Update -- Student Services & COVID-19 -- March 12

The below message was sent out on March 12, 2020.

Students, Parents, and Families:

As we enter into Spring Break, our new study week, and then engage with online instruction, we wanted to remind you of the health and wellness resources that are available to students.  We understand that the evolving Coronavirus 2019 situation and the resulting change to academic life for many of us can feel disruptive and uncertain.  It’s important to be mindful of managing anxiety, keeping perspective, and asking for support when you need it.

Cooper Care Is Available to You, Wherever You Are

Cooper Care is available and free of charge, no insurance needed, to all enrolled students for both physical health and mental health needs 24 hours, 7 days per week.  Through Cooper Care, students can access 24/7 physical healthcare appointments; pre-scheduled 45-minute counseling appointments; as well as TherapyNow, a 15-minute on-demand mental health consultation for more urgent needs. Students can access Cooper Care at www.cooper.care.

Off-Campus Counseling Program

Cooper’s network of off-campus counselors remains available for support.  If you are already seeing a counselor from this group, you can consult with them directly about continuing your sessions.  If you are seeking a counselor for the first time, several counselors in our network can do phone or video sessions; we will update the counselors’ information on the website to reflect this. See more about our Information for our counseling program.

Cooper Union Resources

Students who wish to speak with an on-campus counselor - Cassandra or Elizabeth - while Cooper Union offices are closed, and staff are working remotely, may schedule virtual appointments with the counselors. These scheduled sessions will replace all drop-in hours until campus office re-open. Students may reach out to either counselor to schedule an appointment. Students will be given specific directions for how to connect with the counselor for their appointment, in an email confirming their appointment day and time.

Cassandra Jolicoeru Portrait

Cassandra Jolicoeur, LMSW

As the Student Care Coordinator at Cooper Union, my current role includes providing emotional support for our students, managing our offsite counseling program, and hosting a variety of events aimed at stress reduction and skill development. I am continually working on new ways to bring our community closer together. In my individual work, I have helped students with anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, complex relationship dynamics, story of origin patterns and how they influence present thoughts and behaviors, and a variety of other concerns. In my work, I use a strengths-based, student centered approach that focuses on the student’s goals and unique journey. With warmth, understanding, and compassion, I help students discover mindfulness and self-acceptance in order to gain understanding of their emotions and how they move through the world.

Elizabeth London Portrait

Elizabeth London, MA, LCAT-LP

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist with over 10 years of experience helping people with anxiety and stress, depression, relationship challenges, major life transitions, substance abuse and complex trauma. My approach is holistic, compassionate and direct and I aim to create a trusting space where students can gain insight and healing, develop healthy coping mechanisms and lifestyle choices, and connect with their innate gifts and capacity for resilience.

View additional NYC based resources.

In addition to utilizing these resources, self-care experts from The JED Foundation and other organizations recommend getting adequate sleep, eating well, and engaging in exercise, among other tips for practicing good self-care.  Here are some additional resources and tips that you may find helpful:

  • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has guidance on managing mental health and coping during COVID-19.
  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America Psychologist Jelena Kecmanovic provides some science-based strategies and tips for coping with COVID-19 anxiety. 

People who already are managing existing mental health conditions should prioritize self-care during difficult times and should contact their clinicians if they have questions or concerns. For immediate and crisis care, click here for national and city-based resources. 

Cooper Union’s website will continue to be updated with our most recent communications and campus updates.

Additional resources on prevention, symptoms, travel, and other information on can be found here:

As we all face these changes together, it’s important to continue care for ourselves and also be there to support each other.

Be well,

Chris Chamberlin

Dean of Students

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.