Other Student Services

Beyond Barnard  

Beyond Barnard provides lifelong support to students and graduates as they define, pursue, and achieve success in their careers and communities. The office represents an integrated hub of services and resources in the areas of career development (including job and internship exploration, applications, and funding), campus roles (including Federal Work Study, Barnard College Jobs, and other forms of on- and off-campus work), competitive national and international fellowships, and graduate and professional school. Members of the Barnard community can access Beyond Barnard from their first day on campus as students, throughout their matriculation, and for a lifetime after graduation. Resources are available to students and graduates, regardless of whether they intend to pursue careers in academia, corporate entities, nonprofit organizations, the arts, or government (and many others in between).

Beyond Barnard’s resources are designed to complement the academic mission of the College. The initiative proceeds from the assertion that one’s major does not dictate the entire course of one’s career, and that there is too often a false dichotomy between the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the classroom, and those necessary for success in careers after graduation. To this end, Beyond Barnard emphasizes the value of transferable skills, personal and professional networks (especially with Barnard alumnae), and critical thinking about the purpose of a liberal arts education in the context of the twenty-first century.

In its 2022-2027 strategic plan, Beyond Barnard defined its central values as equity, exploration, engagement, education, and empowerment. The office lays out its specific pursuit of these values on its website: https://barnard.edu/beyond-barnard/data-and-outcomes. 

In all of these activities, Beyond Barnard emphasizes that students and graduates own their career trajectory, and works to empower them to define and pursue their path and their purpose. Students and graduates can tap into Beyond Barnard resources (enumerated in more detail below) at its website, through its online portal, and on social media. Newsletters about services and resources are deployed weekly to students throughout the academic year. Additional targeted messages are deployed to students and graduates year round.

Information about Beyond Barnard is available on its website, and questions can always be addressed to beyondbarnard@barnard.edu.

Advising and Programs

The Advising and Programs Team provides one-on-one advising, events, workshops, mentoring opportunities, and other resources that help students and alumnae explore and pursue diverse careers, fellowships, and graduate or professional school programs. Leading more than 3,000 individual advising appointments annually, the Advising and Programs Team can support students and alumnae in career exploration, job and internship document creation (resumes, CVs, cover letters, etc.), applications for graduate and professional school (including medical school and law school, among many others), interview and negotiation best practices, networking, and the pursuit of competitive fellowships. Appointments are secured using Beyond Barnard’s online portal. Information about how to schedule appointments for advising is available on the website.

In addition to full-time staff, the Advising and Programs Team oversees the Peer Career Advisor (PCA) program. PCAs offer scheduled and drop-in appointments for students to review job documents, discuss job and internship search strategies, review LinkedIn profiles and networking advice, and more.

Central to Beyond Barnard’s philosophy on career exploration is its integration of multiple stakeholders from the Barnard community — including alumnae, faculty, parents, staff, and others — into its resources. Programs like Career Insights connect students to alumnae for conversations about industries, career skills, and diverse fields. 

In 2019-20, Beyond Barnard celebrated ten years of career mentoring programs at the College with the launch of Barnard Connect and Beyond Mentoring. Barnard Connect is a virtual mentoring platform that has, in just the first few years of its existence, grown to a network of more than 4,000 individuals. Students and alumnae can connect with one another for the purposes of establishing mentoring relationships. Beyond Mentoring, accessed through Barnard Connect, gives students the ability to apply for short-term projects for career and professional skills development that are hosted by alumnae, parents, and other friends of the College.

Questions about the Advising and Programs Team may be directed to beyondbarnard@barnard.edu.

Partnerships & Employer Relations

Beyond Barnard’s Partnerships and Employer Relations Team administers part-time employment programs (including on-campus and off-campus opportunities funded by work study programs), and provides access to internships (including funding for unpaid internships), volunteerism, and more through a comprehensive online job posting site available to all currently-enrolled, full-time Barnard College students. In these opportunities, students acquire many of the transferable skills and competencies necessary to ready them for the competitive world of full-time employment in the global marketplace. Wherever possible, these opportunities align with the academic mission of the College and the intellectual and professional goals of students.

Services available at Beyond Barnard through the Partnerships & Employer Relations Team include assistance with securing part-time employment opportunities by way of the office’s online database of on-campus and off-campus job postings (including peer tutoring, IT support, library and admissions jobs, office work, as well as flexible off-campus opportunities including childcare and event help); as well as the Beyond Barnard Internship Program (BBIP), which offers funding for unpaid internships. Information about BBIP funding, eligibility requirements, and application processes, is available through Beyond Barnard’s website. The growth of paid opportunities over the last several years has included the establishment of the Laidlaw Research & Leadership Program (supporting both research and internships), GRoWing the Arts (supporting paid internships in all arts disciplines), and the New Pathways Bridgewater Scholars Program (supporting professional development, mentorship, and internships in financial services).

Students have access to singular support in the form of individualized employment advising appointments with professional staff for assistance with part-time jobs matching, assistance with setting professional development goals, alignment with internship opportunities offered by the office, and support with resolving workplace conflicts or concerns.

This team also partners with a range of employers across industries to connect Barnard students and graduates to internship and job opportunities. Staff facilitate regular information sessions and programs led by visiting employers (including alums in recruiting and other areas of organizations), on-campus interviews for internships and full-time jobs, Opportunities Fairs, and an array of skills development workshops that prepare students for success in the recruiting process.

Annually, more than 150 employers visit Barnard’s campus for the specific purpose of employing students. Opportunities Fairs take place multiple times each year (including dedicated events for corporate entities, nonprofit and government organizations, and graduate schools), connecting students to recruiters and grads at upwards of 150 firms, nonprofit organizations, and graduate institutions.

Questions about the Partnerships & Employer Relations Team may be directed to beyondbarnard@barnard.edu.

Communications & Operations

The Communications & Operations Team assesses and communicates about the effectiveness of Beyond Barnard’s work. It also manages all processes associated with Beyond Barnard’s many programmatic initiatives, from payroll paperwork for student workers to access to online platforms run by the office. Beyond Barnard tracks the graduate and professional outcomes of each graduating class and reports them each year. In line with peer institutions, outcomes are reported six months after graduation. To track satisfaction and improve its resources, Beyond Barnard also collects data in the form of surveys from students. Data that Beyond Barnard collects and reports on can be found on the Beyond Barnard website.

Questions about the Communications & Operations Team may be directed to beyondbarnard@barnard.edu.

Health Services

Alcohol and Substance Awareness Program

The Alcohol and Substance Awareness Program (ASAP) works with the Barnard community to provide drug and alcohol education, prevention, and intervention on campus. Its purpose is to promote the healthy development of students and to encourage students to explore their options and ultimately make choices that are positive for them as individuals.

ASAP offers individual and group counseling ASAP also offers outreach and educational programs on related topics, including: consequences of alcohol use, Barnard norms, women and alcohol, alcohol and relationships, alcohol and stress, abstinence, drug use, safe spring break and media literacy. All ASAP services are confidential and free of charge.

Center for Accessibility Resources & Disability Services

In 1978, Barnard established a program to provide services for students with disabilities, which enhance their educational, pre-professional, and personal development. The Center for Accessibility Resources & Disability Services (CARDS) serves students who have different types of disabilities such as mobility, visual, hearing loss, as well as students with invisible disabilities, such as learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD, chronic medical conditions, psychological disabilities, and substance abuse recovery. CARDS works with other administrators and members of the faculty to assist students with disabilities in participating equally in college. Students who wish to seek accommodations at Barnard should fill out an  online application, submit supporting documentation, and schedule an intake meeting with their designated CARDS coordinator. Accommodations are not granted retroactively, so it is best to register with CARDS early on. Accommodation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, according to the type of disability a student has, information shared by the student during their meeting, and the recommendations of the student's documentation. The buildings on the Barnard campus are wheelchair accessible. CARDS staff can assist students with determining the best access routes on campus. CARDS maintains a comprehensive webpage, which includes important information about accessing accommodations, how to register, and policies related to accommodations.

Primary Care Health Service (PCHS)

The PCHS, nationally accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, provides primary care and specialist referrals for all registered Barnard students. It offers a wide range of general services, with a particular emphasis on the developmental needs of college-aged women. Entering students must submit a proof of immunization as required by New York State Health Laws. All students are entitled to all services at the PCHS, regardless of the type of insurance they carry.

Staff

The clinical staff consists of full-time physicians, nurse practitioners, a nurse, a nutritionist and a health educator . The PCHS collaborates with major New York medical teaching centers to provide advanced clinical training in college health to Adolescent Medicine Fellows.

After-Hour Care

At all times when the college is in session and during spring break there is a Clinician-on-Call phone service nights and weekends for after-hours urgent medical advice. There is always a PCHS clinician on back up call for the answering service as well.

Fees

There is no per-visit charge at the PCHS, and the number of visits is unlimited. Medications are available for discounted fees from our on-site dispensary.

Health Insurance

All enrolled students at Barnard must carry health insurance while they are a student at the College. Students have two options: They can either carry the school's insurance plan, implemented by Aetna Student Health, or waive out of the student health insurance plan with their family's insurance plan. The waive-out period occurs during certain times of the year and must be approved. All outside insurance plans must be ACA compliant. Students should carry their insurance cards with them at all times. All international students are required to carry the Barnard sponsored health insurance plan-Aetna Student Health.  

For additional information about services provided and the Student Insurance Plan, students are encouraged to visit the Health Services website.

Rosemary Furman Counseling Center

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. Students who engage with SEE will strengthen their leadership skills to transform themselves, Barnard, and their communities both now and in the future. 

The functional areas that make up the Department of Student Experience and Engagement are: Arts and Glicker-Milstein Theatre (GMT), Campus-Wide Programming, Experiential Learning Initiatives, Identity & Inclusion Initiatives, Leadership Programs, New Student Orientation (NSOP), Recognized Club and Organization Support and Management, and Student Leadership Group Advising.

SEE supports campus-wide programming initiatives through a variety of channels including the direct supervision of the McIntosh Activities Council (McAC), advising student leaders in the Student Government Association (SGA) who have programming responsibilities, supporting the programmatic efforts of recognized student clubs and organizations, in addition to, programming housed in each of the functional areas of the Department.

Experiential Learning Initiatives

Experiential Learning initiatives offer the Barnard Student community the opportunity to learn by doing. Experiential learning initiatives include volunteering, service learning, philanthropy, alternative spring break programs both through recognized student clubs and organizations and initiatives housed in and supported by the Department. Programs are student-driven via the McAC Action Committee and partnerships with both Barnard and Columbia departments and resources. 

Leadership Programs

The Leadership Programs recognizes that leadership occurs in many settings. With this in mind, the SEE department is dedicated to identifying, reinforcing, and cultivating the skills that Barnard students need in order to be effective leaders on campus, in New York City, and throughout the world. We seek to accomplish this through signature initiatives which include the Leadership Workshops, Barnard Leadership Training (BLT), Strengths Coaching, as well as many programs in collaboration with other departments on campus. SEE’s holistic approach embraces the potential of co-curricular leadership development which creates well-rounded students who are ready to be progressive members of society.

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. 

Orientation Program attendees will have the opportunity to continue their own path of self-discovery and to become more aware of the identities, experiences, and stories of their peers and other members of the Barnard community. Orientation Programs aims to positively contribute to an incoming student’s successful transition and integration into the academic, co-curricular, and social aspects of being a student at Barnard College. 

Recognized Club and Organizations Support and Management

Student Clubs and Organizations recognized by the Governing Board at Barnard (GBB) are supported and managed by the Department. Recognized groups are assigned an advisor based on the scope of the group mission and vision. All clubs and organizations are funded and financed by the Student Activities Fee (SAF) and the SEE Department, in collaboration with GBB and SGA work to ensure that the SAF funds are allocated and spent appropriately. In addition to taking advantage of the clubs and organizations recognized by GBB, Barnard students have the opportunity to join any recognized organization housed at Columbia University as all recognized groups are funded through a collaborative effort between the student councils of the four schools of Columbia University. 

Non-Residential Student Services

The Student Experience and Engagement Office supports the cultural, educational, and social programs designed to enrich the lives of non-residential students. The Skip Stop Student Organization sponsors events and services for all non-residential students. The Skip Stop lounge is located on the first floor of the Diana Center. Additionally, the Office of Residential Life provides information on off-campus living.

Leadership Development

The Leadership Development office recognizes that leadership occurs in many settings. With this in mind, the staff is dedicated to identifying, reinforcing, and cultivating the skills that Barnard students need in order to be effective leaders on campus, in New York City, and throughout the world. We seek to accomplish this through signature initiatives which include the Emerging Leaders Program, Leadership Lunches, and the Breakfast Club Leadership workshops, as well as many programs in collaboration with other departments on campus. The office’s holistic approach embraces the potential of co-curricular leadership development which creates well-rounded students who are ready to be progressive members of society.

Orientation and Activities

Orientation and Activities is an office that focuses on various co-curricular aspects of Barnard College. The office coordinates both fall and spring New Student Orientation Programs that welcome and introduce first-year, transfer, visiting and international students to the College.  Building community is another essential part of this area which is primarily done through programming. On and off-campus programs are offered as ways of building relationships and gaining a sense of belonging at Barnard.

Non-Residential Student Services

The Student Experience and Engagement Office supports the cultural, educational, and social programs designed to enrich the lives of non-residential students. The Skip Stop Student Organization sponsors events and services for all non-residential students. The Skip Stop lounge is located on the first floor of the Diana Center. Additionally, the Office of Residential Life provides information on off-campus living.

Student Records and Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (the Buckley Amendment/FERPA) stipulates that students may have access to their official files and that no transcripts may be issued without their written request. Barnard’s full FERPA policy can be found here.

Barnard College designates the following items as Directory Information:  student name; class; home or college address and telephone number; email address; major field; date and place of birth; dates of attendance at Barnard; degrees, honors and awards received; previous school most recently attended; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; and photograph.  Columbia and Barnard have public directories- online and by phone- that list the student name, department, email, phone and campus mailbox number.

The College may disclose Directory Information without prior written consent, unless a student files a request to withhold directory information with the Registrar, 105 Milbank Hall, each year by September 15.

Community Accountability, Response & Emergency Services (CARES)

The CARES Department is comprised of four units who support campus safety across all elements.  CARES promotes safety for the Barnard community - physical, fire and life, structural, interpersonal, and psychosocial safety.  CARES supports and contributes to a safe, healthy and inclusive learning environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. The Response Team staffs the CARES non-emergency line, 212-854-3362, to provide initial intervention, response and/or referral to campus resources. The CARES Office is located in Elliott Hall, first floor. Lost and found, ID access assistance, and a walking phone escort service are available through CARES. Community Safety oversees campus security functions,; the office is located just opposite the Main Gate at 117th Street and Broadway, in Barnard Hall, Room 104. CARES plays a key role, 24 hours a day, in preventative and protective measures to minimize risk or impact of emergency situations impacting campus. All who are on campus can contribute to a community that fosters safety of all present. Find safety information on the website.

The department includes Response Team members; Preparedness staff (fire safety and compliance personnel); Nondiscrimination staff supporting an inclusive campus environment and overseeing the related College policies; and Community Safety, addressing security and emergency needs (community safety officers, access attendants, dispatchers and supervisory staff). All CARES staff work collaboratively in support of campus safety. Community Safety Staff are not sworn law enforcement officers; rather Officers are New York state certified security guards.  Across CARES, members of the department receive training specific to their role in the campus community, including Community Safety staff trained in security practices, risk reduction, fire safety, basic first aid, and CPR/AED.  The Department works closely with campus and community partners, including Columbia Public Safety and the New York City Police Department when appropriate and necessary.

Program your phones with the campus CARES Non-Emergency Line 212-854-3362 and College EMERGENCY number 212-854-6666. For more information please visit the Barnard CARES website at barnard.edu/CARES.

Crime Statistics

In compliance with New York State Education Law Article 129-A, and the Clery Act, crime statistics for the Barnard College campus for the last three calendar years are filed annually with the United States Department of Education and are available for review on their website and on the Barnard College website.  In addition, the Advisory Committee on Campus Security will provide, upon request, the Annual Security Report or campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education. Requests can be made by contacting the Associate Vice President for CARES at 212-854-3362 or via email to CARESTeam@barnard.edu.