Dear TC Community Members:

Following President Bailey’s message of yesterday, we are writing to share guidance and resources to provide support to our community.

Protocol for Potential Visits to Campus by Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement

TC Public Safety serves as the coordinating department for all interactions with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The following information and guidance regarding potential visits to campus by law enforcement is also available online. 

As a reminder, all law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are required to have a valid warrant — either a judicial warrant or a judicial subpoena — to gain access to a residential building. An administrative warrant is not sufficient.

Any request by law enforcement officers to enter non-public areas of campus must be directed to Public Safety. Ask the officer(s) to wait before entering any non-public area and contact Public Safety at (212) 678-3333 (available 24/7).

Public Safety Enhancements & Access to TC Residence Halls

Public Safety is increasing our staffing and patrols by officers and managers of both the academic campus and residence halls. All residence halls are equipped with CCTV and access control systems at building entry points. Buildings are either staffed by Public Safety officers or equipped with emergency phones and panic buttons that connect directly to our 24/7 Public Safety desk. Resident Hall safety information is also available online.

In partnership with Public Safety, community members residing in the halls can help maintain a safe living environment by following these guidelines:

• Ensure doors close and latch securely behind you when entering or exiting buildings and apartments. Do not allow individuals to “piggyback” or follow you into secured spaces.
• Politely challenge unfamiliar or non-affiliated individuals attempting to enter the building, or contact Public Safety for assistance.
• Do not share, lend, or duplicate your TCID card under any circumstances.
• Report suspicious or unusual activity immediately by contacting Public Safety at (212) 678-3333, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Columbia University is hosting a webinar on “Immigration Policy and Understanding the Law” today at 3:00 p.m. This webinar is available for all TC students, faculty, and staff to join. Register here or visit Columbia’s ISSO website for more information. 
• We are currently working to organize a session for the Teachers College community on immigration policy and knowing your rights. More information on this session will be communicated as soon as possible. 
• Familiarize yourself with Know Your Rights information, available through New York City and New York State, in partnership with the New York Immigration Coalition and other organizations. 
• Carry documentation that reflects your F-1/J-1 status at all times: 
  • Your passport, to provide identification
  • Your most recent, unexpired I-20 or DS-2019, signed at the bottom
  • Your most recent I-94
  • For current students: your TC ID card
  • For F-1 students on post-completion OPT/STEM OPT: your EAD card
  • For J-1 students on post-completion AT: your DS-2019 and employment authorization letter issued by the OISS
• Carry a Know Your Rights Wallet Card. You have the right to:
  • Remain silent and not answer any questions 
  • Refuse searches or entry without a warrant signed by a judge
  • Know if and why you are being detained or arrested 
  • Refuse to sign anything and ask to speak with an attorney
  • Record what is happening to you and others

• Should you need assistance or have a concern about an individual, you can reach out through TC CARES.
• Students
  • Student Support & Advocacy
  • Counseling and Psychological Services at Columbia Health (CPS) offers individual counseling, drop-in hours, and support groups.
  • CPS is also available 24/7 at 212-854-2878 for students who need immediate assistance.
  • TELUS Health offers 24/7 support via chat and phone for students who need immediate assistance.
• Faculty and staff: TELUS Health is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider for TC. The Employee Assistance Program offers services to support our employees, including counseling and wellbeing support services.
• Office of the University Chaplain
• College Ombuds
• TC Public Safety: (212) 678-3333 or publicsafety@tc.columbia.edu
• Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)
  • Attend an OISS advising session to speak with an advisor
    • Monday from 12-1pm on Zoom 
    • Tuesday from 3-4pm in Grace Dodge 186
    • Wednesday from 2-3pm in Grace Dodge 186
    • Friday from 11am-1pm on Zoom 
    • Email us at tcintl@tc.columbia.edu
    • Call us at 212-678-3939, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm