Computer Science open house on April 7th!

Hello First-Years!

Please see the flyer down below for an upcoming open house for Computer Science taking place on Tuesday, April 7th from 4:00-5:30PM in Milstein 514 - CSC Social Space if your are interested!

Office Hours with Fall 2026 Registration Coming Up

Good morning, First-Years!

I hope your breaks were as restorative or exciting as you intended! I just wanted to send a reminder, with class registration fast approaching, that I am happy to chat about any questions, worries, or concerns you all might have. My office hours are technically Thursdays 4-5pm, but if that doesn't work for your schedule, we can certainly find a time. Additionally, if you email first-year@barnard.edu, I will respond ASAP (generally by the next morning).

Seven weeks until you're sophomores, cheers!

Sophia

First-Year Class Dean 2025-2026 Walk-In Hours! -- Walk-ins canceled today on 3/16!

Got a quick question?

Need to talk to a dean ASAP?

If you have something complicated or want to be sure you can talk at length, please make an appointment via Dean Siegel's online scheduler.

Mondays 3:30-4:30pm Eastern Time -- Walk-ins are canceled on 3/16

• Enter waiting room via this Walk-In Hours Zoom Link or visit 105 Milbank,
  
• We will see students on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• If we run out of time and can't see you, we apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to schedule an appointment, to try walk-ins on a different day, or for time-sensitive matters, to call the office at 212-854-2024 during business hours.

Fridays 2:00-3:30pm Eastern Time

• Enter waiting room via this Friday Afternoon Walk-In Hours Zoom Link or visit 105 Milbank.
  
• We will see students on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• If we run out of time and can't see you, we apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to schedule an appointment, to try walk-ins on a different day, or for time-sensitive matters, to call the office at 212-854-2024 during business hours.

NOTE: If you need to schedule an appointment with Dean Siegel, please note that she typically works remotely on Tuesdays, so all meetings will be conducted virtually over Zoom or via phone call ONLY on that day

Housing Zine

Happy Soon-to-be Spring Break!

For those of you who live on campus, the Housing Lottery can seem like a momentous undertaking, but despite the chaos, all tends to end up the way it should! I made a zine to walk through the process, but make sure to click around the Barnard Room Selection page for the best information! The Available Rooms Sheet will be added sometime over break!

Click here for the zine!

Hope you all get some much-needed rest!

Sophia

How to elect the P/D/F option by the **May 4** deadline

The last day to elect or undo the p/d/f option is the last day of classes, May 4, 2026 (unlike in past years, it is not the same as the W deadline -- W deadline remains March 26).

**Special note for graduating seniors-- you cannot uncover grades of P from a course taken during  your last semester. 

Also, note that courses taken p/d/f this year are subject to the current rules. Read all about p/d/f on the Registrar's website.

• Barnard students can elect P/D/F grading in one course per term during the academic year (fall/spring).  This is in addition to any courses with mandatory pass/fail grading.  A class in which the P grade is uncovered is still counted towards the one course per term P/D/F limit.
• Classes taken for P/D/F grading can be applied to general education requirements. 
• You cannot elect P/D/F grading for any course that is needed to fulfill major or minor requirements.  It is your responsibility to be sure that you understand this policy and to consult with your department if you have any questions.  Please note that if you elect P/D/F grading in a class that your Department Chair determines is required for your major or minor requirements, the “pass” grade will be administratively uncovered by the Registrar’s Office at the point of graduation, which could affect both your term and cumulative gpa. Dean’ List status can also be affected by this.

Grading

The instructor is not informed when a student elects the P/D/F grading option. The instructor will assign a letter grade in SSOL, which will be converted to P/D/F on your transcript.

A letter grade of A+ through C- will appear on the transcript as a P, and will not count in the gpa.
A letter grade of D will appear on the transcript as a D, and will count in the gpa.
A letter grade of F will appear on the transcript as an F, and will count in the gpa.

To elect 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.

-This option is open in Vergil through the P/D/F deadline (see academic calendar).

-If you are already registered for the class, click the "manage" button and change the grading option to P/D/F.

-If you are newly registering for the class, you can select the P/D/F grading option while registering.

This form can be used to elect Pass/D/Fail for a course where that option is not available in Vergil.

Pro Tip:

-If you drop or officially withdraw from a class that you had previously p/d/f'd, you should also revoke the p/d/f so that it won't count towards your p/d/f limit.

FAQ:

Q: My course doesn't have a P/D/F option in Vergil! Does that mean I can't take it p/d/f????

A: No! If you can't elect p/d/f in Vergil, you can use this Slate form to do it!

The Peter Juviler and Dennis Dalton Human Rights Fellowship Fund

The Peter Juviler and Dennis Dalton Human Rights Fellowship Fund supports summer research and internships for students studying human rights, social justice, and peace studies. This fund is open to all students. To apply, you must submit a proposal, budget, a letter of support from a Barnard or Columbia faculty member, and a letter of support from an affiliate organization by Friday, March 13, 2026.

Below are guidelines for the application: 

The Proposal (two pages maximum, double spaced, one-inch margins): A narrative description of the research project and how the funds will contribute to its success. Questions to consider: 

• Where do you intend to go? 
• What will you do there and how long will you need to stay? 
• Have you made contact with any on-site individuals or institutions whose cooperation will be critical to your research? If yes, provide details. 
• How has your research grown out of your academic pursuits? 

Letter of Recommendation: The faculty letter of support should be written by a person familiar with your project and should address both the importance of this project and your qualifications. 

Proposed Budget: A one-page detailed budget, preferably in chart form. Provide details regarding  expenses including transportation, daily living costs such as lodging and food, and other fees or costs associated with your project.  Past grants have generally been in the $2500-$3000 range.  

A letter of support from an affiliate organization: The affiliate letter should be written by a person who you will work closely with and has an understanding of how you will engage with the organization. 

If your project involves human subjects, please go to the Respectful Treatment of Research Participants page and click on the link for Student as PI Worksheet, and submit the completed form with your proposal. Proposals will be reviewed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Honors. Bear in mind that although some members of the Committee may be experts in your field, most will not be; it will be wise to tailor your proposal accordingly. Grant recipients will be required to provide a report (of up to three pages) describing how the funding contributed to their project or overall academic or intellectual growth.

Please direct any questions to Professor Timothy Vasko at tvasko@barnard.edu, Director of the Human Rights Program, or to Dean Erica Siegel at esiegel@barnard.edu

Submit Your Electronic Application

The Barnard Writing and Speaking Center is Open!

Hello First-Years!

We are excited to announce that the Writing and Speaking Center is open! Now, you can begin scheduling appointments to meet with our fellows.

The Center is here to support you at any stage of your writing or speaking projects—whether you’re brainstorming, drafting, revising, or preparing a presentation!

Writing Fellows are generous and critical readers who ask questions to help writers clarify, explain, expand, and explore their writing. We believe–and our practice reflects–that every piece a writer brings us belongs to the voice of the writer. We are active and interested observers. 

Speaking Fellows are trained peers who support students in all speaking-related projects and processes. This includes helping students overcome fears about speaking in public, preparing for presentations, facilitating or participating in classroom discussions, and more!

Science Writing Fellows are a subset of the Writing Fellows program. They support all students in developing tools to describe and interpret data, use scientific language clearly and concisely, and blend the skills learned in humanities classes with scientific ones. 

Creative Writing Fellows are a new subset of the Writing Fellows program. They support students working on creative writing of any form at any stage –brainstorming, revising, editing, receiving feedback, and more!

All fellows can work with all types of writing and students. You can make an appointment here

We look forward to working with you this semester!

Sincerely,

Pam Cobrin (pcobrin@barnard.edu)

Director, Barnard Writing Fellows Program

Daniela Kempf (dkempf@barnard.edu)

Associate Director, Barnard Speaking Program

Alex Watson (awatson@barnard.edu)

Associate Director, Barnard Writing Fellows Program

Diya Reddy (dkr2126@barnard.edu)

Program Administrator, Barnard Writing and Speaking Programs

Maisha Alam (malam@barnard.edu)

Science Fellow Coordinator, Barnard Writing Fellows Program

Honor Board Application and Tabling!

Hello First-Years!

Please see the flyer down below if you are interested in applying to join the Honor Board for the 2026-2027 academic year! You can find the application form here. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 27th by 11:59PM

There will be an Honor Board Recruitment Tabling taking place next week on Wednesday, March 11th from 2PM-4PM and Thursday, March 12th from 12PM-2PM in the Diana Center Lobby. If you have time next week, please feel free to stop by the table and say hi!

Philosophy Program Planning

Happy Almost-Weekend, First-Years!

Check out the Philosophy Major Program Planning Meeting! Banter with the big thinkers of Barnard Tuesday, March 10th, from 4-5 in Milbank 326! Use this link to join their mailing list!

Have a great weekend!

Sophia

Academic Coaching walk-in hours!

We are now in the second half of the semester, and the Academic Coaches in the Deans’ Office for Advising and Support are here to help you cross the finish line with tips, tricks, and a space to get stuff done!

If you are feeling stressed about exams and papers, need help organizing your study plan, or want to learn some new study strategies, come chat with an academic coach. 

Sign up for a time that works for you using this RSVP form. Walk-in hours will be held before and after spring break and the two weeks before reading period. 

We hope to see you there!

How do I withdraw from a class with a W by the March 26 deadline?

 

 

The deadline to withdraw from a spring 2026 class is March 26. Withdrawn classes will not affect your GPA and you will not earn credit for them, but they will remain on your transcript, and a W will be entered in place of the final grade. 

Note: You may not withdraw from a class if doing so would leave you with fewer than 12 credits.

 

To withdraw from a class, use this online form , following these steps:


1. Consult with your adviser.

2. Get an email from your adviser confirming they approve you to withdraw from this specific class.

3. Download that email as a PDF or save a screenshot of it.

4. Complete and submit the online W form on or before the W deadline, uploading your adviser’s confirmation email when prompted to do so.

5. You will receive an email confirmation once your W request is processed, ordinarily within two business days. 

6. Within a week or so, you will see a W next to the class on your transcript.

Architecture Program Planning Meeting

Happy Thursday!

The Architecture Program is having a planning meeting on April 1st (no joke...)! See the flyer below for details!

You should go!!

Sophia

English and Film Studies Program Planning Meetings

Happy Friday, First-Years!

See the posters below about the English (3/23) and Film Studies (4/8) Program Meetings!

Have a great weekend!

Sophia

Undergraduate Statistics Open-House!

Please come to our undergraduate statistics open-house tomorrow, Friday the 20th, from noon to 3:00 p.m. in 309 Uris..  It is an opportunity to hear about the majors and minors and joint-majors in Statistics.  (The catering should be pretty good, too.)

Also, the Department is engaged in modernizing our undergraduate offerings in Statistics and would be very glad to hear your thoughts about your interests for content in data science, artificial intelligence, and classical statistics, how best to serve the need for training in statistical computation in this new AI world, and how to provide programming tailored to cohorts who want to understand the mathematics and theory behind the methods, and cohorts who care exclusively about developing skills and critical thinking for the use of methods.

PS: Please send email to dr105@columbia if you would like to be added to the Statistics Department’s list-serve for notices about research and funding and extracurricular opportunities in Statistics.

2026-27 Toddler Center Seminar Information Session

Hi, First-Years!

Below is a flyer for an Info Session about working in the Toddler Center! (Do note you must take Developmental Psychology first!!) 

This is the Zoom link for the session on March 3rd at 4:15pm.

This is the Toddler Center Website.

Bye!

Sophia

Peer Mentoring Program Hiring for 2026-27!

Hello First-Years!

Access Barnard would like to share that their Peer Mentoring Program is now hiring new mentors for the 2026-27 academic year! Applications are due on Friday, March 6th!

Please see the flyer below for more information! You can find the link to the application here!

Apply to join the BSAR team!

Hello First-Years!

The Office of Admissions is looking for enthusiastic students for the Fall 2026 Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR) team! 

More than just tour guides, Barnard Student Admissions Representatives (BSARs) serve as storytellers, ambassadors, and vital resources for the future Barnard students and their families. BSARs share their experiences through campus tours, virtual panels, and interactions via email and phone calls. BSARs gain valuable public speaking experience and organization skills, all while learning more about college admissions. BSARs work closely with the professional Barnard Admissions staff and can serve on BSAR committees assisting with projects like event planning, social media content creation, college access initiatives, alumnae engagement, and more. The BSAR role offers a dynamic opportunity to grow professional skills while sharing enthusiasm for Barnard with others. 

If you are interested in joining the BSAR team, you can complete this application form and apply with your resume on Workday by Sunday, February 22nd at 11:59PM EST.

All transfer students (both Fall and Spring transfers) are welcome to apply!

German Program Planning meeting on February 27th!

Hello First-Years!

The German Department will be holding a virtual open house on Friday, February 27th from 3-4PM for all students interested in a major/minor or in new German courses being offered next semester if you are interested! 

The meeting will be held over Zoom, which you can join through this link here! You may also find the Zoom meeting information down below!

------

The German Department is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: GERMAN OPEN HOUSE

Time: Feb 27, 2026 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/99998697289?pwd=oAgayV3CbvSbFKXcpiBHEXLD0Dj1rO.1

Meeting ID: 999 9869 7289

Passcode: 034573

Hello!! I'm a new Student Assistant in the Dean's Office!

Hi First-Years!

I'm Sophia Brown, a new Student Assistant working in the Dean's Office. I'm from St. Louis, Missouri, and I'm a second-year majoring in Latin and Cognitive Science with a focus in Cognitive Linguistics. I currently am the Games Editor of The Columbia Federalist (look out for our newest issue on 2/13!!), a set designer for the Ancient Greek play Orestes (running 4/14-4/18), and an avid mahjong player. I like to swim (kinda slowly) in Uris Pool, LOVE playing the NYT's crosswords on Crosswithfriends.com (so I can get some help from my long-distance friends), and ardently miss my three dogs. This semester, I've also started an internship working to support and elect pro-choice women across the state of New York! I'll be here to try to answer any questions you may have (walk-in hours coming 🔜), respond to emails, help run the Instagram, and overall, hope to ease your experience! 

Excited to jump in!

Sophia 

(me on my first day of 14th grade ⬇️)

Stop by Friday FLI-Bys to meet with FLI advisors!

Hello First-Years!

Please see the flyer down below for Friday FLI-Bys if you are looking to meet with FLI advisors to seek advice or simply talk with! They are held every Friday from 12PM-2PM in the Access Barnard lounge located in Milbank 111!

Attend Barnard's TEDx Event on February 20th!

Hello First-Years!

Attend Barnard’s TEDx Event on Friday, February 20th from 6:30–8:00 PM in the Diana Event Oval! Enjoy free dinner while hearing from incredible student speakers as they share thought-provoking talks on topics like achievement culture, solitude, and media consumption. 

Come support your peers and be inspired by their calls to action for the Barnard community. RSVP now!

Meet Your Title VI/Title IX Coordinator!

Hello First-Years,

Please see the flyer down below for information about Sara Olszak, our Title VI/Title IX Coordinator here at Barnard and her office hours she will be holding on Monday, February 23rd from 11AM-1PM in Elliot Hall 106K and virtually over Zoom on Friday, February 27th from 3PM-5PM if you would like to learn more about the Office of Nondiscrimination and how they can help support students!

How to drop a class by the Feb 24 deadline

Friday, 1/30/2025 was the deadline to add a class, but you can still drop up to the February 24 deadline (after the drop deadline, you can withdraw with a W on or before March 26)

Follow the easy online steps below to drop a class on or before the deadline. 

1. Contact your adviser to discuss and obtain their approval

Best practice is to have an advising conversation where you discuss options and any possible implications of this drop on your full-time status or your graduation progress, but depending on how much you and your adviser have already discussed things, they may agree to review and approve your form without such a meeting

 

2. Submit the online Drop Request Form

You will only be able to drop online if your adviser grants permission. Be sure that you are not attempting to drop below 12 credits unless approved via CARDS or as a final-semester senior  -- the system will not allow drop below 12 credits without additional approval, and there are separate processes for the approved situations.

 

3. Once your adviser grants permission, you will receive an email informing you that you have permission to drop the class(es) discussed.

While this adviser permission is for the specific class you request, functionally it reopens your ability to drop in general, so be sure to drop the right class and nothing else.

 

4. **Do NOT forget this step!!!** You will have two days to drop the class on Vergil.*

If you don't drop within the 2-day window, you will need to request permission again. 

*Note that you must drop on or before the drop deadline if you want the class removed from your transcript.

Study Abroad Fair on February 10th!

Hello First-Years!

Please take a look at the flyer down below for the upcoming Study Abroad Fair taking place on Tuesday, February 10th from 4-6PM in the Diana Event Oval if you are interested in studying abroad during your time at Barnard!

You may also find information about applying for study abroad in 2026-2027 in this blog post here! The deadline for Spring 2027 programs is Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Urban Studies Program Planning Meeting on April 7th!

Hello First-Years!

Interested in majoring in Urban Studies? Please see the flyer below for the Barnard-Columbia Urban Studies Program Planning Meeting taking place on Tuesday, April 7th at 6:15PM located in Diana 308 if you would like to attend and learn more about their program!

Register for the Spring 2026 Francine LeFrak Financial Well-Being Undergraduate Certificate Program!

Take Ownership of Your Financial Well-Being

The Francine LeFrak Financial Well-Being Undergraduate Certificate Program is an 8-week student-led financial education program with a curriculum specialized for college students by college students to jumpstart your journey towards financial freedom. Learn about budgeting, saving, investing, & so much more from Barnard peers! Register here.

Build Healthier Relationships

What if love were something we were taught — with intention, thought, and care? The brand new 7-week relationship management certificate program (express your interest here), offered through the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being, invites students to explore what it means to build healthy, meaningful relationships in today’s world. Through guided discussions, interactive activities, and reflective exercises, participants will develop foundational skills around communication, boundaries, consent, navigating endings, grief, and digital connections. This certificate program is facilitated by the Clery Interns in collaboration with the Being Barnard team and is designed to support students in building confidence in their interpersonal relationships, both in person and online. Questions Email lefrakcenter@barnard.edu.

Hot Chocolate Table on February 5th for Summer Session!

Hello First-Years!

We wanted to share a message from Bo Hubbard, Associate Director of Summer Session & Pre-College Programs, about Summer Session here at Barnard. They are currently underway with getting courses set and would love to have students and faculty exposed to these course opportunities.

Registration is set to open on Tuesday, March 3rd and are hosting a hot chocolate table on Thursday, February 5th from 11AM-1PM in Barnard Hall to connect with students. You may find more information about the event here! You can also look through the Summer at Barnard page for further information!

Apply to study abroad in 2026-27!

Hello First-Years!

The Preliminary Barnard application to study abroad in 2026-27 is OPEN! Start your application at passport.barnard.edu. All Barnard students must submit this application in order to be approved to study abroad for a semester or academic year. Review step by step instructions for how to apply here. 

Please note the NEW application deadline below:

Spring 2027 programs: March 15, 2026

For summer study abroad, the Summer 2026 Clearance Form is due by April 15, 2026. 

Questions? Visit passport.barnard.edu or email studyabroad@barnard.edu for questions.

First Year FAQ: Can I take classes that overlap?

  

Short answer: NO

Even if a class may be recorded, you my not take two classes that overlap, as the expectation is that students will attend classes in-person and synchronously, as there is no substitute for the learning experience of interacting with faculty and fellow students in person and in real time.

Longer answer: Very occasionally, in very specific circumstances, and by petition only

Okay; how do I petition?

Contact your class dean for information about how to petition the Committee on Programs and Academic Standing to take overlapping classes. Once the semester begins, petitions submitted by Thursday will be considered at the following Thursday's CPAS meeting.

How likely is it that my petition will be approved?

Such petitions are only rarely approved. Petitions with a greater chance of success will include:

• Both classes are required (major or general education req)
• Both can only be taken this semester due to compelling reason like impending graduation
  
• Both faculty members are aware of the conflict and support the petition
• Course overlap is minimal, e.g. 10-15 minutes (including travel time!) once a week.
• You/your instructors have a plan to make up the missing content which is more than just watching a recording.
  

What should I do while I'm waiting to know if my petition is approved?

• Add a "Plan B" course to keep your options open
• If you're currently registered for both conflicting classes, stay in them. If your petition is not approved, you will ultimately need to drop one. If you don't drop one, the registrar will drop whichever was most recently added.
  
• If you're not registered for both classes, the system will not let you register for conflicting courses, though you may plan or waitlist for a course that conflicts with a registered course. We recommend that you strategically register for whichever course is more important and/or more likely to fill up if you wait.

Cognitive Science Open House on February 11th!

Hello First-Years!

Please see the flyer below for the upcoming Cognitive Science Open House that will be on Wednesday, February 11 from 6-7PM in 304 Barnard Hall if you are interested in pursuing the major!