Hi First Years!
Today we’re tackling all your questions about course selection. Before you register for classes, you need to know which classes you want to take. And guess who decides what classes you take? YOU.
Remember: Between July 21-25, you'll only register for FYE, P.E., and select Barnard courses; this post reviews that but also explains how you'll build the rest of your schedule and select other classes.
Let’s go over some of your most asked questions about your first registration cycle, scheduled for the week of July 21st, as well as course selection in general:
Where can I find courses?
For July Registration, students will only be allowed to register for a limited number of courses. This includes FYE, P.E., and a select number of classes that are recommended for first years by academic departments. First-years will receive a list of courses to choose from closer to the July registration period. In the meantime, to find all the details (such as times/dates, instructor, enrollment, etc.) about your FYE and PE classes, hit up the Vergil. Department websites are another great place if you’re interested in a specific major.
What is the P.E. requirement? Where can I find P.E. classes? What classes fulfill the P.E. requirement?
All first-years need to take a P.E. (Physical Education) class within their first year at Barnard (unless you’re a JTS/Barnard Double Degree student; then you have until the end of junior year). This year, the class will be divided into the people who are taking P.E. in the Fall and Spring. By now, everyone has completed the Physical Education Requirement - Preference Form (due 6/13). You will soon receive an email letting you know which semester you’ve been assigned to.
If you go to the Vergil and use the filter, you can see all the courses that the Barnard P.E. Department offers. You can take either a Barnard P.E. course, a dance class, or play a varsity sport to fulfill the P.E. requirement. If you would like to receive P.E. credit for a varsity sport, you'll be able to do so during the NSOP registration period in August.
How many credits can I register for?
During July registration, the maximum number of credits you may be enrolled in is 16. You will not be allowed to go over this credit limit until the following registration cycles in August and September. Make sure that you are registered for either FYW or FYS, and P.E. if you are assigned to take it in the fall.
What if the FYS/FYW class I want is full?
We recommend having a healthy number of planned FYS/FYW courses in the event that your first choice is full when you register.
What will the list of select courses for July Registration include?
This will be a diverse list of courses that are recommended and/or reserving spots for first-years. This can include introductory courses in various departments for students to delve into academic interests as well as language courses. If any of these classes catch your attention, it may be in your best interest to register for them during this July period, as it’s not guaranteed that you will be able to register for these classes come Fall registration, since spots will fill up quickly.
And...that's a wrap! Please reach out to our office at first-year@barnard.edu for any questions! :)
