Campus Access | Policies

TC Campus Access Policy

1.0 Introduction:

The academic campus is generally open seven days a week from 6:30 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. and, on College holidays, from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

 
The Gottesman Libraries are open to students, faculty, and staff of Teachers College and affiliated institutions, namely Columbia University, Barnard College, Union Theological Seminary, and The Jewish Theological Seminary. Non-affiliated researchers and scholars may make arrangements for visitor access to the Library by contacting the Libraries Administration at 212.678.3023.  The Gottesman Libraries are open from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, 12 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, and 12:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. on Sunday.  The Libraries have extended hours during midterm and final exam periods.  For more information on Library access and hours, Click Here.

2.0 Community Members:

• Access to the academic campus and the Libraries is through the main entrance at the Zankel Building at 525 West 120th Street.  A valid Teachers College ID card or a valid ID card from the affiliated institutions of Columbia University, Barnard College, Union Theological Seminary, or The Jewish Theological Seminary must be presented at the Public Safety Desk in the Zankel lobby to gain entry to the academic campus.
• Students, faculty, or staff from Teachers College or affiliated institutions may also enter the academic campus through the 528 Building driveway entrance on West 120th Street by presenting a valid ID card at the 528 West 120th Street Public Safety Booth. The 528 West 120th St. driveway entrance is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. The entrance is closed on weekends and holidays.

3.0 Visitors:

• Academic buildings and the dining room are generally not open to the public; however, non-affiliated visitors may enter the College for specific events open to the public or as guests of a member of the College community. All non-affiliated visitors to campus must enter through the main entrance at the Zankel Building, advise the desk of their intended destination or appointment, present a valid government-issued photo identification card, and check-in.  A one-day Visitor Pass shall be provided to visitors. Failure to comply with these procedures may result in the denial of access to the campus.  

• Visitors and Guests seeking to enter any of the residence halls at Teachers College must follow all Office of Public Safety access requirements and those specified by the Office or Residential Service’s Rules, Policies, & Regulations. For more information, Click Here. 

4.0 College Contractors

• College contractor access is governed by the Contractor Safety and Access Policy. Click Here.

5.0 General Access Procedures:

Faculty and staff may access their offices at any time. Access to closed College facilities by authorized individuals is gained only with assistance from the Office of Public Safety.  Residential Halls are closed to the public and may be entered or occupied only by authorized residents, their authorized guests, and authorized College employees and vendors.

A valid Teachers College University ID or affiliated institution ID card must be presented at an access control reader or to a Public Safety Officer when entering any campus building.  

Teachers College community members who do not have their Teachers College ID card or affiliated institution ID card upon their person when entering campus must provide the Public Safety Officer with their UNI# for campus access and may also be required to show a valid picture ID (e.g., driver’s license), sign in, and receive a Visitor Pass.

Students may receive a Teachers College ID card once they have registered for classes.  Students moving into on-campus housing may receive their ID card on the day they move in. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear their Teachers College or affiliate institution ID card on their outermost garment when on campus.  Visitors are required to wear their Public Safety-issued Visitor Pass on their outermost garment while on campus.

Teachers College Public Safety reserves the right to alter these campus access procedures as needed to ensure the safety and security of the campus community.

Responsible Office: Public Safety

Effective Date: April 2015

Last Updated:  February 2024