tc.columbia.edu
   
   Responsible office:  Enrollment Services 
   Updated:  September 2017

Grading

Course instructors are responsible for setting the requirements for courses and evaluating students' work.  The grading symbols approved by the Faculty, appear below:

A+       Rare performance. Reserved for highly exceptional, rare achievement.

A         Excellent. Outstanding achievement.

A-        Excellent work but not quite outstanding.

B+       Very good. Solid achievement expected of most graduate students.

B         Good. Acceptable achievement.

B-        Acceptable achievement but below what is generally expected of graduate students.

C+       Fair achievement, above minimally acceptable level.

C         Fair achievement but only minimally acceptable.

C-        Very low performance.  The records of students receiving such grades are subject to review. This review may result in the denial of permission to register for further study at Teachers College. No more than 3 points of C- may be credited toward any degree, certificate or diploma. Students completing requirements for more than one degree or diploma may count 3 points of C- toward only one such award. Students who accumulate 8 points or more with grades of C- or lower may not continue study at the College and will not receive a degree or diploma.

F          Failure. The records of students receiving such grades are subject to review. This review may result in the denial of permission to register for further study at Teachers College. Students who accumulate 8 points or more with grades of C- or lower may not continue study at the College and will not receive a degree or diploma.  Students usually may not repeat a failed course unless it is required. When the course is required, the students may re-register and obtain a satisfactory grade. The previous F grade remains on the transcript.

P          Passed.  The “P” grade indicates passing performance in certain courses that only provide for dichotomous evaluation. Alternatively, by arrangement with the instructor as outlined in the Grading Options section below, students can request pass/fail grading in courses that normally lead to letter grades. Once an instructor submits a final pass/fail grade for a course, the transcripts of students in that course will not carry any other type of grade. The College does not issue supplementary statements on student performance in the course.

DP       Doctoral pass credit. The grade of DP may be assigned only to certified doctoral candidates who have successfully completed all requirements prescribed by the instructor. Students may receive DP credit only for courses taken in the semesters after they are certified. DP credit may not apply toward M.A. or M.S. degree requirements. A maximum of 6 points of DP credit may apply toward Ed.M. degree requirements. See section below on Grading Options for further information.

WD     Withdrawn. The WD grade indicates course withdrawal after the close of the change-of-program period during the term or non-attendance, as reported by a course instructor. 

YC      Year Course. The symbol “YC’’ is assigned for the first half of a year course (courses that appear with a “z’’ suffix on the transcript). At the end of the second half of the course, the final grade, denoting the instructor’s evaluation, will appear on the transcript.

R         Attendance Credit. R grades indicate that students attended a course. Instructors who agree to grant R credit may stipulate requirements in addition to regular attendance. Courses taken through the Interuniversity Doctoral Consortium may not be taken for an R grade.  No R credit may apply toward M.A. or M.S. degrees. A maximum of 6 R credits may apply toward Ed.M. programs but not to satisfy the three-course out-of-program requirement. Finally, a maximum of 9 R credits may apply toward doctoral programs but not toward minimum distribution requirements. See section below on Grading Options for further information.

T         Transfer credit awarded. The T grade is applied to transfer courses that meet minimum eligibility requirements for transfer work and that a faculty advisor has approved for credit. 

The above grades are final and may not be changed.

IN        Incomplete. The grade of Incomplete is to be assigned only when the course attendance requirement has been met but, for reasons satisfactory to the instructor, the granting of a final grade has been postponed because certain course assignments are outstanding. If the outstanding assignments are completed within one calendar year from the date of the close of term in which the grade of Incomplete was received and a final grade submitted, the final grade will be recorded on the permanent transcript, replacing the grade of Incomplete, with a transcript notation indicating the date that the grade of Incomplete was replaced by a final grade. If the         outstanding work is not completed within one calendar year from the date of the close of term in which the grade of Incomplete was received, the grade will remain as a permanent Incomplete on the transcript. In such instances, if the course is a required course or part of an approved program of study, students will be required to re-enroll in the course including repayment of all tuition and fee charges for the new registration and satisfactorily complete all course requirements. If the required course is not offered in subsequent terms, the student should speak with the faculty advisor or Program Coordinator about their options for fulfilling the degree requirement. Doctoral students with six or more credits with grades of Incomplete included on their program of study will not be allowed to sit for the certification exam.  

*          Missing grade. Final grade has not been assigned by the course instructor.

Grading Options

Teachers College categorizes grade options as evaluative (letter-graded on an A+ through F scale), pass/fail (P/F), doctoral pass (DP), or attendance (R).  Within the academic term of the course, students may request grade options that differ from the standard grade options that their course instructors use, but instructors have discretion to approve or deny such requests. Students may obtain applications for alternative grading options from the Office of the Registrar.  Once an alternative grade application has received approval from the course instructor and Registrar, students may not request a subsequent change of grade option. Deadlines and specific procedures for completing the applications appear below:

Pass/Fail and Evaluative Letter Grades

Students in courses that normally award pass/fail grades may request letter grades, and students in letter-graded courses may request a pass/fail option. If the instructor approves the request, the student must submit the completed application for alternative grading to the Registrar before the third class session.

Doctoral Pass

Certified doctoral candidates may request a doctoral pass (DP) grade option. If the instructor approves the request, the candidate must submit the completed application to the Registrar before two-thirds of the class sessions have met.

Attendance Credit

Students desiring attendance (R) credit must request the R option from the course instructor. If the instructor approves the request, the student must submit the completed application to the Registrar before two-thirds of the class sessions have met. Mathematics majors in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology must have their applications cosigned by the program coordinator.

Changes in Grades

All grades other than Incomplete are final once submitted to the Office of the Registrar.  Once final grades have been given, instructors may not change them unless errors occurred in the original transmission of grades.  A student who believes that an instructor has made a grading error should follow the procedures outlined in the Grade Correction policy: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/Grade Correction

Courses at Schools Other than Teachers College

Different schools and affiliates of Columbia University, as well as members of the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium, may have different policies, procedures, and deadlines on course grading and incomplete grades. Teachers College students who cross-register at other schools should note that their course work at the host school may be subject to the policies and procedures of that school and not those of Teachers College. Grades of "D" earned at these other institutions will not count toward a Teachers College degree or certificate. 

Responsible Office:  Enrollment Services 

Last updated:   September 2017

Graduate Credit in Advanced Undergraduate Courses

Students in degree programs may petition the Registrar to have an advanced undergraduate course offered at Columbia University counted as graduate credit toward the degree. To be considered for graduate credit, the courses must be beyond the general introductory level, relevant to the student’s specialty, and must not be available on the graduate level within the University. In addition, a student must obtain a written statement from the instructor of the course clarifying the additional work required in order to differentiate between undergraduate and graduate participation in the course. For basic language courses, courses must be beyond the first two years. No more than 6 points in advanced undergraduate courses may be approved for graduate credit. The advisor’s written recommendation is also required and final approval is granted by the Registrar. Petition forms may be obtained in the Office of the Registrar. Tuition charges for undergraduate courses that the Registrar approves for graduate credit or undergraduate language courses taken to fulfill the language requirement for the Ph.D. may be used to calculate students' federal financial aid awards. Undergraduate courses that fall outside of these parameters will not be factored into federal aid awards.

Responsible Office: Enrollment Services

Updated: September 2017

HEGIS Codes

Inter-University Doctoral Consortium

Teachers College participates in the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium which provides for cross-registration among member institutions. Fully admitted doctoral students after the first year of study in Teachers College may register for courses at the Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York, Fordham University, Princeton University, the New School for Social Research, New York University, Rutgers University, and Stony Brook University. Ordinarily, such courses must not be available within Columbia University. Applications are available in the Office of the Registrar, 324 Thorndike. Students cross-registered for courses at another university are subject to the academic regulations of the host university, including the grading system, calendar, and academic honor system. It is the responsibility of the students to familiarize themselves with the pertinent regulations of the host university. Teachers College students pay tuition at the standard Teachers College rate to Teachers College for any such courses they take.

Responsible Office: Enrollment Services

Effective Date:

Last Updated: June 2017

Key to Teachers College Course Numbers

The prefix indicates the department:

• A&H Arts & Humanities
• BBS Biobehavioral Sciences
• CCP Counseling & Clinical Psychology
• C&T Curriculum & Teaching
• EDP Education Policy and Social Analysis
• HBS Health & Behavior Studies
• HUD Human Development
• IND Interdepartmental
• ITS International & Transcultural Studies
• MST Mathematics, Science & Technology
• ORL Organization & Leadership

The first digit of the course number indicates course level:

• 4 initial graduate
• 5 intermediate graduate
• 6 advanced graduate
• 7 dissertation seminar
• 8 dissertation advisement
• 9 postdoctoral

The second digit of the course numbers indicates the type of offering:

• 0 lecture
• 1 lecture
• 2 field work
• 3 practicum
• 4 internship
• 5 seminar
• 6 colloquium
• 7 student teaching
• 8 workshop, work conference, or institute
• 9 independent study and research

Responsible Office: Enrollment Services

Effective Date:

Last Updated: June 2017

Non Discrimination

Non-Discrimination

Owner: Office of the Vice President for Diversity & Community Affairs

Non-Discrimination Statement and Policy.

Teachers College (“TC” or the “College”) is committed to providing a working, learning and living environment free from discrimination and harassment and to fostering a vibrant, nurturing community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members. 

Consistent with this commitment, Teachers College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or partnership status, citizenship or immigration status, military status, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other legally protected status in the administration of its admissions policies, educational policies, employment, scholarship, loan, and other College-administered programs; treatment, or in access to College programs or activities.

Students with concerns about possible discrimination may wish to speak with the Vice Provost for Student Affairs Tom Rock, 113 Zankel, (212) 678-3083, the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs Janice Robinson, 128 Zankel, (212) 678-3391, or Ombuds Officer Marie Miville, 280 Grace Dodge, (212) 678-4169.  

Faculty and staff with concerns about possible discrimination may wish to speak with the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Lisa Seales, 120 Whittier Hall, (212) 678-3175, Vice Provost Katie Embree, 113 Zankel, (212) 678-3991, Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs Janice Robinson, 128 Zankel, (212) 678-3391, or Ombuds Officer Marie Miville, 280 Grace Dodge, (212) 678-4169.  

Individuals may also seek assistance outside the TC community at:

US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (New York Office)

(646) 428-3900

(800) 877-8339 voice/TDD

OCR.NewYork@ed.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

(800) 669-4000

(800) 669-6820 (TTY for Deaf/Hard of Hearing callers only)

(844) 234-5122 (ASL Video Phone for Deaf/Hard of Hearing callers only)

info@eeoc.gov

NYS Division of Human Rights

complaints@dhr.ny.gov

https://dhr.ny.gov/complaint

NYC Commission on Human Rights

(718) 722-3131

Online form: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/contact-us.page

Sex Discrimination

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Title IX:

Janice Robinson

JRobinson@tc.columbia.edu

TC Title IX Coordinator

128 Zankel

(212) 678-3391

Disability Discrimination

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) protect students and employees from disability discrimination.

The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding Section 504/ADA:

Melissa Rooker

mor2102@tc.columbia.edu

Section 504 Compliance Officer

128 Zankel

(212) 678-3391

Juan Carlos Reyes

Jcr2101@tc.columbia.edu

Deputy Section 504 Compliance Officer

128 Zankel

(212) 678-3391

Pay Transparency. Teachers College will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.  However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the College or (c) consistent with the College’s legal duty to furnish information.

Responsible Office: Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs

Last Updated: August 2019

College Communication

College Communication

Owner: Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Official policy regarding College Communication.

Teachers College, recognizing the increasing need for electronic communication with students, has established email as an official means of communication with students. In order to ensure effective communication with students, students are required to activate and use the email address provided by the College. Information on how to do that is located at 

https://www.tc.columbia.edu/student-handbook/academic-resources/communication-and-technology/

Teachers College expects that every student will receive email at his or her Teachers College email address and will read email on a frequent and consistent basis. A student’s failure to receive Teachers College and read College communications in a timely manner does not absolve that student from knowing and complying with the content of such communications. Students may elect to redirect (auto-forward) email sent to their Teachers College email address. Students who (auto-forward) redirect email from their official College email address to another address do so at their own risk. If email is lost as a result of forwarding, it does not absolve the student from the responsibilities associated with communications sent to their official University email address. All use of email will be consistent with other Teachers College and Columbia University policies including the Acceptable Use Policy at https://my.tc.columbia.edu.

While most of College communications is handled through the official College email, on occasion the College will need to contact students using postal services. In addition, to be in compliance with various state and federal regulations, the College must have accurate information on the permanent residence and current location of all students.  It is the responsibility of students to verify and update their addresses, as necessary, each semester.  Students may view and update their addresses through myTC under the TC Services tab – Update Addresses and Phones.   

Information concerning emergencies or school closing is published in several ways:

• WINS at 1010 on AM radio;
• WCBS at 880 on AM radio;
• the TC Web homepage at www.tc.edu; and
• the main telephone number, (212) 678-3000.

In addition to the communication methods above, emergency notifications are made through public address systems in most campus buildings and through TCAlert. All members of the TC community are strongly encouraged to sign up for TCAlert via the portal at my.tc.edu to receive text or voice messages on their cellphones. Use of this system is limited to urgent messages. The College does not charge for it, although some wireless phone carriers may charge a fee for receiving SMS text messages.

Responsible Office: Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Last Update: November 2018

Last Edited: December 3, 2018

Acceptable Use of Information Technology

The purposes of this policy are to promote and improve the effectiveness of Teachers College computing and communications resources and to support the College community’s norms of scholarly discourse, academic integrity, and fairness.   As an academic community, the College places a special value on free expression of ideas. However, unlawful or inappropriate use of these information technology (IT) resources can infringe upon the rights of others. Accordingly, all members of the College community are expected to use these resources responsibly. Prevention of abuse of the College’s IT resources is important to:

• promote the appropriate and productive use of the College’s information technology resources, which are a finite, shared resource of the College community;
• protect individuals from harassment and undue annoyance;
• prevent waste of the IT resources and obstruction of College activities; and
• protect the College and its resources

Policy

The information technology resources of the College are part of the Columbia University network; all College users must be familiar with and adhere to the University IT policies found at www.columbia.edu/cu/policy and particularly the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy, policylibrary.columbia.edu/acceptable-use-it-resources-network-and-computing-policy. 

Use of College information technology resources must also conform with College policies, regardless whether they make explicit reference to electronic or other media. Relevant policies, including those related to professional conduct and protection from harassment, are available in the College’s Policy Library, www.tc.edu/policylibrary.

Students, faculty, staff and others using College and University electronic resources and services assume personal responsibility for their appropriate use and agree to comply with all relevant policies, as well as applicable laws.  College IT resources may not be used for any purpose that violates College or University policies or for any illegal or criminal purpose, including violation of copyright law.    Copying, storing, displaying, or distributing copyrighted material using College or University computers or networks without the express permission of the copyright owner, except as otherwise allowed under the copyright law, is prohibited. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, repeat copyright infringements by a user of the College’s IT resources can result in termination of the user’s access to those resources.

It is illegal and a violation of College and University policies to attempt to gain access to or use another person’s ID, password or account, or to send an email impersonating another individual, regardless of where the email originates. Sharing of passwords is prohibited and each user is responsible for the proper use of his or her account and any activity conducted with it.

Communication at the College, whether spoken, written or electronic, should be conducted courteously, and with respect for other people’s ideas, privacy, intellectual property, and right to be free from intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted annoyance, including, but not limited to, chain letters, and obscene and other unwelcome messages.

All email and postings should have the name of a person from or for whom it is sent, even if replies are not permitted. Broadcast messages to large lists should have an educational or work-related significance to many members of the group. 

Messages or files that interfere with or impair the computers or activities of other people, including but not limited to viruses, worms and Trojan horses, are forbidden. They violate College and University policies and applicable law. 

Failure to abide by these policies will have consequences that may range from warnings to suspension of email and other computing privileges to dismissal or termination of employment. Conduct that violates College and University policies may also violate federal, state or local law and subject individuals to civil or criminal liability. See Complaints and Discipline regarding IT Policies Complaints about and Discipline for Violation of IT Policies.

Policy on Protection from Harassment

Teachers College Policy on Protection from Harassment
Interim Policy effective October 5, 2015

This Policy has been updated to ensure compliance with current laws, including New York State Education Law section 129-B (effective October 5, 2015). This is an Interim Policy and will be reviewed within Teachers College.

Gender Based Misconduct between students is governed by the Columbia University Gender-Based Misconduct Policy for Students, sexualrespect.columbia.edu, rather than by this Policy. This Policy contains special procedures for addressing allegations of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking involving members of the Teachers College community not subject to the Gender-Based Misconduct Policy for Students.

Please see www.tc.edu/policylibrary/RESOURCES for information about campus and off-campus resources relating to this Policy.

See full policy here.

Release of Transcripts

The College regards the student’s transcript as a personal and private document; it is released only upon written authorization of the student. Unpaid financial obligations to the College will result in the withholding of student transcript and/or diploma. Teachers College does not duplicate copies of transcripts from other institutions which were submitted in support of the applicant’s application for admission to the College.

Responsible Office: Enrollment Services

Effective Date:

Last Updated: January 2015

Religious Observance

It is the policy of Teachers College to respect its members’ observance of their major religious holidays.  Where academic scheduling conflicts prove unavoidable, students will not be penalized for absences due to religious reasons, and course instructors will work with students on alternative means for satisfying academic requirements.  If students and instructors cannot reach a suitable arrangement, they should consult the appropriate Program Director or Department Chair.  If necessary, students or instructors may take the matter to the Office of the Provost for additional appeal.

Some of the major holidays occurring during the academic year are:  Good Friday, Id al Adha, Id al Fitr, Passover (first two and last two days), Rosh Hashanah, Shemini Atzeret, Shavuoth, Simchat Torah, Succoth (first two days) and Yom Kippur.

Jewish and Islamic holy days begin at sundown of the preceding day.

It should be noted that because of the size of the event and the space available, convocations held at Commencement take place in either Riverside Church or the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The facilities are used in a non-sectarian manner.

The Office of the Provost and Dean of the College requests that faculty members who will miss classes for religious observances notify their Department Chair in advance.  They should also announce missed class sessions on their syllabi. In such cases, faculty members may either make arrangements for another course instructor to cover the missed class or schedule a makeup session at a time convenient to students. 

Responsible Office: Provost

Last Updated March 25, 2016

Student Conduct Code: Academic Integrity and General Misconduct

Student Conduct Code: Academic Integrity and General Misconduct

Owner: Vice Provost for Student Affairs

URL: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/Student Conduct Code: Academic Integrity and General Misconduct

Student Conduct Code:  Academic Integrity and General Misconduct

Owner:  Vice Provost for Student Affairs

INTRODUCTION 

Teachers College (TC or the College) expects students to observe traditional norms of scholarly discourse, academic integrity and fairness.  All students should engage in responsible social conduct and model good civil conduct and citizenship.  Thus, activities which disrupt the regular and essential operations of the College or Columbia University are not permitted.

Members of the College community may charge students with violating these standards of conduct.  Students found responsible for violating these standards may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action ranging from reprimand to disciplinary probation, suspension and/or expulsion from the College.

When students are accused of gender-based misconduct including but not limited to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, the Gender-Based Misconduct Policy and Procedures for Students found at: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/diversity-and-community-affairs/gender-based-misconduct-policy-for-students/ applies.  All other academic and general misconduct involving students falls under this student conduct code.

Nothing in these standards of conduct shall replace professional codes of ethics applicable to students in various programs.

1.  DEFINITIONS AND ORGANIZATION OF THE DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM 

1.1 Student:  For purposes of this Code, any person currently enrolled in a degree program as a matriculated student and any person currently enrolled in a non-degree program in a for-credit course (including an online course) at Teachers College is a student. 

Non-credit offerings may be instructional programs or stand-alone courses that do not require extensive assessment or examinations and do not offer academic credit.  Non-credit programs are a series of non-credit courses that may lead to a culminating non-credit certificate of attendance.  Non-credit courses are usually offered as a 1 or 2-day course, workshop or conference.  For purposes of this Code, any person currently participating in a non-credit program at Teachers College is a student.  Any person currently participating in a non-credit course is not considered a student. 

1.1.1 Students who also serve as TC employees may be subject to separate disciplinary proceedings by virtue of their employment status.  TC has other policies that relate to staff and faculty as well as policies that apply to all members of the community.  All TC policies may be found in the Policy Library.  Nothing in this Code shall prevent an investigation or discipline under other applicable College policies.

1.1.2 If an accused student is also enrolled at another institution, that student may be referred to that student’s primary institution at the discretion of TC.

 1.2 Jurisdiction:  This Code addresses misconduct committed by students including:

1.2.1 Any alleged violation that is committed by a student that adversely affects the safety and security of the College (or Columbia University), College (or Columbia University) property or an individual member of the College (or Columbia University) community;

1.2.2 Any alleged violation that is committed by a student that substantially disrupts the functions or operations of the College (or Columbia University).

1.3 Vice Provost for Student Affairs: The Vice Provost for Student Affairs has overall responsibility for overseeing proceedings and all matters related to the enforcement of this Code.  The Vice Provost for Student Affairs may identify a designee to carry out these responsibilities. 

1.3.1 The duties of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs include: determining whether to resolve complaints by voluntary agreements, determining whether complaints warrant referral to the Student Conduct Committee (SCC), bringing charges of violations to the SCC for disciplinary hearing, monitoring and enforcing the fulfillment of sanctions imposed, maintaining records of all disciplinary matters, providing administrative support for all aspects of the disciplinary process (including hearings), preparing reports, and compiling statistics.  In cases of admission fraud, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs will work with Enrollment Services and other offices as necessary to discipline those who violated the College’s admission certification of accuracy statement

1.3.2  Interim Measures:  In cases where the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or a designee determines that a student’s presence on campus endangers the health, safety and/or well-being of self or any person, or of the College property, or disrupts the normal operations of the College, including classes or events, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or a designee has the authority to take immediate interim measures before the start of any formal or informal discipline process.  Interim measures may include, but are not limited to, restricting a student from contacting another person or persons; restricting a student from accessing the residence halls or other buildings on campus; or suspending a student from participation in classes or events and/or organizations within the campus community. 

1.4 Student Conduct Committee (SCC):  The SCC is responsible for conducting hearings related to alleged violations of this Code.

1.4.1 The jurisdiction of the SCC extends to both areas of the TC disciplinary system: Academic Integrity and General Misconduct.

1.4.2 The SCC shall be comprised of three students, three professional staff members and three faculty members.  Its members shall serve staggered terms to ensure continuity as members of the SCC rotate on and off the Committee.

1.4.3 SCC hearings are conducted by a three-member panel of the SCC convened by the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee.

1.5 Complainant and Respondent.  Any member of the TC or Columbia University community who alleges an academic or general misconduct violation is called a complainant.  Students accused of academic or general misconduct violations under this Code are called respondents.

1.6 Advisors:  Advisors can assist students involved in disciplinary proceedings to understand the disciplinary process, respect and comply with the provisions of this Code, and manage all aspects of the process.

1.6.1 An advisor may accompany any complainant or respondent to a meeting regarding a disciplinary complaint.  Advisors also may accompany complainants or respondents at hearings, and in both cases, may quietly advise but may not participate in such meetings or hearings.

1.6.2 An advisor must be either a TC faculty member, staff member or student and must be in good academic and disciplinary standing.

1.6.3 Generally, the student must select an advisor whose schedule allows attendance at the scheduled hearing dates and times.  Delays will not be allowed due to advisor scheduling conflicts.

1.7 Any member of the TC or Columbia University community may bring a complaint about student conduct to the attention of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs.  Doing so in no way limits the complainant’s rights or obligations to bring such matters to the attention of College offices, officers or resources, including the Office of the Ombuds or to seek recourse outside TC through civil or criminal legal proceedings.

2.  ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

2.1 TC is an academic community whose fundamental purpose is the pursuit of knowledge.  High principles of academic integrity are essential to the functioning and continued growth of this community.  Students, as well as faculty, are responsible for adhering to these principles, and TC will not tolerate failure to adhere to the College’s principles of academic integrity.  Students who intentionally or recklessly submit work either not their own or without clear attribution to the original source, fabricate data or other information, engage in cheating, misrepresent academic records or other violations noted below are subject to charges.  Those who engage in academic misconduct should expect sanctions up to and including dismissal from TC.

2.2 Responsibilities of Community Members:  Every member of the TC academic community is responsible for upholding the standards of academic integrity declared in this Code.

2.2.1 If a student is unsure whether actions might constitute academic misconduct, the student has the responsibility to consult with the instructor in advance about any ambiguities. 

2.3 Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to:

2.3.1 Cheating:  using or attempting to use unauthorized assistance, material or study aids in examinations or other academic work;

2.3.2 Plagiarism:  using the ideas, data or language of another without specific or proper acknowledgement;

2.3.3 Fabrication:  submitting contrived or altered information in any academic exercise such as making up data, citing nonexistent articles, contriving events and sources of information;

2.3.4 Duplicate submissions: submitting any work submitted to fulfill another assignment without appropriate revision to meet the instructional goals of the current course.  In cases of uncertainty or ambiguity, a student should check with the student’s instructor;

2.3.5 Misrepresentation of academic records or attempting to tamper with transcripts of any portion of a student’s academic record;

2.3.6 Facilitating academic dishonesty by knowingly helping another student to engage in academic misconduct;

2.3.7 Unfair advantage through attempting to gain unauthorized access to examination or other course-related materials or obstructing another student’s efforts.

3.  GENERAL MISCONDUCT

3.1 Violations of general misconduct include but are not limited to:

3.1.1 Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, TC procedures and activities, or other authorized activities;

3.1.2 Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion or other conduct that may endanger the health and/or safety of others.  This includes threats of violence against another person and physical or verbal intimidation that unreasonably impairs the security or privacy of another person;

3.1.3 Discrimination and harassment. 

Prohibited discrimination is adverse treatment of any student on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, gender expression or any other criterion specified by federal, state, or local laws.

Prohibited discrimination is subjecting an individual to humiliating, abusive, or threatening conduct, whether verbal or physical, that creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work, educational or living environment; alters the conditions of employment, education, or residential life; or unreasonably interferes with an individual's work or educational performance or living environment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, gender expression or any other criterion specified by federal, state or local laws.

Please see the TC Policy on Protection from Harassment;

3.1.4 Unauthorized entry or use of TC facilities or unauthorized possession or use of TC property of others;

3.1.5 Disorderly conduct or highly offensive conduct or expression;

3.1.6 Forgery, alteration or misuse of TC documents, records or identification, furnishing false information to TC or Columbia University or possession of any false identification or identification belonging to another person;

3.1.7 Identity theft: possessing or using another person’s name, address, Social Security Number (SSN), bank or credit card account number, or other identifying information without that person’s knowledge and/or with the intent to commit fraud or other crimes;

3.1.8 Theft or other abuse of computer facilities and resources including but not limited to:  any violation of TC or Columbia University Computer Use Policy, using computing facilities and resources to send offensive or abusive messages or other unauthorized use of computing facilities and resources;

3.1.9 Violations of copyright law by unlawful copying, distributing, sharing or storing copyright-protected information or material, including but not limited to music, film and internet video;

3.1.10 The unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs, unlawful drug paraphernalia and alcohol.  Please see the TC Drug-Free Campus Policy;

3.1.11 Failure to comply with authorized directions of or furnishing false information to TC or Columbia University officials or representatives of the SCC acting in performance of their duties;

3.1.12 Failure to engage in responsible social conduct and to model good civil conduct and citizenship;

3.1.13 Violations of any other TC or Columbia University policy, rule or regulation, or of federal, state or local law that reflect upon or are related to the Student’s activities or status as a Teachers College student.

4.  INFORMAL PROCEDURES

4.1 When an issue arises involving the academic or general misconduct of a student, the Code provides informal avenues by which the complaint may be resolved.

4.2 Personal Resolution:

4.2.1 Academic Integrity:  A faculty member or other instructor who believes that a student has engaged in academic misconduct will apprise the student of the suspected academic misconduct and refer the student to the Student Conduct Code and the Vice Provost for Student Affairs.  The instructor shall also provide the student with the opportunity to meet with the instructor to discuss the nature and validity of the allegations and the possible institutional responses.  After a discussion with the student, the instructor will decide whether the alleged violation was intentional or unintentional.  The instructor will then propose a resolution to the student and discuss possible sanctions with the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, as appropriate.

4.2.2 General Misconduct:  A complainant may wish to communicate directly with the person against whom the complaint is being made in order to address the issues involved.  However, a complainant may bypass personal resolution if the complainant would feel uncomfortable or unsafe doing so.  In particular, individuals who believe that they were threatened or who were injured by a student are encouraged to speak with the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or visit the TC Ombuds to seek assistance before pursuing personal resolution.  Such an individual may wish to pursue other options such as a facilitated conversation, mediation or to file a request for a formal resolution.

 4.3 Facilitated Conversation:

4.3.1 TC encourages a facilitated conversation whenever practical and appropriate.  A facilitated conversation may take place only if the complainant and respondent both agree to participate.  A matter is resolved through a facilitated conversation only if all parties agree on the resolution.

4.3.2 Academic Integrity: If, after following the procedure for personal resolution above, a resolution is not reached, the instructor and student may approach the Program Director (or Department Chair if the instructor is the Program Director) following their discussion and decide to move forward with a facilitated conversation.  The Program Director or Department Chair may then facilitate a conversation between the instructor and the student to discuss the allegations and a possible resolution of the matter.  If as part of the facilitated conversation, a resolution is agreed to that involves the imposition of sanctions, these will be issued by the Program Director or Department Chair and should be communicated in writing to the student.

4.3.3 General Misconduct: In situations involving alleged general misconduct, any involved party may contact the Vice Provost for Student Affairs with a request for a facilitated conversation.  The Vice Provost for Student Affairs or a designee may then facilitate a conversation between the parties to discuss the allegations and a possible resolution of the matter.  If as part of the facilitated conversation, a resolution is agreed to that involves the imposition of sanctions, these will be issued by the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee.

4.3.4 Ombuds Office Mediation:  The parties may ask the TC Ombuds to mediate a dispute.  The mediation must be agreed to by both parties.  The TC Ombuds is independent from the College’s administration and determines the procedures under which the mediation will take place.

5.  FORMAL PROCEDURES 

5.1 If attempts at personal resolution, facilitated conversation or mediation fail or any member of the community wishes to bypass informal procedures and file a formal complaint, the complainant shall notify the Vice Provost for Student Affairs in writing.  The Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee will then convene a Hearing Panel from the members of the SCC.  The Vice Provost for Student Affairs will provide notice of the hearing and a statement of the allegations to the complainant and the respondent within 7 calendar days of receipt in writing of the complaint by the Vice Provost for Student Affairs.

5.2 The statement of the allegations will identify the reasons for calling the hearing with sufficient particularity and rationale to insure the parties have an opportunity to prepare for the hearing.  The statement of the allegations also will contain the names of the proposed hearing panelists.  Either party should notify the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee of any hearing panelist that is known to them and/or who could present a conflict in the case.  The Vice Provost for Student Affairs will review the potential conflict and decide whether or not the hearing panelist should be replaced.  No member of the Hearing Panel who is otherwise interested in the particular case shall sit on the Hearing Panel for that case.

5.3 A hearing may be expedited in appropriate circumstances, including disciplinary matters involving students who have been placed on mandatory temporary suspension or conditional attendance, graduating students or students who are about to take a leave of absence or to leave campus to study elsewhere.

5.4 The SCC Hearing Panel will be comprised of one student, one professional staff member and one faculty member, one of whom will serve as Chair.  The Chair is, in consultation with the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, responsible for ensuring that the hearing process occurs in a timely fashion.

5.5 All members of the TC community are required to cooperate with these formal procedures.  Individuals who are interviewed or called as witnesses (including complainants and respondents) are obligated to provide honest and complete statements during the process.

5.6 Disciplinary hearings are not trials or legal in nature, and they are not governed by rules of legal procedure, evidence or judicial formality.  They are designed to encourage open discussion among the participants to promote the Hearing Panel’s understanding of the facts, the individuals involved and the circumstances under which the alleged incident occurred, the nature of the conduct, and the attitudes and experiences of those involved.  Information, including hearsay evidence, may be considered if it is relevant, not unduly repetitious and the sort of information on which responsible persons are accustomed to rely upon in the conduct of serious affairs.

5.7 These procedures and standards apply to all hearings:

5.7.1 The complainant and respondent in the process may be accompanied by advisors as described in the section on advisors above.

5.7.2 No less than three (3) business days prior to the hearing, the parties shall submit to the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee all documents to be submitted as evidence and the names and anticipated areas of testimony of any witnesses.

5.7.3 Witnesses: The Hearing Panel has the discretion to determine which witnesses, if any, they wish to interview during the hearing.

5.7.4 Both the complainant and the respondent may make opening and closing remarks of not more than five minutes each.

5.7.5 The Hearing Panel’s findings are based solely on the statements of the complainant, respondent and/or witnesses and any evidence submitted prior to or during the hearing.

5.7.6 The Hearing Panel will determine a violation of the Code by a preponderance of the evidence.

5.7.7 All documents presented to the SCC Hearing Panel shall become the official property of TC. 

5.7.8 If either the complainant or the respondent fails to appear at the hearing, proceedings will continue.  Evidence may be presented and considered even if a party is absent

5.7.9 After the hearing concludes, the SCC Hearing Panel shall deliberate in private.

5.7.10 All findings of the Hearing Panel require a majority vote.  At the conclusion of the deliberations, the SCC Hearing Panel shall deliver a brief written statement of their findings  and any recommended sanctions to the Vice Provost for Student Affairs.

5.7.11 The Vice Provost for Student Affairs shall communicate to the respondent the Hearing Panel’s decision and any sanctions imposed.  The Vice Provost for Student Affairs shall also inform the complainant of the decision.  These communications shall be in writing.

5.8 Appeals.  Both parties have the right to appeal.  The appeal must be submitted to the Vice Provost for Student Affairs within seven (7) business days following written notification of the decision from the Vice Provost for Student Affairs.  Grounds for appeal include: (1) procedural error and (2) new evidence and/or information not available at the time of the hearing.  Appeals must be in writing, must state the ground for appeal and must provide evidence to support the appeal. 

5.8.1 The Vice Provost acts as the appellate officer.  The Vice Provost for Student Affairs shall provide the Vice Provost with all information regarding the case.  After review, the Vice Provost will notify the appellant in writing of the appeal decision, which is final.

5.8.2 If the Vice Provost is the complainant, the appellate officer function shall be discharged by the Provost and Dean of the College.  Subject to the special provision for emergency or other extraordinary situations, there shall be no change in the status of the respondent until the appeals process is complete.

5.9 In an emergency or other extraordinary situation, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee shall take such interim disciplinary action as is necessary to appropriately manage an incident pending a hearing by the SCC or a decision on appeal, which shall take place as soon as practicable.

6. DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS 

6.1 Disciplinary sanctions may include, but are not limited to one or more of the following:

6.1.1 Reprimand: a verbal admonition and an official written warning, course or grade failure;

6.1.2 Restitution: repair or replacement of property when loss or damage is part of the offense;

6.1.3 Restriction: loss of privileges that are consistent with the offense and the rehabilitation of the student;

6.1.4 Disciplinary Probation: the student is no longer in good disciplinary standing for a specified period of time;

6.1.5 Suspension: dismissal from TC and/or its residence halls for a specified time.  Suspension, pending a hearing may be imposed when there is reason to believe the action is necessary to maintain TC operations and/or to protect the safety of individuals;

6.1.6 Expulsion:  permanent dismissal from TC and/or its residence halls;

6.1.7 Revocation: withholding or repealing admission, course credit or a degree award;

7.  COUNSELING, EVALUATION AND TREATMENT 

7.1 In some cases of misconduct, such as those committed under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, participation in an evaluation and/or treatment program by an approved counseling service may be a condition of readmission to TC or a condition of continued enrollment.

8. DISCIPLINARY RECORDS AND CONFIDENTIALITY

8.1. Records of disciplinary proceedings are maintained by the Vice Provost for Student Affairs. No record of the disciplinary proceedings shall be entered in the student's official College file until a final decision, and if appropriate disciplinary sanctions, are rendered and any appeals are concluded. Disciplinary records shall be maintained as specified in TC's Document Retention Policy.

8.2. All disciplinary proceedings, the identity of individuals involved in particular disciplinary matters, and all disciplinary files, testimony and findings shall be kept confidential to the extent possible. 

9. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

9.1. There are several recognized and approved student organizations at Teachers College in any academic year. To assume a student leadership role in any student organization, a student, as defined above, must be enrolled in a degree program and must be in good academic and conduct standing. 

9.2. The Vice Provost for Student Affairs has the authority to restrict any student from membership in a student organization for academic or general misconduct.

9.3. Student organizations are collectively responsible for any action committed by members on behalf of the organization that violates Teachers College policy. Disciplinary action against student organizations is separate from action taken against individuals. Facts of an incident may necessitate action against both a student organization and the individual members of that organization who were found to have violated Teachers College policy. Disciplinary sanctions against a student organization may include, but are not limited to, the dissolution of the student organization. 

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY RULES OF CONDUCT 

Columbia University has separate Rules of University Conduct which apply to all those who visit its campuses or use its facilities.  Violations of these Rules can lead to sanctions including the eradication of permission to visit the Columbia University campuses or use of its facilities and suspension or dismissal from Columbia University courses in which a Teachers College student may be enrolled.

For more information please visit: http://www.essential-policies.columbia.edu/files_facets/imce_shared/TheRulesOfUniversityConduct.pdf

Responsible Office: Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Effective Date: 

Last Updated: August 2018

Last Edited: September 25, 2018

Student Psychological Wellness Policy

Responsible Office: Vice Provost.
Last updated November 25, 2015

Introduction
Teachers College seeks to promote student academic progress and personal well-being. We face the reality that suicide is a leading cause of death for college and university students. In addition, suicide, attempted suicide, and suicidal threats may have a significant detrimental effect not only on the involved student, but on others in the campus community.
The College opposes, and strives to eliminate, all forms of personal abuse and violence, whether directed at oneself or others. This Student Psychological Wellness Policy outlines an approach to educate and promote discussion about threats, disruption, self abuse, and violence. It also outlines procedures for crisis intervention and response. All members of the College community are expected to promote a violence-free environment and to observe these policies and procedures.

See the full policy here.

Transcript Notations

The following notations will be placed on transcripts on or after September 1, 2015.

Permanent - remain in perpetuity

1. “Expelled after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation” – for sexual violence or  another crime reportable under the Clery Act.
2. “Dean's Hold” - for disciplinary expulsions that do not require the notation above.  
3. “Readmission subject to academic/administrative review: Academic Scholarship” - for academic dismissal when student receives 8 credits or more of C- or lower.

Temporary

1. “Suspended after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation” – student has been temporarily suspended for sexual violence or another crime reportable under the Clery Act.
2. “Disciplinary Suspension” - student has been temporarily suspended for reason(s) that do not require the notation above.
3. “Academic Suspension” - student has been temporarily suspended for lack of progress to degree.
4. “Withdrawal with pending disciplinary action” – student withdrew while disciplinary charge for sexual violence or another crime reportable under the Clery Act are pending.  

In the 4 temporary categories, after a two-year period of absence, the student would be withdrawn as "Failed to Graduate," but the temporary category transcript notation would remain.  "Failed to Graduate" would not appear on the transcript.   If the student is allowed to register again at the College, the temporary notation would be removed.

Removal of Temporary Transcript Notations
Students may request removal of a temporary notation by petitioning the Vice Provost for Student Affairs.  This request must be in writing and include the rational for the request.  The Vice Provost for Student Affairs, or his or her designee, will review the request and provide a written response within 30 days from the date the request was received.  

Revision Note:  Adopted [September 1, 2015] to comply with NYS Education Law 129-B.

Responsible Office: Enrollment Services

Effective Date: September 1, 2015

Updated: September 2017

Transfer Credit

Transfer Credit

Owner: Vice Provost for Student Affairs

URL: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/Transfer Credit

Students may apply for transfer credit upon acceptance at Teachers College.  Transfer credit is based on graduate coursework completed at another institution  prior to enrolling at Teachers College that is then applied toward a Teachers College degree. 

Eligibility for transfer credit depends on the student’s Teachers College program:

Transfer credit may be awarded only for graduate courses that have been

(1) completed with grades of B or higher,

(2) submitted on an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution,

(3) granted/assigned graduate credit on the transcript of that institution,

(4) not applied toward a baccalaureate degree, and

(5) completed prior to enrollment at Teachers College. 

For educational institutions outside of the United States or Canada, a course-by course evaluation is required by World Education Services (WES) as per the policy on admission.  

Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the Transfer Credit Coordinator and the student's faculty advisor.

For more information please refer to the "Degree Requirements" section of the Catalog, visit the  transfer credit website , or e-mail the Transfer Credit Coordinator at TCTransfer@tc.edu.

Responsible office:   Enrollment Services 

Updated:  March 2018

Visiting Scholars

Visiting Scholar Policy

Teachers College (TC) welcomes visitors who do not hold academic appointments at the College to come to TC, for a specific period of time, to facilitate their research and to participate in the activities of the College. To accommodate the needs of these individuals and to recognize their contribution to the intellectual life of the College, TC confers Visiting Scholar status with limited benefits and privileges according to the policies and procedures described below.

Eligibility for TC Visiting Scholar Status

Visiting Scholars generally hold a doctorate from a regionally accredited higher education institution in the United States or its equivalent in another country, and are on leave from a full-time faculty appointment at the institution where they are employed. In exceptional cases, a recognized expert in the field may also be nominated for Visiting Scholar status.

In addition, with special approval by the College, Visiting Scholar status may be granted to known practicing professionals, creative artists, former government officials, international officials (from entities such as the UN), leaders of NGOs and TC doctoral alumni and staff who are engaged in research and teaching of special interest to a Teachers College faculty member.

An individual who is not eligible for visiting scholar sponsorship but is currently a doctoral student at a regionally accredited institution within the United States, or its equivalent from a country other than the United States may apply to the College’s Visiting Doctoral Student Program. For details, please see the Visiting Doctoral Students Policy at (http://www.tc.columbia.edu/policylibrary/vice-provost/visiting-doctoral-students-/)

Faculty Host

Visiting Scholar status is conferred by the Executive Director of International Affairs on behalf of the Provost and Dean of the College.

An individual who wishes to be a Visiting Scholar must be recommended by a faculty member in whose academic discipline the scholar has an interest. The faculty host must be in residence during the visiting scholar’s approved period of stay and is responsible for facilitating mutually beneficial interactions between the Visiting Scholar, faculty colleagues and students. Visiting Scholars are encouraged to participate in scholarly presentations at the College and to present a summary report on their experience at Teachers College. Directors of TC Institutes and members of Senior Staff may also recommend individuals for Visiting Scholar status.

Applications

A prospective Visiting Scholar must complete an application, available on the Office of International Affairs website (http://www.tc.columbia.edu/international-affairs/visiting-scholars/forms/). In addition to the application, prospective scholars must submit the following as PDF attachments to the attention of the program manager, Blessing Nuga (nuga@tc.columbia.edu):

1. Plan of research and/or activities at Teachers College (TC) including goals and objectives.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV).
3. SIGNED recommendation letter from your TC faculty host(s) stating the period of visit, the goals and objectives for the visit and detailing any funding, if applicable.
4. Copy of the passport identity and expiration page.

Administrative Fee

Please note that applications received after February 1, 2017 will be assessed a nonrefundable administrative fee of USD$400 for first time applicants and a nonrefundable renewal fee of USD$100 for extension applicants. Scholars whose application is approved will receive a link via email to access the online payment site, Cashnet. The Cashnet payment site only accepts credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Masterpass). Scholars unable to pay by credit card may submit payment via wire transfer. Please contact the program manager, Blessing Nuga (nuga@tc.columbia.edu), for the TC wire transfer form. If paying by wire transfer, please allow 1-2 weeks for processing. Also note that some banks may charge an additional fee for international wire transfers; please check with your banking institution to verify this. Please make sure that the email address on your application is correct, as the Cashnet access link will be sent directly to this address.

Visiting Scholar Privileges at TC

Visiting Scholars receive the following privileges at Teachers College:

• University ID (or UNI) for access to electronic resources and a TC Gmail account.
• Access to Teachers College and Columbia University libraries with some restrictions during periods of examination or special events.
• Auditing of classes with the instructor’s permission.
• Attending open lectures.

Upon arrival at Teachers College, all Visiting Scholars must check in with the program manager in the Office of International Affairs. Scholar privileges will be activated following the check in appointment.

Individuals may be granted Visiting Scholar status for up to one year. The designation may be renewed for no more than one additional year with approval of the faculty host and payment of the $100 renewal fee. "Visiting Scholar" is a courtesy designation and does not signify a formal association with the College. No official records are maintained and no statement of activities is issued.

Visiting Scholars are not compensated and are not eligible for College or University health insurance. Scholars are responsible for arranging their own financial support and insurance. They may receive honoraria for participating in a conference or for giving an occasional lecture if they are citizens or permanent residents or, in the case of non-resident aliens, if they have an appropriate visa and the prior authorization of the Director of the Office of International Services.

Visiting Scholars may not be compensated from a Teachers College account; given a TC fellowship or reimbursed for expenses without prior approval of the Executive Director of the Office of International Affairs.

Prospective visitors wishing to enroll in classes for credit at TC should request an application for non-degree student status from the Office of Admissions (www.tc.edu/admissions). Individuals in F-1 or J-1 student status are not granted Visiting Scholar privileges and must be full-time students. Contact the Office of International Services (www.tc.edu/international) for more information.

J-1 Visa Sponsorship for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals ordinarily need a J-1 (research scholar category) visa to visit Teachers College. Upon receipt of all documentation required by the U.S. government, the Office of International Services will issue a Form DS-2019 to support the J-1 visa application. Federal regulations require that applicants for J-1 status have sufficient funds for the period of stay at Teachers College and meet the medical insurance requirements of the U.S. Department of State. The Visiting Scholars Form DS-2019 Application is available from the Office of International Services; this office can provide additional details on complying with these requirements.

Please note that as of May 15, 2015, prospective Visiting Scholars applying for J-1 visa sponsorship from Teachers College are required to demonstrate English Language proficiency.

In addition to checking in with the OIA program manager, all Visiting Scholars on a J-1 visa sponsored by TC must also check-in with the Office of International Services upon arrival to receive a welcome orientation.

An individual interested in Visiting Scholar status should contact:
Ms. Blessing Nuga
Office of International Affairs
Teachers College, Columbia University
Telephone/fax: 212-678-4010
Email: nuga@tc.columbia.edu
http://www.tc.edu/oia/

Please note that individuals who do not qualify as a Visiting Scholar or Visiting Doctoral Student are not eligible for visa sponsorship from the College.

Responsible Office: Provost

Last updated: April 2017