March Department Open Houses!

 Hi First Years! 

Below, you can find a list of department open houses happening in March. These events are a great, casual way to check out what classes and programs each department has to offer, and with registration for Fall 2024 coming up in April, now is a great time to start thinking about what areas you might want to try out as you launch into your sophomore year. Scroll down to find fliers for the Anthropology and Neuroscience Open Houses.

Department Name

Meeting Day, Date and Time

Meeting Location or Zoom Link

Contact

Anthropology	Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 4:00pm- 6:00pm	914 Milstein	flafonta@barnard.edu
Art History | Visual Arts	Tuesday, March 19, 2024	McCagg Gallery, 4th Floor Diana Center	esher@barnard.edu
Religion	Tuesday March 19, 12-3pm	Milbank 224	nhaider@barnard.edu
Neuroscience & Behavior	Thursday, March 21st,  12:00-1:00pm	Sulzberger Parlor	mmiozzo@barnard.edu
Music	Monday March 21, 2024 12:30-1:30PM	319 Milbank	garcher@barnard.edu
Chemistry	Friday, March 29, 12:00-2:00 PM	Altschul Atrium	lhendric@barnard.edu

Coming Up: Neuroscience and Behavior Department Program Planning

 Hi First Years!

For those who are prospective neuroscience and behavior majors, the Program Planning Meeting for the NSB department will be Thursday, March 21st at 12:00 p.m. in Sulzberger Parlor. Come talk with faculty, meet other students, learn about the major and the requirements, and ask all your questions! Check out the flier below.

Whoops – I missed the drop...

Hi there First Years! Can you believe it's almost March? That means that the drop deadline has come and gone (we said our farewells on Tuesday) and we're one baby step closer to spring break and the midpoint of the semester. We understand that that drop deadline may have snuck up on some of you (we would encourage you to keep an eye on the 411, this blog, and the Instagram to make sure you've got those dates down), and as a result still have a class you would like to drop, post-deadline.

This is a little trickier than dropping before the deadline, but bear with us – you might still be in luck.

If you reached out to your advisor before the deadline and have a documented interaction (like an email) from on or before February 20th, you can go ahead and fill out the Petition to the Committee on Programs and Academic Standing (CPAS), which can be found here or – you guessed it – on Slate. Just upload any of the needed documentation and the process should be underway. Be sure to get in touch with us if you have any questions during that process, however you are not required to meet with the Dean if you talked with your advisor before the deadline.

If you did not talk to your advisor about dropping a class before the deadline, you will have to meet with the Dean. You can find Dean Garay's available times at her youcanbookme or you can come see a Dean during emergency hours, Monday-Thursday 3:30-4:30. Do not submit the petition without speaking with a Dean. This circumstance is harder to petition, given that the CPAS has a pre-existing list of circumstances that do not qualify you for dropping a class after the deadline. The list is as follows:

1. Not needing or wanting a class
2. Not doing well in a class
3. Not knowing the deadline or procedure for changing your schedule
4. Forgetting to make an intended change
5. Not knowing your grade by the deadline
6. Having too heavy a course load
7. Wishing to improve your GPA

Please keep that in mind as you move forward with your drop petition. Additionally, remember that if you are unable to drop, the deadline to withdraw from or p/d/f a class is Thursday, March 21st. 

Regardless of whether you spoke with your advisor before the deadline, be sure to upload all supporting documentation when you submit the petition as you cannot go back to add that later.

I know this may seem like a daunting task, but it happens to students every single semester, and CPAS (as well as the Deans' Office!) is here to help you. Take a deep breath – it will be okay! And as always, don't hesitate to reach out to the First Year email (first-year@barnard.edu) or stop by Milbank 105 with any questions.

Speaking Fellow Application Open

The application to become a Speaking Fellow is now open! 

Speaking Fellows create learning environments that empower students to explore, question, and reflect on their speaking and listening skills. Through peer-to-peer workshops and one-on-one meetings, Speaking Fellows help students articulate what they want to say and how they want to express those ideas to others. We welcome first-years and sophomores in all majors to apply. The application is due March 22nd, 2024 at 5pm ET.

Link to apply: https://forms.gle/MZTfYC1NFBDdgeRc8

Meet with a Speaking Fellow about the application: speaking.mywconline.com

Learn more: barnard.edu/speaking-center

Contact us: speaking@barnard.edu

Department Open Houses Happening in February!

Hi First Years! 

Here's a compiled list of all department open houses for the rest of February! 

Early Fall 2024 course registration period will take place from Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19, 2024. In preparation for this time, departments hold open houses so that students have an opportunity to ask questions about the courses taking place in the following semester and how to best satisfy degree requirements!

Not sure what major you would like declare? Consider stopping by one of these open houses to ask questions! See the list below for all department open houses taking place in February!

Department Name

Meeting Day, Date and Time

Meeting Location or Zoom Link

Contact

Education	Tues, February 20th, @ 6 pm. Note: Students are encouraged to make individual appointments with faculty members to discuss their interests and formulate a program plan April 1- April 15. During this two-week period, Education faculty extend their office hours to accommodate program planning.	MLC 119	apshire1@gmail.com
Cognitive Science	Thursday, February 22, 5:30pm - 7pm	Sulzberger Parlor, Barnard Hall	mbernste@barnard.edu
Human Rights	Monday, February 26, 6pm-7pm	113 Milstein	mbernste@barnard.edu
English	Wednesday, February 28, 5-7 pm	Elliott Hall Second Floor	jacosta@barnard.edu; rhamito@barnard.edu

Coming Up: Cognitive Science Open House

 Hi First Years!

Another open house for February. Please join the Cognitive Science Program for hors d’oeuvres and desserts at our Open House on Thursday, February 22 from 5:30pm-7pm in Sulzberger Parlor (3rd floor Barnard Hall). Come talk with faculty, meet other students, learn about the major and the requirements, and ask all your questions! All are welcome! Check out the flier below for more information 

Coming Up: Human Rights Open House

 Hi First Years!

Another Open House has dropped! Join the Human Rights department for their Open House, next Monday, February 26, from 6pm-7pm in 113 Milstein. This is a great opportunity to talk with faculty, meet other students, learn about the combined major, find out about Fall 2024 courses, and ask all your questions! As a bonus, pizza will be served. Check out the flier below for more information. 

REMINDER: DROP DEADLINE TODAY

 Hi First Years!

Just a friendly reminder that today is your LAST DAY to drop any Spring semester classes without having a withdrawal marked on your transcript.  If you have not do so yet and are considering dropping a course, please email your advisor and make sure that this conversation is time-stamped (eg. over email) in case your advisor is unable to approve your request in time. Please refer to our blog post titled "The Dirt on the Drop Deadline" for more information!

Let us know if you have any questions by directing it to the first-year@barnard.edu email. 

Coming Up: Urban Studies Program Planning Meeting

Hi First Years!

Mark your calendars: the Barnard-Columbia Urban Studies Program Fall 2024 Program Planning Meeting (try saying that 5 times fast) is happening on Tuesday, April 9th, at 6pm in 513 Fayerweather. Pizza and bevvies provided! You can find the poster below.

Lilja's Walk-In Hours Rescheduled

Hi First Years!

Hope your week is off to a good start. Just a heads up that my walk-in hours this week are rescheduled for Thursday 1-3p. This is only in place for this week, Thursday, February 22, and next week they will be back to normal (Fridays 10a-12p). As always, you can find Pooja in the office on Tuesdays from 1-2p.

See you soon!

Lilja

Applications are open! Advanced Computation Research Experience for Students (ACRES)!

Hello First-Years!

There is an exciting cutting-edge summer research opportunity in computational and data sciences for undergraduate students! The Advanced Computational Research Experience for Students (ACRES) program is an NSF-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) held on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU) over the summer. Students are paid to spend the summer conducting real-world computational research studies using MSU's supercomputer. Applications are due on February 29th, 2024

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Michelle David, Communications Manager, Institute for Cyber-Enabled Researcher (ICER), at davidmi4@msu.edu

So You Want to See a Dean?

The Doctor Dean will see you now!

As you all know by now (we hope!!), the Dean's Office is a place where you can come to ask questions, get answers, and learn about all kinds of support here at Barnard (read more here about what exactly the Dean's Office can do for you). But getting in touch can be intimidating when there are so many avenues for support. We're here to give you a guide to getting connected with the Dean's Office (your version). 

**Find the TL;DR at the bottom**

1. Email 📬

Most students find that the easiest way to talk to someone on the First-Year Team is by sending a quick email. By emailing first-year@barnard.edu, your question is automatically sent to a group of people whose job is to help connect you to the support you need. For quick questions about registration, academics, and other policies, the First Year email is your gateway to support.

Ack, my problem is like super complicated and hard to explain in an email...

2. Guess I'll meet with Dean Garay!

We know that some questions and answers can't be summed up in just an email. If your issue falls into this category, your next stop should be Dean Garay's scheduling calendar. As the First Year Dean and Senior Associate Dean of Studies, Dean Garay has the answers to pretty much any Barnard question you can think of (try her!), and she is a great resource to use if you're struggling with your classes (or anything else) and don't know where to start. These meetings can happen over Zoom OR in her office, which is located in 105 Milbank.

Uh-oh, Dean Garay's calendar is totally booked for this week and I need help NOW! Do not fear...

3. Emergency Hours are here!

The Dean's Office (also 105 Milbank!) holds emergency hours Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm –  every single week! While it may not be Dean Garay who is available, the upperclassman deans are just as capable of helping you solve your problem. Just come on over to Milbank 105 and explain that you're here for the Dean's Office emergency hour.

Well I tried that, but Milbank is a maze for no reason and I got lost. Don't worry, just follow this handy dandy...

4. Milbank Map!

To find the Dean's Office, enter Milbank through the front doors. Once you go up that first mini-flight of stairs and are facing Access Barnard, turn left and go down the hallway. At the end of that hall (once you're at the President's Office), make another left. You'll go through a set of double doors and right past a flight of stairs. Then ta-da – you're at the Dean's Office! Easily enough, you can also find the Registrar's Office here. Just step inside and tell Marissa at the front desk who you're here to see. 

But wait? Who else is in here??

5. Yours truly

That's right, in addition to a myriad of deans and registrar staff, you can also meet with either of us: Pooja and Lilja, the student assistants! There are a few ways that you can get in touch with us if you're looking for some student-to-student quality time and exceptional advice. One way is by emailing the normal First Year email, first-year@barnard.edu. Another is by emailing us individually, at pr2730@barnard.edu (Pooja) or lch2154@barnard.edu (Lilja). We will get back to you as soon as we can!

Another way to find the student assistants is by stopping by our walk-in hours. With no appointment needed, these are times when you can just stop in and chat with a student assistant about anything you need help with. This semester, you can find us on Tuesdays from 1-2pm (Pooja) and Fridays from 10am-12pm (Lilja). These meetings also happen in Milbank 105, but if you need to meet over Zoom, just shoot one of us an email. 

TL;DR:

To get connected with someone in the Dean's Office, you can:

• Email first-year@barnard.edu
• Book a meeting with Dean Garay here
• Stop by Emergency Hours in Milbank 105, Monday-Thursday 3:30-4:30
• Visit a Student Assistant Tuesdays 1-2p and Fridays 10a-12p

An Uplifting Message from Lift-Up Barnard

Happy Thursday, First Years!

Hopping on here to pass along a message from Barnard's very own Lift-Up Barnard, a great resource for meeting new people and going on NYC outings!

----------------

Hi Barnard First-Years! 

We are Lift Up Barnard, a.k.a the friendship club. We are a student-run organization that helps all Barnard students adjust to aspects of college life, like academics, socializing, and more! 

During the school year, we have discussions every other week focusing on a different topic. These sessions are a wonderful place to talk about how you are feeling about college and meet some cool new peers :) On the weeks that we don't have discussions, we have movie/game nights and other fun activities! Also, a few times a semester, we have outings to different areas of NYC—past trips include outdoor movies at Bryant Park, Levain Bakery, and the Union Square Holiday Market!

For this spring semester 2024, we will be meeting every Monday at 6pm in Milbank 318 beginning February 19. Please come and bring a friend with you too! If you are unable to make it but would love to stay updated with future events, please fill out this form to be added to the mailing list.

You can also reach out to us via email at liftupbarnard@gmail.com or on Instagram @liftupbarnard 🩷🧡

Again, we hope you can all attend and are so excited to meet you! 

Love, 

Lift Up Barnard

Midterms are Approaching but WE GOT YOU

 Hey First Years!

It's the second most stressful time of the semester: midterms season. You might be staring at your workload for the next couple of weeks thinking about how you are going to get all your papers, tests, and labs done, but don't fret because we got you. 

Many programs at Barnard recognize that this is a crazy time of the year for students so here are a couple things to look out for from various departments...

If you find yourself needing help in classes, the Dean's Office for Advising and Support offers Subject-Based Help Rooms and Peer-to-Peer Tutoring. This is a great opportunity to meet with other students who have been in your shoes and to clear up any doubts you may be having with specific parts of your coursework. 

Another great way to get extra support on any papers, presentations, or data-analysis methods is to utilize Barnard's Writing, Speaking, and Empirical Reasoning Fellows. These fellows are well-trained in their craft and are great people to bounce ideas off of, to clear up any confusion, or to just get advice on things with. 

AND for those looking for a study partner for their classes, check out our Padlet where you can link with other students who are also looking for a study partner. Just make a post under the relevant department and/or reach out to other students who have made a post. More information to come on our blog!

For a break from the studying, make sure to check out any events that Barnard Student Experience and Engagement, the Wellness Spot, and SGA may be offering in the coming weeks. There is always something to do and (trust us) everyone needs a break from time to time. 

Just remember that this is a stressful time for everybody and it will pass! You got this!

The Dirt on the Drop Deadline

Hello First Years!

The First-Year Team here with the dirt on how to drop a class after the registration period has ended.

While the add deadline for this semester passed in January, the drop deadline for Spring 2024 classes is less than one week away, on Tuesday, February 20th. This is your last chance to drop a class you are currently enrolled in without having a withdrawal marked on your transcript. Remember that you cannot drop below the required 12-credit minimum unless you have a CARDS accommodation to do so.

Follow these easy online steps to drop your class until Tuesday, February 20th:

1. Contact your adviser to discuss and obtain their approval.

Best practice is to have an advising conversation where you discuss options and any possible implications of this drop on your full-time status or your graduation progress, but depending on how much you and your adviser have already discussed things, they may agree to review and approve your form without such a meeting. Make sure that this conversation is time-stamped (eg. over email) in case your advisor is unable to approve your request in time.
 

2. Submit the online Drop Request Form, found on Slate.

You will only be able to drop online if your adviser has granted this permission. Be sure that you are not attempting to drop below 12 credits unless approved via CARDS or as a final-semester senior  -- the system will not allow drop below 12 credits without additional approval.
 

3. As soon as your adviser grants permission, you will receive an email informing you that you have permission to drop the class(es) discussed.

While this adviser permission is for the specific class you request, functionally it reopens your ability to drop in general, so be sure to drop the right class and nothing else.
 

4. You will have two days to drop the class online via Student Planning.*

If you don't drop within the 2-day window, you will need to request permission again. It important that you get started on the process as soon as possible to give your adviser time to approve the drop and to make sure you have time to manually do so in Student Planning on or before February 20th.

*If your adviser was unable to approve your request in time but you reached out to them over email before the deadline, you will be able to petition the drop after the deadline. If this is you, don't fret! More information will be coming about that after the deadline.

Good luck, and be sure to reach out to the First-Year Team with any questions! 

NEW Date for Education Program Open House

Hi First Years!

The Education Department was able to secure a NEW date for the Open House. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Education Studies major as well as minor tracks in Education Studies and in Urban Teaching! The program will take place on Tuesday, February 20th at 6 p.m. in MLC 119.

See the attached flier below.

UPDATE: POSTPONED: Education Program Open House!

EDIT: The Education Program Open House is postponed due to inclement weather! Please keep an eye out for the new date.

Hi First Years!

Here to pass on some information from the Barnard Education Program:

The Education Program is hosting an Open House this coming Tuesday, February 13th, from 6-7:15 pm, in Milstein LL119.  

See attached flyer!

Please come and learn about our program: 

- Our Education Studies Major

- Our Minor tracks in Education Studies and in Urban Teaching!  (the latter leading to certification to teach in the NY public schools).   

We hope you'll join us for discussion and snacks! 

Academic Workshop on March 5!

Hi First Years!

The Registrar's Office and Access Barnard will be hosting an upcoming academic workshop on Tuesday, March 5th from 4-5pm. Feel free to stop by in-person in Milstein LL001 or on Zoom if you want to attend virtually! You can use the QR code on the flyer to register if you are interested.

Best,

The First-Year Team

Furman Spring Groups 2024

 Hi First Years!

Happy Monday! The Furman Counseling Center has officially launched their Spring Semester Counseling Groups. All of these groups are open and they cover a wide range of topics from disordered eating to coping with loss. There is also a workshop series this semester  which will include the topics of test-taking, self-care, perfectionism, and self-compassion (perfect for first years)! See the flier below for more information about the specific groups as well as the workshop series. 

Introducing the First-Year Team: Lilja

 Hi First Years!

I hope you’re all thriving in the first few weeks of the spring semester! I’m Lilja (she/her) and I am super excited to be joining the First Year Team as a Student Assistant. I am a current junior studying English with a minor in Economics. 

I’m originally from coastal Maine, and love to get back to the rocky beaches whenever I can. I’m happy to talk about the transition from small towns to the big city with those of you who are experiencing that, because I know it’s both a blessing and a curse! When I’m not at the Deans’ Office or in class, I also love cooking with my friends, playing for the Columbia Water Polo Club, and perusing Book Culture’s on-sale table. 

I know that Barnard is such an exciting and opportunity-rich school to spend our undergrad years, but I also know that it is not without its challenges and can be super overwhelming sometimes. The Student Assistants, as well as the entire First Year Team and Deans’ Office, are here to help you make the most of your transition into and through Barnard, and to help you grow and thrive during your time here. The years will go faster than you think!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions – or to just chat! – by emailing the First Year team (first-year@barnard.edu) or myself (lch2154@barnard.edu), or by stopping by my walk-in hours in 105 Milbank on Fridays from 10a-12p. Happy Spring Semester!

Introducing the First-Year Team: Pooja

 Hi First Years!

Congratulations on making it through your first semester Barnard! My name is Pooja (she/her) and I am a current first year at Barnard. I’m one of the Student Assistants to the First-Year team so you will regularly be hearing from us on any updates or information that the first year class should know straight from the Dean’s office. 

A little more about me: I am from Paramus, New Jersey, so a little more than a thirty minute car ride to Barnard. I’ve practically grown up in the city my whole life but I never get sick of it because there’s always so much to do. Although I haven’t declared my major yet, I am thinking about double majoring in Political Science and Economics. I really love getting out and about. This semester, my friends and I have a bucket list of things to do in the city which will be making up the bulk of my weekends. I love hiking, running, playing my guitar, and listening to new music. At Barnard, I’m involved with SGA, serving on the First Year Class Council as a General Body Member. I also am part of the Economic Development Team at the Columbia Policy Institute and am really looking forward to being in Columbia’s Women’s Club Lacrosse Team this semester. 

If you have any questions or concerns about anything, please reach out to the First Year Team. Our email is first-year@barnard.edu or you can follow our Instagram @barnardfirstyear. If you have any questions for me specifically, you can reach me by email at pr2730@barnard.edu or my Instagram @poojarayapaneni. 

Study Abroad Fair!

Hello First Years!

Are you interested in learning about studying abroad during your time at Barnard? Feel free to stop by the Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday, February 13th from 12:30-3pm in the Diana Event Oval. There will be approximately 20 study abroad programs and providers represented at the fair. This will be a great opportunity if you have any questions or if you wanted to learn about any of the study abroad programs that the college offers. 

Writing Fellows Info Sessions!

Hello First-Years!

Are you interested in becoming a Writing Fellow? You can attend upcoming info sessions to learn more and have the opportunity to speak with current Fellows and ask any questions you have! Please see the following flyer down below: