Spring 2025 Programming Planning Meetings

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

Department Name	Meeting Date and Time	Meeting Location
American Studies	Feb 19, 5:00 PM	Sulzberger, 17th Floor, South Tower
Neuroscience and Behavior	Feb 20, noon	Zoom; Meeting ID: 984 3012 8357; passcode: plan
Psychology	Feb 20, 4pm-5pm	Zoom
Political Science	Feb 25, 3pm-4pm	LL001 Milstein
Urban Studies	Feb 25, 6pm-7pm	7th floor of MLC
WGSS	Feb 26, 2pm-3pm	CCIS Conference Room, Barnard Hall 205
Spanish & Latin American Cultures	March 4, 12:00 PM	Sulzberger Hall, North Tower
Jewish Studies	March 25, 9am-10am	218 Milbank

Spanish & Latin American Cultures Open House - MARCH 4TH!

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

Urban Studies Program Planning Meeting - FEB 25TH!

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

Neuroscience & Behavior Program Planning Meeting - FEB 20!

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

Education Program Planning - FEB 18TH

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

Psychology Program Planning Meeting - FEB 20TH!

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

DOVE Survivors of Sexual Violence Support Group 2025

 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. 

Jewish Studies Program Planning Meeting - MARCH 25TH!

Hello First-Year,

Are you interested in being a Jewish Studies Major? Maybe you've already decided, or want to learn more. Well, you're in luck! Their departmental program planning meeting is coming up on March 25th, 9AM-10AM, 218 Milbank. If you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to learn more about the major, this is the perfect opportunity for all of the above.

There is still plenty of time to sign up, so make sure to mark your calendars if you plan to attend. The First-Year instagram will also continue posting updates and reminders, so keep a look out on there too. 

Best wishes,

The First-Year Team

Women's Gender & Sexuality Studies Program Planning Meeting - FEB 26TH!

Hello First-Years!

Do you want to be a Women's Gender & Sexuality Studies Major, or are even thinking about it? Make sure you don't miss the departmental program planning meeting on Feb 26th, 2PM-3PM, in CCIS Conference Room Barnard Hall 205. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the major, don't miss out! If you wish to attend, don't forget to scan the QR code in the flier below to RSVP. 

Best Wishes,

The First-Year Team

Political Science Program Planning Meeting - FEB 25TH!

 
Hello First-Years!

For those of you who plan on being Political Science Majors, or are even considering it, make sure to check out the upcoming Political Science program planning meeting to find out more details about the major and department. It will take place on February 25th, 3PM-4PM, in LL001 Milstein. Don't forget to scan the QR code on the flier below to RSVP.

Best wishes,

The First-Year Team

American Studies Program Planning Meeting - FEB 19TH!

 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

 

Religion Program Planning Meeting - FEB 18TH!

 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

Introducing the First-Year Team: Becca and Riya

 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!

Statistics Department Open House!

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

Furman Counseling Center Spring 2025 Groups

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. 

March 27 is the Deadline to Change your Grading Option to Pass/D/Fail

 

The deadline to change your grading option to PDF is March 27, 2025.   You may change your grading option to Pass/D/Fail in only one class per term.  Per this policy, a C- or better will be covered by a grade of P; if a grade of D or F is assigned, it will appear as such on your transcript. Grades of P will satisfy General Education Requirements. They will not count towards major requirement.  You will have until the end of the registration period (the second Friday of term) of the Fall 2025 semester to uncover a grade of P received in Spring 2025. 

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.

Deadline: Tuesday, February 25 is the last day to drop a class from your Spring 2025 schedule

 

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. 

 

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. 

SGA Lunar New Year Celebration!

Hello First-Years!

Continue to celebrate the Lunar New Year by taking part in Lunar Reflections brought to you by Barnard Asian Diaspora and Notion, this Friday, February 7th from 1:00-3:00PM in 409 Barnard Hall. RSVP here. 

Come for delicious free food, raffles, and a good time with friends at the dinner this Friday 6:00-8:00pm in Diana Event Oval. RSVP here by signing in to MillieLink, or go to MillieLink and search Lunar New Year Dinner. For the most recent updates on these events, follow us @barnardsga on Instagram.

A Conversation with Isabella Rossellini: Living with, studying, and working with dogs and other animals

 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.

February 12, 2025 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Diana Event Oval 

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. 

Need an extra credit or two this spring? Here are a few options

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:

• Some of these may be full, but you may be able to join a waiting list.
• Be sure to check course descriptions for prerequisites or special registration procedures!

a. For students who sing, play an instrument, or want to know more about music:

• Columbia/Barnard Chorus or Chamber Singers
  
• Voice Lessons or Music Lessons -- see Music Performance Program website for info about auditions and fees 
• These may be free for music majors and minors, and those participating in University Chorus or Orchestra -- there is additional cost for other students.
   
• Ear Training -- offered on a variety of levels, check Music Dept course listings for details 

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:

1. Review the course description to assess if the class is academic as opposed to professional development (Barnard will not give academic credit for nonacademic coursework)
   
2. Contact the instructor to ask if there is space available and if it is appropriate for you given your background. Get any approvals in writing (email is fine).
3. Contact your academic adviser for approval that the course appropriately fits into both your schedule and a liberal arts curriculum. Get this approval in writing as well
   
4. Upload both approvals when submitting the online add form.

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.

Important Information about the Spring Semester and Shopping Period

 

Dear Students,   We hope you had a restful holiday break. Please read the important information below, which includes details about the Spring Semester and Shopping Period.   Registering for classes   Registration will be open in Student Planning from now through Friday, January 31.  (Registration will be closed on weekends and on Monday, January 20). Registration start times can be viewed in Student Planning or in Slate (on the right side of the Home tab).   If you are searching for a class to add to your schedule, Columbia has launched an updated Course Search in Vergil, which Barnard students can also use. The tool has similar search criteria as Student Planning, including the ability to look for classes that satisfy Barnard General Education (Foundations) requirements. It also has the option to “Only show classes with open seats” in the search results. See screenshots here.   •    TIP: Using the Course Search in Vergil is also a great way to become familiar with the Vergil user interface. Vergil will become the registration system for both Barnard and Columbia students (replacing Student Planning and SSOL). We expect that the new system will be launched later this spring (in time for fall registration). We will share more details as we get closer.   You can continue to make changes to your class schedule in Student Planning through 9:30 p.m. on Friday, January 31, which is the final registration deadline.   By that date, be sure that you have:   •    Registered for all classes you intend to take (including any zero-credit discussion section or lab classes). Note that students cannot remain registered for two classes that overlap in time, and you must resolve any such conflicts by the registration deadline. •    Requested adviser approval of your final schedule. If you have not yet contacted your adviser for a meeting, please do so immediately.  •    Received special permission from your adviser if you are planning to take more than 19 credits this semester. To request this permission from your adviser, use this Slate form beginning Tuesday, January 21.   If you decide to drop a class after the registration deadline has passed, you will need to request your adviser’s permission using the Drop Request form in Slate. Please note that students must remain enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester, except in very specific circumstances. The final deadline to drop a class (so that it no longer displays on your transcript) is Tuesday, February 25.   Attending class   •    Classes begin on Tuesday, January 21.    •    You should plan to attend every class for which you are officially registered, including during the shopping period. Attendance at the first class is advised in order to secure your spot in the class because it indicates to the faculty member that you plan to remain enrolled.   •    If you are “shopping” a class (for which you have not yet been able to register), you should make every effort to attend it as well. Classroom space may constrain your ability to attend a class for which you are not registered. Please be in touch with the course instructor if that is the case.   Classroom locations and navigating campus   •    Classroom assignments are visible in the Columbia Directory of Classes or the Vergil Course Search. Be sure to verify the location before the first class session for each of your classes, since rooms are subject to change at the start of the semester. •    Some Barnard classes are being held in rooms on the Teachers College (TC) campus again this semester. The building names are Zankel Hall, Macy Hall, and Horace Mann. If you have a class scheduled in those rooms, please note the following details: •    The main entrance to the TC campus is at Zankel Hall on 120th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam. Please see the map here. •    Use your Barnard ID card to tap the card access reader in order to enter the campus. •    While on the TC campus, you can use Eduroam for Wifi. Click on this link for login instructions. •    Due to the renovation of the Roy and Diana Vagelos Science Center, Barnard science departments and labs have moved to new locations on the Barnard, Teachers College, or Columbia campuses. Lab class locations can be found in the Directory of Classes or the Vergil Course Search Columbia Directory of Classes or the Vergil Course Search. The map here shows building locations on each campus. •    We encourage you to consult these revised campus maps if you need help navigating Barnard’s campus during construction.   Shopping Period    As always, you have an opportunity at the beginning of each semester to visit classes for which you are not registered, so that you can learn more about the class content and format. This may help you decide if you would like to enroll.    To aid in your decision-making, the Courseworks/Canvas sites for some Barnard classes will be open for all students to access syllabi and course materials for class shopping purposes.   •    Find the class either in the Vergil Course Search or in the Directory of Classes (from the Directory, click on the “View in Vergil” link) •    In Vergil, click on the Course Title  •    Click on the “View in CourseWorks” tab - this will take you to the class’ CourseWorks site. (If you don’t see the “View in Courseworks link” initially, click the down arrow next to the section number to display more details.)   If you are interested in shopping a Barnard class that does not have materials visible in Courseworks, the instructor may be willing to share the syllabus with you.   If you decide to enroll, be sure to officially add the class in Student Planning before the January 31 deadline.  If you have any questions, email registrar@barnard.edu.    Enrollment Confirmation Process   Please note that final enrollment confirmation for new and continuing students will entail finalizing both your registration for a full-time schedule of classes (or approval for a reduced courseload) and payment of the term bill (for students on payment plans, be up to date on scheduled payments). Both steps must be completed by the Friday, January 31 semester registration/add deadline.   Students who have not completed both of these steps by the deadline will be deregistered for courses and, therefore, considered not enrolled for the semester. Students will then automatically be placed on a personal leave of absence.   Holds will prevent add/drop   If you have a registration hold (e.g. a hold placed by the Bursar, Dean’s Office, Health Services), you will need to clear the hold before you can add/drop courses.   Students who do not have a designated emergency and/or missing person contact person on file with the College will have a registration hold. If you received an email asking you to provide this information using this Slate form, or if you are unsure if you have provided this information, please be sure you have done that prior to the start of the semester.   The P/D/F grading option   If you are interested in electing Pass/D/Fail (P/D/F) grading for a particular course, we recommend that you speak with your academic adviser or class dean to discuss this decision and whether it will be beneficial for your specific situation and longer-term goals.    Students who elected the P/D/F grading option for a Fall 2024 class can uncover a P grade through Friday, January 31 in SSOL. In SSOL, Click on “P/D/F grading,” then “PDF Option Change Request,” then “Pass/D/Fail Uncover.”   If you would like to elect P/D/F grading for a Spring 2025 class, that option will become available on February 3, and you will do this in SSOL. As a reminder, Barnard students are able to elect P/D/F grading for one class per term. The class cannot be used towards a major or minor requirement, but it may be used to fulfill a general education requirement. Students who are facing extenuating circumstances in a particular semester can petition to elect P/D/F grading in a second course, by speaking with their class dean and then submitting a petition to the College’s Committee on Programs and Academic Standing (CPAS). Further details are available on the Registrar’s webpage.   Seniors graduating at the end of this semester   If you are planning to graduate at the end of this semester, congratulations! Here are a few suggestions to make sure that your plans stay on track:   •    Submit the official application for graduation. The deadline is Friday, January 24.  You can find the application either in Student Planning or at portal.barnard.edu, in the Graduation tab. •    Be sure that you have registered for enough credits this semester to be eligible to graduate. If you entered Barnard as a first-year student, you will need 122 credits. If you entered Barnard as a transfer student, you will need 121 credits. •    Review your online degree audit to be sure that all general education requirements are marked as complete or in progress. Check in with your major adviser (if you haven’t already) to be sure your major requirements will also be complete. •    If you are interested in enrolling in fewer than 12 credits during your final semester, you can submit that request in Slate. •    If you are planning to declare a minor, submit the request in Slate as soon as you have registered for all required classes (and no later than March 1). •    The P/D/F grading option will become available for spring classes at the beginning of February. If you decide to P/D/F a class, please keep in mind that, as a final semester senior, you cannot uncover the P grade later.   Deferred Exams from fall classes   If you had an extenuating circumstance requiring you to defer any of your final exams in December, deferred exams will be given on Friday, January 24 and Monday, January 27. Be sure to reference the Registrar’s Office website and your Barnard email account for details. If you are eligible to take exams with CARDS, please be in touch with cards@barnard.edu regarding plans for your deferred exam.   Barnard Portal   Sign in at portal.barnard.edu for important College updates, convenient links to tools like Student Planning and Slate for Students, and access to other campus and academic resources.   Important Dates & Deadlines   Please be sure to reference the academic calendar to remain aware of the different academic deadlines, such as dropping, withdrawing and electing P/D/F for your classes.    Best wishes for a good start to the semester,   Jennifer Simmons Registrar   Holly Tedder Dean for Academic Planning & Class Advising