The safety, security, and well-being of our community are the College’s highest priority. Emerson College is committed to protecting all members of our campus community.
In response to concerns regarding federal policies and enforcement actions, the College is sharing some of our established protocols designed to safeguard the campus and community. If you have any questions about these protocols or if you see something concerning on the Boston campus, please contact the Emerson College Police Department (ECPD) at 617-824-8555.
Campus Safety and External Law Enforcement
Q: What happens if outside law enforcement or immigration officials come onto campus?
A: The College has long-established protocols to ensure that any request for access to our campus is handled consistently with the law and with our standing as a private institution.
Our Boston campus is composed almost entirely of private spaces. If any outside official approaches a faculty member, staff member, or student seeking access to non-public areas, our protocol is to direct them to the ECPD or, if they are unwilling to redirect to that department, ask them to wait while we contact ECPD and ask them to come meet the law enforcement personnel. The ECPD then works with the Office of the General Counsel to ensure that all access requests comply with the law. We do not allow entry into private campus spaces from law enforcement officials who have not been called for assistance or do not have a valid warrant.
ECPD is located at 114R Boylston Street and can be reached at 617-824-8555. We encourage you to save this number in your phone or memorize it, as it is the best number to call if a situation arises.
Q: How does the College protect student privacy and personal information?
A: Student records, including health and academic data, are protected by strict federal and state privacy laws. We take your privacy seriously. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is protected by various state and federal laws, like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). If an outside agency asks you for information about a member of our community, direct them to the ECPD. From there, the request is vetted by our Office of the General Counsel to ensure it complies with applicable privacy laws and is requested pursuant to a valid law or warrant.
The Role of Campus Police
Q: Does campus police enforce immigration laws?
A: ECPD is here to protect the Emerson College community. They do not enforce federal immigration law or detain someone based solely on their status, and they will not ask you about your immigration status.
Support for International Students
Q: What support is available for international students worried about their status?
A: The Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) provides immigration and campus support services for Emerson’s international student community, including assistance with navigating visa regulations, employment, and travel requirements.
We encourage our international students to keep their official documents on their person at all times, such as their most recent I-20, current I-94, and unexpired passport, to document their lawful status.
Mental Health and Community Resources
Q: Where can students go if they are feeling overwhelmed or emotionally unwell?
A: Emerson students do not have to face uncertainty alone; trained professionals and support groups are available to help. Emerson College’s Wellness Center provides comprehensive mental health support for students, offering short-term psychotherapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, and limited psychiatric services via telehealth. Services are confidential, with both in-person and virtual options available to support student well-being.
Emerson Wellness Center
216 Tremont Street
Counseling Services: 2nd Floor, Suite 200
Health Services: 3rd Floor, Suite 303
Hours: Generally 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, with some extended hours.
Phone: 617-824-8666
Email: emersonwellnesscenter [at] emerson.edu (emersonwellnesscenter[at]emerson[dot]edu) (NOTE: This is for non-emergencies only. Please schedule appointments by phone.)
Q: Where can faculty and staff go if they are feeling overwhelmed or emotionally unwell?
A. Faculty and staff can seek support through the Employee Assistance Program, the Healing and Advocacy Center, or contact their supervisor for guidance.