Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Click here for 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.

New transfer students will be contacted via email in early June when the New Transfer Students page becomes available on mySLC. At that time transfer students will be able to access and submit the New Transfer Seminar Selection Form. The deadline to complete this form is July 19th. By early August, transfer students will be notified of, and enrolled in, their New Transfer Seminar and virtually introduced to their don.

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. 

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, which guides and mentors students each step of the way as they explore, prepare, and pursue a career in the health professions
• Pre-Law Advising, which connects students with advisers who share advice and resources on preparing and applying to law school.
• 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. 

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.

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. 

It is our goal to engage students in the career planning process early on, beginning in their first year. We offer a wide range of programs and services,  including one- on-one advising, career exploration programs, networking events, workshops, online internship/job platforms, and employer/alumni connections. Our aim is to foster students’ professional growth and facilitate the translation of their passions and goals into fulfilling careers. Through all of these offerings, students have the tools necessary to explore, prepare and make valuable connections for a successful transition from college to career.

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.  

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.

No. The Health & Wellness Center has different forms and requirements. Please speak with a Health & Wellness Center clinicians for more details.

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.

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.

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 2024, the deadline is June 14, 2024.

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.

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, 2023 (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.

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.

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.    

Contact the Health & Wellness Center to discuss shipment options and to request the "Patient Agreement for Medication Shipment" form, that requires the students signature. 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. 

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.

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?

 We offer short term individual counseling and a variety of groups and workshops to support students with their mental health. Many of our students engage in our group therapy offerings as they can attend group as an ongoing support throughout the semester. 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; Health & Wellness can assist with local off campus referrals.

Students can schedule an initial telehealth appointment with an on-campus therapist through the Health & Wellness Center Patient Portal  when the semester is in session.

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. 

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.

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.

Thriving Campus is an online referral resource for SLC students where you can search for private practice providers based on speciality and insurance. We also refer to Rivia Mind practice as a resource for establishing off campus care. Additionally we have a Clinical Case manager on staff who is available and familiar with local provider options and can discuss potential referrals and recommendations. We encourage students to think about their needs in advance and reach out over the summer to establish appropriate support for a successful transition.  

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..We offer multiple pathways to accessing psychiatric medication management support locally depending on your needs and concerns. We believe in helping students establish a care plan that can support them successfully during their time at SLC. Our clinical case manager will work with students to establish a medication management plan.

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.

You can explore your options for getting to campus here. Sarah Lawrence does not provide shuttle service from the airport.

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.

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.

Students can stay on campus over U.S. Thanksgiving and Spring Break. Campus is closed during winter and summer breaks.

Students can pay via Flywire here . For questions regarding billing, please contact Office of Student Accounts

Please contact the office of Residential Life

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.

This feature allows you to exchange one meal swipe for a combo meal at the Barbara Walters Campus Center Dining Pavilion.

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.

If you have special dietary needs, please contact our registered nutritionist:

Lauren Incarnato, MS, RDN, CDN

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Yes, housing is both required and guaranteed for first-year students at SLC. Students living with family close to campus may request an exception if they wish. Housing is guaranteed but not required for first-year transfer 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 is due on June 14, 2024.

reslife@sarahlawrence.edu is your best contact for housing/residential life related questions. While it be tempting to call the student life office, Residential Life is working tirelessly on getting all incoming students housing and the fastest way you will get a response is by emailing.