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

Dear Students, As we come to the end of the spring 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 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. Deans’ Office Walk-in Hours (exam week only): If you have an emergent situation and need to consult with a dean during exam week, stop by the Deans’ Office for Advising and Support in 105 Milbank any time from 9:00am-5:00 pm (Thursday, May 7 through Friday, May 15, not including weekend days) to see the available dean on call. If you need to walk in via zoom due to illness, please email doas@barnard.edu for the zoom link. 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. 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. DEFERRED EXAMS: Students may defer an exam due to acute illness or personal emergency on the day of the exam. Please note our updated guidance for examples of when deferred exams are appropriate. Please also note that deferred exams are not appropriate in the following instances and will not be approved in these cases: Existing travel plans conflict with the exam date Concerns about passing the class Insufficient preparation for the exam More than one exam in a single day, provided that the student does not qualify for exam hardship as defined by the Registrar’s Office: three exams in a 24-hour period, or four exams in a 48-hour period. (This information, along with the form to submit in the event of exam hardship or conflict, can be found here.)  If you need to request a deferral due to acute illness or personal emergency, 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. Your request will be reviewed, and you will be sent an email with details once a decision has been made. c) For Barnard classes, students should work with their instructor once the request has been approved to go over the details of their deferred exam. For students deferring a Columbia exam or students who receive testing accommodations through CARDS, Deferred exams will be given on Friday, September 11, 2026 and if applicable, Monday, September 14, 2026. 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.) However, 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, May 7 (the end of Reading Period). If your course also has a timed final exam, please work with your class dean and also submit an official Deferred Exam request (see above). As a reminder, the official College deadline for completing Spring 2026 Incomplete coursework is Tuesday, September 8, 2026. 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 or off-campus residence, keep the College's 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. As noted in this policy, three or more incomplete, failing, or withdrawal grades may place a student on academic probation for the following semester. 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 summer. Sincerely, Holly Tedder Interim Co-Dean of the College Assistant Vice President and Vice Dean of the College- Student Support

Need to talk to a class dean during Finals? Stop by 105 Milbank (or Zoom if needed) any time 9AM-5PM, May 7-8 & 11-15 for Class-Dean Drop-ins

Need help with a time-sensitive issue affecting your ability to take finals, complete coursework, etc.?

• Never fear; your class deans are here!
• There will be a dean available for drop-ins every day of finals week, 9AM - 5PM beginning the last day of reading period. 
• Come see us in 105 Milbank
• Feeling under the weather? Email doas@barnard.edu or call 212-854-2024 to ask for the zoom link.

Senior Class Dean 2025-2026 -- Regular walk-ins for the semester will end on May 6th

NOTE: Wednesday, May 6th will be the last day of regular walk-ins for the semester. There will be walk-in hours for finals week to meet with any available dean on call from Thursday, May 7th - Friday, May 15th from 9AM-5PM. Please see this blog post.

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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 

• 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 -- Last regular walk-ins will end on 5/6

• 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

• 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

Susan Ratner Speaking Series on May 1st!

The Writing Center is hosting its annual Susan Ratner Speaking Series lecture + workshop on Friday, May 1st, with Emma McMahon Murdock. 

Emma is a fiction writer and member of Bard Prison Initiative's writing faculty. 

The lecture and grammar workshop addresses writing in three scopes: Writing as a career; Writing as a pedagogical centerpiece; Writing as the act of laying words side by side. While exploring our writing processes, we will build writing habits that deepen our practices from both pedagogical and craft perspectives.

RSVP here if you can attend all or part of the event!

Academic coaching drop in hours - Finals prep!

Finals are 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 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. Drop in hours will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons in Milbank 111. 

Sign up for a time that works for you using this RSVP form

Slate??? Student Planning???? Vergil???? Where do I go for which things????

Now that registration is fully in Vergil, are you feeling confused about which website to use for which information or 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.  

Network Science Symposium on April 23rd with special guest, Dani Bassett!

The Barnard Network Science Pedagogy Group is excited to announce its Network Science symposium with keynote speaker, Dani Bassett. Please join them on Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30PM in Milstein LL001 if you are interested in attending!

All members of the Barnard and Columbia communities are welcome — faculty, students, trainees, staff, and others!

Opportunity: Apply OR nominate another senior to be a Senior Marshal! **EXTENDED DEADLINE APRIL 13, 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 EXTENDED: 4/13/2026, 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 13, 2026.

Fall 2026 registration in Vergil starts on Monday

Dear Students,   Registration for Fall classes starts next week, in Vergil. Rising Seniors begin registration on Monday; rising Juniors on Tuesday; rising Sophomores on Wednesday.     Please note that the following registration-related information has been relocated from the public-facing web pages of Barnard academic departments: •    Barnard faculty are now making course-specific information, such as application requirements or placement exams, visible in Vergil. To see this information, search for a class in Vergil and click on the Syllabus tab. •    Information about department courses specific to Fall 2026 is available at this link.    THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOUR REGISTRATION TIME   •    Add Classes to your Planner in Vergil:    •    Search for courses in the Vergil Course Search and click the “Add to Plan” button •    You can search by subject, by department, by GER, by classes with open seats, etc. See screenshots here. •    Make sure the Term in the upper-right corner is Fall 2026.  •    We highly recommend adding classes to your Planner before your registration window opens.   •    Complete the Terms and Conditions for Fall 2026 in Vergil:  •    Log in to Vergil  •    Click on the orange tile at the top in order to read and acknowledge the Terms and Conditions, which includes a Financial Responsibility Statement. •    You can do this step before your registration appointment. You will not be able to register until it is completed.   •    Complete the College’s BEAR survey: •    This is a pre-registration requirement and must be completed to avoid a registration hold in Vergil. The deadline was Friday, April 3. If you did not complete the survey, you now have a registration hold.   •    To complete the survey and have your hold lifted, check your email to find your unique survey link. •    Please note that holds are only lifted Monday through Friday, and it can take up to 48 hours for a hold to be released. We urge you to complete the survey immediately so that you can register for classes during your allocated time. •    For questions, contact oie@barnard.edu or call 212-853-6304.  All holds related to this survey will be managed by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. (Please do not contact the Registrar’s Office, as we will not be able to assist you with this hold.)   •    Check for Holds that will prevent registration.   •    If you have a hold, you will see a message at the top of the Vergil pages that says “There is a Hold on your record that is blocking registration.” Click on the “resolve your Holds” link to view the specific hold and how to resolve it.     •    Contact your adviser:   •    You are expected to have an advising meeting with your adviser before you register, to discuss class selections and areas of academic interest.   •    Your adviser will review and approve your course registration at the end of next week.   •    Find your registration appointment times:   •    Look up your upcoming registration times for Fall 2026 in Vergil. Be sure the term in the upper-right is set to Fall 2026.   •    Contact registrar@barnard.edu immediately with any questions.   THINGS TO KNOW DURING REGISTRATION   •    REGISTER IN VERGIL: Again this semester, Barnard students will be using Columbia’s Vergil registration system to register for classes. •    Registration will be open in Vergil from Monday, April 13 through Friday, April 17.   •    You can register from “My Planner”, or directly from the Course Search (using the “Register” button) •    You can see real-time seat availability and class status •    Open = there are seats available •    Full = the class is full •    Waitlist = All interested students must join the waitlist (even if the class has open seats) •    Restricted = the class is not open to Barnard students, or there is another reason you cannot add the class (e.g. you have already exceeded the 19-credit limit, the class conflicts in time with another class you are registered for, you have a registration hold, etc.). Look for the hint message that will explain the reason for the restriction. Email registrar@barnard.edu with any questions. •    19 credit maximum: Vergil will allow you to register for a maximum of 19 credits.  Permission to register for more than 19 credits can be requested in September.   •    To drop a class, click the “Manage” button on a registered class, then choose “Drop Registration.” •    Use the “Swap” feature to switch from one section of a class to a different open section. Click the “Manage” button on a registered class to see the Swap option.  (Vergil will not allow you to register for two sections of the same class.)  •    Co-requisites: For classes that have co-requisites (such as a lecture with a required discussion section or lab), you will be reminded to add both components of the class. The system will allow you to register for just the lecture and add the other components later if needed. •    Info on registering for “special” courses (e.g. voice lessons, P.E., graduate courses at Columbia, etc.) is here. •    P/D/F Elections: You can elect the p/d/f grading option for one Fall 2026 class in Vergil, either at the time of registration or anytime before the deadline.     •    WAITLISTS: You can join a max of 3 waitlists at a time.   •    Some Barnard classes will not have a waitlist option during this registration period.  They will appear as Full with no option to “Join Waitlist.” You will have another opportunity to register for these classes in August, when there may be additional seats available and/or a waitlist option. •    Some waitlists will have special instructions, such as a request to explain why you want to join a class, or an application to complete/upload.   •    After joining an auto-fill waitlist, you will be able to see your position on the waitlist in Vergil, on the right-hand panel.   •    WHAT’S STILL IN STUDENT PLANNING? •    Your online degree audit •    Newly registered courses will be added to your degree audit on a nightly basis.  (It is not real-time from Vergil.) Planned and waitlisted classes will not display in the audit. •    Your Barnard transcript, which is the official record of your classes, grades and GPA  •    Although some academic record information displays in Vergil, it is limited to only Barnard/Columbia classes. (Vergil does not reflect transfer credit, study abroad credit, AP/IB credit, etc.) Because of this, you may find that your total credits and GPA in Vergil do not match your Barnard transcript. This is ok as long as your Barnard transcript is correct.   •    WHAT’S STILL IN SLATE? •    List of classes that satisfy Foundations (General Education) requirements •    Forms to update your contact information •    Academic forms (e.g. major declaration, request to withdraw from a class, summer course approval form, etc.)   •    NEED HELP?:   •    Email Us with any questions •    Drop in to our office at 105 Milbank   Best wishes,   Jennifer Simmons Registrar

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