We are so excited for you and our newest class of Access Barnard students — the Class of 2027 and newly admitted transfers!! We have an amazing community of staff and students, and we represent three distinct areas: First-Generation Student Initiatives (FLI), International Student Services (ISS), and Opportunity Programs (OP). You will find dedicated information throughout this publication for each population area, but we strongly encourage you to pay particular attention to pages 6-9 as they are applicable for all.
Access Barnard should be your home base. Make and meet friends (build your village!), come study or hang out in our lounge, attend our programs (mark those calendars! read our weekly newsletter!), get involved in our leadership opportunities (FAB! Peer Mentor! Global Ambassador! Student Advisory Board!), and we promise that you will have a transformative experience that will only further enhance your academic life at Barnard. Remember: Imposter Syndrome is a symptom of success. You belong here, you are welcome here, and we cannot wait to see what you do during your time here! Truly, WELCOME to the Access Barnard community.
Katie Hyon Executive Director, Access Barnard
Greetings from New York City, and congratulations once again on your acceptance to Barnard! International Student Services (ISS) is thrilled to welcome you to our diverse international student community of 400+ students from over 50 countries around the world.
Choosing to study in another country is a big decision, and adapting to a new culture and a new school can sometimes be challenging. You are not doing this alone! The ISS office, which is housed in Access Barnard, is an integral part of the welcoming and inclusive environment you will find at Barnard. We are here to guide you with immigration documentation, support you as you adjust to a new country and meet new friends, and to offer answers and assistance as you navigate the American College experience.
We are Valerie Monaco and Chi Hsin (Joanna) Kang, your international student advisors at Barnard, also known as DSOs (Designated School Officials). By now, you’ve heard from us quite a bit, and have either applied for or received your Form I-20, needed for you to move forward with the visa application process. Please refer to your F-1 Pre-Arrival Packet that was attached to the email which included your I-20 for detailed instructions on paying your mandatory I-901 fee, applying for your visa, preparing for your visa interview and more! Please see this information from the U.S. Department of State on the F-1 student visa application process.
If you have Canadian citizenship, you do not apply for the visa, but you must have your Barnard College I-20 and pay your I-901
fee — you are still considered an F-1 student, even though you will not have a physical visa document in your passport!
If you have dual citizenship, remember that the passport/citizenship you use for your visa application is the one you should ALWAYS use for the purpose of traveling to and from the U.S. while you are an F-1 student! Choose carefully!
While you may be in the process of booking your flight to New York, remember to secure a flight so that you will be able to move-in on Monday, August 21 between 10am-3pm. Factor in immigration, baggage collection, and ground transport time from the airport to campus!
If you are planning on arriving before International Move-In Day (August 21st), know that you cannot move into the residence hall early, so you will need to independently make your own plans for accommodations off campus. Please remember that you cannot arrive in the United States more than 30 days before September 5th (your program start date listed on your I-20).
If you are booking a round-trip ticket, know that the semester ends on December 23, 2023, and you should make plans to either return home or leave campus, as students are not permitted to remain in the residence halls during the Winter break (December 23, 2023 - January 14, 2024).
International Students, start reading your FREE copy of the new edition of The International Student’sSurvivalGuide: NYC with the coupon code BarnardFree, published by One To World. (Original price is $12.75 USD, but we’ve secured these for you!).
Please download the free copy by following these steps:
1. Login or create your account on the One To World website at www.onetoworld.org/login.
2. Open the link https://onetoworld.org/ product/barnard/ and click “Add to cart”. At the top right of the page, click “View cart”. Enter the coupon code, “BarnardFree” and click “Apply coupon”, then “Proceed to checkout”.
3. On the next page, input your name and email address, and place your order. You will then
be redirected to the eBook download page.
4. Click on the International Student Guide button to download your book. You will soon receive an email from One To World with the download link as well. This link can only be used once.
REMINDER: Your eBook download link will expire in seven days, and cannot be used more than once, so download it right away!
Some suggestions to read the eBook on different devices:
• On an iPhone/Mac, use Books.
• On an Android, use Google Play Books or Kindle.
• On a desktop computer, use Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, or your preferred pdf reader.
We especially recommend diving into Chapter 1 (Preparing for your Arrival), Chapter 4 (Settling In), and Chapter 5 (Living Like A Local).
Happy Reading!
NJ Thurs, June 15 (at midnight ET!)
Deans’ Office for Advising & Support Advisor Questionnaire Deadline
NJ Mon, June 19
Bursar Forms Deadline
NJ Fri, June 30
Health Forms Deadline
NJ Fri, July 14
Peer Mentoring Program Registration Deadline
NJ Fri, July 14
Directory/Emergency Forms Deadline
NJ Fri, July 14
Final Transcripts Deadline
NJ July 17-21
First-Years Course Registration
NJ 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!!)
NJ Fri, Aug 25
Barnard Health Insurance Deadline
• Barnard Academic Calendar 2023-24
• Booking flights - Barnard ResHalls close over Winter Break and very few exceptions are made for extremely limited winter housing spots. If not returning home, plan to travel elsewhere, either to family or friends closer to NYC, or to another destination. Just know that you should not expect nor plan to be oncampus, in housing, over the winter break.
• Long days during Pre-O: Bring and/or budget to purchase SNACKS and non-perishable food for your room in case you’ll be hungry at odd hours: think ramen, chips, popcorn, peanut butter, etc.
• NYC summers now often extend into October. It will be hot. Plan to bring or purchase a fan. Barnard ResHalls are mainly historic NYC buildings and they do not have air conditioning. So you are nearly guaranteed that it will be hot in August and September. A fan is an absolute necessity.
• Although we saw next to no snow in NYC during winter 2022-23, NYC still does get cold. Expect that you will need a winter coat over the course of the next four years (particularly note this if you are from a warmer climate!), along with hat/gloves/scarf/appropriate footwear, which will all help you withstand
whatever type of NYC winter weather we get. Work this into your budget calculations of where you will need to invest in items this fall/ winter if you do not pack and bring them with you in August.
• Budgeting: it is always good to have an emergency fund that you continually add a portion of any wages or savings to for emergencies. Think about when your phone or laptop may need repairs, for when you may have an unexpected issue such as an urgent care visit or a broken pair of glasses, etc.
• CARDS Accommodations - if you need to explore any accessibility resources or disability accommodations, please reach out to the CARDS Office as quickly as possible! Even if you have never navigated this before, they are more than willing to help with an initial consultation.
I am so thrilled that you will be joining the FLI community at Barnard College! I want you to take this time to give yourself a round of applause for being the first in your family to attend college. I serve as Director for First-Generation Student Initiatives where I spearhead programmatic efforts and provide various support mechanisms to ensure success among students who identify as first-generation and/or low-income. I want you to spend time reflecting this summer about the word intentionality. What does it mean to you? How will you be an intentional college student? What needs to change so that you become more intentional? After five years at Barnard College, I can tell you that intentional FLI students are oftentimes the most successful both inside and outside of the classroom.
During your time at Barnard, you will be fully immersed in academic rigor but it will be important to create balance. I encourage you to introduce yourself to your peers, create lifelong
Here are some words of wisdom from the FLI Class of ‘23. These are students who were once in your shoes and wanted to offer some words of support as you embark on your journey!
D “I know now that everything works itself out in the end and that everything happens for a reason; I did not need to overwork or stress myself out.”
D “There’s a lot of opportunities on campus, but you need to apply yourself to them.”
D “Take care of your mental health!”
friendships, have fun and explore NYC! My goal is to get to know you better and help you set goals for your first-year at Barnard.
Just a little bit more about me in case you are wondering....
▶ I am a native New Yorker
▶ I have been working in higher education for 15 years
▶ Staying active keeps me balanced — I particularly enjoy strength training and running
▶ I am a first-generation and low-income college graduate who attended NYU
▶ Popcorn gives me IMMENSE joy
Below you will find some things I would encourage you all to do this summer and advice from FLI seniors who graduated this past May.
Looking forward to your arrival!!
Best,
Jemima GedeonD “Know that you belong here and don’t need to compete with everyone.”
D “I wish I took more risks as an incoming first year and was less anxious or secondguessing my contributions to the community — whether that was in class or in an interview. I think imposter syndrome created a lot of fear within me and prevented me from being curious and asking more questions and going about things in a more exploratory fashion.”
Moments of transition are oftentimes the best opportunities to think and reflect on what has transpired and what is to come. As you embark on your first-year at Barnard, set aside the time to write yourself a letter that you can read after your May 20, 2027 graduation. You may use this website to complete your letter.
A big part of your success at Barnard will be your willingness to be present, ask questions and gather key information. Are there some terms you are unfamiliar with but would like to learn more about? Please fill out this form. The data collected from this form will become a word cloud that I will be able to share with you all soon!
Attention all voracious readers! Here is a list of books that you may consider adding to your personal library or borrowing from your local library this summer. These books capture the personal narratives of the first-generation identity and the lived experience of being undocumented.
With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.
American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League | Ron Suskin
A Hope in the Unseen chronicles
Cedric’s odyssey during his last two years of high school, follows him through his difficult first year at Brown, and tells the story of his subsequent successes in college and the world of work. Eyeopening, sometimes humorous, and often deeply moving, A Hope in the Unseen weaves a crucial new thread into the rich and ongoing narrative of the American experience.
Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.
The first Latina and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor has become an instant American icon. In this story of human triumph that “hums with hope and exhilaration” (NPR), she recounts her life from a Bronx housing project to the federal bench, a journey that offers an inspiring testament to her own extraordinary determination and the power of believing in oneself.
Writer Karla Cornejo Villavicencio was on DACA when she decided to write about being undocumented for the first time using her own name. It was right after the election of 2016, the day she realized that the story she’d tried to steer clear of was the only one she wanted to tell. So she wrote her immigration lawyer’s phone number on her hand in Sharpie and embarked on a trip across the country to tell the stories of her fellow undocumented immigrants—and to find the hidden key to her own.
Hi everyone!
My name is Jeff Owusu and I am the Senior Advisor for Opportunity Programs at Access Barnard. I am thrilled to be working with you and to welcome you to the Barnard community. My goal is to create a fruitful working relationship with you to ensure your success at Barnard.
There are a number of resources and services available at your disposal and I highly advise that you take advantage of them while you’re here. Your college experience will be a marathon, not a sprint, and I will assist you along the way.
I am glad you have chosen to come to Barnard and be a part of our OP family. I am looking forward to welcoming you officially during Pre-Orientation.
See you soon!
JeffThe OP-specific track of our Summer Transition Series is a mandatory part of your program for CSTEP and HEOP Scholars. Please calendar the following dates NOW! They include the Staff & Cohort Welcome, and six 30-minute Faculty Meet and Greets. During these Zoom sessions you will have the opportunity to meet your professors and
learn more about each course offering ahead of your first day of class.
NOTE: Virtual attendance at ALL of these events is required so please place holds on your calendars, blocking off these times now! We have sent calendar invites to your Barnard accounts.
English & Literature WITH PROF. WENDY SCHOR-HAIM
12:00 PM TO 12:30 PM ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83448739579?pwd=WVltVUhRZ0J0dm9JS1F3ditBaVpBUT09 Meeting ID: 834 4873 9579 | Passcode: 598194
OP Staff & Cohort Welcome
6:00 PM TO 7:00 PM ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83927743965?pwd=azRIazN3bnFCRFIrYVVsdFRHY1pOUT09
Meeting ID: 839 2774 3965 | Passcode: 247341
CHEMISTRY WITH PROF. MEENASHKI RAO
12:00 PM TO 12:30 PM ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83448739579?pwd=WVltVUhRZ0J0dm9JS1F3ditBaVpBUT09 Meeting ID: 834 4873 9579 | Passcode: 598194
America Through Stages WITH PROF. PAM COBRIN
12:00 PM TO 12:30 PM ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83448739579?pwd=WVltVUhRZ0J0dm9JS1F3ditBaVpBUT09
Meeting ID: 834 4873 9579 | Passcode: 598194
MATH WITH PROF. LINDSAY PIECHNIK
12:00 PM TO 12:30 PM ET
us02web.zoom.us/j/83448739579?pwd=WVltVUhRZ0J0dm9JS1F3ditBaVpBUT09
Meeting ID: 834 4873 9579 | Passcode: 598194
PSYCHOLOGY WITH PROF. E’METT MCCASKILL
12:00 PM TO 12:30 PM ET
us02web.zoom.us/j/83448739579?pwd=WVltVUhRZ0J0dm9JS1F3ditBaVpBUT09
Meeting ID: 834 4873 9579 | Passcode: 598194
BIOLOGY WITH PROF. HENRY TRUONG
12:00 PM TO 12:30 PM ET
us02web.zoom.us/j/83448739579?pwd=WVltVUhRZ0J0dm9JS1F3ditBaVpBUT09
Meeting ID: 834 4873 9579 | Passcode: 598194
What do you love about AB?
It has allowed me to experience things at Barnard and NYC that I never could have accessed by myself!
Things I wish I had known as a First-Year…
Fall semester dining points roll over to spring so you don’t need to finish it all in the last few days (but spring points expire so make sure to use them!). It’s okay to take your time to settle in!!
What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard?
Tie between Intro to Indian Civilisations and Intro to Logic
What’s your favorite AB memory?
Attending a classical music concert at Merkin Hall with a free ticket provided by Access Barnard!! It was amazing!!
What do you love about AB?
How relaxed I feel when I enter the living room.
Things I wish I had known as a First-Year…
What an internship was. It is expected we look for one and I didn’t know when I should start looking.
What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard?
Rhetorical Choices
What’s your favorite AB memory?
What do you love about AB?
I love everything about Access Barnard! But mostly, the culture night events, the staff there and their beautiful living room (the best place to be on campus).
Things I wish I had known as a First-Year…
I wish I knew how valuable my mental health is to prioritize, and how essential it is to have FRIENDS!
What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard?
First Year Writing: The Teenage Strange
What’s your favorite AB memory?
04/11/2023 culture night!!! All the people who presented their workshops were really great and they had good food!!!
What do you love about AB?
How tight knit the community is – many of my friends are people that are either a part of Access Barnard, or use Access Barnard’s resources.
Things I wish I had known as a First-Year…
Visit as many social events as you can, they’re a great place to meet people.
What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard?
Cultural Studies with Manu Karuka. Easily the most thought-provoking class I’ve ever taken.
What’s your favorite AB memory?
Treating my mentees to some Hungarian Pastry to celebrate the end of the semester!
What do you love about AB?
I love the supportive and open community between everyone at Access Barnard and the amazing network that students can be apart of through Access Barnard.
Things I wish I had known as a First-Year…
Something I wish I had known as a first-year is not all the main level floors of a lot of the buildings in Columbia are the first floor of that building.
What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard?
Dance in NYC with Siobhan Burke
What’s your favorite AB memory?
My favorite Access Barnard-related memory is having the opportunity to not only present my own research but also get to meet and hear from other students at the regional CSTEP expo hosted this year by Barnard College
What do you love about AB?
I love the people - in fact, most of my friends are part of Access Barnard and are people I’ve met through the Pre-Orientation program! The staff are also extremely welcoming and supportive (this can be seen through the encouragement and advice given during advising sessions!).
Things I wish I had known as a First-Year…
When dealing with difficulties and/or unexpectancies, focus more on what you can control over what you cannot.
What is the most interesting class you’ve taken at Barnard?
Social psychology with Professor Turetsky!
What’s your favorite AB memory?
One of my favorite things about Access Barnard is the events they host - I especially loved experiencing/going to RiseNY; it was a very unique trip!
Hey everyone!! My name is Alexis Brown and I’m a rising junior majoring in Psychology and currently figuring out my minor (Poli Sci? Eh, we’ll see). I was born in D.C. but moved to New York City at the age of 13. I’m excited to work with Access Barnard this year as a Peer Academic Advisor and get to learn from you all! As both an OP and CARDS student I know this transition can feel super daunting and overstimulating, don’t worry! As a Peer Academic Advisor, I can help you with finding and registering for classes, the CARDS testing accommodation forms, help rooms, etc! Any questions you may have during the summer or during the academic year I’ve got you. But most importantly, know that it is okay to reach out for help, no one is expecting you to know everything as you come into Barnard–seriously ask questions there is absolutely no shame, and more often than not you’ll learn something new about the community. Oh, and read your emails thoroughly; there are so many opportunities that are sent out! Anyways, I cannot wait to see you and meet you all on campus!!
Hi, my name is Melanie and I am a rising senior majoring in Sociology on the pre-med track. I am Dominican American and was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. This summer I will be serving as a Teaching Assistant for the Biology class and one of the Summer Student Leaders for your Summer Pre-Orientation in August! We cannot wait to welcome the next class of Access Barnard students to campus. Looking back to my summer before freshman year, I remember how lonely it felt not having anyone from my high school join me in this new adventure. What I can say is that, as new students of our community, never be afraid to be friendly and talk to one another! We are all here to learn and grow, and we have one another for support. Also, as a TA I will be aiding in your transition into college academics. A huge piece of advice that you should remember, not only throughout college but even in the workplace, is to always advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to be transparent with your peers or professors about what you need in order to succeed and what circumstances you’re under that are relevant to that success. With that being said, I am super excited to get to learn more about you and be here to support you all!
ALEXIS BROWN
MELANIE TEJEDA ROMERO
Hi everyone! My name is Pia and I’m a rising junior majoring in Anthropology and Human Rights. I’m from Guayaquil, Ecuador and I’ll be a Global Ambassador over the summer as well as the next academic year! This means that I’ll be on campus to support you with any questions or concerns you might have. One piece of advice I wish I would have followed as an incoming first year is to talk to lots of people! Sure, you might not end up befriending all of them, but it’s good to have people in your corner during this transition. Can’t wait to meet you!
PIA VELAZQUEZ
Hello Everyone! My name is Maisha Alam (she/her), a rising senior at Barnard College. I am majoring in Psychology, minoring in Chemistry, and on the pre-PA track. I was born and raised in Bangladesh but currently reside in Queens, NY. I am so ecstatic to be serving as a Teaching Assistant under Access Barnard this summer! Looking back on my own college experience, if I could offer one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to seek out new experiences, make connections with peers and professors, and most importantly, have fun! College is a unique time in your life where you can explore new passions and interests, so take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. College can also be overwhelming but remember you are not alone in this journey! As one of your Student Leaders, I am here to support you and help make the transition as smooth as possible. If you have any questions regarding class registration, dining halls, dorms, campus resources, exploring NYC, or even food recommendations, feel free to reach out to me! I look forward to meeting and working with all of you this summer!
Hello everyone!! My name is Fatumata Hydara (AKA Fatu) and I’m a rising senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Education. I was born in New York City, lived in Gambia, West Africa for 8 years and moved back to the US at age 10. I currently live in the Bronx, NY and I will be a Peer Academic Advisor this upcoming year under Access Barnard. I’m excited to meet you all this summer and share my experiences with y’all and learn from everyone as well. You can come to me during the summer and the school year with questions about anything that you might be confused about or need answers to. From registering for classes, deciding your major, and so much more. One piece of advice I would give to everyone is to bring all of yourself on this new chapter of your life. Every single one of your identities are valuable and will enhance your college experience greatly. You don’t need to water yourself down to succeed in college. See you soon!!
MAISHA ALAM
FATUMATA HYDARA
Hi, and welcome to Barnard! My main focus is providing administrative support to the department, but I’d say I do a little bit of everything around the office. Whether it’s helping out with the many events we offer year-round, working with our social media team to promote our resources, or making our living room a warm and welcoming environment for everyone. I also love getting to work so closely with the students and learning more about Barnard culture through them. As a first-generation college graduate, I am so excited to meet all of you and help make lasting memories here at Barnard!
Welcome! We’re thrilled you chose to come to Barnard and be part of the supportive, tight-knit community that is Access Barnard! This work is very near and dear to me because I was a firstgeneration, low-incoming student myself. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA to Mexican immigrant parents who instilled in me the value of education. I’ve been at Barnard for nearly 5 years and the focus of my work has primarily been supporting Opportunity Program students to access resources and opportunities so they may realize their academic and professional goals.
Welcome to Barnard College! I serve as Director for First-Generation Student Initiatives where I spearhead programmatic efforts, advising and various support mechanisms to ensure success among students who identify as first-generation and/or low-income. As a fellow first-generation and low-income college graduate, it is a pleasure to serve you during your time at Barnard.
ADMISSIONS OFFICE
Vagelos 1st Floor
ADMISSIONS VISITOR CENTER
Sulzberger Annex 1st Floor
ALTSCHUL ATRIUM
Altschul Hall 1st Floor
ALTSCHU L TUNNEL
EXHIBIT WALL
Altschul Hall Lower Level 1
ARTHUR ROSS
GREENHOUSE
Milbank Hall 513
BARNARD STORE
The Diana Center 1st Floor
BEYOND BARNARD
Elliott Hall 2nd Floor
COFFEE BAR
The Milstein Center 1st Floor
DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNAE RELATIONS
The Interchurch Center Room 1320, 13th Floor
ELL A WEED ROOM Milbank Hall 223
EVENT OVAL
The Diana Center Lower Level 1
FITNESS CENTER
Barnard Hall Lower Level B
GLICKER-MILSTEIN THEATRE
The Diana Center Lower Level 2
GREEN ROOF
The Diana Center 6th Floor
HEALTH SERVICES Brooks Hall Lower Level
HELD LECTURE HALL
Barnard Hall 304
HELENE L. KAPLAN ’53 TOWER SUITE
Sulzberger Hall 17th Floor
HE WITT DINING HALL
Hewitt Hall Lower Level
HUMAN RESOURCES
The Interchurch Center Suite 430, 4th Floor
INA R. & HOWARD J. DREW CONFERENCE CENTER
The Milstein Center Lower Level 1
JAMES ROOM
Barnard Hall 418
KRU EGER LECTURE HALL
Milbank Hall 405
LEHMAN AUDITORIUM
Altschul Hall 202
LIBRARY
The Milstein Center 2nd–4th Floors
LIZ’S PLACE
The Diana Center 1st Floor
LOUISE HEUBLEIN
Mc CAGG ’59 GALLERY
The Diana Center 400
LYNN CHU CLASSROOM
The Milstein Center Lower Level 1
McINTOSH STUDENT DINING
The Diana Center 2nd Floor
MINOR LATHAM PLAYHOUSE
Milbank Hall 1st Floor
STRENG DANCE STUDIO
Barnard Hall Annex 1st Floor
SULZBERGER PARLOR
Barnard Hall 3rd Floor
VISITOR INFO DESK
The Diana Center 1st Floor
CAMPUS ENTRANCE
BUILDING ENTRANCE
WHEELCHAIR ENTRANCE
PUBLIC SAFETY SUBWAY
For water filling stations and sustainability resources on campus, visit barnard.edu/sustainability.
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.
Pursue. Persist. Persevere.
