This site serves as a central source of information for first-year students at Barnard. There will be regular updates with explanations of academic policies, procedures and deadlines; information from academic programs and departments; and announcements about opportunities for fellowships, grants and scholarships -- so bookmark this site and check it often!
Hello First-Years!
Best,
The First-Year Team
Best,
The First-Year Team
Hello First-Years!
Please find the flyer below for the upcoming Human Rights Open House tomorrow, April 1st from 6:30-7:30PM in Milstein 119! If you are interested in majoring in human rights, definitely stop by to learn more about the program, ask questions, and also munch on some pizza with students and faculty!
Best,
The First-Year Team
Hello First-Years!
Please find the current list of upcoming departmental program planning meetings down below! More will be added to the list soon!
Best,
The First-Year Team
Hello First Years,
We hope you all had a fantabulous spring break! 🌷
This is a reminder that the Pass/D/Fail and deadline to Withdraw from a class is in 2 days, this Thursday March 27th 11:59pm. So, be sure to complete this process ASAP if you wish to elect either option.
Firstly, there are a few important notes about each option. If you withdraw from a class, the class will still appear on your transcript and you will receive a W in place of a grade. This should not impact you long-term, but if you have questions or concerns feel free to reach out to Dean Garay. As for the Pass/D/Fail option, you will receive a P, D, or F in the place of a letter grade and your gpa will not be affected. You may only elect the P/D/F option for one class per semester which isn't intended to count towards a major or minor requirement.
The processes to do either one are super simple, but here's a break down:
How to Withdraw?
1. Reach out to your pre-major advisor ASAP, as you require their approval when submitting the form.
2. Fill out and submit the withdrawal form.
How to Pass/D/Fail?
1. Go to SSOL
2. Click "Request Pass/D/Fail" next to the class which you intend to do so for.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out at first-year@barnard.edu. We are always here for you :)
Best,
The First-Year Team
Hey First-Years!
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed with midterms? Yeah... we know the feeling. So a little self-care and community never hurt! Come along for this student-led initiative on Wednesday March 12th, for free lunch, fun crafts, and enriching conversations with your peers... I repeat- free lunch!!! Just scan the QR code to RSVP in the poster below.
Best,
The-First Year Team
Dear First-Years,
We hope that your Spring semester is going well! We would like to inform you that Riya and I (Becca) are hosting walk-in hours for this semester to assist you and help answer questions you may have!
Becca's Walk-In hours: Tuesdays, 1:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. on Zoom
Riya's Walk-In hours: Fridays, 10 A.M. - 11 A.M. on Zoom
Best,
The First-Year Team
Hello First-Years!
Please see the flyer below for the upcoming Cognitive Science Program open house tonight, February 26th from 6-7PM in Sulzberger Parlor located in Barnard Hall! If you are interested in majoring in cognitive science, definitely stop by to learn more about the program, ask questions, and also munch on some pizza and desserts with students and faculty!
Best,
The First-Year Team
Until February 25, you can drop a class from your Spring 2025 schedule, and the class will be completely removed from your record. (Note that after February 25, and until March 27, you can still withdraw from a class, but it will stay on your transcript with the mark of W.) You must stay enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits.
Dropping a class involves a few steps. Here is what to do:
1. Fill out this Slate form with a request to drop a specific class. It will go to your adviser for their review
2. If the drop is approved, you will receive an email with special instructions on how to drop the class in Student Planning.
3. Log back on to Student Planning to drop the class.
Once you have completed these steps please review your Course Plan on Student Planning, to confirm your enrollment is correct.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to reach out to us on first-year@barnard.edu and all the best with midterms!!
Best,
First-Year Team
Hi First-Years!
Hello First-Years!
Interested in becoming a Spanish & Latin American Cultures Major or Minor? Well, lucky for you, they're having an open house and there's still plenty of time to mark it down in your calendars. If this wasn't good news enough, they'll be providing free empanadas! Don't miss this on Tuesday, March 4th at 12PM at Sulzberger Hall, North Tower!
Best,
The First-Year Team
Hello First-Years,
As of this academic year, you've lived in an urban area. Have an interest in urban studies? Why not go to the Urban Studies program planning meeting?!!! Come with an interest and any questions on Tuesday, February 25th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM on the 7th floor of the Milstein Center!
Best wishes,
The First-Year Team
Hello First-Years!
Are you interested in being a Neuroscience Major? Well if yes, you're in luck... The Neuroscience & Behavior Department is holding their spring program planning meeting on Feb 20th, 12pm, on zoom. That's right, on zoom! So you can attend from anywhere, including the comfort of your cozy dorm. So, whether you're absolutely sure about wanting to be a Neuroscience Major or are simply curious about, don't miss this opportunity to have all your questions answered!
Zoom link: https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/98430128357?pwd=LPfDbRXuWa6fTipWiAMqySaj0VZEos.1
Best wishes,
The First-Year Team
Hi First-Years,
Are you educated? Of course you are! That's why you may consider attending the Barnard Education program planning meeting happening Tuesday, February 18th from 6:15 - 7:30 PM at Milstein 614! Come with any questions and interests you have!
Best wishes,
The First-Year Team
Hi First-Years!
Interested in psychology? How about a psychology major or minor? Well you're in luck, because the Barnard Psychology programming planning meeting is coming up! On February 20th, 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. on Zoom, come with any questions or interests that you have about psychology at Barnard!
Best,
The First-Year Team
Dear First-Years,
DOVE (Domestic and Other Violence Emergencies) at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, in partnership with Being Barnard, the violence prevention program, and the Rosemary Furman Counseling Center, is hosting a new support group for those who have experienced sexual violence. Please take a look at the flyer below for details.
Hello First-Year,
Hello First-Years!
Hello First-Years!
Hey First-Years!
If you're an American Studies Major or might be thinking about it, pay attention! The department is holding a program planning meeting on February 19th, 5PM, in Sulzberger 17th Floor South Tower. Take a look at this flier and make sure to scan the QR code to RSVP.
Best Wishes,
The First-Year Team
Hello First-Years!
Are you interested in being a Religion major, or just want to learn more about it? Well, lucky for you they're program planning meeting is coming up on February 18th, 12PM - 2PM, in Milbank 224. If you have any questions about being a Religion major, this is the perfect opportunity to clear those.
Best wishes,
First-Year Team
Hey First Years!
Congratulations and welcome to Barnard! Riya and I, Becca, are the two student workers for the First-Year Team at the Dean’s Office of Advising and Support. We'll be regularly posting and updating you guys on lots of information and fun stuff from the Dean’s office AND lots of other resources on campus as the year goes on! Allow us to introduce ourselves! :)
My name is Rebecca Sidi (you can call me Becca), I’m a rising sophomore, and I’m one of the student workers for the First-Year Team at the Dean’s Office! I grew up in NYC in Manhattan (specifically the Upper West Side) and I’m currently a non-Residential student with a 10-20 minute commute to campus. I love hanging out around the city with my friends, specifically exploring different restaurants and bites to eat! I love to draw and paint, listen to music, and going on walks in Riverside Park and Central Park! I plan to major in Chemistry with a minor in philosophy, and I’m really interested in exploring research opportunities at Barnard. I’m also currently an illustrator for the Columbia Undergraduate Medical Review.
My name is Riya Rao, I’m a rising junior and I’m the second student worker for the First-Year Team at the Dean’s Office! I am so excited to meet and work with you all. Some information about me: I was born in India, and grew up in Hong Kong. So… just a little far out from The Big Apple. I love hosting movie nights with my friends in our little Plimpton dorm, colouring, and exploring the city by trying new restaurants! So far, I’ve found Chinatown to have the best eats. I am planning on majoring in Neuroscience & Behavior with a minor in Economics. Outside of class you can find me planning Diwali and Holi with the Hindu Students Organization, writing articles for the Columbia Science Review and doing research at the Biomedical Engineering Centre over at Mudd.
We were in the same exact position as you are now, and we know very well how the college transition period can feel like a lot. It can be stressful, exciting, scary, confusing, and more. We’re here as a key resource to help you throughout your first year and to reassure you that anything you may think and feel is valid! For absolutely ANY questions or concerns, you can reach out to the First-Year team via email at first-year@barnard.edu or via Instagram at @barnardfirstyear. If you have questions for either of us personally, you can reach out to Becca at ras2357@barnard.edu or to Riya at rr3577@barnard.edu. We'll also be posting walk-in hours in the future, so be on the lookout for that!
We’re so excited to have you on campus!
Hello First-Years!
Please find the flyer below for the upcoming Statistics Department Open House this Tuesday, February 11th from 12-3PM in Calder Lounge, Uris Hall 107!
You can scan the QR code on the bottom right hand side for more information on the Statistics Major and Minor!
Best,
The First-Year Team
Hi everyone!
The Furman Counseling Center has just released information regarding their groups and sessions for the Spring 2025 semester. Attached to this post you’ll find their flyer with all of the different groups listed with meeting details. The Furman Counseling Center is a wonderful resource to get support, so if you have any questions about the groups or think you might be interested, don’t hesitate to reach out to them at 212-854-2092 and/or at counseling@barnard.edu.
Barnard students will use SSOL to elect P/D/F grading
-Click here to elect Spring 2025 course for P/D/F grading. (Use a browser other than Safari).
-Click on P/D/F grading then Grading Option Change Request.
This form can be used to elect Pass/D/Fail for a course where that option is not available in SSOL.
To undo/ revoke your p/d/f election - or switch the election to a different class (this must be done prior to the P/D/F grading deadline):
-Go to ssol.columbia.edu and go to Pass/D/Fail Uncover.
Dropping a class involves a few steps. Here is what to do:
1. Fill out this Slate form with a request to drop a specific class. It will go to your adviser for their review
2. If the drop is approved, you will receive an email with special instructions on how to drop the class in Student Planning.
3. Log back on to Student Planning to drop the class.
Once you have completed these steps please review your Course Plan on Student Planning, to confirm your enrollment is correct.
Until February 25, you can drop a class from your Spring 2025 schedule, and the class will be completely removed from your record. (Note that after February 25, and until March 27, you can still withdraw from a class, but it will stay on your transcript with the mark of W.) You must stay enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits.
Dropping a class involves a few steps. Here is what to do:
1. Fill out this Slate form with a request to drop a specific class. It will go to your adviser for their review
2. If the drop is approved, you will receive an email with special instructions on how to drop the class in Student Planning.
3. Log back on to Student Planning to drop the class.
Once you have completed these steps please review your Course Plan on Student Planning, to confirm your enrollment is correct.
Hello First-Years!
Please join us for this special event:
Actor and filmmaker Isabella Rossellini in conversation with Prof. Alexandra Horowitz about living, studying, and working with animals.
The event is sponsored by the Dog Cognition Lab, and is open to members of the Barnard and Columbia communities only.
Reservations are required. Space is limited.
Register here.
Doing that degree-audit arithmetic and need one or two more credits?
If you're having trouble getting up to the number of credits you need and are looking for a 1-2-credit course to add, here are some options and tips.
**Be sure to check course descriptions for special registration procedures or necessary permissions.
Know of something that's not on here? Email SeniorClassDean@barnard.edu, and we'll add it!
1-2 credit course options:
1. Fulfill your PE requirement if you haven't yet.
Register online and be sure to attend the first class meeting. Students may earn no more than 2 PE credits total.
Pro Tip:
Unfortunately, there is little to no space in PE for students who want this as an elective. Only students who have not yet completed the PE requirement will be able to preregister for PE. The only way to attempt to register for elective PE is to attend in person once PE classes begin and see if space is available then.
Dance, on the other hand (see below!), often has space
2. Take a dance class
Dance classes -- now 2 credits! -- may initially appear in your myBarnard program as 0 credits -- if you don't change this when registering, you can fill out the Form to Request a Point of Dance Credit.
Pro Tip: Make sure you are not attempting to exceed the Studio Credit maximum.
3. Depending on your background and interests, here are some popular ways to enrich your academic experience while also adding a credit or two.
Pro tips:
b. For students with some computer programming experience:
If offered:
Programming Languages -- COMS-W3101.
Development Technology -- COMS-W3102
Check Computer Science Course Listings for current options. Sometimes these classes are added later than others, so if you don't see them now, you might find them during the fall semester.
c. If you're interested in Physics/Astronomy, Biology, Environmental Science, Psychology
Contact your department to see if you can earn credit for supervised research in a professor's lab
Or:
Introduction to Research Skills in Astrophysics - ASTR2910UN
TOPICS IN BIOLOGY - BIOL3995UN
Introduction to Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology - EEEB1005UN
WHAT'S NEW IN EARTH, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND CLIMATE SCIENCE?- EESC1006UN
PERSPECTIVES IN MATHEMATICS - MATH2001BC
d. Workshops in some Social Science and Humanities fields:
Religion Salon: New DirectionsRELI3996BC
ARTEMIS RISING SHORT COURSE IN FILM PRODUCTION - FILM3091BC
Russian Through Theater - RUSS3107UN
f. If you're interested in Theatre, Dance, or Backstage work:
Practicum or Rehearsal & Performance (Theatre or Dance) -- for actors, dancers, stage managers, prop or costume makers, and theatre tech people. Check the course description to see who to contact if you are interested.
Pro Tip: Make sure you are not attempting to exceed the Studio Credit maximum.
g. If you have background in some languages and want to improve your fluency:
Check the course listings for 2-credit Intermediate or Advanced Conversation classes in French, Italian, or German,
Or supervised readings in languages -- varies each semester: past options have included Dutch, Sinhala, and Zulu.
h. If you're interested in International Affairs, Political Science, and/or Economics: consider a "short course" at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)
*check the course description for "course date" to see when the course starts & ends*
One of the "short courses" offered by the School for International & Public Affairs (SIPA). Search Vergil for SIPA courses between 1 and 2 credits, or the SIPA page of the CU Directory of Classes for 1-1.5-credit courses. You can't just register online for these. Here is the procedure:
Example:
4. Search Vergil for courses of 1 or 2 credits.
You'll have to scroll through a lot of things that may not help you, like labs for courses you're not taking, courses limited to class years other than yours, but this will give you the most comprehensive listing.
Pro Tip:
Check the detailed course descriptions for prerequisites, restrictions, or special application procedures.
