Supporting our Campus Community
A message from Dr. Robert Mack, Vice Provost for Student Success and Engagement
Dear Students,
Our university is committed to engaging in dialogue and activism on issues that are vitally important to all members of our diverse community. This is one of the many values that make our campus and community so special. At the same time, our conduct system encourages each of us to commit to the common good and to uphold the highest standards of respect, integrity, and civility. I urge everyone to re-familiarize themselves with the codes, policies and protocols that guide our community’s interactions with each other.
Over the past week, students have reported experiences of discrimination and harassment to our Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. We take these concerns seriously and are responding to each report through our confidential conduct process. The university has not contacted the NYPD for assistance, and police will not enter any of our buildings without university consent. We respect the rights of our students to free speech and to peacefully demonstrate on university premises; however, I want to be clear: The New School has zero tolerance for Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, homophobia—or discrimination or bullying of any kind. We must maintain a balance that allows for the exchange of ideas and meaningful progress while preserving the academic environment and safety of each member of our community.
To help keep each other safe and healthy, The New School will continue to provide a variety of resources to support our students:
- Student Support and Advocacy (SSA) staff are here to help you with a broad range of non-academic challenges. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of our team at studentsupport@newschool.edu to discuss services both on and off campus.
- Counselors at Student Health Services are available for in-person or virtual telecounseling if you would like to talk. Visit shsportal.newschool.edu to make an appointment.
- Campus Safety staff are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies by calling 212.229.7001.
- If any member of our community experiences or observes an incident of safety or harm to them or someone else, please email studentconduct@newschool.edu or submit a report.
- You may also reach out to the Title IX Investigator who provides support and advocacy for students navigating sexual assault, sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination. To file an incident report, please visit this page for instructions and resources.
- If you have concerns about coming to campus for classes, particularly classes in the University Center, please reach out to your instructors right away.
We are committed to minimizing disruptions to the academic mission of The New School. Our faculty are working to ensure that students’ learning needs are met and you are aware of the options available over the next several weeks. I hope you will contact your faculty or college dean with any questions or concerns regarding the successful completion of your studies and the semester.
This is one of those crucial moments when we must pause and reflect to ensure our words and actions honor our shared sense of humanity and community. I encourage you to review the university’s Campus Safety and Free Speech webpage for more resources, and please email studentquestions@newschool.edu if you need support.