Dear Barnard students,
I write to follow up on President Beilock’s earlier email and to update you with some specifics about your upcoming Zoom classes and spring break. This is a time of uncertainty, and I want you to know that we are all working hard to support you as best we can.
As President Beilock said in her message today, classes will resume virtually starting tomorrow Wednesday, March 11. Classes will also meet virtually for the week after Spring Break. We know you have questions about what will happen after that and we understand how important this question is to you. We are working closely with Columbia and carefully monitoring the situation. We are fully committed to updating you as soon as a decision is made.
Below I outline several important points of information for now until Sunday, March 29:
Classes
- For detailed information on how to join classes virtually, visit Zoom Instructions for Barnard Students. If you have questions or issues, please email courseworks@barnard.edu.
- Please note that as long as classes are meeting virtually, it is fine for you to be off-campus, and we will update you with new information as it becomes available.
Campus
- Because there are no in-person classes, students do not need to remain on campus at this point.
- All students who plan to stay on campus during break and/or the week after are asked to complete this Spring Break Staycation Form so that we can appropriately plan for campus services.
- Enhanced cleaning has been implemented across campus.
- Barnard Fitness Center is closed over Spring Break and will remain closed until in-person classes resume. Dodge Fitness Center at Columbia remains open, with enhanced cleaning.
- Hewitt Dining Hall, Liz’s Place and Peet’s Coffee will be closed over Spring Break and until in-person classes resume. Diana Cafe will be open 11:30am-7pm throughout this period for students to get full meals. As usual, students can also access available dining at Columbia.
- More details about the student services available during Spring Break and the week after will be shared later this week.
Travel
- If you are planning to travel, whether internationally or in the U.S., we are now requiring that you fill out a travel form - paralleling Columbia University’s directive.
- We strongly advise against international travel and caution that, if you do travel internationally, you may face restrictions upon your return pursuant to US and/or international government(s) guidance.
- We currently have no restrictions on personal travel in the United States. However, the increase in diagnosed COVID-19 cases in the United States may impact domestic travel, so please keep this in mind as you make your plans.
Students on Study Abroad
- Students studying abroad will receive a separate update email from Giorgio DiMauro, Associate Provost for International Initiatives and Special Projects shortly.
Students with F1 Visas
- Please be on the lookout for an email from Dean Wendy Garay with information specific to your situation and an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
I am grateful for your continued patience as we navigate this situation. Please know that we are here to support you during this trying time. As needed, please reach out to any of the below resources:
- Class Dean/Dean of Studies Office: 105 Milbank Hall, (212) 854-2024
- Furman Counseling Center: 100 Hewitt Hall, (212) 854-2092
- International SOS for students who are abroad: +1-215-942-8478
- Please continue to check the Barnard COVID-19 website, which is updated regularly.
Best,
Leslie N. Grinage, Dean of the College