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.

How to elect the P/D/F option by the **Dec 14** deadline

The last day to elect or undo the p/d/f option is the last day of classes, December 14, 2026 (unlike in past years, it is not the same as the W deadline -- W deadline remains Nov 19).

**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!

Applying to Medical or Dental School in 2027?

Students who are considering applying to medical or dental school in Summer 2027 are invited to attend a virtual session on Tuesday, October 13th at 5:30PM to learn more about Barnard's Committee Process, which helps prepare students and graduates for their professional school applications.

Register here to attend, and reach out to Dr. Amanda Dye (amdye@barnard.edu) to be added to our applicant mailing list! 

Applications for Fall 2026 EMP open!

Juniors and seniors from all majors and career interests are invited to apply to the Fall 2026 Executive Mentorship Program (EMP). Selected students will attend a series of three meetings with guest speakers who hold leadership positions in diverse organizations and businesses. Students will have the opportunity to hear about leaders' unique career paths, their approaches to management and leadership, and make what we hope will be long-term, valuable connections across fields. Learn more and see examples of past speakers here. 

Submit your application by Sunday, October 25 at 11:59 PM. Questions? Please email Amanda Dye at amdye@barnard.edu.

Career Well-Being Certificate Program kicks off next week!

The Beyond Barnard Career Well-Being Certificate Program is designed for Barnard students and led by Peer Career Advisors, who support their peers through an interactive series of career development workshops. Whether you’re exploring career paths, preparing for an internship, or getting ready for your first full-time role, the program provides practical tools, guidance, and experiences to help you build confidence and strengthen your career readiness. The five core sessions will take place on Thursdays at 6:00PM between October 15 and November 19. Learn more and register for the first session now!

STEM Fellowships Info Session next Tuesday, October 13th!

Please see the information down below for an upcoming Fellowships for STEM Students Info Session, which is taking place next Tuesday, October 13th at 1PM. This is a great opportunity for you to attend if you are interested!

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Fellowships for STEM Students Info Session

When: Tuesday, October 13th at 1PM

Register on Handshake: https://barnard.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/2008124

Interested in funding for undergraduate STEM research, graduate study, or national science awards like the Goldwater Scholarship or NSF GRFP? Join Beyond Barnard for an overview of top fellowship opportunities for STEM students, key application timelines, and tips on building a competitive application. All STEM majors are welcome!

Student Drop Requests in Vergil ~ Submit by October 13th

 Now that the Registration deadline has passed, students will need to request to drop any courses prior to the drop deadline of Tuesday, October 13th. 

To submit a Drop Request from your Schedule: 

• Step 1: Click 'Manage Registration'
  
• Step 2: Click 'Drop' 
  
• Step 3: Provide a reason for the request.
  
• Step 4: Click on the blue 'Proceed to Request Drop' button. 
  

This request will be routed for approvals, and once approved the student will need to go into Vergil to accept the drop so the course will be dropped from your schedule.

Please be sure you are not dropping courses that will put your term enrollment below full time study.

**NEW PROCESS** You can request permission to late-add in Vergil 3rd week of classes only!

During the 3rd week of classes, students can request a late-add into courses using the approval workflow in Vergil.

When looking at the course information, instead of the Register or Join Waitlist buttons, you will now see a “Request Add” button:




If you request to add, it will be routed to the course’s instructor as well as any other necessary people or offices for approval.
 

If approved, you will need to go in and confirm registration to be added

Students can see the status of their requests from the “My Registration Requests” on the Vergil homepage. 

Any late-adds after the third week will require a petition to the Committee on Programs and Academic Standing. Contact your dean if you need to consult about that

Never miss a deadline!: Add the Barnard Academic Calendar to your gBear calendar with one click!

Worrying about keeping track registration dates, add/drop deadlines, p/d/f and W deadlines, and the like?

The Registrar has you covered with its Google Calendar version of the Academic Calendar -- you can add this to your gBear calendar with just one click!  Registration and add/drop periods for the year are already added in, so this will help you ASAP

I'm in!  How can I add the Barnard Academic Calendar to my gBear Calendar?

1.  Go to https://barnard.edu/academic-calendar (or, honestly, just google-search "Barnard Academic Calendar" -- that's how I find it every time...)

2.  Click on View Barnard's academic calendar on Google Calendar (note: you must be logged into gBear to access this!). 

3.  In the google calendar that opens, go to the bottom left-hand corner and click on the blue text that says "Add to Google Calendar."

4. Once you've added the calendar, set up notifications. Some recommended settings:

Applications for The Lucyle Hook Travel Grant are now open (Deadline: November 9th, 2026)

Lucyle Hook Travel Grants are available to seniors to support thesis research that requires 

travel, often during winter break. Applications are submitted electronically at this link:  

https://slate.barnard.edu/register/lucylehookgrant and are due by 9AM Monday, November 9, 2026 and must include a proposal, budget, and a letter of support from a Barnard or Columbia faculty member. Below are guidelines:

  

1. Brief Abstract (75 -100 words): Provide an overview of your thesis topic.

 

2. Detailed Proposal (maximum three pages, double-spaced, one-inch margins): Provide 

details about the issues you intend to investigate. You are expected to address the following 

points. 

a. Where do you intend to go? 

b. What will you do there and how long will you need to stay? 

c. Have you made contact with any on-site individuals or institutions whose cooperation will 

be critical to your research? If yes, provide details. 

d. How has your research grown out of your academic pursuits? 

e. How will your proposed work enrich your thesis?

 

3. Letter of Recommendation: The faculty letter of support should be written by a person 

familiar with your project – the person supervising your thesis, for example – and should 

address both the importance of this research to your thesis and your qualifications for 

conducting this research. (Students will be prompted to enter the name and email of their 

recommenders, which will generate an email requesting direct submission of the letter of 

support.)

 

4. Proposed Budget: Provide details regarding expenses including transportation, daily living 

costs such as lodging and food, and other fees or costs associated with your project. Past 

grants have generally been between $100 - $500. A chart form is best and should be included 

as one of the maximum three pages.

 

If your project involves human subjects, please go to https://barnard.edu/provost/research/regulatory-agencies, click on the “Student as PI Worksheet” link, and submit the completed form with your proposal.

 

Proposals will be reviewed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Honors at their 

November 2026 meeting. Bear in mind that although some members of the Committee may be 

experts in your field, most will not be; it will be wise to tailor your proposal accordingly. Please 

direct any questions to Dean Erica Siegel by email at esiegel@barnard.edu or by making an appointment.