Student Hospitalization
When students are admitted to a hospital or were recently discharged, they may be concerned about their academics as well as their student experience at TC. There are resources available at Teachers College to assist students in navigating their individual situation as they focus on recovery.
Students are encouraged to reach out to their instructors and/or academic advisors to discuss their individual circumstances. If students need assistance in navigating the situation, they are encouraged to submit a TC CARES Referral Form to request support. A CARES Team member will reach out to the student to discuss available support resources and help facilitate faculty communication.
If students find that they may require disability-related accommodations following their hospitalization, they should reach out to the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities (OASID) at oasid@tc.edu for assistance.
Informing TC of Hospitalization
Students are not required to notify Teachers College if they are hospitalized. This is private information and students can decide if they would like to share it with the College. However, students are encouraged, whenever possible, to contact their instructors, academic department or program directly to discuss their individual situation and how to make up work and/or a class (or classes) missed. If students need assistance in navigating this communication, they can submit a TC CARES Referral Form to request support.
If the student is an international student on a J-1 visa, any condition requiring hospitalization of 48 hours or more is considered a serious incident that must be reported to the U.S. Department of State. More information regarding reporting serious incidents can be found on the OISS website here (#8). If the student is a J-1 TC-sponsored student, they should contact the Office of International Student and Scholars at tcintl@tc.columbia.edu.
Returning to TC After Hospitalization
Hospitalization does not prevent students from remaining enrolled. As a student plans for their return to TC, they will want to consider how the time away from classes will impact their ability to make up any work they have missed. A large number of missed classes may cause a significant impact on their studies. Students should contact their academic advisor to assist in determining what options are available as they navigate their academic circumstances.
Options While Navigating Medical Issues or Illness
There are multiple options for navigating a medical situation while completing academic coursework.
● Students should discuss with their instructor, if possible grading options available to them.
● Students may also consider a Medical Leave of Absence to get medical support and return to school after recovery. If the student is an international student, they should contact the Office of International Students and Scholars at tcintl@tc.columbia.edu to determine if there may be any effect on their immigration status.
● Students can connect with OASID at oasid@tc.edu to discuss whether they may be eligible for disability-related accommodations.
● Students may withdraw or drop classes, if needed. Prior to dropping any classes students should contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine if there is any effect on their financial aid package, and, if the student is an international student, they should contact the Office of International Students and Scholars to determine if there may be any effect on their immigration status.
Students should always consult with their academic advisor to discuss how their recovery may impact their academic performance to determine the best option for their academic future.
* Students should consider financial aid, immigration status, enrollment status and degree plan when making decisions about their enrollment.
Responsible Office: Associate Vice President & Chief Student Affairs Officer
Effective Date: April 3, 2023