Campus Access | Policies

1.0    Introduction
    Academic buildings on the main campus are generally open seven days a week from 7:30 A.M. to 11:00 P.M.  On College holidays the academic buildings are open from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., and access is limited.  
 
    The Gottesman Libraries are open to students, faculty, and staff of Teachers College and affiliated institutions, namely Columbia University, Barnard College, Union Theological and Jewish Theological seminaries. Non-affiliated researchers and scholars may make arrangements for visitor access to the Library by contacting Libraries Administration at 212.678.3023.  The Gottesman Libraries is open from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Saturday, and 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. on Sunday.  The Libraries has extended hours during midterm and final exam periods.  
 
2.0    Procedure

•  Access to academic buildings 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 or Jewish Theological seminaries must be presented at the Public Safety Desk in the Zankel lobby to gain entry to academic buildings on campus.
•  Students, faculty or staff from Teachers College or affiliated institutions may also enter academic buildings through the 528 West 121st St. driveway entrance on West 120th Street by presenting a valid ID card at the 528 West 121st St. driveway Public Safety Booth. The 528 West 121st St. driveway entrance is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 A.M. to 9:30 P.M., and on Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  The entrance is closed on weekends and holidays.
   
  Resident Students
• Teachers College resident students, and affiliated institution students residing at Teachers College, may also enter academic buildings through the West 121st Street door of Grace Dodge Hall from 6:45 A.M. to 1:00 A.M.   A valid ID card is required to access this entrance.
   
  Visitors
• College academic buildings, and dining room, are generally not open to the public; however non-affiliated visitors may enter the College for specific events that are open to the public or as a guest of a member of the College community. All non-affiliated visitors to campus must enter through the main entrance at the Zankel Building, present a valid government issued photo identification card and sign in at the Public Safety Desk in the Zankel lobby.  A one day Visitor Pass shall be provided to visitors.

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

 A valid Teachers College ID card is needed for access to campus academic buildings and residence halls at all times.  New 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. 
 
 A valid Teachers College 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 upon their person when entering campus must show a valid picture ID (e.g. driver’s license), sign in, and receive a Visitor Pass. 
 
 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.

Responsible Office: Public Safety

Effective Date: April 2015

Last Updated: April 2015