What is McAC?

Barnard College has a few traditions we love. There’s Midnight Breakfast, a huge event full of breakfast food served to students by administration and faculty the night before finals begin (there’s nothing like your class dean serving you pancakes). Big Sub, when a 200+ feet long subway sandwich is snaked around campus as a feast for students, because why not? In the spring, a professor is awarded the Emily Gregory Award, a teaching award that’s completely student nominated and chosen. What’s special is that all of these events, and tons more, are completely run by students through the McIntosh Activities Council (McAC).

McAC is named after Millicent C. McIntosh, the fourth dean and first president of Barnard College. President McIntosh was friendly and approachable women, affectionately called “Mrs. Mac” by students and faculty alike. In her honor, McAC strives to create and maintain a warm community on campus via fun events throughout the year.

My friends at I at Barnard's Founders Day celebration! 

McAC events include ones like the examples listed above, in addition to panel events featuring alumnae, fun study breaks, events highlighting the diversity of the Barnard community, and service projects. Personally, my favorite McAC event is Founders Day. Mainly because it’s like one big birthday party for Barnard, but also because it’s a time for students to come together and celebrate and our lovely school.

One of the reasons why I decided to come to Barnard was because of community on campus. McAC, and all the work the council does, plays a huge role in that community. McAC connects students with each other, faculty, administration, and alumnae. From hosting panels about female entrepreneurs, to voter registration drives, to yoga on the roof of the Diana Center, McAC provides a ton of opportunities for student life on campus. They keep old traditions alive and develop new ones, all while making Barnard feel a bit more like home.  

-Paige
pcm2126@barnard.edu