Dear Members of the Barnard Community,
Given the developments of the past 24 hours, my focus – and that of my senior leadership team – has been on the safety and security of every member of our community.
As someone who cares deeply about Barnard, I understand that these are extraordinary times for our cherished community. Students, faculty, and staff are experiencing deep and intense emotions around recent events on the Columbia campus, across the country, and around the world. Many of us are disappointed by limited access to the Barnard and Columbia campuses, the cancellation of in-person events, and other unexpected changes as the semester comes to an end.
The situation is evolving quickly, and we are working closely with Columbia as developments unfold. I want to make sure that everyone in the Barnard community is informed and has current information. I write to emphasize the following:
Campus Operations
- For now, our campus will remain limited to those with Barnard IDs, and access will be available only through our main gate on Broadway. No guests are permitted on campus, including in our residence halls, and all in-person events on campus remain canceled.
- Dining halls, residence halls, and health services (Furman Counseling and Primary Care Health Services) will operate as usual, providing services in person. Facilities and CARES (emergency and non-emergency) will also remain available to assist those on campus.
- The Milstein Center and Milstein Academic Centers closed at 7 p.m. tonight and will re-open at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Access to some campus buildings may be further restricted.
- All offices at Barnard College will remain open, but some services will be provided only on a remote basis. Senior staff and supervisors will continue to communicate with employees about staffing and remote work in their areas.
- Students with approved CARDS accommodations who need assistance moving out of their residence halls may contact the Dean of the College at deanofthecollege@barnard.edu. Please include your CARDS coordinator or CARDS@barnard.edu in your email.
Conduct
Barnard has long articulated rules of student conduct and other policies that structure the ways we live and learn together. We will continue to follow our process for enforcing these rules. As we’ve communicated repeatedly, we ask students participating in an unauthorized protest, encampment, or occupation to leave immediately. Those participating will face consequences, up to and including suspension or expulsion.
Resources
As announced earlier today, the College is providing additional resources to support our students’ emotional, academic, and overall well-being. We encourage students to explore these resources to help you focus, excel, and heal.
Thank you for your continued patience, cooperation, and understanding, and thank you for being flexible during these difficult times. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Very truly yours,
Laura Rosenbury
President, Barnard College