If you're a rising senior or a senior who may need an additional class or two to finish up, you may be interested in -- and possibly confused by! -- summer course offerings at Barnard, Columbia, or elsewhere during summer 2025.
There are several options for Barnard students who want or need to take classes this summer:
Note that financial aid does not tend to cover summer study, although students who receive financial aid during the academic year may be eligible for limited financial assistance for Barnard summer classes (option 1, below). It is often the case that taking classes at another institution (option 3) is more affordable. Your class dean is happy to consult!1. Barnard will offer a limited number of courses, in two summer sessions. Courses are now posted on the Barnard website and on Vergil.
When can I register for them?
Registration is now open! Registration will be first-come, first-served, so register as soon as possible if it is important for you to take something specific.
How can I register for them?
On Vergil -- yes, you read that right. Register for Barnard summer courses on Vergil
Here's a guide with screenshots for how to register using Vergil: https://sishelp.sis.columbia.edu/vergil_student_registration
How will I be billed?
Costs will be listed on the Summer website, and you will be billed by Barnard on a per-credit basis.
How will these courses be counted?
Summer courses will automatically appear on your Barnard transcript, just like classes taken during the year. Courses taken for a grade will factor into your Barnard GPA.
What if I need CARDS accommodations in summer?
Learn more here: https://barnard.edu/disabilityservices/resources-and-opportunities-current-students
2. As in past years, Columbia will be offering summer courses, which Barnard students may take.
When can I register for them?
Registration is now open for Columbia Summer courses.
How can I register for them?
Also in Vergil! Be sure to adhere to rules about summer transfer course registration, listed on the registrar's website
How will I be billed?
Columbia will bill you directly.
How will these courses get onto my transcript?
Note that Columbia summer courses are considered transfer credit, so in addition to registering, be sure to submit the Summer Course Approval Form. Once you complete the course(s), Columbia will automatically send transcripts to the Barnard Registrar. Columbia Summer courses will appear as transfer credits on your Barnard transcript and will not be factored into your Barnard GPA.
What if I need CARDS accommodations in summer?
Learn more here: https://barnard.edu/disabilityservices/resources-and-opportunities-current-students
3. You may also take courses at another accredited college or university and transfer them back to Barnard.
How do I get those approved?
Look for courses that adhere to the rules about summer transfer course registration. Register for them directly through the host university, and be sure to submit the Summer Course Approval Form and to request that a final, official transcript be sent directly to the Barnard Registrar when your courses are finished. External summer courses will appear as transfer credits on your Barnard transcript and will not be factored into your Barnard GPA.
