MANY Voices
“Barnard is an extraordinary meeting ground for young women from around the country and the world—a place to exchange ideas, to compare life experiences, to open each other’s eyes to new perspectives. I am continually amazed at the depth and honesty of the conversations among students and faculty members at this college for women.” debora spar, barnard college president
We are Barnard. We come from one-light towns and big-city neighborhoods. We worship in churches, synagogues, temples, in nature, and nowhere at all. We are outspoken and quiet. We eat pizza and sushi, keep kosher and are vegan. We speak of things profound and lighthearted. We listen to every possible type of music. At Barnard, our very different lives overlap and intersect. We challenge each other’s perspectives; we agree and disagree. But in the end, most of us—students, faculty members, staff, administrators—find that the encounters we have on and off campus give us a deeper understanding of the world and humanity. To learn more about how diversity is woven into life throughout campus, go to www.barnard.edu and type “diversity” into the search bar. You can also reach the Office of Admissions at admissions@barnard.edu or 212/854-2014.
Every student here benefits from Barnard’s unusual diversity, one that goes well beyond ethnicity and allows each person’s identity to help shape the Barnard experience. Of course, the best way to understand it is to visit the campus. In the meantime, these pages will give you a brief glimpse of Barnard’s community.
35% of students self-identify as African-American, Latina, Native American, or Asian
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500+ student groups
A vibrant community Crossing boundaries of geography, socioeconomic background, and interests, we forge strong friendships within residence halls, over meals, and through campus events. As Barnard women, we share our experiences and voice our opinions, shaping a community that’s impossible to categorize. Our shared experience extends beyond graduation, with alumnae who reach out to offer mentorship, job leads, and support.
Many life stories We come from 48 states and 49 countries, but those numbers only hint at the scope and variety of our life stories. For many of us, this is the first time we’re living with others whose lifestyles, values, and worldviews are different from our own. These experiences help us gain a deeper understanding of tolerance and respect— and allow us to build some wonderful friendships.
“At Barnard, I felt free to celebrate who I am and not allow that to be a barrier to any decision, endeavor, project, or intellectual crusade. The diversity at Barnard, and in New York City, gave me constant exposure to new cultures and people, which allowed me to learn new things about myself, almost on a daily basis.” Bendita Malakia ’05, senior associate, Fulbright & Jaworski LLP
2,400 students from 48 states and 49 countries
Student organizations Environmental justice, original musicals, Indian folk dancing, feminist thought, Buddhist meditation, archery, gospel music, anime, writing, politics, medical needs in developing countries—we have a multitude of passions and interests, and we share those through more than 500 student organizations.
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72% of students come from outside New York State
“Diversity at Barnard includes people from a wide range of racial, ethnic, religious, and ideological standpoints. It means being in classes with people who can speak one or more different languages, have seen places all around the world, and yet have a common determination to learn from Barnard and each other.” Joi Rae, junior
Mind-opening events We come together to explore a spectrum of topics and ideas through the lectures, readings, recitals, plays, films, parties, and service programs that fill Barnard’s calendar. Visitors to campus add to the mix, sharing their own perspectives and life experiences. In recent months, we’ve hosted a judge (and alumna) speaking about queer awareness, a pioneering scientist, an Afghan activist for women’s rights, the U.S. secretary of state, many authors and poets, a civil rights scholar, and an award-winning filmmaker.
50 majors and programs
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7:1 student-faculty ratio
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3,000 courses
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More than 50 languages offered
Intellectual energy We all contribute to the swirl of ideas on Barnard’s campus. Conversations in and out of the classroom become opportunities for change and growth as we’re exposed to different ways of seeing the world. The one thing we all share: a boundless passion for learning.
a teaching community Dedicated teachers, prolific scholars, concert musicians, groundbreaking researchers, award-winning authors, respected economists, globe-trotting anthropologists—our faculty members share their various talents and knowledge throughout campus. In small classes, they inspire discussions that challenge us to examine our own perspectives, to rethink our mind-sets, to listen carefully to other opinions, and to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“I felt drawn to the institution because of my intellectual curiosity and ability. I enjoyed being challenged in the classroom like I never had been before by both peers and teachers. I am always amazed at how many different interests and passions (sometimes in one student) there are at Barnard.” Joanne Garcé-Rodriguez ’94, The sovereign wealth in training and development, abu dhabi investment authority
This booklet was printed with soy ink and is made from FSC-certified paper that contributes to responsible forestry.
“No matter who you are, no matter what the color of your skin, at Barnard you will encounter someone who is unfamiliar and something that challenges your view of the world. Not all of it is comfortable. But if you extend yourself, you will be transformed, and your life will be so much richer because of it.” Dorothy Ko, Professor of History
wide-ranging courses We explore broadly in courses that encompass different disciplines, such as Literature of the Great Migration, The Economics of Gender, Music and Musical Life in Soviet Russia, Science and Technology in Urban Environments, Contemporary African Politics, and Religious Worlds of New York.
NCSDO B07462 07/13
the Nine Ways of Knowing We explore life’s big questions by studying everything from ancient texts to the latest scientific endeavors. Guided by the Nine Ways of Knowing, the foundation of Barnard’s curriculum, we are exposed to an array of schools of thought and unfamiliar topics, provoking us to grapple with our differences with a spirit of curiosity, respect, and courage.
8.2 million people
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180 languages spoken
Gaining experience We have rubbed elbows in SoHo art galleries, crunched numbers on Wall Street, taught at-risk students in the Bronx, and conducted research in top medical centers. With a city of this size and complexity, the opportunities for internships, jobs, fieldwork, class trips, and community service are unsurpassed. These experiences give us an insider’s view of the city and a better understanding of people from all walks of life. An abundance of culture In the space of a few blocks, we can listen to Broadway stars and subway musicians. We can experience food from hotdog carts to five-star restaurants; we can eat ethnic cuisine of every sort. We can see art in world-class museums and paintings created on street corners. We can walk through neighborhoods—Chinatown, Little Italy, Spanish Harlem— that feel like brief forays into different countries. This city is the world in miniature.
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2,500 internship opportunities
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18,700 restaurants
Excitement in the city International crossroads and capital of the artistic, cultural, media, and financial worlds, New York City is a place like no other. Going to college here means fully experiencing diversity in all its forms. As Barnard students, we become part of the 8.2 million people who hail from every country, mingling on city sidewalks and in workplaces, sharing cultures through an endless array of festivals, performances, and cuisine.
“The diverse Barnard community, and the community of New York City, inspires me to be more open to different foods, cultures, and ways of thinking. The frequent seminars on current issues help me keep in touch with the outside world, while also learning more about the opinions of my Barnard colleagues. I love how the learning does not stop when my classes end.” Daly Franco, sophomore
Barnard College admits students without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. In accordance with its own values and with federal, state, and city statutes and regulations, Barnard does not discriminate in employment programs or educational programs and services on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Barnard College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 5624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215/662-5606. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation. The Title IX Director has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: 212/854-0037, located in 105 Milbank Hall.
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