Student Experience and Engagement
The mission of the Department of Student Experience and Engagement (SEE) is to create accessible, dynamic, thought-provoking co-curricular opportunities for and in partnership with Barnard students to explore purposeful involvement, self-discovery, and the development of meaningful relationships with their peers and the greater Barnard community. As an integral part of the student experience, SEE aims to connect students not only to resources available within the Department but all resources available at both Barnard and Columbia.
Functional Areas:
Arts Education
Arts Education is a valued part of the Barnard experience. This area of SEE provides both on-campus and off-campus arts enrichment for students, providing opportunities for not only arts appreciation and education but also creative outlets where students can enhance their existing artistic ability or develop new skills, talents, and artistry.
Barnard Traditions
Established in 1889, Barnard College values and is proud of its deep history and traditions. SEE via the McIntosh Activities Council (McAC) is home to some of Barnard's most cherished and celebrated campus traditions such as; Big Sub, the Emily Gregory Awards and Celebration, Midnight Breakfast, Spirit Week and the Barnard Greek Games.
New Student Orientation Program (NSOP)
Barnard’s new student orientation program (NSOP) is designed to welcome and celebrate incoming students through a series of thought-provoking, engaging, and dynamic programs, activities, and experiences that will introduce students to the history, traditions, culture, values, expectations, resources, and physical spaces of Barnard College, Columbia University, and the surrounding New York City community.
Glicker Milstein Theatre (GMT)
SEE is home to the Glicker Milstein Theatre (GMT), a blackbox space dedicated to student performances on campus offering student productions a safe place to explore their ideas and develop theatre techniques under the guidance of professional staff.
Identity & Inclusion Programs
SEE recognizes the value and meaning of connecting with people of shared identities and experiences. Our identity and inclusion programs allow students to come together with their peers, faculty, and staff to explore their identities, and to build networks of support and solidarity.
Leadership Programs
Leadership programs are designed to offer an array of opportunities for students to develop leadership abilities, informed by their personal experience and a deep understanding of how their strengths and talents can serve both the Barnard Community and Beyond. Through a variety of initiatives, SEE supports all students' leadership journey with a balance of challenge and support.
Recognized Student Group Support
With over 50 recognized student clubs and organizations via the Governing Board at Barnard (GBB), Barnard College is an active, vibrant, and diverse campus community. SEE provides advising and support for GBB recognized groups and the students directly involved with club and organization activities, programs, initiatives, and management. As a member of the Barnard Community, not only do you have an opportunity to join GBB recognized groups but Barnard students can join any of the 500+ groups recognized at Columbia University.
Student Leadership Advising
Both the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Governing Board at Barnard (GBB) are advised by staff in SEE. Collectively, SGA and GBB advocate and support the needs of the Barnard student community through shared governance, programming, and by allocating and managing the Student Activities Fee (SAF). It is through this partnership that SEE works in collaboration with students to ensure that Barnard is an engaged student community full of memorable and fulfilling experiences.
Student Experience and Engagement serves the entire Barnard community including students, faculty, staff, administrators, and parents and families. As the hub for student engagement, SEE is a great place to both promote and learn about what is going on in the Barnard community. In partnership with the Division of Campus Life and Student Engagement, SEE will do the following;
● Encourage deep consideration of ideas, interests, and needs;
● Advise students on the breadth of College resources to leverage during their experience at Barnard;
● Connect students to departments and individuals to help them reach their goals;
● Celebrate student accomplishments; and
● Share assessments of how the Department has done this work.