Academics
What can I do to help promote a successful transition to SLC for my first-year student?
Parents can encourage their student to get involved with student clubs and organizations on campus, and to autonomously seek out the academic support resources of the college. Help student(s) to see themselves as their own best advocate(s), and gently encourage them to solve their own problems using our wide-offering of college resources at their disposal.
Here’s an article for parents that discusses promoting autonomy in the first year of college!
For more general parent questions, visit the Parents and Families Page.
When does registration take place and when will students know their course schedule for the fall?
Registration will take place online, in two rounds, from August 21-29, 2023, prior to student arrival on campus. Advising and interviews for the first round of registration take place from Monday, August 21 through Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Advising and interviews for the second round of registration take place on Friday, August 25, 2023. Students are placed in courses on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. For more information on important academic dates and deadlines, including drop/add, check the academic calendar. The Course Catalog is available for viewing on or before April 2023. Students are strongly encouraged to review the Course Catalog as early as possible in order to be best prepared during registration. During the registration period students will review their course options via the Course Catalog, meet with their dons to discuss course selection, participate in the interview process, and enroll in their courses. Final course placements will be posted on August 29, 2023 prior to move-in day.
In August, entering students will begin to receive information about registration and are required to attend a virtual Academics 101 session. Students who do not attend the Academics 101 session consistently report confusion with the registration process. This session will guide students, step-by-step, through the registration process. In addition, students will meet with their dons during the registration period, and these meetings will provide further guidance and support with registration.
While this may seem like a lot of information to digest, students will be receiving regular correspondence via email throughout the summer, outlining next steps. As such, it is important that students are diligent in checking their SLC email accounts. Parents will not receive information intended for students, nor will they have access to student email accounts.
What are Dons?
How and when will students find out their First Year Studies assignments and their don?
What happens if I do not get my top FYS or NTS placement?
A small percentage of our students may not receive one of their most desired placements. Multiple factors are taken into consideration when making these placements. While not getting a desired placement may initially feel discouraging, the majority of students report that their donning experience exposes them to new ideas and opportunities for learning they might not have otherwise encountered.
What academic support resources exist at the college?
In addition to a student’s don, SLC provides a number of academic support resources that seek to approach the process of support from a holistic perspective. This means that there are a variety of offices on campus that offer programs and initiatives designed to promote students’ academic well-being. Students are strongly encouraged to access these resources, and parents can help by encouraging their students to reach out to any of the below offices and services as needed. These include:
- The Learning Commons, whose mission is to provide comprehensive and inclusive academic support services to all students, including peer tutoring in the natural sciences, writing support, and a host of other academic support programming
- The Writing Center, which provides one on one writing support to all students
- The Dean of Studies Office, which provides individualized academic coaching as well as academic support workshops on time management, study skills, conference work, and other pertinent topics
- The Library, which provides a number of resources and services that aid in the development of students’ research and technology skills
- The Pre-Health Program, whichguides and mentor students each step of the way as they explore, prepare, and pursue a career in the health professions
- International Student Advising, which provides a range of support (including student visa procedures) to international undergraduate and graduate students (non-US citizens, dual citizens, and US citizens from abroad).
- The Health and Wellness Center, which provides compassionate and comprehensive care for students’ medical and psychological health concerns
- The Office of Access and Disability Services, which works individually with students with disabilities to assure that they have equal access to the full range of opportunities at the college
- The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which plans and presents student-centered programs and events that focus on all aspects of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, immigration status, and mental/physical ability.
Where can students find information about the college’s academic policies, curricular opportunities, and important deadlines?
It is the responsibility of all students to know their rights, rules, and responsibilities on campus. The Student Handbook describes our academic policies and curricular opportunities at the college. The Academic Calendar lists important registration deadlines and should be reviewed by students at the start of each semester. Students can access the Conference A-B Week Schedule on the registration page of MySLC, which lists the official weekly conference meeting schedule for the college.
Career Services
What should I know about Sarah Lawrence’s Career Services?
At Sarah Lawrence, we approach your career development, like most things, differently. Students join one or more career communities to access a network of industry-active faculty, alumni and peers. Each Career Community is led by a career adviser, who is available to meet with you one-on-one, as much as you need during your four years at Sarah Lawrence. We greatly encourage you to make at least one appointment with a career adviser during your first year at the College. More information about our services will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, please reach out to careerservices@sarahlawrence.edu with any questions.
What can a career adviser help me with?
Our one-on-one appointments typically cover one or more of the following topics: career exploration, resume and cover letter development & review, internship & job search strategies, personal branding, mock interviews and networking advice. Students can make an appointment with a career adviser via our online platform, Handshake, or email careerservices@sarahlawrence.edu
When should I start looking for an internship?
While internships are a staple of the Sarah Lawrence experience, it’s important to note that we recommend students delay interning until the summer after their first year at Sarah Lawrence. We promise that you’ll have plenty of time to build your resume, and we’ll be here to help you secure your first internship.
What type of programs and events does Career Services offer?
We offer a comprehensive array of programs and events such as industry panels, networking events, internship fairs, employer site visits, and more. For more information about our programs, visit our website.
Health and Wellness
What are the hours for the Health & Wellness Center?
The Health & Wellness Center is open for clinical care during the fall and spring semester, when students are on campus, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the summer months, the Health & Wellness Center is open for administrative services only.
Is my health information at the Health & Wellness Center confidential?
The Health & Wellness Center maintains a separate medical record (not shared with the College) with your health information, both medical and psychological. The clinicians at the H&WC cannot speak with your parents, family members, or other departments of the College without your consent.
Can parents speak to the clinicians at the Health & Wellness Center?
If you are over the age of 18, your medical services and medical record are confidential health information and you will need to sign a release of medical information form to allow the clinicians to speak with your parents/guardian/medical providers.
Will I be required to have a COVID-19 test prior to my arrival on campus in August?
At this time the College does not have a requirement for pre-arrival testing. Managing COVID-19 over the past 3 years has demonstrated the need to change our requirements based on infection rates, variants, vaccinations and available treatments. You will be notified if pre- arrival testing is required. Currently, with easy access to testing sites and home tests, the College strongly encourages all students to test using a rapid antigen test within the 24 hours prior to their arrival on campus. We empower students with the responsibility to maintain a healthy campus community through symptom monitoring, seeking medical care when symptomatic, testing, vaccinating, hand washing, cough etiquette, social distancing and utilization of masks.
Additional Health and Wellness
What health forms are required for admitted First Year and Transfer students?
The packet of required health forms, along with the instructions, can be found on the “Required Health Forms” link of the Summer Checklist (hyperlink) or the Health & Wellness Center Patient Portal. Students must be logged into MySLC to access the forms on the Summer Checklist and/or the Patient Portal.
When are the required health forms due and how do I submit them to the Health & Wellness Center?
All the required health forms must be uploaded to the Health & Wellness Center Patient Portal well before the start of your academic career at Sarah Lawrence. For students entering Fall 2023, the deadline is June 15, 2023.
Submit the required health forms in the Patient Portal, using the “upload” tab. Follow the directions to scan and upload the required health forms. Please put your name on all the forms and assure your doctor has signed each form. Forms will not be accepted by email, fax or USPS.
What if my doctor cannot give me an appointment prior to the required forms due date ?
If your doctor does not have an appointment for a physical exam prior to June 15th, we will accept a physical exam that is dated after June 15th, 2022 (within one year). Since most insurance companies only cover one physical exam per year, we will accept a physical exam dated within the past year. Ask your doctor’s office to complete the physical exam form based on your last physical exam.
Your doctor’s office can complete and sign the immunization form in the packet, without having an appointment for a physical exam. We will also accept any official immunization record including your pediatric immunization record that is signed or stamped by a medical provider. Please see the “Required Health Forms” packet for the lists of required and recommended immunizations.
The Tuberculosis Risk Assessment form must be signed by your doctor’s office after completing the risk assessment. If you are considered high risk, you must have a TB test (skin test or blood test). Students residing in a country at high risk for TB are required to have a TB test. See the forms for options and more details.
What medical services are offered at the Health & Wellness Center?
The Medical services, provided by Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses, include treatment of short term illness and injuries, lab work, prescribing medication for a diagnosed illness, sexual health testing and treatment, birth control prescriptions, health education and referrals to off-campus specialists. The Health & Wellness Center is open when campus residence halls are open during the fall and spring semesters.
I have a medical condition that requires a specialist. How do I find a local provider to manage my care?
The Health & Wellness Center medical providers will work with you and your insurance coverage to navigate options for off-campus care. Our location offers you choices of regional medical centers and large medical practices with specialists in every area. We recommend that you coordinate your transition of care BEFORE you arrive on campus. Contact the Health & Wellness Center medical providers if you have any questions or need assistance locating a specialist.
I take medication that is shipped from a specialty pharmacy. How should I manage this?
Contact the Health & Wellness Center to discuss shipment options. We need to be notified of any pending shipments since our hours of operation are business hours (M-F 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and most specialty pharmacy shipments require refrigeration.
I receive allergy injections. How do I manage this when I am at SLC?
The Health & Wellness Center will provide you with a list of local allergists. You should also work with your insurance company to assure you select an in-network provider, therefore reducing your out of pocket expense.
How do I secure an appointment with a medical provider?
Students can schedule an appointment with a medical clinician through the Health & Wellness Center Patient Portal
Appointments open the first day of the semester and are updated by availability. If you are unable to find an appointment that works with your schedule or you feel you need to be seen sooner please call the front desk 914-395-2350 and we will assist you in getting an appointment.
What counseling and psychological services are offered at the Health & Wellness Center?
What counseling and psychological services are offered at the Health & Wellness Center?
We offer short term individual counseling and a variety of groups and workshops to support students with their mental health. Most of our students engage in our group therapy offerings. Student’s who know they benefit from weekly therapeutic support may continue through tele-therapy with an at-home therapist or locate a NY based therapist off campus to work with in an ongoing way.
How do I secure an appointment with a therapist?
Students can schedule an initial telehealth appointment with an on-campus therapist through the Health & Wellness Center Patient Portal
The appointment calendar will open the first day of the semester. If you are unable to find an appointment that works with your schedule or you feel you need to be seen sooner, please call the front desk 914-395-2350 and we will assist you in getting in to be seen.
How long can I see the therapist?
We support students in a variety of ways and many students see us for the duration of a semester. Our group therapy offerings provide weekly support throughout the entire semester, our individual therapy and self care appointments are short term and the amount a student is seen can vary depending on what is going on. We typically see students who engage in individual therapy for about 6 sessions.
How do I set up long term care with an off-campus therapist?
Finding a therapist can take time but once you establish that relationship it can be a helpful support during your academic time here at SLC. There are many on-line tools that you can utilize to identify someone who may be a good fit and accepts your health insurance. Some questions to keep in mind- Does this person have availability that works with your schedule? Are you ready to commit to attending regular appointments? Do they accept your insurance plan? We encourage you to take these steps in advance to the semester to help develop a support plan.
Psychology Today, Hello Alma, and Headway are three options that list therapists by insurance panels.
How do I secure an appointment with the psychiatrist?
Our on-campus psychiatrist is available for consultation and short term medication management for students engaged in ongoing therapy either on or off campus. For students currently taking psychotropic medications we ask for a mental health treatment form providing history as well as an initial consultation with a staff therapist prior to an appointment with the psychiatrist. Please contact healthservices@sarahlawrence.edu to initiate the process.
For students coming to campus seeking ongoing management of their psychotropic medications during the academic year we suggest either establishing a plan with your at-home prescriber with refills and visits during breaks or establishing care with a local off campus psychiatry provider. Our on-campus psychiatrist is available if a new evaluation of symptoms is needed during the academic year or if it is recommended by your at-home prescriber.
How do I get my ADD/ADHD medication prescriptions?
If you have been previously diagnosed with ADHD and would like to see the Health & Wellness Center psychiatrist for short term medication management we require specific documentation for review prior to a psychiatric visit and medication prescription. Additionally we require an initial consultation with a staff therapist to get to know you and your concerns. Additionally please provide:
- A copy of prior neuropsychological documentation that supports the ADHD diagnosis (testing from childhood is sufficient.)
- If you have not completed neuropsychological testing please have prior treating provider submit written summary of diagnostic findings that support ADHD diagnosis
- Please have a mental health treatment form with medication history completed and submitted.
Please consider the time frames that this process may take along with developing a longer term plan for your medication management in advance of arriving on campus.
- Please note that this documentation is separate and confidential from any documentation provided to the Office of Disability Services.
International Student FAQs
When can new international undergraduate students on an F-1 visa I enter the U.S.?
New international undergraduate students can arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their I-20 form.
How can I get from the airport to campus?
You can explore your options for getting to campus here. Sarah Lawrence does not provide shuttle service from the airport.
Can F-1 studentsI work off campus?
F-1 students are not permitted to work off campus unless they have specific authorization. They may work on campus at SLC-sponsored jobs for a maximum of 20 hours per week. During summer or winter vacation, if classes are not in session, students may work full-time up to 35 hours per week. Contact Student Employment (studentemployment@sarahlawrence.edu) for more information.
Can I study part-time?
No. International students cannot study part-time. U.S. immigration law requires that all international students on F-1 student visas maintain full-time enrollment unless there are specific circumstances.
Can I stay on campus during breaks?
Students can stay on campus over U.S. Thanksgiving and Spring Break. Campus is closed during winter and summer breaks.
How do I pay my bill?
Students can pay via Flywire here . For questions regarding billing, please contact Office of Student Accounts
Who do I contact with questions about campus housing?
Please contact the office of Residential Life
Meal Plan/Food Concerns
How can I use a meal swipe?
The cashier will deduct one meal from your plan upon entering Bates dining. Meal swipe combinations are also available at the Barbara Walters Campus Center Dining Pavilion. All plans provide a weekly allotment of meal swipes. Unused meal swipes do not roll over from week to week. It is important for students to consider how many meal swipes they may use each week. This planning helps ensure students have the meal plan providing the adequate number of swipes each week according to their preferred schedule.
What is a meal swipe combination?
This feature allows you to exchange one meal swipe for a combo meal at the Barbara Walters Campus Center Dining Pavilion.
What is Meal Money?
Meal money is accepted at all dining locations. Meal money works like a debit card; each time you make a purchase the total is subtracted from the balance in your account. Each dollar of meal money is equivalent to one U.S. Dollar. Meal Money enables students to buy items without having to use a swipe. For example, Meal Money can be used for a light breakfast of fruit and a drink. Meal Money is available to use throughout the term and rolls over from fall to spring.
What if I have special dietary needs or food allergies and I am having difficulty finding food I can eat?
If you have special dietary needs, please contact our registered nutritionist:
She will work one on one with you to create a plan that meets your specific needs.
AVI managers can also provide a tour of our dining facilities and discuss the options available and can be made to order. You may contact the AVI manager directly at any time through the text the manager program, by texting (914) 930-2911.
What if I have a medical condition or dietary requirement that does not permit me to use the meal plan?
If you believe you have a medical condition or a diet that warrants an exception to the mandatory meal plan policy, you must submit a request form with supporting documentation to the Health Services office. Questions associated with religious dietary requirements may be directed to the office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Can I use more than one meal swipe per meal period? When do the weekly allotments of meal swipes reset each week?
Yes, you may use up to four swipes per day at any time during the day. This includes the ability to take food out at BWCC. The meal plan resets on Sunday mornings every week and the weekly allotment is placed on students’ 1cards each Sunday.
What are the hours of operation for both dining locations?
Bates Dining Hall
Monday to Friday- 8 am to 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday- 9 am to 2 pm Brunch
BWCC Café
Sunday- Saturday 7:30 am to 11 pm
BWCC Dining Pavilion
Monday to Friday- 11 am to 10 pm
Saturday & Sunday- 2 pm to 11 pm
Residential Life
Who can I contact to get more information about living on campus?
Any questions about student housing or the residential experience at Sarah Lawrence may be directed to the Office of Residential Life at: reslife@sarahlawrence.edu.
Where can I communicate any preferences for housing?
Students will complete their housing application through our housing software available to them through their MySLC student checklist.
Students will have the opportunity to list any housing-type and/or roommate preferences when they complete their online housing application; this is made available to them through their MySLC student checklist.
Is on-campus housing available for new students?
Yes, housing is both required and guaranteed for first-year students at SLC, including new transfer students (students living with family close to campus may request an exception if they wish.)
Do new students need to apply for housing?
When will the housing application be available for Fall 2023 incoming students?
Be sure to check your email used to complete the common application for instructions on how to log-in to your Gryphon Mail and MySLC. By signing in to Gryphon Mail, you will have access to the welcome message containing the incoming student checklist where the housing application will be available. The housing application will be open during the first week of May and is due on June 15th, 2023.