About Us
About Us
Student Experience and Engagement
Mission:
The mission of the Department of Student Experience and Engagement (SEE) is to create accessible, dynamic, thought-provoking co-curricular opportunities for 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 also to 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.
Vision:
Student Experience and Engagement envisions a Barnard where every student feels welcome, supported, is engaged, and becomes an agent for social change.
Values:
Student Experience and Engagement values the following:
● Knowledge
● Equality
● Community
● Integrity
● Responsibility
Functional Areas:
- Campus-Wide Programming
- Glicker-Milstein Theatre (GMT)
- New Student Orientation (NSOP)
- Recognized Club and Organization Support and Management
- Student Leadership Group Advising
Commitment To Barnard
Student Experience and Engagement enhances the educational mission of Barnard College by engaging students outside of the classroom. Our intention is to relate the classroom to students' lived experiences, fostering identity and pluralism in a dynamic and multifaceted environment. We believe that co-curricular engagement is an important complement to classroom experiences. Through our approach, we provide students with tools, resources, and experiences to assist them in the ways they navigate their lives. Through engagement with our office and our programs, students will have access to wide-ranging experiences and multiple perspectives, allowing them to be more engaged citizens of our global community.
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
Partnership Agreement
Student Experience and Engagement holds itself to:
- Provide co-curricular experiences that are vital to a liberal arts education.
- Create spaces for students to explore multiple and intersecting identities.
- Develop leadership and life skills through programs and workshops that are focused on holistic student development.
- Foster relationships and a sense of community across campus.
- Provide support and referrals to address students’ needs and concerns.
- Welcome feedback, suggestions, and new ideas.
Student Experience and Engagement expects students to:
- Actively participate in programs offered by SEE, as well as SGA, GBB, McAC, student clubs and organizations, and other campus initiatives.
- Be respectful of people’s identities, experiences, and perspectives.
- Utilize campus resources and seek support from Student Experience and Engagement as student leaders and when planning programs and events.
- Be open to new perspectives and experiences. Challenge oneself to stretch, learn, and grow.
- Reflect on experiences and bring new ideas and suggestions to Student Experience and Engagement.
- Be familiar with and follow Barnard College, Student Experience and Engagement, and Student Government policies and procedures.
Meet the Student Experience and Engagement Team
Kyrena Wright (she/her)
Director, Student Experience and Engagement
Tel: 212-854-2096
As the Director of Student Experience and Engagement, Kyrena manages the daily operations of the department and provides leadership to a dynamic team. She assists in the planning of NSOP, oversees the advising structure for all recognized student organizations, serves as the general advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA), and partners closely with campus colleagues to create a vibrant co-curricular experience for Barnard students. Kyrena earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Hartford and her M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Vermont. She is passionate about cultivating a culture of engagement where students feel supported, connected, and empowered to shape their college journey.
You Can Ask Me About… Student leadership and governance, NSOP, planning large-scale events, recognized student organizations, building community and engagement on campus, or ways to make the most of your Barnard experience. Outside of work, you can also ask me about my dog (I’m a big dog lover), what book I’m currently reading on the subway, or how it feels to be relearning piano after not playing since fifth grade.
Simone Medley (she/her)
Associate Director, Student Experience and Engagement
Tel: 212-854-2096
As Associate Director, I collaborate with the Director of SEE and other departments around campus to organize large-scale events. My focus is on supporting student group advising.
I advise several student groups, especially academic and pre-professional clubs, and oversee group advising for GBB and SGA-recognized organizations.
I also lead Barnard Leadership Training (BLT), advise the Governing Board of Barnard (GBB), and support the SGA Leadership Awards and serve as a Gallup Strengths Coach where I help students discover their strengths and leadership potential.
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, I am a dual citizen of Jamaica and the US. I have been in the Barnumbia community since 2018, starting at Columbia and joining SEE at Barnard in August 2023. I’ve worked at several schools across the U.S and hold a Master’s in Higher Education from the University of San Francisco. In my free time, I am a professional audience member, and I’m always up for chatting about getting free or cheap event tickets around the city!
You Can Ask Me About… How to start a new Student Group at Barnard College?
Grace Kelly (she/ella)
Program Coordinator, Student Development and Involvement
Tel: 212-851-2941
"Hi! I’m Grace Kelly, and I am so excited to be your Program Coordinator here to help you navigate campus life and leadership. My background is in Global Studies and Political Science, but my work has always been rooted in the arts, social justice, and the belief that you don’t need a formal title to be a powerful leader.
In this role, I’m here to help you find your unique path on campus through community workshops and collaborative events. I've spent my career building inclusive spaces—from supporting refugee youth with social-emotional learning to teaching career readiness and reproductive health to Latina New Yorkers—and I’m dedicated to making sure every student here feels a deep sense of belonging. Whether you want to sharpen your leadership skills, find a new student organization, or just chat about how to make an impact right where you are, I’m here to support you. I can’t wait to meet you and see the creative ways you’ll lead our community!
Ask me about…all things MillieLINK, how to find your passion, and becoming the best leader you can be for your community!
Valerie Cheransky (she/they)
Program Coordinator, Campus-Wide Programs
Tel: 212-854-9130
As the Program Coordinator for Campus-Wide Programs at Barnard, I have the privilege of planning some of the biggest, most fabulous events we have here at Barnard. During Fall and Spring, I am the primary planner for the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP)! I am fortunate enough to work with an amazing group of Orientation Leaders, Crew Captains, and Committee Chairs.
I am also the advisor for the McIntosh Activities Council (McAC). I help them with their leadership development, as well as the planning and execution of some incredible Barnard traditions, including Big Sub, Midnight Breakfast, and more!
I have been passionate about student leadership and student affairs for the entirety of my time in Higher Education. Having been an OL, RA, OA, TA, Peer Educator, and GA myself, I have a great understanding of how important it is to get involved and BE BOLD!
My goal in life is to uplift communities and build foundations that can flourish and grow. In the future, I will be pursuing my EdD in Educational Leadership!
You Can Ask Me About… Leadership, NSOP opportunities, campus-wide program ideas, club & org management, my cat Matzo Ball Soup, or anything else you may be curious about!
Theresa Parson (she/her)
Student Activities Fees Assistant
Tel: 212-854-2097
As the Student Activities Fees Assistant, Theresa works with the student groups on all their purchasing! Born in Queens, NY, and raised in Jersey City, NJ. She completed a Master’s Program at Columbia SIPA studying International Affairs.
You Can Ask Me About… Everything finance!
Yasmin Neil (she/her)
Assistant to the Student Experience & Engagement Department
Tel: 212-854-3095
As the Assistant to the SEE Department, Yasmin’s main focus is to ensure that she provides the SEE Team with the assistance they need. Having worked in a post-secondary school for 12 years, she brings strong team leadership and will implement team values while emphasizing versatility and competence. Born in Puerto Rico, raised in New York City (in Alphabet City, also known as the East Village), and lived in Jersey City, NJ, for 14 years. She moved back to New York City to continue to strive for the best in her career and to pursue her degree in Organizational Leadership.
You Can Ask Me About… What is happening within the SEE Department! If you and your peers want to have a game night or just want to lay out on the lawn, we are able to let students rent/borrow some games and picnic blankets throughout the year. Don’t be shy, and make sure to stop by the SEE Office, even if it’s just to say hi.