Accessibility at the Writing Center

The Baruch Writing Center is committed to inclusivity, accessibility, disability justice, and the cultivation of a culture of access. As a staff—including many who are ourselves disabled—we view disability as an umbrella term encompassing a wide spectrum of identities and embodied experiences, including those that are emotional, physical, cognitive, and social. Furthermore, we see accessibility as part of our broader mission to foster an inclusive, antiracist learning environment that supports students from all backgrounds. Please see below for the Writing Center’s accessibility features and space layout.  

Request accommodations for your Writing Center sessions

The Writing Center offers flexible scheduling and accommodations for in-person and online Writing Center sessions. Documentation is NOT required for Writing Center accommodation.

Use the form below to request accommodations, or reach out directly to Rachel Rys at rachel.rys@baruch.cuny.edu or (646) 312-4025. You can:

• Schedule extended or recurring sessions
• Meet online via Zoom or other preferred accessible platform (rather than WCOnline)
• Request an American Sign Language interpreter
• Arrange for your DSP or other support person(s) to join in-person or online sessions
• Request in-person assistive technology, such as a text communication device (ex. UbiDuo)
• Request asynchronous feedback in an alternative form (ex. video or audio feedback or plain text comments rather than Microsoft Word track changes)
• Request an adjustable height workstation for your session
• Request notes or audio recordings for individual sessions
• Request handouts or workshop materials in a different file format or modality
• Request your consultant wear a mask 
• Request a private, quiet room for your session 
• …and more! Let us know how we can support

We will reply to confirm or request more information. It might take us a few days to get back to you, but we’ll reply ASAP!

You can also request accommodations for our workshops and events. Use the form below to request accommodations, or reach out directly to Rachel Rys at rachel.rys@baruch.cuny.edu or (646) 312-4025. When possible, please request accommodations at least one week in advance of a scheduled session or event.

Resources for communicating about accommodations

The Writing Center also provides supportive resources for students who are preparing to communicate about course accommodations with their professors.

Each semester, the Writing Center facilitates a Communicating about Accommodations and Accessibility workshop (see our Events calendar for workshop dates). You can also access the workshop materials below: 

• Communicating about Accommodations and Accessibility slides
• Workshop sample emails

Accessing the physical space

The Writing Center is located on the 8th floor of the Newman Vertical Campus building in room 8-185. Read our guide for detailed information on accessing the Writing Center.

Newman Vertical Campus (NVC) is located at 55 Lexington Avenue, between 24th and 25th Streets. The NVC has two entrances: one at the corner of 24th Street and Lexington Avenue, and one at the middle of the 25th Street plaza between Lexington Avenue and 2nd Avenue.

24th Street entrance

• There is a curb cut on the corner of 24th Street and Lexington Avenue. 
• There is a ramp located to the right of the stairs leading from 24th Street to the entrance. 
• The 24th Street entrance has an automated door on the far right.
  • On the exterior door, the button is located on the left doorjam. 
  • In the vestibule, the button is located on the right wall. 
  • When entering, both exterior and vestibule doors open toward you. 
• Swipe your Baruch ID at the turnstile.
  • The wheelchair accessible turnstile is located on the right, closest to the security desk. The card swipe is located on the left side of the turnstile, and the gate opens away from you when entering.  
• Once through the turnstile, turn left down the hallway to the ground-floor elevator bank. 

25th Street entrance 

• The 25th Street entrance is off a cobblestone pedestrian plaza at 25th street between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue.
• The automatic door is on the right side of the entrance. The doors open toward you when entering. 

• Swipe your Baruch ID at the turnstile
  • The wheelchair accessible turnstile is located on the right, furthest from the security desk. 
  • The card swipe is located on the left side of the turnstile, and the gate opens towards you. 
• Continue straight through the turnstiles, passing the escalator and stairs on your left. Continue down the hallway to the ground-floor elevator bank.
• Take the elevator to the 8th floor.

8th floor navigation

• Exit the elevator on the 8th floor and continue straight down the hallway directly across from the elevator bank. At the end of the hallway, turn left. 
• Continue through the silver double doors into the 8th floor atrium. Note that these doors are NOT automated. If the doors are closed and you need assistance, please call the Writing Center at 646.312.4012.
• Continue straight past the atrium with the large window on your right. Immediately after passing the staircase, turn right down the hallway. If you reach another set of silver doors, you’ve gone too far. 
• The Writing Center is located at the end of the hallway in room 8-185. 

Exiting the NVC

• You can exit the NVC by reversing the instructions and exiting at either 24th or 25th Street. 
• Please note that the express elevator closest to the Writing Center goes to the 2nd floor, not the ground floor (the 2nd floor connects to the ground floor by stairs or escalator). The local elevator goes to all floors.

Campus support

Contact Baruch’s Student Disability Services for support with accommodations and assistive technology:

• Office: Newman Vertical Campus (NVC) 2-272
• Phone: (646) 312-4590
• Email: disability.services@baruch.cuny.edu