Advising at Barnard

Every incoming Barnard first-year is matched with an advisor even before they arrive at Barnard. Typically, this is a professor in the department that you plan to major in. Your first-year advisor sticks with you until you declare your major, which usually happens in the second semester of your sophomore year. At that point, you are assigned an advisor within your major. This may be your first-year advisor, but is often someone else, either because you changed your major or because you have a different area of focus within the major. If you double major, you will have an advisor in each major. For example, I am a double major in Computer Science and English, so when I officially declare, I will have two advisors, one for CS and one for English. 

Having an advisor, especially your first year of college, gives you a support system right from the start. Adjusting to college life—registering for classes, seeking out opportunities, and just getting used to campus—can be overwhelming. Your advisor is your go-to person for any of these concerns. My advisor, Professor Vandenburg, is an English professor at Barnard. When I was considering double majoring, she helped me talk through my plans, suggested what classes to take, and encouraged me to push myself and not limit myself. She became someone I was able to voice my concerns to and helped me figure out how to overcome them. Professor Vandenburg also encouraged me to reach out to other adults on campus to find the information I sought after for advice about double majoring and possible job opportunities. 

In a new environment, sometimes all you need is someone to be there for you, someone to guide you and someone you can rant to. My advisor became that for me. Even when I was not able to meet her in person, she can always easily be reached through email. Developing a good relationship with your advisor can prove helpful in your later years if you want to be connected with someone or need to have a good word in.