Barnard Events and Resources: Where to Find Them
A couple of weeks ago, I went to a book talk hosted by Barnard’s Alumnae Association. The author, Lydia Fenet, came to Barnard to speak about her recently released book Claim Your Confidence. When I entered the room, I spotted one of my friends and went to sit with her. “Do you come to these types of events often?” she asked. I thought about it; “sometimes,” I answered. As I sat through the event, soaking up Lydia’s every word on how to grow your confidence and infuse your authenticity and personality in your career, I thought to myself, “This event is amazing! Why do I only go to these events sometimes?”
The events that I was referring to are all of the special events and opportunities that Barnard has. Every week Barnard sends out an email to the student body with information about speakers, workshops, and resources on campus and in New York City. However, it's easy for these to be overlooked or ignored. The average college student has a barrage of emails pouring into their inbox every day and sometimes these emails slip through the cracks. Or maybe, you don’t know anyone going so you decide to skip it. Understandable. Yet, I strongly recommend taking advantage of these opportunities when you have the chance. These events are intended to enhance your college experience and broaden your horizons. In this post, I will provide you with a list of the types of resources and opportunities that are available for you to participate in at Barnard!
Barnard Resources and Centers
Barnard Personal Librarians - Every Barnard student is assigned a personal librarian before they begin their time at Barnard. Once they declare their major by the end of their sophomore year, they are reassigned to the Barnard librarian specific to their field of study. Barnard librarians are incredibly helpful with research and citations. My personal librarian has helped me find articles for Political Science research papers on obscure topics and reverse search academic passages to find the full paper. If you are stuck with any research paper or citation, be sure to make an appointment. You can go in person or on Zoom.
Speaking and Writing Fellows - Speaking and Writing Fellows are students who are trained to support their peers in their speaking and writing goals, respectively. Both the Writing and Speaking Centers utilize various pedagogical tactics to bring out the reader’s authentic voice. Students can book one-on-one appointments with both Writing and Speaking Fellows for help with any written or spoken work.
Empirical Reasoning Center - The Empirical Reasoning Center helps students engage with data. Questions on how to use R, Excel, Python, or Stata? The ERC can help you out. They have staff who specialize in all the tools - and more! They have one-on-one appointments as well as drop-in hours. I went to the ERC to help get R installed on my computer and to learn how to use it to analyze my thesis data and they were incredibly helpful!
Campus Events - these are just some examples! Keep an eye out for more.
Social Events
SGA Formal - This year, for the first time ever, Barnard SGA (Student Government Association) hosted a Formal. It took place at a venue, Nebula, in Midtown. There was delicious food and great music. There was a photobooth that printed pictures with a special SGA background. SGA also sponsored 2-trip metrocards. This event was free of charge to students. It was such a fun way to spend time with the Barnard community while feeling like you got a little trip off campus.
Glasshouse Rocks - Glasshouse Rocks is a Columbia-wide event that happens every Spring. All of the performing arts groups on campus perform in Lerner, which is a big, open-concept glass building on Columbia’s campus. Students eat delicious dinner as they watch dances, listen to songs, and appreciate the skits. There is also special, but limited, Glasshouse Rocks swag. This event provides the Columbia University community with an opportunity to experience the diverse range of talented performing arts groups.
Academic events
Book talks - As I mentioned earlier, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend Lydia Fenet’s book talk earlier this week. At the event, she spoke for 30 minutes about some of the concepts in the book. Then she opened up the floor to questions. Finally, she held a book signing for all attendees. Earlier in the semester, Columbia hosted a book talk with Dr. Beth Fisher-Yoshida on her book “New Story, New Power: A Woman's Guide to Negotiation.” Both of these authors’s books are so applicable to Barnard students and can be pivotal in one’s personal and professional growth. Make time for these book talks! They are a unique and incredible experience.
New York City Opportunities - Finally, NYC events. These are not (necessarily) specific to Barnard. However, as a school in New York, we have the privilege of all of the NYC attractions.
Broadway lotteries - Broadway lotteries are great ways to win tickets to the Broadway show you have been waiting to see for heavily discounted prices. I have won tickets to The Lion King, Dear Evan Hansen, and Come From Away. It is a really nice treat to go with friends from school and something that you can’t get everywhere else.
AMC discounted tickets from the Barnard store - If you go to the Barnard Store, located on the first floor of the Diana center, you are able to purchase AMC tickets for discounted prices. Want a relaxing night out with friends? Go to the Barnard store to claim your discount!
DoMoreNYC - This is not affiliated with Barnard, but one of my friends told me about this incredible website. DoMoreNYC is a subscription that costs $5 a month in exchange for 2 guaranteed tickets to fun events around New York City. You can filter for type of event (concert, workshop, food event), day of the week, and neighborhoods. I went to the Blue Man Group with tickets I won from DoMoreNYC. Be sure to sign up to make the most of your college experience for less.
In conclusion, Barnard (and by extension NYC) has so many resources and opportunities to take advantage of. The diversity and frequency of events available at Barnard is a testament to the enthusiasm of students, staff, and administrators towards enhancing the Barnard community.