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!