Welcome to the Spring 2025 Semester

Dear Baruch Students,

Welcome back to campus for the Spring 2025 semester! As we begin this new term, I want to reaffirm Baruch College’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and vibrant learning environment where all students can thrive. Baruch’s values of collaboration, respect, and opportunity remain at the heart of everything we do.

This semester, we are doubling down on our efforts to enhance campus safety, expand student support services, and strengthen resources to ensure that every member of our community feels secure, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Student Support Services and Resources

Your well-being is our top priority, and Baruch offers a wide range of support services to ensure that you have access to the tools and resources you need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

Student Affairs and Academic Advising teams are here to support you throughout your Baruch journey—whether you’re seeking career guidance, academic planning, or leadership opportunities.
Immigrant Student Success Services provides guidance on legal aid, immigrant rights, and citizenship matters, ensuring all students have the resources to succeed. Our immigrant student services liaison can be reached here.
The International Student Service Center (ISSC) provides administrative support and guidance on immigration and visa matters for international students. ISSC offers in-person and virtual advising, regulatory updates, and workshops. The center also hosts cultural exchange sessions and networking events to support students’ academic and professional success.
The Counseling Center offers free, confidential mental health support, including crisis counseling. If you need immediate help or are concerned about a fellow student, the Crisis Intervention Team is available to assist. If you feel more comfortable talking with someone from an outside organization, a list of hotlines is available here.

If you need help navigating these resources, I encourage you to ask the BOSS (Baruch One Stop Shop)—we are always here for you.

Campus Safety and Facility Enhancements

Ensuring a safe and secure campus is a fundamental responsibility, and we have made significant investments in strengthening public safety measures. This semester, you will see major enhancements, including:

Progress on Security Camera Modernization: A large-scale expansion and upgrade of Baruch’s security camera system is underway. This multi-phase project will increase coverage in key areas across campus.
Enhanced Incident Reporting Tools: Reporting discrimination, harassment, or other concerning behaviors should be simple and accessible. We are working to streamline the process by updating our website and making reporting tools more visible and easier to use. If you witness or experience an incident, you can file a report through the University-Wide Discrimination and Retaliation Reporting Portal.
Campus Safety Escort Service: To provide additional peace of mind, the Campus Safety Escort Service is available 24/7 to accompany students within and between Baruch-owned properties and to nearby subway and bus stops. Requests can be made by dialing 3333 from any on-campus phone or 646-660-6000 from a cell phone; please call at least 15 minutes before departure.

Strengthening Our Community and Dialogue

Baruch is a community that values engagement, respect, and shared growth. To ensure open and transparent communication, we have developed a new community engagement website that serves as a central hub for official statements, updates, and responses to incidents affecting the Baruch community. This platform reinforces our commitment to inclusivity, respect, and transparency while fostering a safe and supportive environment for all.

Additionally, we will host student listening sessions throughout the spring semester, providing a space for you to share your experiences, concerns, and ideas. Your input is essential in shaping policies and initiatives that reflect the needs of our diverse student body.

As part of our Respectful Dialogue Series, we will also explore Intellectual Pluralism and the Marketplace of Ideas through a series of discussions in February. These conversations offer an opportunity to learn from one another, engage in meaningful dialogue, and strengthen our sense of community.

At Baruch, your voice matters. We remain committed to creating a campus environment where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Welcome back!

Sincerely,

S. David Wu
President, Baruch College