Parallel Play | Working Hours for Students

 

We encourage you to come to the CEP for Parallel Play with Pals, which are our open working hours for students. These weekly sessions in Milstein 126 are a great time and place to get some studying done.   The hours for parallel play are:  • Mondays, 3-6pm • Wednesdays, 2-4pm • Thursdays, 2-4pm • Fridays 10am-12pm

Important End-of-the-Semester Information for Completion of Coursework

 

Dear Students,   As we come to the end of the fall semester, the Deans’ Office for Advising and Support wants to update you about final exam information and academic resources. We also want to remind you what to do if you experience anything that impacts your ability to complete work for your courses and final exams.   One of the most important things to remember if you are experiencing difficulties is to reach out to your instructor and/or Class Dean. Your class dean is available to discuss your specific situation and offer advice and options.   Academic Resources   • Academic Coaching Finals Prep Sessions: The Academic Coaches in the Deans’ Office for Advising and Support are here to help you cross the finish line this semester with tips, tricks, and snacks! If you are feeling stressed for finals, need help organizing your study plan, or want to learn some new study strategies, drop in to see an academic coach during Reading Period, Tuesday (12/12)-Friday (12/15), from 1-4pm in Milbank 227.  Academic Coach Allie Johnston will also hold additional walk-in hours in 105 Milbank throughout the exam period. Email Allie for the schedule or to set up a consultation.   • Personal Librarians: As you complete your final assignments for this semester, contact Barnard Library’s research and instruction team (Personal Librarians) for any support needed around research-based assignments, including senior projects. Librarians are available for individual consultations about ways to access online research materials and meet citation requirements for your papers and projects. Personal Librarians can assist in finding e-books, full-text articles, and open access sources.  • Center for Engaged Pedagogy: The CEP has put together helpful guides for time management, active reading strategies, and a resource map that points you to various supports. • Center for Accessibility Resources & Disability Services (CARDS): Students who are registered with the Barnard Center for Accessibility Resources & Disability Services (CARDS) and have accommodations should be in touch with CARDS as needed to ensure that their accommodations align with end-of-term assignments. If a faculty member has specific questions about how to implement accommodations in their courses, CARDS is available for individual consultation at cards@barnard.edu.   FINAL EXAMINATION INFORMATION:   All students and instructors are expected to follow the official exam schedule. If you find yourself scheduled for three exams within a 24-hour period or four within 48 hours, you should fill out this form.   If you find that you need to take your exam on a different day during the final exams period, please contact your instructor and make arrangements directly with them (this is different from a deferred exam -- see below). Individual faculty members have discretion to allow or deny requests to take an exam at a time different than originally scheduled. If you need assistance with communicating with an instructor, you may contact your Class Dean. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and/or have been advised by the College to quarantine and/or isolate when you otherwise would be taking an in-person exam, please be in touch with your Class Dean to discuss possible options.   DEFERRED EXAMS:   Students may defer an exam due to illness or personal emergency on the day of the exam. If you need to request a deferral, you must:   a) Email your instructor, copying your class dean, on the day of the exam requesting a deferred exam.   b) You must also submit an official request for a deferred exam in Slate. You will need to upload an approval email from your instructor when you submit the Slate form.     c) Deferred exams will be given on Friday, January 19, 2024 and Monday, January 22, 2024. After submitting the Request for a Deferred Exam form, you will receive a confirmation email. It is your responsibility to check the registrar's website and your Barnard email the previous week for the details of your deferred exam.   Please be aware that deferred exams cannot be requested in advance of exam week. For more information, visit https://barnard.edu/registrar/grades-exams and scroll down to "Final and Deferred Exams."    ILLNESS DURING EXAM:    If you become ill during an examination:   a) inform the proctor b) hand in the exam, and c) call Primary Care Health Services at 212-854-2091 to make an appointment.   If you've completed less than 40 minutes of a two-hour exam or less than one hour of a three-hour exam, you qualify for a deferred exam (see above.) If you leave the exam more than 40 minutes into a two-hour exam or more than an hour into a three-hour exam, you'll be graded on the basis of the work you've completed to that point.   INCOMPLETES:   Incompletes are to be given only in cases of illness, personal emergency, or other compelling circumstances. If you need to request an Incomplete, and the instructor is amenable, please be in touch with your faculty member via email to obtain their approval. From there, you will need to submit an Incomplete Request Form in Slate. You will need to upload email confirmation from your instructor when you submit the Slate form. Note that these requests should be received by Thursday, December 14 (the end of Reading Period).    As a reminder, the official College deadline for completing Fall 2023 Incomplete coursework is Monday, April 15, 2024. Individual faculty may also set an earlier deadline for the work to be completed. Please note that incompletes apply only to coursework exclusive of the final examination. For more information, visit https://barnard.edu/registrar/grades-exams and scroll down to "Incomplete Grades."   GRADES:   Final grades are indeed final. Grades may be changed only in cases of clerical error or in the rare event that the instructor needs to reevaluate the work of the entire class. Grades may not be recalculated on the basis of reexamination or the submission of additional or revised work.    ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND THE BARNARD HONOR CODE:   As you write papers or complete exams, whether in a proctored environment or in the comfort of your residence hall, keep the College's Honor Code (https://barnard.edu/honor-code) in mind. Under pressure, it can sometimes be tempting to make a regrettable decision, such as using untrustworthy and undocumented sources, collaborating on an exam, not following proper citation methods on a paper, or claiming someone else's work as your own. Doing something that might violate the Honor Code is NEVER the way to respond to a difficult or pressured academic situation. There's always a better choice. Please also be aware that any misrepresentation of your circumstances in order to obtain an exam deferral or an incomplete is a violation of the Honor Code. An additional word of caution: it is your responsibility as a student to be aware of your professor’s individual stance on the use of generative AI (ex. ChatGPT). If you are not sure about whether the use of generative AI is permitted in a course, you must consult with your instructor for additional guidance before using generative AI. Note that the Honor Code states that students must responsibly use electronic, print and other resources.     ACADEMIC STANDING:   Please be advised that all students should be aware of Barnard’s academic standing policy (please scroll down on this page to “Academic Standing and Degree Progress”) and how incomplete grades, deferred exams and/or withdrawal grades may impact a student’s academic standing. To discuss your academic standing, please contact your Class Dean.    We wish you all the best as you complete your work for the semester, and hope you have a restful, restorative winter break.   Sincerely, Holly Tedder Dean for Academic Planning and Class Advising

Academic Coaching: Finals Prep Sessions

The end of the semester is right around the corner, 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 snacks! If you are feeling stressed for finals, need help organizing your study plan, or want to learn some new study strategies, dropping in to see an academic coach would be perfect for you. We will be holding drop in hours during Reading Period, Tuesday-Friday, from 1-4pm in Milbank rm 227. We hope to see you then!

Sponsored by the Deans’ Office for Advising and Support

1-2 Credit Course Options for Spring 2024

1. Fulfill your PE requirement if you haven't yet.

Register online and be sure to attend the first class meeting. PE courses may initially appear in your myBarnard program as 0 credits and will then be transformed to 1 credit (if you are eligible) after the final registration deadline.

Pro Tip:
Unfortunately, there is little to no space in PE for students who want this as an elective. Only students who have not yet completed the PE requirement will be able to preregister for PE. Dance, on the other hand (see below!), often has space

2. Take a dance class

Dance classes may initially appear in your myBarnard program as 0 credits -- if you don't change this when registering, you can fill out the Form to Request a Point of Dance Credit.

3. Search Vergil for courses between 0 and 2 credits.

You'll have to scroll through a lot of things that may not help you, like labs for courses you're not taking, courses limited to class years other than yours, but this will give you the most comprehensive listing.

Pro Tip:
Use the schools filters for "Barnard College" and "Faculty of Arts and Sciences" to refine your search to undergraduate courses offered on both sides of Broadway.  Check the detailed course descriptions in the Directory of Classes for prerequisites, restrictions, or special application procedures.

4.  Seminars in the sciences or humanities, 

such as these two short classes offered by the Barnard Film department:

Artemis Rising Short Course in Filmmaking

Artemis Rising Short Course in Film Production

5.  For those looking to refine their foreign language skills, 

the French, Italian and German Departments offer advanced conversation and grammar classes.   Some language programs also provide 1-credit directed reading courses.  You can also find supervised readings in some languages -- this spring there is this offering in Dutch. 

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

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

7.   If you're interested in Theatre, Dance, or Backstage work:

Practicum or Rehearsal & Performance (Theatre or Dance) -- for actors, dancers, stage managers, prop or costume makers, and theatre tech people. Check the course description to see who to contact if you are interested.

8.  If you're interested in International Affairs, Political Science, and/or Economics: consider a "short course" at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)

*check the course description for "course date" to see when the course starts & ends*
One of the "short courses" offered by the School for International & Public Affairs (SIPA). Search Vergil for SIPA courses between 1 and 2 credits, or the SIPA page of the CU Directory of Classes for 1-1.5-credit courses. You can't just register online for these.  Here is the procedure:

1. Check to see if the class you want is on the list of SIPA courses approved for Barnard students (forthcoming -- link will be added when available; in the meantime, use your judgment to assess if the class is academic as opposed to professional development)
2. Contact the instructor to ask if there is space available and if it is appropriate for you given your background. Get any approvals in writing (email is fine).
3. Contact your academic adviser for approval that the course appropriately fits into both your schedule and a liberal arts curriculum. 
4. Upload both approvals when submitting the online add form.

Power of Stories: Literary Interpretation and Storytelling Workshop

 RSVP here

“Words are events, they do things, change things.” – Ursula K. Le Guin.

Everyone in the Barnard community has experienced firsthand the impact words can have, especially in the aftermath of violence or in ongoing crises. In this moment of immense loss of life, political strife, and public assembly, many in this community are using their words to effect change. There is no substitute for political protest and the staggering meaning it can make and break on the public stage.

This half-day workshop is not a substitute for political protest or speech, but another outlet for individual and collective sensemaking in profoundly troubling times. The goal is to bring students from a variety of positionalities and political perspectives together to interpret relevant poetry and literature surrounding the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict, to write or tell their own stories (fictional or biographical), and together to read and interpret those stories with as much rigor and respect as published works of literature. We invite students to recommend poetry, short fiction, or excerpts from novels for the group to read at the beginning of the workshop. We seek students who wish to draw on their own creative energies to share something of their experience with others in a space devoted to careful reading, active listening, and self-expression.  

Event Date and Time: Friday, December 8 | 9am -- 1pm  

Location: TBD 

Contact us at dei@barnard.edu or pedagogy@barnard.edu

NEW Vergil Feature to search for classes with open seats

 

Columbia has launched an updated Course Search in Vergil, which Barnard students can also use. 

The tool has similar search criteria as Student Planning, including the ability to look for classes that satisfy Barnard General Education (Foundations) requirements. It also has the option to “Only show classes with open seats” in the search results.

New Deadlines and Policies for PDF and Withdrawals in Fall 2023 ONLY: Deadline is now Dec 11; You may take up to two classes P/D/F

 Per the November 10 email from Dean Grinage and Provost Bell, the following changes are in effect for the Fall 2023 term, only: 

The deadline to change your grading option to P/D/F has been extended to December 11, 2023.  You now may also change your grading option to P/D/F to up to two classes.  

Here is how to change your grading option to PDF: 

Barnard students will use SSOL to elect P/D/F grading

-Click here to elect a Fall 2023 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.

The deadline to withdraw from a course and receive a mark of W has also been extended to December 11, 2023. 

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. 

Note that the W will not appear on your record until the end of the semester when final grades are entered.

Registration Period Nov. 13-17: meet with adviser and register during your assigned time, beginning on WEDNESDAY 11/15/2023 for sophomores

As a reminder, you are encouraged to meet with your adviser sometime before your first assigned registration time Nov 15.  You will soon be able to plan courses, but you will not be able to register until the Nov 13-17 registration week.

Haven't met with your adviser yet?  Contact them to set up an appointment.

To register for spring courses starting Nov. 15:

• Be sure you have met with your adviser, and that you know what to register for as you consider classes towards your Major and General Education Requirements.

• Be sure you have planned (yellow) your preferred Spring courses in Student Planning so they'll be ready to go when your registration time begins.

• Log into the Barnard Portal and find your registration times and check for holds (Academics tab --> Planning Your Courses --> Registration Appointments & Holds).  
  

• Resolve any holds before registration week, so nothing gets in your way!
  

• Log into Student Planning as soon as your first registration time begins on Wednesday 11/15, and no later than the end of your last registration time on Friday 11/17, and click the blue "REGISTER" button on the upper right.  

• Unless a course has a note informing you of special registration procedures (application, writing sample, audition, must attend first class to confirm, etc.), you will be registered for any course that shows up in green on your schedule.

• Many courses will initially waitlist all students (e.g. Organic Chemistry I, Bio 1502). If you aren't able to add a class, add yourself to the waiting list and/or select a "plan B" option.

• NOTE: You must be fully registered (green) for at least 12 credits by the end of this week, or you may be charged late fees.  There will be additional add/drop times in the coming weeks and months, along with the customary final "shopping" period at the beginning of the spring semester.
• Also note: you can register for no more than 19 credits at this stage; permission for over 19 credits is not possible until the start of the new semester.
  

Questions?  Meet with your adviser or a dean.  

Columbia University Projected Final Exam Schedule for fall 2023 available online -- use this to make winter break travel plans

 

Source: Mortarboard 1943, Barnard Digital Collections

Planning ahead for winter break 2023-2024?  The Columbia University Projected Final Exam Schedule is here to help. Days and times are accurate; the only difference between the "projected" exam schedule and the full schedule is the latter will also have locations.

The detailed, class-by-class list for both Columbia and Barnard classes should become available online after midterms

Note the following instructions regarding exam conflicts or exam hardship for Barnard students:

Students will occasionally have two exams scheduled for the same time. If you have exam conflict (two exams at the same time) or exam hardship (defined as three exams within a 24-hour period or four exams within a 48-hour period), please fill out this form.

Examinations are not rescheduled to accommodate travel plans

What's open and what's closed during the Nov 6-7 Election day Recess (Fall Break)

What is open & what is closed during Election Day Recess / Fall Break?

Monday Nov. 6
No classes
Administrative offices OPEN
Some Profs, Deans, and staff may be unavailable (check first if you're planning to go to office hours)

Tuesday, Nov. 7
No Classes
Administrative offices CLOSED
Polls OPEN

Program Planning Meetings - Coming up soon!

Every semester, departments hold program planning meetings - ocasionally referred to as open houses! These meetings are held for all prospective and current majors! They are meant to be an opportunity for students to come by and have a chat with faculty and staf. An opportunity to ask any questions you may have about being a particular major and what courses you should take. (List last updated 11/2/23).

Department Name	Meeting Day, Date and Time	Meeting Location or Zoom Link
German	Wednesday, November 8th, 10:00-12:00	Milbank 320B - Professor Grimm Office
Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program	Thursday, November 9, 12-1:00 pm	Barnard Hall 401A
Neuroscience & Behavior	Thursday, November 9th, 4:00-5:00pm	203 Dana (and on zoom: https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/meeting/97292221692)
Psychology	Thursday, November 2, 4:00-5:00pm	https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/91984471778?pwd=SXRqT2sxQnk1eTRVcHBnc0pCclV3UT09

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program at SPS - Info Session on Nov 13th

Come join the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program at SPS info session! The NECR team is hosting a lunch and learn info session on Monday, November 13 from 12-1pm for CC, GS, and Barnard undergraduates. The event requires an RSVP and will be in the Dodge Room of Earl Hall.

Neuroscience and Behavior Department - Program Planning Meeting Thursday Nov, 9th

The NSB Department will have its Program Planning Meeting on Thursday, November 9th, at 4:00pm, in 203 Diana. Please come to learn more about our department, our courses, research opportunities, and to have your questions answered. 

If unable to join in person, you can attend on zoom:

https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/meeting/97292221692

The meeting will also be recorded. The link to the recording will be sent to students in the NSB mailing list and to any student requesting it to mmiozzo@barnad.edu.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.

NSB Faculty

All Sophomores who still need to take PE should read this post!

 The Spring 2024 PE schedule is now in the Directory Of Classes:   http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bulletin/uwb/sel/PEDB_Spring2024.html

There are spots in all classes reserved for upper class students though November 16.  On November 16 first year students register and most PE classes will get filled.  Please plan to register for PE if you still need to take it - you really don't want to put this off until your senior year!

Peer Academic Coaching

Are you struggling to make deadlines, manage your time, and generally get things done?  The Peer Academic Coaches are here for you! Your peer coach will offer guidance in navigating college and learn all the ways of "doing school" that aren't taught in the classroom. They will help you identify barriers to growth and how you can eliminate them, offer guidance in navigating Barnard and its resources, and strengthen academic skills so that you can reach your goals. There are limited spots for this resource, so get matched with a coach today! For more information, contact your Dean or Allie Johnston, Program coordinator for academic coaching (ajohnsto@barnard.edu).