Dear Members of the Barnard Community,
This week’s events on Columbia’s campus have profoundly affected us all, testing our community in ways that none of us could have imagined when the school year began.
Many of you have reached out to understand Barnard’s response. When we learned of the heightened activity, we immediately notified the Barnard community and coordinated closely with Columbia. We are still gathering information about the students involved and are working through the necessary conduct procedures while providing needed support.
We had already increased our safety team and limited access to our campus and buildings in an effort to ensure the safety of every member of our community, and we continue to do so. NYPD is not on our campus, but we do permit them to use the restrooms on the first floor of Barnard Hall and the lower level of Milstein.
As we approach the end of the semester—a time typically focused on exams and future plans—I am aware of the added stress caused by these events. I encourage our students to utilize the College’s support services and our faculty and staff to take advantage of the support offered through Health Advocate EAP.
I want to acknowledge our seniors, in particular, who started their journey during a pandemic and now face these difficult circumstances as they prepare to graduate. We are dedicated to honoring their achievements and celebrating their significant accomplishments despite these challenges.
Thank you to everyone—students, faculty, and staff—for your flexibility and patience as we adapt our campus protocols and academic formats. Your resilience is invaluable.
Let's continue to support one another.
Very truly yours,
Laura Ann Rosenbury
President, Barnard College