Frequently Asked Questions
An annual tradition, Family Weekend provides the opportunity for you to engage in many facets of life at the College and gain a deeper understanding of the Barnard student experience. Parents, family members, and supporters of current Barnard students in all class years are all warmly invited to attend. Family Weekend historically takes place on Barnard’s campus on a Friday and Saturday in mid to late October.
All guests must register in advance to access Barnard’s campus and attend Family Weekend. Please submit the registration form, which was emailed to Barnard families in early October, by Tuesday, October 14 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. If you do not have the link and wish to register, please email familyweekend@barnard.edu.
The registration form asks you to select which events your group would like to attend to help in our planning. However, we recognize that your itinerary may change once on campus, so we do not check registration at the door for individual sessions. While we work to accommodate as many people as possible, please note that seating for each event is available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
All Family Weekend programming is offered free of charge, except for the Homecoming game and Theatre performance. We are happy to make this slate of programs accessible to as many families and supporters of current students as possible.
If you are able to do so, we hope you will consider making a gift to the Barnard Annual Fund in honor of your student. Your generous support provides Barnard with resources that empower students to pursue their interests and change the world, and your Annual Fund gift will immediately be used where it will have the most impact on the experiences of students.
If you have any questions about how to make a gift or would like information about how to become a member of the Parents Council, please contact parentsgiving@barnard.edu.
Our events are generally geared toward family members, but students are welcome to join if they wish. Please simply include them in the size of your group when you register.
Current students may attend the Homecoming game at no charge with their Barnard College ID, but they are limited to the general admission sections. Tickets for guests are required and may be purchased on the Columbia Athletics website. If you wish to sit with your student, you may purchase a general admission ticket for yourself. If you would prefer to have assigned seats, you will need to purchase a ticket for your student as well.
Guests who have registered for Barnard's Family Weekend will be able to access Barnard's campus on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18. More instructions will be shared with you via email ahead of the event.
Guests who have registered for Barnard's Family Weekend and completed the Columbia Campus Access form will be able to access Columbia's campus on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18. Please refer to the email communications you received for more information.
If you wish to visit Barnard’s campus on any other day, your student will need to submit the Workday guest registration form, in adherence with the current Campus Access procedures. Requests should be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.
Barnard students living in the residence halls may host guests in accordance with the Guest Policies.
Beverages and light snacks will be provided throughout the programming, and the Fall Festival on Saturday will feature seasonal treats. As there is no cost to attend Family Weekend, lunch may be purchased at one of our on-campus dining options or at the many restaurants located throughout the neighborhood. More information about dining can be found on the Helpful Information page.
Barnard College provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you need individual disability-related accommodations for this event in order to be able to attend, we encourage you to inform us in advance by contacting familyweekend@barnard.edu or (212) 854-8424. If you have an unanticipated need after arriving on campus, please contact the CARES Line (Non-Emergency) at (212) 854-3362.
Please contact familyweekend@barnard.edu with any questions you have leading up to the event. I will be able to assist you via email or to schedule a time to speak via phone, if that is your preference.
During Family Weekend, please visit the Check-In and Information Center in the Diana Center, Main Lobby. Family Weekend staff will be present to address any questions or concerns you may have.