This site serves as a central source of information for first-year students at Barnard. There will be regular updates with explanations of academic policies, procedures and deadlines; information from academic programs and departments; and announcements about opportunities for fellowships, grants and scholarships -- so bookmark this site and check it often!
Now that registration is fully in Vergil, are you feeling confused about which website to use for which tasks around your academic record?
Worry no more! The Registrar has you covered with this handy chart.
Also: Pro Tip: Almost anything that you need to do with courses/your record can be found under the Academics tab in the Barnard Portal.
Dear First-Year Students,
A quick reminder as you prepare your schedules:
General Chemistry I (CHEM BC2001) is the only introductory chemistry course at Barnard and is open to all students, regardless of prior chemistry experience. The Chemistry Department offers support for students with little or no background in the subject.
Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
CHEM BC2001 is a five-credit course offered only in the fall and includes both lecture and lab.
You must register for both CHEM BC2001 (lecture) and CHEM BC2012 (lab) to be enrolled. The lab carries no separate credit.
Lab sections are limited due to space and safety. Please choose one that does not conflict with your classes, responsibilities, or personal/religious obligations. Lab section changes are not guaranteed after registration.
All students will be waitlisted for CHEM BC2001 at first and admitted once lab registration is confirmed. If you don’t register for a lab, you won’t be able to enroll in the course.
Once enrolled, dropping either lecture or lab will remove you from the course.
If you need to switch sections, email genchem@barnard.edu with your full availability and details of any conflicts.
If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help as needed!
Best,
The First-Year Team
Hi First Years!
Dear First-Year Students,
If you're interested in exploring Creative Writing during your time here, this message is for you—straight from the Creative Writing Program!
Welcome to Barnard! The Barnard Creative Writing Program offers courses for all experience levels, with workshops focusing on prose, poetry, and playwriting. All undergrads are eligible to apply regardless of their major (or intended major), and are both welcome and encouraged to do so. Please click here for a short guide to the Creative Writing Program and the application process for creative writing courses, and click here to see our Fall 2025 course offerings in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting. Applications close on Sunday, August 3rd at 11:59PM. If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to Department Assistant Miriam Kumaradoss-Hohauser at mkumarad@barnard.edu and they'll be glad to assist you.
Hello First-Years!
Please take a look at the following flyer down below regarding languages Barnard offers at the elementary and/or intermediate levels.
Best,
The First-Year Team
Hey First-Years!
We have some exciting news! A new course designed especially for pre-health first-years is available this fall:
Tu/Th 8:40–9:55 AM | 4.5 credits | Includes lab
This course is ideal for Biology majors and non-science majors on the pre-med or pre-dental track. It covers key physics concepts with a health-focused approach and satisfies the lab-based physics requirement for most medical schools.
Limited to 27 students First-year priority enrollment Conceptual, biophysics-infused approach Same textbook as PHYS BC2001
Some calculus background is expected—if you're unsure, talk to the instructor or consider pairing it with Calculus I.
Note: If you're majoring in Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Astrophysics, or Astronomy, you should take PHYS BC2001 instead
As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out at first-year@barnard.edu or the relevant offices!
Best,
The First Year Team
Hey First Years,
We hope you're all having a lovely Tuesday so far. If you are interested in taking American Sign Language, Chinese, Italian, or Korean, then please contact Professor Laurie Postlewate at lpostlewate@barnard.edu for help with individual questions and support!
As always, if you have any question, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at first-year@barnard.edu :)
Best,
The First Year Team
Hey First Years!
Are you thinking about taking French to fulfill your language requirement?? If yes, then listen up!!
Just a quick note from the French department: the French Placement Exam is now open and will be reviewed every few days. All students with previous experience in French need to take the exam—unless they earned a 5 on the AP or a 7 on the IB.
Only Elementary to Intermediate French courses are available for early registration. Those interested in upper-level courses will be able to register once regular registration begins in August.
Thanks, and best of luck to everyone taking the exam!
Warm regards,
The First-Year Team
Hi everyone,
We wanted to share an important update about BIOL BC1500 (Introduction to Biology) lab registration.
Hey First-Years,
We have a special message straight from the Deans' Office for Advising and Support...
We are so excited to welcome you to Barnard College! The Deans' 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 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. 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