Opportunity: Apply OR nominate another senior to be a Senior Marshal! DEADLINE APRIL 10, 9am

The Barnard Commencement Committee is seeking applicants to be Senior Marshals

What's a Senior Marshal?
It could be you.

Apply OR nominate a senior to be a Senior Marshal

Deadline: 4/10/2026, 9am

Decisions by May 1

 

WHAT IS A SENIOR MARSHAL?

It is a contribution to the college community and an honor! 

Senior Marshals are graduates honored at Commencement for their leadership at Barnard with a ceremonial role, a special aiguillette on their gown, front row seating, and as the first students called up to the stage. The Senior Marshals' main responsibilities are to facilitate the smooth running of the Commencement procession and related activities, and to attend Baccalaureate. Candidates should be, in one or more ways, student leaders who have made exemplary contributions to the campus community. 

SENIOR MARSHALS’ RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Attend required training session (to be scheduled during the week of May 4th)
• Attend and assist with Commencement info sessions on May 14 and/or 15 (dates and times to be confirmed) 
• Attend Baccalaureate Service on Sunday, May 17, at 9am, in St. Paul's Chapel at Columbia
• Attend the Barnard commencement ceremony on Tuesday, May 19 (availability required beginning at approximately 2:30pm, prior to the Commencement ceremonies)
• Arrive early
• Assist with organizing one assigned row in the lineup area, ensuring graduates are in correct alphabetical order at Barnard Commencement
• Lead your assigned row into the ceremony, confirm graduates are seated in their designated seats, and then proceed to the Senior Marshal seating section at Barnard Commencement
• Help organize fellow graduates for class photo on Barnard’s campus prior to Columbia University Commencement on Wednesday, May 20 (afternoon time TBA)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

To be eligible for consideration and to remain in the role if selected, applicants must:

• Be Barnard seniors participating in May 2026 Commencement and
• Be and remain in good standing (academic and disciplinary) through Commencement

A GOOD SENIOR MARSHAL:

• Has campus leadership experience
• Has the respect of peers
• Is organized and is able to be calm and solution-focused 

HOW CAN I APPLY OR NOMINATE A BARNARD SENIOR:

Submit this google form no later than 9am on April 10, 2026.

Graduating this year and plagued by the nagging feeling that you must be forgeting something? SENIOR CHECKLIST to the rescue!

 

Keep track of deadlines and tasks to make sure you're graduating on schedule, using this Senior Checklist.  Spring dates will be further specified when more information is available.

Senior Class Dean 2025-2026 -- Walk-ins will be canceled next week from March 31st - April 2nd

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 Grabiner's online scheduler.

Otherwise, during the semester, you may walk in virtually or in person beginning at any of the times below.  

Tuesdays 3:30-4:30pm Eastern Time -- Walk-ins will be canceled on 3/31

• 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.

Wednesdays: Degree Audit Drop-Ins 3:30-4:30pm Eastern Time -- Walk-ins will be canceled on 4/1

• Enter waiting room via this Walk-In Hours Zoom Link or visit 105 Milbank
• We will prioritize students seeking degree audit advice but will see other students if time permits 
• 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.

Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm Eastern Time -- Walk-ins will be canceled on 4/2

• Enter waiting room via this Thursday 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 Grabiner, please note that she typically works remotely on Fridays, so all meetings will be conducted virtually over Zoom or via phone call ONLY on that day

Barnard Jewish Studies Senior Thesis Prize: Deadline for submission April 26 External

SENIOR THESIS PRIZE

A graduating Barnard student whose senior project displays the highest standards of scholarship in Jewish Studies in any discipline (History, English, Comp Lit, WGSS, Urban Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Religion, Political Science, Art History, Theatre, Classics, etc.) will be awarded a prize of $1,000. 

 

Please send submissions to Professor Beth Berkowitz at bberkowi@barnard.edu. The recipient (or recipients, if more than one is chosen, in which case the prize will be divided) will be selected by Beth Berkowitz and the Jewish Studies Program Faculty Advisory Board. If your thesis is not finished by the deadline, it can still be considered if you submit it with an explanation of the work that remains to be completed.

 

Deadline for submissions: APRIL 26, 2026

Senior FAQ: I might need to take an incomplete or a class or two this summer to finish my degree; can I "walk" in Commencement this May?

 

Short answer: in some cases, with permission

Longer answer (also explained on the Deans Office website):

 

For students within 2 classes (no more than 8 credits) of graduating:

Students expected to complete degree requirements in the summer of that calendar year and who will be within 2 courses (totaling no more than 8 credits) of completing their degree requirements at the culmination of the Spring semester. While such students may participate in Commencement exercises, the degree will not be conferred until October. Approval for anticipated October graduates to participate in the May ceremony in the same calendar year must be obtained from the Senior Class Dean, and students must have a detailed plan for completion of their remaining credits.

Great! How do I get this approval?

1. Submit this Slate form: https://slate.barnard.edu/register/commencement
2. Be prepared to confirm the total number of credits you still need and when/where/how you plan to complete them.
3. Please do this as soon as you are sure of your plans, so we can add you to the list! The deadline to make this request has been extended to March 30

 

For students who will need more than 2 courses/8 credits or need to take classes beyond the summer:

In extremely rare circumstances, a student with more than 2 courses (or more than 8 credits) remaining for degree completion at the end of the Spring semester may be approved by the Dean for Academic Planning and Class Advising to participate in the May Commencement ceremonies. Please note that requests from students who need more than a semester's worth of credit after this May -- or who plan to be enrolled next fall -- are unlikely to be approved.

OK! I get that this may not be approved, but how would I request this special approval?

1. Submit this Slate form: https://slate.barnard.edu/register/commencement
2. Be prepared to explain any extenuating circumstances and to confirm the total number of credits you still need and when/where/how you plan to complete them.
3. Please do this as soon as you are sure of your plans, so we can add you to the list! The deadline to make this request is March 23.

What if I want or need to participate in next year's Commencement ceremony?

Students whose degrees are conferred in October but who did not participate in the Commencement ceremony of that calendar year may request to the Dean of the College to participate during the ceremony the following May.

DEADLINE REMINDER: March 26 to withdraw from a class and receive a W

 

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.

Senior Financial Well-Being Series & Tax Cafe!

Sharing the next upcoming events in the Senior Financial Well-Being Series + Tax Cafe!

1) Moving & Housing Costs (March 25th at 6:30PM in the LeFrak 107 featuring alumna Peyton Yen '21)

2) Setting Up for Success: Debt Management, Retirement, Investment and More (April 1st at 6:30PM)

3) Tax Cafe: Get help filing taxes (April 3rd from 9:30AM-12:30PM)

You can find further information from our previous blog post about these events!

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!

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

DON'T WORRY! If you can't elect p/d/f in Vergil, you can use this Slate form to do it!

The rules governing p/d/f are on this Registrar website.

The Barnard Writing and Speaking Center is Open!

 

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

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!

Senior Financial Well-Being Series

Please take a look at the following flyers down below for the upcoming financial well-being series and first two sessions for seniors over the next month put together by the LeFrak Ambassadors and are free and open to all!

Students can register for all of them here: bit.ly/SeniorMoneySeries

The 3rd session on housing on March 25th will feature an alumna guest speaker!

Though its not part of the series, they are also hosting a Tax Cafe, where students can come together to work on filing taxes over breakfast and ask questions about filing. That is coming on April 3rd.

Note that while the series is designed with seniors in mind as they transition out of college, all of the programs are open to all class years. 

Senior FAQ: Do I have to take 12 credits if this is my last semester and I don't need that many credits?

 

Short answer: POSSIBLY NOT

Longer answer: if you can complete all your major and General Education requirements, as well as 122 credits (121 for transfers) with fewer than 12 credits this semester, and do not have any outstanding incomplete coursework from the past, you may request permission to take a minimum of 9 credits in your final semester. 

To request permission for this option please submit this form beginning the first day of classes, and before the drop deadline (There is a special extension to the March 26 W deadline -- note you will have a W for any classes you're leaving now): https://slate.barnard.edu/register/final_semester_request

Per the Barnard Catalogue (emphasis added):

As of Spring 2022, in their final semester of enrollment, graduating seniors who need fewer than twelve credits to complete their degree – and who have already completed at least four full-time semesters in academic residence – may be approved to take a minimum of nine credit hours. Because Barnard students are charged a flat rate of tuition per semester, reducing one’s course load to nine credits will not change the tuition owed in the student’s last semester. International students must consult with International Student Services in advance to determine eligibility.  Students who meet this criteria and are approved to be enrolled in nine credits are still eligible to live in Barnard’s residence halls. 

If any student who is not an eligible senior needs to register for fewer than twelve credits for disability-related reasons, they may reach out to CARDS to discuss the reduced course load process at cards@barnard.edu.  

FAQ:

What about the Dean's List? Don't I need to be in 12 letter-graded credits to be considered for that?

Final-semester students who are approved for fewer than 12 credits are eligible for the dean's list if they complete at least 9 credits with the requisite GPA.

When is the deadline to make this request?

The initial deadline to make this request was the Feb 24 drop deadline. You may still make this request up to the March 26 W deadline – note that any course(s) you won’t be completing at this point will have a grade of W.

Senior Thesis Support Group every Thursday!

Please see the following announcement and flyer down below!

Thesis Support Group 2/19, 6PM - 8PM, The Speaking Center, Barnard Hall 217

Come join Thesis Support Group this upcoming every Thursday from 6PM to 8PM in Barnard Hall 217 to help plan out the rest of the semester. We will work together to create a manageable schedule and get started on the parts you've been pushing off so that you can enjoy your senior year with minimal stress. Snacks will be provided!

Please email us at kas2349@barnard.edu and amw2303@barnard.edu with any questions! We hope to see you there!

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

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!

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!

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.

 

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.

Senior FAQ: I submitted a form online -- how do I know if it was received, reviewed, or approved?

Did you submit one of the online forms that are available via the Slate for Students website? 

Wondering how to track its progress, i.e. to see if/when it was received, approved, processed, etc.?

Here's how to check.

1. Log into Slate directly or find it on the Barnard Portal under the Academics tab

 

 

 2. In the Home tab of Slate, scroll down to the bottom of the page, to Forms Submitted. There you'll see any forms you have submitted and can track them along their route from submitted to approved and processed. The legend below explains any symbols

3. That's it!

Expecting to graduate this spring? Missed the Jan 23 deadline to submit the Graduation Application? Don't panic! But DO address this ASAP

All students who expect to finish requirements this semester (May 2026 grads) should have filled out the Graduation Application by the Jan 23, 2026 deadline.

 

Oh no! I forgot to take care of this; am I too late??? What now???? 

It's not too late, but at this point, you must petition ASAP (no later than Feb 20) for late approval to be added to the list of prospective May 2026 grads. 

What to include in this petition:

 

1. Answer YES when asked if you have met with your class dean (assuming you have been in touch with her about this) 

 

2. select "other" as your petition type.  

 

3. In the first box -- "Describe your petition/special case" -- explain what you are petitioning for: to apply to graduate after the deadline, and also include all the details that would have been in the GradApp:

- Your full name as you would like it to appear on your diploma

- Your confirmed major(s)

- Your confirmed minor(s)

- Mailing address where you would like the diploma to be sent (likely in July)

4. The second box -- "Explain the justification for your petition" -- is where you make your case, why you're applying late and why you hope they will approve your petition.

Don't delay -- take care of this today!
Both Barnard and Columbia will use the list of students who have applied to graduate: to generate lists for commencement participation, cap-and-gown purchase, ticket eligibility, dorm move-out dates, diplomas, eligibility for certain academic honors and prizes, and other essential matters for graduating seniors.  Failure to apply to graduate may jeopardize your ability to participate in Commencement this May and receive your degree on time.   

Not graduating this May but have a May 2026 graduation date in Slate, Student Planning, or your degree audit?

Submit this form to update your degree date: https://slate.barnard.edu/register/chg_ant_deg_date

Questions? 
Contact registrar@barnard.edu.

Hot Chocolate Table on February 5th for Summer Session!

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!

PE Classes Closing today!

Last chance for PE registration! All PE classes will be closing for registration at 4PM today Wednesday, January 28th.  Any additions or changes after that must be made thorough direct request to Department Chair Lisa Northrop (lnorthro@barnard.edu). 

New Neuroscience Lab for non-majors!

The Neuroscience Department is launching a new neuroscience lab class specifically for non-neuroscience majors--NSBV BC1002 Introductory Laboratory in Neuroscience and Behavior. Three sections will be offered this coming Spring 2026 semester right on the Barnard campus! 

If you need to fulfill your lab science requirement, you may register for this lab class concurrently with NSBV BC1001 Intro to Neuroscience lecture. Alternatively, students may also register for the lab class if you previously completed NSBV BC1001 lecture.

Senior Year FACT or FICTION: possible to take fewer than 12 credits in your last semester????

FACT OR FICTION:
Is it true that you can take fewer that 12 credits in your last semester?

YES; this is FACT, BUT ONLY IN VERY SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES and by following proper procedure. 

As stated in the Barnard College Catalogue:

"Graduating seniors who need fewer than twelve credits to complete their degree – and who have already satisfied the College’s academic residency requirement and completed at least four full-time semesters in academic residence – may be approved to take a minimum of nine credit hours. Because Barnard students are charged a flat rate of tuition per semester, reducing one’s course load to nine credits will not change the tuition owed in the last semester. International students must consult with International Student Services in advance to determine eligibility.  Students who meet these criteria and are approved to be enrolled in nine credits are still eligible to live in Barnard’s residence halls. 

If any student who is not an eligible senior needs to register for fewer than twelve credits for disability-related reasons, they should reach out to CARDS to discuss the reduced course load process at cards@barnard.edu."

The form to request this will be available once the semester begins, so register for at least 12 credits now, and submit this form on or before the drop deadline next semester to request approval **Note that this request can only be made at the start of your final semester, for that semester**: https://slate.barnard.edu/register/final_semester_request

Pro Tip: Double-check that the transcript you're uploading shows the actual number of credits you are currently registered for! (The transcript may take a day to reflect changes made in Vergil.)

Heard a rumor and want to know if it's true?  Submit requests for this series to SeniorClassDean@barnard.edu