Hey First-Years,

We have a very exciting upcoming event to share with you all! Please read below for more details.

SGA presents the 5th Annual Bold Beautiful Black @ Barnard dinner featuring food across the diaspora catered by local businesses (Massawa, Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, and Jamrock Jerk) on Sunday, April 6th at 7pm in the Diana Event Oval. There will be alum speakers and several giveaways from Black-owned businesses (Black Girl Sunscreen, Tracee Elliss Ross curl cocktail hair set). RSVP here. Stay tuned for more BBB programming throughout the month of April!

Best,

The First-Year Team

Sociology Open House!

Hello First-Years!

Please find the flyer below for the upcoming Computer Science Open House on Wednesday, April 9th from 4:00-5:00PM in Milbank 332! If you are interested in majoring in human rights, definitely stop by to learn more about the program, ask questions, and also munch on light snacks with students and faculty!

Best,

The First-Year Team

Computer Science Open House!

Hello First-Years!

Please find the flyer below for the upcoming Computer Science Open House on Tuesday, April 8th from 5:30-7:00PM in Milstein 514-CSC Social Space! If you are interested in majoring in human rights, definitely stop by to learn more about the program, ask questions, and also munch with students and faculty!

Best,

The First-Year Team

Human Rights Open House!

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

MORE Spring 2025 Program 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
Human Rights	April 1, 6:30pm-7:30pm	119 Milstein Center
Computer Science	April 8, 5:30pm-7pm	Milstein 514 (CSC Social Space)
Sociology	April 9, 4pm-5pm	332 Milbank

Barnard Bold Conference!

Hello First-Years!

Interested in student-faculty pedagogical partnership? Curious about what makes academic freedom possible? Eager to make your voice heard in conversations on teaching and learning with Barnard students, faculty, and staff? There is still time to RSVP for the annual Bold Conference. Check out the full line-up and RSVP for all conference sessions here.

Barnard Bold Conference | April 3-4PM (various time), RSVP here

Bold is not just any pedagogy conference; it’s a rare space for the whole Barnard community–students, faculty, and staff–to come together to consider the urgent questions impacting our teaching and learning culture. This year, we went back to our roots to emphasize student-designed sessions–like our Centering Disabled Voices panel discussion and our Prioritizing Student Learning, Centering Community Needs community conversation, both of which were pitched and designed by Barnard students and members of the CEP Student Advisory Committee. 

P/D/F & WITHDRAW DEADLINE THIS THURSDAY, MARCH 27th!

 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

Crafts & Community - Wednesday March 12th

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

Spring 2025 Student Assistant Walk-In Hours

 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!

*This is a super real photo of us giving you guys a helping hand, or should I say paw... get it...*

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 

Cognitive Science Open House Today!

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

DROP DEADLINE FEB 25TH 11:59 PM

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

A Message from Lift Up Barnard

Hi First-Years!

We're here to pass on a message from Lift Up Barnard! Read below!

Best,

First-Year Team

------

As your second semester of college is coming along, we here at Lift Up Barnard wanted to remind you that we as a group are here for you!

In case you don’t know who we are, or would like a little refresher, we’re a student-led group dedicated to friendship and community at Barnard. Every week, we switch between having discussions about things like FOMO, stress, friend groups, and more, and having fun activities like origami sessions, movie/game nights, and other things like that. A few times a semester, we also take some off-campus trips to explore NYC together! In the past, we’ve gone to Hex & Co, Levain Bakery, a picnic in Central Park, and the Union Square Holiday Market.

It’s never too late to join our group, as we pride ourselves in being a welcoming space for all Barnard students, no matter what stage you’re at in your college journey. We meet every Wednesday at 7PM in 227 Milbank. Reach out to us via email at liftupbarnard@gmail.com or on Instagram @liftupbarnard and join our mailing list here:  https://forms.gle/gccBFBzHhmWbUzcz8

We hope to meet y’all soon, and best of luck with the rest of the semester!

Love,
Lift Up Barnard

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.