Student Life

Orientation

Welcome to Barnard College!

The New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) is a large and exciting program to welcome all of our incoming first-year, transfer, and international students to the Barnard community. New students arrive on campus approximately one week prior to classes, where they are introduced to all of the resources that are available to them during their time at Barnard. Not only do we plan and implement Barnard-specific programs, but we also host programs in conjunction with our Columbia constituents.

Connect with us now & stay updated on social media:
www.facebook.com/BarnardNSOP

NSOP Fall 2020 will welcome all incoming first-year and transfer students to the Barnard community with fully virtually programming that will connect you with our community!

Questions about orientation? Email orientation@barnard.edu

Questions about move-in? Check out: Campus Housing or email housing@barnard.edu

For detailed information of Barnard College Fall Planning.

NSOP Leader Information

NSOP isn’t just for incoming students — be a part of the experience again!

As students who’ve been through NSOP, you know there are many amazing student leaders involved in making sure a student’s first week on Barnard’s campus is successful and memorable. Barnard’s Student Life office plans the New Student Orientation Program in collaboration with CC/SEAS/GS and works with the various NSOP staff members. Each year, there is an NSOP Committee that works throughout the summer to plan NSOP along with full-time staff members, Crew Captains that oversee teams of Orientation Leaders, and Orientation Leaders who directly interact with a small group of students and serve as their first face on campus.

The various positions come with specific assignments and requirements. Please see the menu tabs on the left for more information about becoming a Committee Member, a Crew Captain, or an Orientation Leader, including hiring timelines and position descriptions.

Note:
If you’re a Columbia student, find information on committee positions here: https://www.cc-seas.columbia.edu/orientation/leadership/committee

Back@Barnard

Welcome home! Back@Barnard is a series of events and experiences throughout the first week of classes, September 3 to September 10, designed to encourage students to explore campus life and resources, meet new people, have fun, and attend traditional programs, such as the Activities Fair, the Block Party, and Convocation. It’s our way of introducing and welcoming incoming students to their new home and campus life and our way of welcoming back our returning students. We hope to see you at some of the exciting events during Back@Barnard!

Join the Back@Barnard Facebook event!

List of programs to be announced.

Columbia Urban Experience

Program Update 2020
As the COVID-19 crisis and uncertainty around it continues, we have unfortunately had to make the difficult decision to cancel the Columbia Urban Experience (CUE) program for the 2020 Fall semester. Although it is possible that some city, state and/or University policies regarding social distancing and travel may be lifted by mid-August, our programs require us to travel and conduct site visits to facilities throughout the summer, and these facilities have yet to determine whether or not they will open for large groups in the fall. Due to this uncertainty and the need to prioritize the safety of all students, we are unable to move forward with planning CUE this year.

The CUE Mission
The Columbia Urban Experience (CUE) aims to explore social justice work and forms of thoughtful, sustainable, and responsible service as university students in New York City. Fun activities in the city further familiarize CUE-ers (the CUE participants) with all that NYC has to offer. Participation in CUE eases first-year students’ transitions to college in New York City and provides valuable experiences and opportunities to support and inspire their service, social justice, and leadership endeavors at Barnard, Columbia, and beyond. The CUE community extends beyond the pre-orientation week, fostering a network of support and inspiration that extends to countless endeavors on campus, in New York City, and beyond.

Program Logistics
The Columbia Urban Experience (CUE) is a five day long pre-orientation program for 60 Columbia College, Columbia Engineering and Barnard College first-year students. CUE is an opportunity to engage in intergroup dialogue around topics of social justice, identity development, activism in New York City, and transitioning to the Columbia and Barnard communities. Students will learn about Columbia and Barnard’s communities, the Harlem communities that our campuses are a part of, and the larger New York City area they now call home.

All incoming first-year students from Barnard College, Columbia College, and Columbia Engineering are eligible to apply.

What is Columbia Urban Experience (CUE)?
The Columbia Urban Experience (CUE) is a five day long pre-orientation program for 60 Columbia College, Columbia Engineering and Barnard College first-year students. CUE is an opportunity to engage in intergroup dialogue around topics of social justice, identity development, activism in New York City, and transitioning to the Columbia and Barnard communities.CUE-ers also engage in article-based discussions on critical and ethical perspectives of activism and community engagement. Each evening, participants have the option to explore NYC with free activities led by a team leader.

Who can apply to CUE?
All incoming first-year students from Barnard College, Columbia College, and the Columbia Engineering and Barnard College are encouraged to apply. At this time, we are not accepting transfer students.

When will the application be available?
Applications will be available on April 1 and will close at 11:59 p.m. on May 19.

How selective is CUE?
CUE is a selective program, as there is a high interest from incoming first-years, and we accept only 20 Barnard participants. For this reason, we encourage anyone interested in service and social justice to demonstrate why they would be a good fit for the program and how the program aligns with their goals.

When does CUE happen?
Due to Covid-19 crisis, we are unable to move forward with planning CUE 2020 this year.

Where do CUE participants sleep?
Participants receive on-campus housing during the week.

What do CUE participants eat?
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during CUE are provided by Dining Services.

How much does CUE cost?
The program fee for CUE is $350, which covers housing, food, transportation, supplies, and the cost of evening activities during the week of CUE. A limited amount of funding may be available towards the registration fee for students who demonstrate high levels of financial need.

How do I apply for financial aid to attend CUE?
A limited amount of funding may be available towards the registration fee for students who demonstrate high levels of financial need, as verified through our Financial Aid Office. Priority will be given to students with the highest levels of financial need. There is no formal application process.