Lift Up Barnard August Programming!

 

Hey First-Years!

Check out this message from Lift Up Barnard regarding exciting programming happening in the beginning of August! See below:

Hey Barnard first years!

We're Lift Up Barnard, a student-run organization that helps all Barnard students adjust to all aspects of college life, like academics, socializing, and more! 

During the school year, we have discussions every other week focusing on a different topic. These sessions are a wonderful place to talk about how you're feeling about college and meet some cool new peers :) On the weeks that we don't have discussions, we have movie/game nights and other fun activities! Also, a few times a semester, we have outings to different areas of NYC—past trips include outdoor movies at Bryant Park, Levain Bakery, and the Union Square Holiday Market!

We wanted to help your class have as smooth a transition to Barnard as possible, so we're going to be holding a few Zoom sessions where you can see what our club is like and ask any questions you may have about life at Barnard.

Ideally, there will be ~20-30 people per meeting so we all have a chance to get to know each other as well. To make this a little easier, here's a Google Form for you to fill out to RSVP to a session of your choosing and ask any questions you want us to answer. The Google Form will close next Tuesday, July 30th at 12pm ET, so be sure to fill it out if you know you want/are able to attend!

There will be sessions on (all times in ET)

Thursday, August 1 at 8pm

Sunday, August 4 at 11am

Tuesday, August 6 at 7pm

Friday, August 9 at 3pm

Here is the link to RSVP: Zoom RSVPs

Once we have your RSVPs, we'll send out your Zoom links! If anything, you can reach out to us via email at liftupbarnard@gmail.com or on Instagram @liftupbarnard 🩷🧡

We hope y'all can attend and are so excited to meet you! 

Love, 

Lift Up Barnard

Languages at Barnard: Language Placement Exam Extravaganza

Hey First-Years!

Please read this blog post for a better understanding of how language placement works at Barnard, including links with information about the placement exams for all languages offered at Barnard and Columbia!

Determining Your Language Level 

Registration Resources Document

 

Hi First-Years!

We hope registration week has been going swimmingly and you are not too stressed! You have already received an email with this document containing registration resources. However, we wanted to make it available here as well. Please click here to access the document.

Best of luck with the rest of the registration. Remember that your schedules at the end of the day are not final at all (except for FYE). You will have plenty of opportunities to add/drop/waitlist classes during the Fall registration periods.

As always, we are here to help! Email us at first-year@barnard.edu

PE and Dance Info from the PE Department

                                                                

Hey First-Years!

Here is a breakdown of the PE requirement with additional information about Dance. See below:

FIRST YEAR PE Overview:

All Barnard students must fulfill the PE requirement in their FIRST YEAR. There is no exemption for the PE requirement. Students registered with CARDS should consult with their CARDS advisor for placement. There are THREE ways to fulfill the PE requirement:

1) Barnard PE course (Barnard PE Department)

    ● All PE courses are ONE point and are graded Pass/Fail based on attendance and participation.

    ● Barnard PE courses are Barnard students ONLY (no CC/EN/GS etc.)

    ● Generally, Barnard students are not permitted to register for CU PE courses.

2) Barnard Dance technique course (Barnard Dance Department)

    ● All Dance technique courses are TWO points and receive a letter grade. 

    ● If a student wants to take a Dance course as pass/fail, they must apply for P/D/F in Slate, otherwise they will receive a letter grade. You will elect this option at the beginning of the academic year so you don't have to worry about this just yet! Please note that Dance courses, after elected for P/D/F, can result in a D, unlike PE courses, which only result in P/F.

3) Varsity sport. (Columbia PE Department)

    ● All Varsity sports are ONE point and are graded Pass/Fail.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES:

● Students register for Barnard PE and Dance classes at their appropriate registration time.

● Generally, spots are held for each registration group by class year.

● Only students who have NOT fulfilled the PE requirement are permitted to register or get on a waitlist.

● If a course is full, the student should get on the waitlist. Waitlists move fast and students are added automatically.

● Students are required to ATTEND the first 2 classes. Students who miss the first class risk losing their spot in the class. If there is space in a course, students are added from the waitlist.

● For Varsity Sports, students use the Add Form in Slate. The course number is PHED-UN1005 and the section and call number for the corresponding sport can be found in the Directory of Classes. Student Athletes need to upload a confirmation email from the coach. Some coaches wait until mid-semester to give approval (so it’s a late-add).

Elective Students:

● If a Barnard student has already fulfilled the PE requirement, they are not permitted to pre-register for Barnard PE courses online.

● They may show up to the first class to see if space is available (this is rarely possible due to large incoming classes).

● Therefore, if an Elective student desperately needs a point of credit, they should look to another department and not count on a PE class.

Transfer Students:

● Transfer students are limited to one PE class for their entire time at Barnard.

● They must fulfill the PE requirement by the end of their Junior Year.

● Their registration procedures are exactly the same as for First Year students.

● They may also fulfill the PE requirement with Dance or Varsity.

● If they completed a PE or Dance course at their previous school they may be eligible to have their PE requirement fulfilled by that course. They must check the degree audit as the Registrar makes that determination.

We hope this information is helpful, and as always, please don't hesitate to reach out to first-year@barnard.edu with any questions or concerns

Do you still need to complete the PE requirement?

Students who need to complete the PE Requirement:  Register for PE (or Dance) during early registration. (PE registration is open only to students who have not fulfilled the requirement).  We offer Body Sculpt, Yoga, Pilates Mat, Tai Chi, Strength Training, Fitness Outside, Total Body Conditioning (Core and Cardio) and Health Coaching. 

Need more info? Contact physed@barnard.edu

Barnard Basics: Strategies for Success in Your First Year!

Hello First-Years!

The Dean's Office for Advising and Support is committed to supporting you every step of the way and offering various resources, one being the Academic Coaching program. We are happy to provide a new virtual pre-orientation program called Barnard Basics: Strategies for Success in Your First Year, hosted by the Program Coordinator for Academic Coaching, Allie Johnston. 

In this one-hour session, you will learn skills and tools that will help you not just in your academics, but in every aspect of life here at Barnard. Please see this RSVP form to sign up and the attached flier as well. There will be multiple sessions, so choose the one that works best for your schedule. If there are any conflicts or questions, feel free to reach out to Allie at ajohnsto@barnard.edu. 

Best,

The First-Year Team

2024 Summer Send-Offs!

Welcome incoming and current students to the Barnard family! These exciting networking gatherings will give you the opportunity to make closer connections with Barnard students, graduates, parents, and friends.

Regional event details are listed alphabetically by location below. More events may be added as they are confirmed. 

RSVP for events here!

If you have any questions, you can complete the "Contact Us form" via the RSVP link above or email alumnaerelations@barnard.edu. 

UPDATE: Office Hours for the Week of 07/01

Hi First Years!

For the week of July 1st, there will be a change in walk-in hours days, and times. Here are the walk-in hours that will be held this week...

• Monday (07/01): 1-2:30 PM EST
• Tuesday (07/02): 10-12 PM EST
• Wednesday (07/03): 2-4 PM EST
• Thursday (07/04): Note that the office will be closed and communication will continue on Friday the 5th

Use this Zoom link for all: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6827223000?pwd=OG9BOU1qcVY2TFRKM2ZVQ3Bha2Q1dz09 

As always hop on if you have any questions at all or shoot us an email at first-year@barnard.edu

BIOL BC1001: Revolutionary Concepts in Biology Info

Hey First-Years!

Check out this course below, open to entering freshmen!

While this course is not intended to fulfill pre-medical or major requirements, it serves as a good introduction to biology for students who would like to explore the field. The link to the CU Directory of Classes description for this course can be found here.

FY Registration Guidance: CHEM BC2001

Hey First-Years,

            We hope you are all doing well! Check out this information from the Chemistry department below!

A message from the Chemistry Department 

for First Year students interested in the sciences and health professions

Dear First-Years,

Allow us to join the chorus of excited faculty and staff and welcome you to Barnard College! The members of the Chemistry Department are delighted you are considering joining us this fall.  Our department serves students with many different interests. We offer a major in both chemistry and biochemistry as well as a minor in chemistry.  Our courses are required for several other majors at the College.  And students interested in studying one of the health professions after Barnard will typically take several of our courses.  We will be available throughout your time at Barnard to guide you through the selection of chemistry courses.  

For those of you interested in the sciences and the health professions, we have included some notes and advice below. If you have any questions, please reach out to genchem@barnard.edu.

We look forward to working with you this fall or in a future semester!

Members of the Chemistry Department

If you are planning on enrolling in General Chemistry I (CHEM BC2001) in Fall 2024, please read the following carefully:

1. There is one single General Chemistry course for all students at Barnard, regardless of their high school chemistry coursework. The Chemistry Department and the College have various mechanisms in place to provide support to students who are interested in taking CHEM BC2001 and have little to no prior experience in chemistry.

2. The introductory chemistry sequence at Barnard for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors as well as students on the pre-health professional track is one semester of General Chemistry followed by two consecutive semesters of Organic Chemistry. What course students take in their fourth semester of chemistry depends on whether they are a chemistry/biochemistry major or minor or on the pre-health track. 

3. General Chemistry I at Barnard is a five-credit integrated lecture+lab course. Students must enroll in a section of both CHEM BC2001 and CHEM BC2012. All the course credits are associated with the CHEM BC2001 listing. There are no credits associated with the CHEM BC2012 course, but you still must have a section of this course on your program. There is no additional recitation and/or discussion section.

4. General Chemistry I at Barnard is only offered in the fall semester.

5. In Fall 2024, General Chemistry lecture will be offered on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1:10 PM-2:25 PM (Section 01), 2:40-3:55 PM (Section 02), and 4:10-5:25 PM (Section 03). All sections are identical in content and structure. You must register for one section.

6. In Fall 2024, General Chemistry lab will be offered Monday through Friday from 8:10 AM-12:00 PM. All sections are identical in content and structure. You must register for one section.

Note: please be sure to choose a lab section that does not present conflicts with your other courses, responsibilities, and/or personal obligations. Enrollment in the lab sections is limited due to space constraints and safety considerations, and it may not be possible to switch lab sections at a later date. 

7. All students who try to register for a section of CHEM BC2012 will initially be placed on a waitlist. Students will be admitted to the course, as space allows, throughout the registration period.

8. Students enrolling in BOTH General Chemistry (CHEM BC2001/2012) AND Intro Bio (BIOL BC1500/1501) must register for the Tuesday, Thursday, OR Friday morning Gen Chem lab section as the Bio lecture course meets on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

Some additional advice for students considering taking General Chemistry in their first semester:

• You have plenty of time to decide your major. Students typically declare in the spring semester of their sophomore year. That said, if you know you are interested in chemistry and/or biochemistry, we encourage you to consider enrolling in General Chemistry in your first semester. The course sequence for the chemistry and biochemistry majors is very linear, and we only offer certain classes in certain semesters. Delaying the introductory chemistry course sequences until your sophomore year certainly does not make a chemistry or biochemistry major impossible.

• If you are interested in a science major other than chemistry or biochemistry, we recommend enrolling in the introductory course in the department in which you’re considering a major. Consult with that department as needed. Note: it is also possible to “double-up” in the sciences in your first-year, though this decision should be made with care (more on that below).

• If you are interested in a major outside of the sciences and pursuing the pre-health professional track, we recommend that you start your lab science study in your first semester given the number of laboratory classes you will have to take to satisfy the professional school requirements. Which course you take (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) is an individual decision. Consider your preparation in each of those subjects along with your other planned pursuits this fall. If, for example, you have considerable experience in biology from high school it might be a good idea to continue that study and begin with Biology 1500. Similarly, if you had good experiences in chemistry or physics you might want to start with one of those subjects to begin your lab work.

• We also want to answer an additional question which we hear frequently: “Can I take two lab science courses my first semester?” The answer to that question is definitely yes! However, you should make that choice very carefully and in consultation with your academic adviser. Be cautious. College lab courses typically take up much more time and energy than you have needed to plan around in high school, and it takes a combination of strong preparation, work ethic, and time management skills to succeed with two lab sciences on your very first Barnard program.  

• A final question is “What about Columbia? Can I take my pre-health classes there?” The answer to this question is yes…with a caveat. The Barnard and Columbia General Chemistry courses are not interchangeable: the subject matter is covered in a different order. The Barnard course is designed to include in the first term those subjects important for understanding organic chemistry.  For this reason, if you take General Chemistry I at Columbia (UN1403), then you must also take General Chemistry II at Columbia (UN1404) along with the General Chemistry Lab (UN1500) before taking Organic Chemistry, either at Barnard or Columbia. Chemistry UN1604 at Columbia is an accelerated general chemistry course for students with AP credit.  Students who take this course and the laboratory course (Chemistry UN1500 or UN1507) may then take the organic chemistry sequence at Barnard.  We encourage students to take BC2001 at Barnard as it is designed as part of a four-course sequence.

We hope these comments help you as you plan for the upcoming fall semester. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to genchem@barnard.edu with your questions. There is also a great deal of information available on the Chemistry Department’s website about our coursework and on the College’s website about pre-health professions. 

Registration Guidance: Intro Bio for incoming First Years

 Hey First-Years,

            We hope you are all doing well! Check out this information regarding Intro Bio below!

If you are planning on enrolling in BIOL BC1500 Introduction to Organismal and Evolutionary Biology in Fall 2024, please read the following carefully:

1. BIOLBC1500 is the appropriate introductory biology course for students who are considering a Biology major or are pursuing the pre-health professional track. This course is offered in the fall only and will be taught Mon, Wed 8:40-9:55am.

2. There is an associated lab class (BIOL BC1501) that is meant to be taken at the same time as the BIOL BC1500 lecture. Students must enroll for the 2 point lab course as a separate course. This course is also offered in the fall only.

3. There are two courses in the Introductory Biology series at Barnard, and students must take both of these courses to major in Biology or pursue a pre-health professions track:

- BIOL BC1500: Intro to Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, which is offered in the fall semester only. The associated lab course is BIOL BC1501 Lab (2 points) and a required associated recitation called BIOL BC1511 recitation (0 points)

- BIOL BC1502: Intro to Cell and Molecular Biology which is offered in the spring semester only. The associated lab course is BIOL BC1503 lab (2 points) and a required associated recitation called BIOL BC1513 recitation (0 points)

4. BIOLBC1500 and BIOLBC1502 can be taken in any order (BIO1500 first; then BIO1502 or vice versa).

5. In Fall 2024, BIOL BC1501 labs will be offered at the following times. All sections are identical in content and structure. You must register for one section.

Monday 1:10-4pm

Tuesday 9:10am-12pm

Tuesday 1:10-4pm

Wednesday 1:10-4pm

Thursday 9:10am-12pm

Thursday 1:10-4pm

Friday 10:10am-1pm

Note: please be sure to choose a lab section that does not present conflicts with your other courses, responsibilities, and/or personal obligations. Enrollment in the lab sections is limited due to space constraints and safety considerations, and it may not be possible to switch lab sections at a later date.

6. All students who try to register for a BIOL BC1500 lecture and BIOL BC1501 lab will initially be placed on a waitlist (one waitlist for the lecture and one waitlist for the lab). Students will be admitted to the course, as space allows, throughout the registration period. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for your schedule to update after being approved off the waitlist.

7. Students enrolling in BOTH Intro Bio (BIOL 1500/1501) AND General Chemistry (CHEM BC2001/2012) will need to register for lab sections that do not conflict with either lecture class. If you are planning on taking both Gen Chem and Intro Bio this fall please complete this brief Google form by July 12, 2024 

8. Questions about intro bio can be directed to: htruong@barnard.edu.

We look forward to working with you this fall!

The Intro Bio Team

Summer Registration Survival Guide: July Course Selection FAQs

 

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: on Monday, July 15th, 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 15th, 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 prior 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 Columbia Directory of Classes. 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). If you go to the Columbia Directory of Classes and select Physical Education @ Barnard under "Department," 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. During the summer registration process, you'll only be able to register for a Barnard P.E. course. If you would like to register for a dance class or a varsity sport, you'll be able to do so during the NSOP registration period in August. A limited number of spaces are available in Columbia P.E. courses for Barnard students. If you would like to take a Columbia P.E. course, you’ll have to go to the Columbia P.E. Department in person and request special permission to register for a Columbia P.E. course during the first week of classes. You cannot register for a Columbia P.E. course through the normal registration process on the Barnard portal.

How many credits can I register for?

During July registration, the maximum number of credits you may be enrolled in is 13. 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. You are also encouraged to take P.E. during the fall semester (if spots are available).

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. If you end up in more than one, make sure you drop the excess sections as soon as possible so as to make room for your peers!

Do I have to take PE in the fall?

Yes! You are encouraged to register for a PE course during July registration, but spots are limited. If you end up not being able to get in a PE course, no worries! You will just take your PE course in the spring instead of fall. There are more PE options available in the fall vs the spring though, so if you find a spot in a PE course that’s of interest, then be sure to add it to your schedule.

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! We'll see you all very soon :)

So You Want To See A Dean?

 

The Doctor Dean will see you now!

As you all know by now (we hope!!), the Dean's Office is a place where you can come to ask questions, get answers, and learn about all kinds of support here at Barnard (read more here about what exactly the Dean's Office can do for you). But getting in touch can be intimidating when there are so many avenues for support. We're here to give you a guide to getting connected with the Dean's Office (your version). 

**Find the TL;DR at the bottom**

1. Email 📬

Most students find that the easiest way to talk to someone on the First-Year Team is by sending a quick email. By emailing first-year@barnard.edu, your question is automatically sent to a group of people whose job is to help connect you to the support you need. For quick questions about registration, academics, and other policies, the First Year email is your gateway to support.

Ack, my problem is like super complicated and hard to explain in an email...

2. Guess I'll meet with Dean Garay!

We know that some questions and answers can't be summed up in just an email. If your issue falls into this category, your next stop should be Dean Garay's scheduling calendar. As the First Year Dean and Senior Associate Dean of Studies, Dean Garay has the answers to pretty much any Barnard question you can think of (try her!), and she is a great resource to use if you're struggling with your classes (or anything else) and don't know where to start. These meetings can happen over Zoom OR in her office, which is located in 105 Milbank.

Uh-oh, Dean Garay's calendar is totally booked for this week and I need help NOW! Do not fear...

3. Emergency Hours are here!

The Dean's Office (also 105 Milbank!) holds emergency hours Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm –  every single week during the ACADEMIC YEAR! While it may not be Dean Garay who is available, the upperclassman deans are just as capable of helping you solve your problem. Just come on over to Milbank 105 and explain that you're here for the Dean's Office emergency hour.

Well I tried that, but Milbank is a maze for no reason and I got lost. Don't worry, just follow this handy dandy...

4. Milbank Map!

To find the Dean's Office, enter Milbank through the front doors. Once you go up that first mini-flight of stairs and are facing Access Barnard, turn left and go down the hallway. At the end of that hall (once you're at the President's Office), make another left. You'll go through a set of double doors and right past a flight of stairs. Then ta-da – you're at the Dean's Office! Easily enough, you can also find the Registrar's Office here. Just step inside and tell Marissa at the front desk who you're here to see. 

But wait? Who else is in here??

5. Yours truly

That's right, in addition to a myriad of deans and registrar staff, you can also meet with either of us: Nina and Pooja, the student assistants! There are a few ways that you can get in touch with us if you're looking for some student-to-student quality time and exceptional advice. One way is by emailing the normal First Year email, first-year@barnard.edu. 

Another way to find the student assistants is by stopping by our walk-in hours. With no appointment needed, these are times when you can just stop in and chat with a student assistant about anything you need help with. This summer, you can find Nina on Mondays from 11-12 pm and Wednesdays from 2-3 pm and you can find Pooja on Tuesdays from 10-11 am and Thursdays from 3-4 pm. 

TL;DR:

To get connected with someone in the Dean's Office, you can:

• Email first-year@barnard.edu
• Book a meeting with Dean Garay here
• Stop by Emergency Hours in Milbank 105, Monday-Thursday 3:30-4:30 (ONLY DURING ACADEMIC YEAR)
• Visit Nina or Pooja's walk in hours on Zoom

Introducing the Barnard Beginnings Team: Nina

                                         

Hi First-Years!

Congratulations on graduating and wrapping up gap years, and happy summer! I’m Nina (she/her), and I am a rising junior at Barnard. I am one of the Student Assistants to the First-Year Team, which means you will be hearing and seeing a lot of me for the next few months. This is my second summer in the Deans' Office, and I am so excited to get to know all of you!

I am from Milton, MA, which is right outside of Boston. I am majoring in English and currently toying with the idea of a minor in something to be determined (thinking psych, poli sci, art history, etc). In terms of campus activities, I am the Publicist/Community Chair for Barnard Bookworms. Outside of Barnard, I love reading, shopping, true crime documentaries (law school??), cafe/museum/bookstore hopping, the beach, being a foodie, and hanging out with friends and family!

Two years ago I was in the exact same position as you all, anxiously awaiting emails about course registration, buying tons of items for my dorm, and saying goodbye to my loved ones. The last two years at Barnard have been memorable and I've learned so much not only in an academic sense, but also about myself. Being in college is a huge transition as everyone knows, but it is one that challenges you for the better. At first it is definitely hard to adjust, but time will be your best friend. I am so excited to serve as a helpful guide in navigating your preparation for college, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. Barnard is the place for me, and I hope all of you will confidently be able to say the same thing too!

If you have any questions about absolutely anything, please reach out to the First-Year Team. Be sure to shoot us an email at first-year@barnard.edu, or follow our Instagram @barnardfirstyear. If you have any questions about my experience at Barnard thus far, my Barnard email is nto2109@barnard.edu and my Instagram is @ninaoloughlin_, and I also have Walk-In Hours on Zoom on Mondays at 11 AM EST and Wednesdays at 2 PM EST.

I can’t wait to work with you all this summer!! 

First Year Experience (FYE) Explained

Hi first-years! Welcome to the much anticipated "FYE, Explained" blog post! Prepare for all your First-Year Experience questions to be answered.

As part of Barnard's Foundations Curriculum, there are 3 required courses Barnard first-years must take. Two of these courses are First-Year Writing (FYW) and First-Year Seminar (FYS) (the third is a physical education class, but we can talk more about that later). You’ll take an FYW class one semester and an FYS class the other semester during your first year at Barnard. These 2 FY required courses (FYW and FYS) are collectively called "First-Year Experience" (FYE).

Let’s Break These Courses Down:

1) First-Year Writing is a writing-intensive course with two options offered:  First-Year Writing: Critical Conversations and First-Year Writing Workshop. So what’s the difference between these options?

2) First-Year Writing: Critical Conversations are small, discussion-based writing courses that introduce students to academic writing in college. Students read challenging literary texts and critical scholarship, helping to develop fundamental skills in analysis and writing. The critical reading, discussion, and academic writing skills that First-Year Writing focuses on provide a foundation that is useful in every course you will take at Barnard and across disciplines. Each FYW course focuses on a special topic and has a different reading list to reflect the conversations you will have. You can find descriptions of course listings for fall FYW courses here.

3) First-Year Writing Workshop is similar to First-Year Writing: Critical Conversations as they share the same goals and almost the same syllabus, but there are a few differences. First-Year Writing Workshop is designed for students who feel they would benefit from some extra  support with their critical reading and academic writing skills. It provides additional preparation for students to strengthen their writing in their first year before moving on to higher-level courses. First-Year Writing (FYW) and First-Year Writing Workshop (FYWW) are equally rigorous, and both fulfill your First-Year Writing requirement. However, FYWW courses are slightly smaller than FYW courses; they meet 3 times a week instead of twice a week; and they are worth 4 credits instead of 3 (to account for the extra class time required).  FYWW is only offered in the fall semester while FYW is offered both in the fall semester and spring semester. To request one of the limited spots available in FYWW, make sure to fill out your First-Year Experience Preference Form.

A note about reading lists: every course has a fairly extensive reading list and many will require you to have your own copy of the text. The cost of books for courses can be quite high, but don't let this deter you from signing up for a course. The Barnard Library and FLIP Library provide free copies of course books to borrow for the semester, some readings will be available online for free, and older students often sell their old course books at a low-cost. Later this summer we'll have a post about text-book affordability, but if you have any questions or concerns before then, feel free to email first-year@barnard.edu.

4) First-Year Seminars are courses designed to help ease students into academic life at Barnard. These classes tend to be more discussion-based and have fewer writing assignments. First-Year Seminars fall into two categories: Reacting to the Past and Special Topics. Reacting to the Past (RTTP) is a course designed by Barnard’s very own history professor Mark Carnes. In RTTP you’ll reenact historical events using pertinent texts. In RTTP, you may pose as an ancient Greek philosopher arguing about government, participate in the trial of Anne Hutchinson, or give a speech on labor laws as an activist in early 20th century America. Special topic courses are designed by individual professors and often taken an interdisciplinary approach to ideas like justice, ethics, and liberation. FYS courses are designed to help you think critically and articulate your ideas verbally, skills you’ll definitely need for the rest of your life. See a list of the Fall 2021 FYS offerings here.

So Which One Should You Take in the Fall?

Here’s the deal. Before it comes time to register for First-Year Experience classes later this summer, you’ll be notified if you should register for First-Year Writing: Critical Conversations, First-Year Writing Workshop, or First-Year Seminar. This is done so students are evenly distributed across the 3 different courses and people can be in classes that best benefit them. If you are assigned First-Year Writing Critical Conversations for the fall, you MUST register for a First-Year Writing course and you will be unable to register for a First-Year Writing Workshop or First-Year Seminar course. Remember that you will be assigned to a category of a course, not a specific class itself. You will still need to register for a specific class.

(Confused about registration? Don't worry! That will happen later this summer and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to register and explain the whole process in a few weeks.)

If you want to start working on your writing skills right away, then you should request to take First-Year Writing or First-Year Writing Workshop in the fall. Otherwise, you can take either.

What Do You Need To Do Now?

If you would like to request to be placed in a specific category of courses, please fill out this form. If you do not request a placement, we will randomly assign you. The deadline to request placement is June 14th EST. If you have more questions, this FYE FAQ page may be helpful. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when requesting to be placed in FYE:

Requests are not a guarantee that you’ll be placed in that course. We’ll try our best to honor your request, but it's not always possible. Finally, requesting placement in an FYE course is not registering for a course. Registering for First-Year Writing and Seminar will take place later this summer and a ton more info about that process will be posted soon.

If you have any more questions, please email first-year@barnard.edu.

Introducing the Barnard Beginnings Team: Lauren

 

Hello First Years!

Welcome to Barnard! My name is Lauren Quach (pronouns: she/her) and I am the Administrative Assistant to the First-Year and Senior Class Deans in the Deans' Office for Advising and Support as well as a member of the First-Year Team! I have been working at Barnard for over two years. I am looking forward to helping you navigate through the summer as you prepare for your first year at Barnard!

I was born and raised in The Bronx. Prior to my arrival at Barnard, I went to college for my undergraduate at SUNY University at Buffalo from 2015-2019 where I studied and received my B.A. in psychology with a minor in counseling. During my time at UB, I worked in two labs in their psychology department as an Undergraduate Research Assistant during my junior and senior year. After finishing college, I returned back to NYC and went on to pursue my masters at the Fordham University Graduate School of Education from 2019-2021 where I studied and received my M.S.E. in Counseling and Personnel Services (School Counseling). While completing my graduate studies, I did my counseling internship at The High School for Math, Science, and Engineering where I counseled 9th-12th grade students using solution-focused and person-centered approaches to address issues such as academic performance, social-emotional issues, attendance, and college and career readiness. I also provided college counseling where I educated students about graduation requirements, the college application process, scholarships, post-high school options, and served in leadership roles such as SAT and AP Administration Assistant Coordinator and Project Manager for 11th Grade Individual Family College Prep Meetings.

When I am not working, I love to spend my free time reading books and comics, playing video games, exercising (particularly cycling and jogging or taking walks outside), watching TV and movies (especially animation), listening to music, and attending fan conventions such as New York Comic Con!

Please feel free to reach out to us at first-year@barnard.edu if you have any questions and check the blog regularly! We are more than happy to help and make your transition into Barnard as smooth as possible!

A Rundown on Barnard Beginnings

 Hi First-Years!

Yes, that’s you: CLASS OF 2028! We are so excited to welcome you on campus.  Before that happens, we hope to provide a run down on most things academic as well as advise you on other aspects of the college experience in preparation for your arrival at Barnard. 

WELCOME TO BARNARD BEGINNINGS!

So What is Barnard Beginnings?

Barnard Beginnings is the umbrella term used to refer to the content delivered by the Dean’s Office for Advising and Support during the summer to help the first-year class transition smoothly to the College. Over the next three months, we will communicate with you frequently via emails, our Blog, our Instagram, and most importantly our First Year Guide volumes to keep you informed of relevant and timely information. This ranges from topics such as class registration to academic and social support to our favorite dining halls. 

 

Who’s on the team?

Our team is comprised of the First-Year Dean Wendy Garay, Administrative Assistant to the Dean Lauren Quach, and two Student Assistants to the Dean  Nina O'Loughlin and Pooja Rayapaneni. You can expect to hear from us often!

What Other Barnard Beginnings Programming Should I Expect?

• First-Year Guide Volumes every 2-weeks

• Weekly Q & A’s on our Instagram

• Academic Planning & Registration Sessions

• Department Meetings for Prospective Majors 

• Blog Posts 

• Academic Coaching Sessions

The above list is not comprehensive but, hopefully, provides a good idea of what to expect.

Where Should I Go If I Have Any Questions?

We have all been in your shoes and have had dozens of questions on everything related to college. This is why we are all so excited to start working with you. We are here to help! Below are the best ways to reach the first-year team.

Nina and Pooja will host walk-in  hours over Zoom every week to answer your many questions. 

• Nina’s Office Hours: Monday, 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM EST & Wednesday, 2:00-3:00 PM EST

• Pooja’s Office Hours: Tuesday, 10:00-11:00 AM EST & Thursday, 3:00-4:00 PM EST

You can also email the first-year team with your questions at first-year@barnard.edu and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Dean Garay will also host multiple sessions this summer during which she will discuss all things related to academic planning and registration. You will be required to participate in one (1) of these sessions. You will also gain access to her personal calendar for 1:1 appointments after the final session. The sessions will inform future meetings with Dean Garay and faculty advisers so be sure to sign up when the meeting link becomes available in early June.

We will pause her for now. Just know that we are ready to take this journey with you and look forward to meeting you all!