AB Transitions Summer Guide Vol. 2

AB at a Glance

15% first-gen students

13% international students

28 different countries

36 Opportunity Program scholars

8 28

from Collegiate Science Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)

Education

Arthur O. Eve Higher

Opportunity Program (HEOP)

Ongoing Summer Checklist & Deadlines

NJ Friday, July 14

▶ Peer Mentoring Program Registration Deadline (Note: if you are a confirmed Pre-O participant and want to apply for the inaugural FAB cohort (see page 21), you must also be signed up as a peer mentee and attend a training!

▶ Directory/Emergency Forms Deadline

▶ Final Transcripts Deadline

NJ July 17 - 21

First-Years Course Registration

Fri, July 28

Photo ID Submission Deadline

NJ July 31-Aug 3

Transfer & Visiting Student Course Registration

NJ Tues, Aug 1 Tuition Payment Deadline (Note: there is no grace period, and late fees will accrue immediately after the deadline! Please also monitor and complete any Financial Aid forms you may have!!)

NJ Fri, Aug 25

Barnard Health Insurance Deadline

International Student Guidance

Hello F-1 international students! It was wonderful to see so many of you at our PreDeparture Session last week. We hope you found the session informative and worthwhile! In case you missed it, a makeup virtual session will be held on Tuesday, July 25th from 9-11am EST. If you have any remaining questions, feel free to email us at iss@barnard.edu

Just a reminder to complete our International Student Arrival Form so that we know when to expect you on Monday, August 21st. We are busy this summer preparing for your arrival and want to make sure you have a smooth arrival to campus.

Please continue reading your FREE copy of the new edition of The International Student’s Survival Guide: NYC. This has plenty of helpful information on traveling to New York, what to pack, learning how to navigate the subway system, and more! In case missed the instructions on how to download your copy, please refer back to the AB Transitions Summer Guide Vol. 1

This month, you will be registering for classes and building your Fall class schedule. Be sure to register for at least 12 credits, as that makes up a full course of study, which is necessary for you to maintain your F-1 status in the United States.

Some of you are eager to learn about working! All off-campus work options require authorization (special permission), and you must be in F-1 status in the United States for at least one academic year. F-1 students are permitted to work on campus (Barnard or Columbia), starting your first semester, up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (Fall and Spring semesters). We have a session dedicated to this topic during Pre-Orientation, and will cover everything you need to know about applying for on-campus jobs and social security numbers. In the meantime, you may want to review the

regulations around employment for F-1 students in the United States HERE. There are LOTS of rules and regulations around employment for F-1 students, so ALWAYS be sure to check with your DSOs (Valerie and Joanna) before looking for work options off-campus.

Homework for this month

Learn about how to lawfully study and live in the United States by maintaining your F-1 status. This link contains critical information that you need to know to follow the laws in the United States that govern your F-1 status!

FLI Corner

Dear FLI Students,

Happy July! It is official – you are now a high school graduate who is headed to college! If you just graduated, I hope you enjoyed all the end of year festivities as you completed your high school journey. A continuous theme that I notice at Barnard is that students who are engaged on campus have a greater sense of belonging and connection to the institution. My desire for all FLI students is that you are fully engaged and ready to take advantage of the opportunities that excite you! Get into the habit of reading important email messages, setting reminders and using your planner.

Best,

Jemima Gedeon

Reminders!

Here is a list of reminders as you prepare to make your transition to Barnard:

1. Start considering what you would like to pack for your dorm room needs. Here is a great packing list (see page 5) that you might want to refer to.

2. Figure out what kind of planner you would like to use when you start at Barnard. Do you prefer digital or a more traditional planner? Love gCal? Swear by Notion? Need pen and paper? Every college student needs some sort of tool to keep them organized.

3. Review the Barnard academic year calendar. It wouldn’t hurt to start marking your Google calendar with important dates.

4. If your parents/families would like to optin to Access Barnard’s Parent & Family Newsletter, please have them sign-up here.

5. There is still space to sign up for the FLI Huddle sessions this coming July. Shoutout to those who have already signed up! These one hour Zoom sessions will be an awesome opportunity for you to meet other incoming FLI students. While the sign-up is open to everyone, if you join then you MUST turn your camera on. If you do not turn your camera on, you will be released from the Zoom. Please sign up here

6. Your physical and emotional well-being will be important as you navigate college life. Create a list of self-care practices you enjoy and that will serve you well during your Barnard experience.

Opportunity Programs

(OP) Updates

Hi OP Scholars! Jeff here!

We’re putting together an OP Directory, complete with photos, and would love to have each of you submit! Please do so by July 17, 2023.

Here is an example for inspiration:

Name: Jeff Owusu

Hometown: Bronx, NY

OP Affiliation: EOP

Fun Fact: I turned 21 during my study abroad trip to Jamaica!

Three Goals I want to achieve at Barnard:

● Witness my first Barnard graduating class

● Create an open forum space for OP students to connect and build community

● Collect student testimonials (in video form) and create a time capsule for future OP students

Access Barnard Peer Mentoring Program

WHAT IS MENTORING? Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship with individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence of the mentee.

The Access Barnard Peer Mentoring Program is a college-wide peer mentoring program where first years and first-semester transfers are matched with experienced mentors that serve as a resource and support their mentees’ smooth transition to the Barnard community. Mentoring groups consist of 1 junior mentor and three mentees all sharing similar interests and/ or identities (i.e. first-gen with first-gen, econ major with econ major). The Access Barnard Peer Mentoring Program was designed as an additional resource to support students as they navigate the transition to the Barnard community, all while learning new skills and gaining experience that will lead to success academically and socially.

Program Goals

▶ Support transition to Barnard

▶ Promote help-seeking behavior; reaching out to advisors, building relationships with administrators and professors, etc.

▶ Share both on and off campus resources

▶ Build community and nurture positive relationships

HOW CAN BEING IN THE MENTORING PROGRAM HELP YOU?

Find encouragement and support as you make the transition to college

Teach you how to balance commitments (classes, studying, working, family)

Talk through personal relationships or situations that are confusing

Help you approach professors with questions about a class, participation, grades, and scores on quiz/test questions

Share information about campus resources (the library system, tutoring, Columbia resources, etc.)

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM BEING IN THE PROGRAM?

Join our mentoring community of over 300 participants! Not only will you be matched with a trusted mentor but you’ll start your year with a group of friends that share your interests, backgrounds, etc.

In addition, we host fun community programming throughout the year including game nights, movie nights, ice skating, bowling, off-campus city exploration, and more!

We can’t wait for you to join our Mentoring Community!

To request a mentor you must:

Be enrolled as a full-time Barnard student (min 12 credits)

Be an incoming first-year or first-semester transfer student (note: this is open to all of Barnard College, not just Access Barnard populations)

Attend a mentee training (sign up via the application)

Be willing to commit to 1-2 hours of mentoring a week as well as monthly workshops

To request a peer mentor and participate in the Access Barnard Peer Mentoring Program as a mentee, please complete the application here.

NOTE: APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023 BY 5PM ET.

WHAT DO OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE IN THE PROGRAM?

“Talking to a fellow first generation student has made the transition from high school to college much easier for me and I appreciate all the advice!”

- Mentee, Amanda Prashad ‘26

“It was very satisfying giving advice to my mentees about challenges I experienced when I was an incoming transfer. I mainly wanted to help quell their anxieties and show them that everything would work out even if it seemed daunting at times.”

- Mentor, Catherine Jonas-Walsh ‘24

“I loved the collaboration and seeing my mentees grow. The topics we discussed made me realize how common some issues are to a lot of students, even though we may feel alone at times.”

- Mentor, Jenny Chen ‘24

“I really enjoyed being able to form a mentor-mentee relationship in which a lot of academic things were discussed but which also provided space for fostering a sense of community at Barnard. I enjoyed not only being able to discuss course content that we found mutually interesting, but also going out and having fun with my mentoring group. Overall, the experience really helped me find a sense of community as a first-year student.”

- Mentee, Inanna Doytch, ‘25

Campus Resources Round-Up

CARDS

The Center for Accessibility Resources & Disability Services (CARDS) serves students with permanent and temporary disabilities (examples of various disability types include visual, mobility, hearing, chronic medical illnesses, learning, ADD/ ADHD, and psychological and cognitive conditions). CARDS works to support students with disabilities and ensure that reasonable accommodations are made to provide programmatic and physical access. CARDS encourages all students with visible or invisible disabilities to self-identify and register with our office.

To receive accommodations, all students with permanent or temporary disabilities who wish to register for services are required to complete a new student application, submit appropriate disability-related documentation, and have a meeting with a CARDS coordinator (virtual appointments are available).

Accommodations are not retroactive, so it’s best to be in touch with CARDS as soon as possible to set up accommodations for the beginning of your first semester at Barnard. Please also visit our website to view additional information about CARDS and our services.

Contact Info: Center for Accessibility Resources & Disability Services (CARDS)

101 Altschul Hall

212-854-4634 (voice/TTY) cards@barnard.edu

Barnard.edu/disabilityservices

BEYOND BARNARD

Beyond Barnard provides lifelong support to students and graduates as they define, pursue, and achieve success in their careers and communities. We are here to help you navigate job and internship searches, planning for graduate or professional school, applying for competitive fellowships, and working in roles on campus. You can meet with staff or Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) individually, and you can attend events to hear from alums, connect with employers, and learn about the programs and opportunities Beyond Barnard offers to support you. We also maintain collections of resources like YouTube videos, information sheets, and Courseworks pages that you can access at any time. You don’t need to have a specific plan in mind to meet with us or attend one of our events – we’ll meet you wherever you are in thinking about your career!

You might ask us questions like:

▶ How do I turn my high school resume into a college resume?

▶ How can I apply for roles on campus, internships, and part-time jobs?

▶ When and how should I start planning for the summer after my first year?

▶ How can I explore my career options?

▶ Where can I find support for my graduate school plans?

You can connect with us via email at beyondbarnard@barnard.edu, and you can reach us through these platforms after the fall semester begins:

Handshake for registering for events, applying for off-campus jobs and internships, making appointments, and viewing resources

Workday for all things related to finding and working in roles on campus

Barnard Connect to network with alums who share your background and interests

Getting Started with Beyond Barnard

Money Matter$

Financial Literacy → Budgeting for the first year

Learning to budget is a process that nearly every college student has to go through. And to be honest, budgeting isn’t always fun. But, it is a necessity. The reality is that you will be attending college in NYC, one of the most expensive cities in the world, and you’ll want to be able to enjoy the city to its fullest.

Here are merely a few tips to get you started. We encourage students to have ongoing conversations with their advisor(s) upon arrival and throughout their time at Barnard, and we have dedicated sessions during Pre-O with Financial Aid and the LeFrak Center on financial wellness.

1) Calculate Your Earnings

Before creating a budget, have an honest conversation with the people involved in financing your education. This may involve your parents or guardians, or this may just be a conversation with yourself, but having this real talk conversation before each school year can help to set clear expectations. Then, examine your income, allowance, or savings to realistically see how much you have each month. You may need an on-campus job (read more on Beyond Barnard on page 11), as well as additional side jobs or other passive income sources.

2) Calculate Your Expenses

Make a list of likely expenses you will incur over the semester (and think about the whole academic year too!). These may be collegerelated or not. Think:

● School supplies and textbooks

● Transportation fees (both local and how you will get to and from campus each semester and on breaks)

● Discretionary spending for entertainment and social activities

● Groceries and other non-dining hall food

● Clothing (inclusive of winter outerwear) and shoes

● Mobile phone plan and subscriptions (i.e., Netflix, Spotify, etc.)

● Payment of rent and utilities if you are living off-campus

While this amount obviously varies by person, having an estimate for your own unique individual needs will give you a better idea of what you’re working with and a better chance at achieving your budget goal(s).

3) Track and Analyze Your Spending

● If you are spending (or planning to spend) more money than your income, then you need to make some serious modifications. Get a realistic view on how much money is flowing in and out each month. Think about the semester ahead and academic year. Take

into account school breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring), think about future term bills. If you want to stay in NYC over the summer and are worried about costs, then make sure you are planning early to apply for all/any of the on-campus roles that include housing and food. Between Barnard and Columbia, there are actually quite a few opportunities available, and you can also double- and tripleup on different roles as long as there are no scheduling conflicts – get inventive, adopt an adaptive mindset if that’s what you need to be less stressed about your finances!

● Try to resist the urge to adopt any “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality. You do you. Figure out your priorities: what are your must-haves? What are things you can do without? Then plan, plan, plan. Planning never hurts, only helps. Then you won’t be caught in a tough spot later down the road.

● Budgeting apps can be super helpful in tracking and monitoring your spending. Did you spend too much? Did you manage to break even? What did you spend the most on? Are you able to reduce your spending and even look into savings? (We’ll be delving more into checking/savings accounts and debit/ credit cards in Vol. 3!).

D Budgeting Apps: Frich, Mint, Pocketguard, YNAB

D Savings for future emergencies is strongly encouraged. You never know when those savings may become imperative. You can also explore saving up for future purchases, such as an iPad/iPhone or new laptop, and opportunities such as going on a trip or attending a conference that you feel like you could really benefit from. Make sure to always look for (and inquire about!) student discounts. They are not always advertised, but often do exist.

4) Optimize Your Budget

While you will have the Platinum meal plan (The Platinum Plan gives you 19 meal swipes per week. It also comes with $120 in Barnard Points to use at any of our on-campus dining locations. Note: only points associated with your meal plan will carry over into the spring semester, provided you are enrolled in a spring meal plan. Points do not carry over at the end of the academic year.) in the dining halls, sometimes you’ll want to purchase groceries or supplement your food options, and grocery bills can unfortunately pile up very quickly. Student pantries are a great way to stock up on small batches of food for either a very low price, or for free.

● The College Student Pantry at SAFH provides groceries for any college or graduate student who needs them, regardless of financial situation or institutional affiliation.

● The Food Pantry at Lerner Hall is open to currently-registered students within any of the 21 Schools of Columbia University. Any student with any level of food insecurity can get a disbursement catered to their individual dietary needs.

● Access Barnard has a small food pantry of non-perishable goods available in our office that you are always welcome to come collect from, no questions asked!

● Another great option is the Too Good to Go app. It was established as a way to tackle food waste worldwide, and it connects customers (i.e., you) with restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries/cafes that have food surpluses. These surpluses are then sold at a cheaper price instead of being thrown away. You reserve your bag in the app and go pick it up at the appointed time. TGTG is particularly great for securing deeply discounted baked goods, bagels, and their classic “surprise bag” – it’s also a fun way to try out a sampling of local eateries for less!

● Transportation: consider walking, biking, or taking the subway/bus instead of taking an Uber or taxi. Due to traffic, walking and/ or taking the subway is usually the fastest way to get anywhere in the city. You can also learn more about the complimentary transport options available around campus here.

● Social Life and Activities: there is so much to explore in NYC for free, or at a reduced cost with a student discount! Even the simplest of Google searches will elicit a wealth of options and information. Access Barnard can also provide more resource lists to you once you arrive on-campus and have your Barnard ID!

Netiquette

Do’s and Dont’s

Unlike in-person communication where the heuristics of body language, facial expressions and vocal intonation complement interactions, online communication, particularly in text-based forms, is more prone to misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Since you will often be emailing offices, administrators, faculty, and classmates whose particular communication styles and preferences you may not know, it is always wise to err on the side of warm, respectful, and professional. If soliciting help or guidance from others, help others want to help you – this is a life skill that will only aid you as you navigate Barnard, and the world. No one enjoys being on the receiving end of particularly aggressive nor impolite text, particularly with a cold email or series of emails, so leaning towards courteous communication, complete with please and thank you, will absolutely serve you well! And obvious as it may seem having lived through COVID, here’s a pro-tip: if you have a video call scheduled with an administrator, faculty member, or classmate, please turn your video on (and keep it on!) and mute your microphone when you are not speaking if you were unable to find yourself in a quiet environment.

With regard to Cyber Safety and avoiding scams, know the red flags! Scammers are particularly fond of targeting our international and FLI students, and while BCIT will send out notices and reminders to

the Barnard community, you are responsible for keeping yourself and your information secure. While it may seem obvious and a no brainer, scams regularly still occur and are an ongoing concern. The most frequent are job and fraudulent check scam incidents, often through spoofed emails sent to students offering employment. NEVER give out passwords or share any personal information via email. ALWAYS verify the source (check the email address, look up phone numbers, etc.) and authenticity of requests from companies or individuals by contacting them directly (don’t reply to the initial email!). Legitimate Barnard or Columbia student jobs are NEVER posted via email. When in doubt, check with Beyond Barnard or the BCIT Service Desk to check the veracity of an email message.

And don’t forget, you should be searching for part-time jobs, full-time jobs, and internship opportunities with approved employers on Handshake. Be suspicious of unknown links or requests sent via email or text message. Don’t sleep on software updates (it is easy to do, we know!) on your devices, utilize multifactor authentication (welcome to the world of Duo!), maintain an offline back-up of important information, and report suspicious online activity to the BCIT Service Desk at https://barnard.service-now.com, help@ barnard.edu, or 212-854-7172. If you get an unexpected request from the Duo app, DO NOT approve it. Mark it as fraudulent.

ALLYCE CHUNG

You Know You’re An AB Student When…

What do you love about AB?

I love how approachable and all-encompassing the AB office is when it comes to any challenges you will face as a Barnard student. Whether that is your academic, preprofessional, or personal life, there will always be someone there who is trained and qualified to assist you and ensure that you excel at Barnard.

Things I wish I had known as a First-Year…

I wish I had known how to better plan out my academic timetable over the course of 4 years, and to have given myself more time to adjust to life at Barnard!

What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard?

Race, Science, and Reproductive Justice taught by Cecelia Lie-Spahn

What’s your favorite AB memory?

Valentine’s Day celebration where there were a bunch of donuts and a cute photo wall!

What do you love about AB?

I love the family and staff who hang out in our Access Barnard living room. They make Access Barnard the Access Barnard it is today!

Things I wish I had known as a First-Year…

Open-recreation for different sports at Dodge Fitness Center exists, and it is a great way to meet new friends. Also, join clubs that “just sound fun”; you never know what will happen if you don’t give them a try!

What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard?

Perception with Professor Robert Remez

What’s your favorite AB memory?

I sat on the living room couch once during my shift as a receptionist and had a conversation with Sherlyn about tacos from her home and seafood from my home. I realized then that despite us having different homes and different identities, we shared the struggle of homesickness in the safe space of Access Barnard.

MELODY FANG

MAISHA ALAM

What do you love about AB?

I love how Access Barnard provides great opportunities and resources for its students.

Things I wish I had known as a First-Year…

The campus provides an extensive range of resources to assist and support students throughout their academic journey.

What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard?

The most interesting class I have taken at Barnard was my first year writing workshop course called Metamorphosis with Professor Usher

What’s your favorite AB memory?

One of my favorite Access Barnard-related memories was when we attended the Peer Mentoring Ice Skating night!

What do you love about AB?

The community and support (emotional and financial).

Things I wish I had known as a First-Year…

Your best is enough and you are not in competition with anyone but yourself.

What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard?

Intro to Educational Foundations

What’s your favorite AB memory?

The closing ceremony of the OP summer program for my year.

PIA VELA ZQUEZ

What do you love about AB?

That everyone you meet becomes your friends!

Things I wish I had known as a First-Year… Clubs are a great way to meet people.

What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard? Environmental Science Lab

What’s your favorite AB memory?

When we had a dinner and raffle for Student Worker Appreciation Week with so many fun prizes and I won a Chipotle gift card.

Meet the Team: Summer Student Leaders (SSLs)

Hi, everyone! My name is Jenny Chen, and I am a rising senior majoring in psychology and minoring in economics. I’m from Queens, NY, and I’m super excited to be working with Access Barnard as a Peer Academic Advisor this summer! I understand the transition from high school to college can be daunting due to a new environment (whether it be physically and/or mentally), but keep in mind that it can be exciting as well; most of the time, it depends on where you put your focus on/your mindset. There are so many resources on campus to help you succeed in college and post-graduate; try to find pride in the process, not the result! During your journey, never be afraid to ask for help — whether it be academics or personal aspects. At times, it may feel like you are alone, but never feel that way — I can guarantee there is at least one other student who is feeling the same way as you. Additionally, be sure to make the most of the pre-orientation program to explore what study techniques and time management skills work best for you, and don’t be afraid to set smaller goals (and celebrate them) while on your way to achieving a long-term goal! Finally, take the time to make friends and explore your surroundings (ex., campus buildings or nearby eateries) within the short time frame!

SMITI MODHURIMA

Hi everyone! My name is Smiti Modhurima, and I’m a rising sophomore from Dhaka, Bangladesh hoping to major in Philosophy and Economics. I’m super excited to be working with Access Barnard as a Global Ambassador this year! As a Global Ambassador, I hope to support you with the transition to Barnard, NYC and the US in general. This summer is going to be both scary and exciting for you, but know that you can always reach out to us for support! Things I can help with: budget food recommendations (I will take you to Jackson Heights), course/schedule tips, most weird international student forms, and anytime you just need to talk. Things I can’t help with: that one form that you have to fill up if you’re an international student notetaker for Columbia Disability Services. Sorry, I’m still working on that one, it’s a really weird form. Remember, don’t stress too much–you have four years to figure Barnard out, not just this summer or your first semester. I can’t wait to meet you all on campus soon. Welcome to Barnard!!!

JENNY CHEN

Hi everyone! My name is Britney Aparicio and I am a rising senior majoring in a combined major of computer science and mathematics with an intended minor in Spanish. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and I am so excited to be your Calculus TA for the summer. I know the transition to college may be scary, but that is what we are here for! That includes figuring out how to navigate campus, registering for classes, or even finding the help you need on campus. You were meant to be here without a doubt. These next four years will be a great experience, I can assure you. Feel free to reach out for any questions or doubts.

NICOLE INEZA

Hi everyone! My name is Nicole Ineza and I am a rising sophomore planning to major in Math and Computer Science. I was born and raised in Kibuye, Rwanda (a country of thousand hills) and I am very thrilled to be your Global Ambassador for the upcoming year. I am a food enthusiast and I am available to try out new food places so hit me up if you wanna know where to get a good dessert or a smoothie (my favorite). Essentially, I am available to help you start and enjoy this massive but worthwhile college journey you are gonna embark on soon. It might look scary but you know what? It is worth every step and you’re a heroine who has chosen to take it and I know you’re gonna make it successfully to the end. My advice to you is to always put your mental health first by choosing to do what’s the best for you because at the end of the day, your wellness matters a lot. Also, explore the city, make friends and use all the resources that Access Barnard provides, there are a lot of opportunities here so use them! I can’t wait to meet and welcome y’all, Murakaza Neza!!! (A warm welcome in Kinyarwanda).

Hi! My name is Sumayya and I am a rising senior majoring in Environmental Biology and minoring in Education. I am from Queens, New York. I am so excited to meet you all and be a Peer Academic Advisor. As a PAA, I am here to support you with anything and everything. We have a ton of fun experiences planned for you all. One piece of advice I would like to share is that college can be overwhelming and frustrating so it is important to take a breather once in a while. Orientation can be a lot to take all at once so revisiting the information later on is a good way to process all that information. Another piece of advice is that don’t be afraid to try new things and talk to people. Going to events is a great way to meet people and experience the knit-tight community of Barnard. I’m looking forward to meeting you all on campus!

Hi lovely people! My name is Allyce Chung and I am a rising junior majoring in Computer Science and minoring in economics. I’m from Johannesburg, South Africa and this summer, I will be serving as a Peer Academic Advisor for Access Barnard! I know this is an incredibly exciting and maybe nerveracking time for all you, and I want to ensure you have a smooth transition to life at Barnard. Preorientation and orientation is such a whirlwind of a time, and keep in mind that everyone at AB is here to help you and we all want to see you succeed. I am incredibly excited to meet all of you, and please never hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you may have, or just to grab some coffee/cake!

SUMAYYA MOKIT

Meet the Team: AB Staff

Hola! Welcome to Barnard. I am an Afro-Latina, born, raised, and educated in Honduras. I am privileged to serve as Director for Opportunity Programs (CSTEP and HEOP), a wonderful community of motivated, intelligent, and academically accomplished women (all of you!!!) who bring special talents and abilities to the Barnard community. I oversee a great team of professionals dedicated to consistently providing guidance to all OP students throughout their Barnard careers. They provide the appropriate advising and supportive services to aid in your success. You can find me any Thursday during lunchtime at the local farmer’s market — ask me where to buy the best flowers, lavender honey, and organic fruits & veggies.

Hello everyone, welcome to Barnard! We are thrilled to welcome you. I am the Senior Advisor in International Student Services. I am originally from Taiwan, and I too was initially an international student who came to the U.S. to study. If you have any questions regarding immigration regulations, please feel free to reach out for assistance. We are here to support you to grow and thrive!

Welcome to Barnard! We are so excited to welcome you into our community and support you as you embark on what will be an unforgettable, life changing journey. I am a first generation Latina, born and raised in Brooklyn. Here at Access Barnard my role as Senior Associate Director is summed up by saying that I oversee all the peer support services offered at AB. I manage the Peer Mentoring Program and the Peer Academic Advisors. I also serve as one of the advisors for CSTEP students and the Student Advisory Board. I love interacting with students so feel free to stop by my office and chat about anything!

Joanna Kang Senior Advisor, International Student Services

Gianni Lopez Senior Associate Director

Elida Martinez-Gaynor Director, Opportunity Programs

First-Year Access Barnard (FAB) Program

As an inaugural pilot program being offered in AY 23-24, the FAB Program strives to build a community of engaged first-year students who value academic excellence, intellectual and personal growth, inclusion, ethical conduct, and fully investing in the Access Barnard community. The first year of college establishes an essential foundation for a successful educational and developmental experience. As a result, students begin to practice the habits and skills of higher learning, thus helping to shape the academic and social climate on campus.

In this vein, FAB offers a small cohort of 30 students from the incoming Access Barnard Class of 2027, made up of 10 FLI students, 10 International F-1 students, and 10 OP students, the opportunity to engage in heightened support during their transition to college throughout the first year.

In order to be eligible, applicants must already be a confirmed participant in Access Barnard’s Pre-Orientation Program, as well as signed up as a mentee in Access Barnard’s Peer Mentoring Program (you must apply and attend a training — see page 8).

DEADLINE TO APPLY:

Thursday, July 27 by 11:00pm ET

FAB Application

AB Traditions

AB Traditions - our annual fall traditions! Make sure to mark your calendar NOW and keep an eye out for additional details throughout the semester and year.

Dates and times may be subject to change, locations TBA.

FALL WELCOME BACK

A lunch on Thurs, Sept 7, 12:001:30pm to kick-off the new school year where the program calendar, announcements, updates, and introductions are made.

BIG SIB

Our annual Access Barnard networking event where Barnard alumnae connect with first-year students during the Access Barnard Pre-Orientation Program, taking place on Thurs, Aug 24, 6:00-8:30pm.

We are expanding this tradition by hosting another Big Sib Reception on Wed, Oct 18, 6:30-8:00pm, open to all AB students.

FIRST-GEN LEGACY NIGHT

An annual event that features four FLI student speakers from each class year to reflect on their challenges and successes being the first in their family to attend college.

A first-gen faculty member is also invited to offer words of encouragement to the FLI community. At the end of the event, all attendees receive a lapel pin (I’m First) and are asked to consider who they might pass their pin to at the end of their Barnard journey. Wed, Nov 8, 5:00-6:30pm

AB INDUCTION CEREMONY

Access Barnard’s formal welcome for our incoming students into the community, taking place on Fri, Aug 25, 9:30am-12:00pm

FRIENDSGIVING

An AB tradition held in the month of November, where our community comes together for a time of gratitude while sharing traditional U.S. Thanksgiving food. Thurs, Nov 16, 5:00-7:00pm

Access Barnard serves as the hub of College efforts to enhance the academic experiences, and promote the inclusion and excellence of first-generation, low-income, and international students in their transition to and persistence through the Barnard experience. We do so by celebrating identities, cultivating community, empowering exploration, mentoring others, and building allyship, holistic development, and self-advocacy.

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