Students selected to take the road to advanced study at the Graduate School of Journalism will join some 3,700 others who study at CUNY's Graduate Center, all of them competitively selected from a large pool of qualified applicants. This student body, in the heart of New York City, has a remarkable range of backgrounds and interests. Evenly divided between men and women, it is one of the most diverse student bodies found in any American graduate institution, whether classified by age, ethnic background, or socioeconomic profile. Some arrive after years of professional experience, others are freshly minted graduates of public and private colleges throughout the United States and about 80 foreign countries.

The Graduate Center's vibrant campus is housed in a landmark building located just minutes by foot from the School of Journalism campus. J-School students will be able to take advantage of an array of student services offered by the Graduate Center, and will have access to a wide range of public events, including lectures, symposia, performances, and workshops.

International Students

The Graduate Center community is enriched by the presence of students from about 80 foreign countries. These students in turn benefit from study at a distinguished American university in the midst of one of the world's most international cities. The Office of International Students provides information and assistance to students from outside the United States. This office issues Certificates of Eligibility and advises students regarding immigration regulations for the F and J immigration categories. Prospective international students may contact the Office of International Students for information or assistance at 212.817.7490; 212.817.1626 (fax); or via email: intstu@gc.cuny.edu.

Students with Disabilities

The Graduate Center serves the needs of a growing number of students with disabilities. Student disability services are provided through the Office of Student Affairs. It is the policy of The Graduate Center to provide auxiliary aids and services and to make appropriate academic accommodations needed by students with disabilities. Among the services available at The Graduate Center are adaptive equipment and computer software, readers, sign-language interpreters, note takers, scribes, and other auxiliary aids and services as needed. For information and advance planning, contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs - 504/ADA Coordinator for persons with disabilities at 365 Fifth Avenue, Room 7301, New York, NY 10016-4309; 212.817.7400 (voice); or by email: disabilityservices@gc.cuny.edu. Inquiries from applicants and prospective applicants are encouraged and will be kept confidential upon request.

Housing

The Office of Residence Life assists students with housing needs. Information on housing (rooms or apartments — shares, sublets, rentals) in the metropolitan area is posted regularly at The Graduate Center. In addition, share and sublet listings are available in the Office of Residence Life. These listings are available at the residence life office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entering students interested in obtaining housing assistance should contact the Office of Residence Life at 212.817.7480.

Medical Coverage

All students are strongly advised to have some form of health and accident coverage, as medical costs in the U.S. are high. International students still living overseas are urged to arrange for insurance in their home countries to provide coverage in the U.S., at least until an alternative plan can be arranged. The university furnishes information to help students choose an insurance plan either to continue coverage or provide new coverage. Limited health services are available to all registered students through the Wellness Center, located at The Graduate Center.

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center provides Student Health and Psychological Counseling and Adult Development Services. Student Health Services is staffed by a nurse practitioner licensed to provide free diagnosis of simple conditions, episodic treatment, screenings, referrals, and general health and wellness programs. Students are seen by appointment or on a walk-in basis. The Psychological Counseling and Adult Development Center, through its staff of licensed psychologists and psychological counseling interns, provides free-of-charge counseling and short-term psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and referral service. The center also provides workshops and group activities and has a library containing recorded and printed information on health concerns.