Mission:

The mission of the Department of Student Experience and Engagement (SEE) is to create accessible, dynamic, thought-provoking co-curricular opportunities for Barnard students to explore purposeful involvement, self-discovery, and the development of meaningful relationships with their peers and the greater Barnard community. As an integral part of the student experience, SEE aims to connect students not only to resources available within the Department but all resources available at both Barnard and Columbia. Students who engage with SEE will strengthen their leadership skills to transform themselves, Barnard, and their communities both now and in the future.

Vision:
Student Experience and Engagement envisions a Barnard where every student feels welcome, supported, is engaged, and becomes an agent for social change.

Values:
Student Experience and Engagement values the following:
      ● Knowledge
      ● Equality
      ● Community
      ● Integrity
      ● Responsibility
      ● Social Justice

Functional Areas:

• Arts Education
• Campus-Wide Programming
• Experiential Learning Initiatives
• Glicker-Milstein Theatre (GMT)
• Identity and Inclusion Programming
• Leadership Programs
• New Student Orientation (NSOP)
• Recognized Club and Organization Support and Management
• Student Leadership Group Advising

Student Experience and Engagement enhances the educational mission of Barnard College by engaging students outside of the classroom through programs, events, leadership opportunities, and dialogues. Our intention is to relate the classroom with students' lived experiences, fostering identity and leadership development in a dynamic and multifaceted environment. We believe that co-curricular engagement is an important complement to classroom experiences. Through our approach, we provide students with tools, resources, and experiences to assist them in the ways they navigate their lives. As student affairs practitioners, we value equity-based models, critical thinking, shared experiences, community participation, and self-care practices. Through engagement with our office and our programs, students will have access to wide-ranging experiences and multiple perspectives, allowing them to be more engaged citizens of our global community.

Student Experience and Engagement serves the entire Barnard community including students, faculty, staff, administrators, and parents and families. As the hub for student engagement, SEE is a great place to both promote and learn about what is going on in the Barnard community. In partnership with the Division of Campus Life and Student Engagement, SEE will do the following:

• Encourage deep consideration of ideas, interests, and needs 
• Advise students on the breadth of College resources to leverage during your experience at Barnard; 
• Connect students to departments and individuals to help them reach their goals; 
• Celebrate student accomplishments; and 
• Share assessments of how the Department has done this work

Principles of Practice
Our work is grounded in social justice principles and intersectionality as means for honoring the dynamic and complex identities of our students, addressing concerns around campus climate, and fostering a shared responsibility for action and change. We understand intersectionality as means to recognize both our students’ multiple/simultaneous identities, as well as the ways that systems of oppression intersect, impacting social structures and individual experiences. We approach social justice as both process and product, and it is one that requires constant attention. We provide multiple entry points for individuals and groups, recognizing students’ varying familiarity with social justice education; and we use a curricular model that builds on cumulative knowledge and lived experience. Finally, this informs our both/and approach: we offer support and advocacy for marginalized communities AND work to address social inequities that are the cause of marginalization and discrimination.

Partnership Agreement

Student Experience and Engagement holds itself to: 

• Provide co-curricular experiences that are vital to a liberal arts education.
• Create spaces for students to explore multiple and intersecting identities.
• Develop leadership and life skills through student employment, programs, retreats, workshops, and committees that are focused on holistic student development.
• Foster relationships and a sense of community across campus.
• Support students by advising the Student Leadership Collective, student clubs and organizations, and providing individual student consultations.
• Provide support and referrals to address students’ needs and concerns.
• Welcome feedback, suggestions, and new ideas.

Student Experience and Engagement expects students to:

• Actively participate in programs offered by SEE, as well as SGA, GBB, McAC, student clubs and organizations, and other campus initiatives.
• Be respectful of people’s identities, experiences, and perspectives.
• Utilize campus resources and seek support from Student Experience and Engagement as student leaders and when planning programs and events.
• Be open to new perspectives and experiences. Challenge one’s self to stretch, learn and grow.
• Reflect on experiences and bring new ideas and suggestions to Student Experience and Engagement.
• Be familiar with and follow Barnard College, Student Experience and Engagement, and Student Government policies and procedures.

Kyrena Wright (she/her), kywright@barnard.edu
Director, Student Experience and Engagement 
Tel: 212-854-2096

As the Director of Student Experience and Engagement, Kyrena manages the daily operations of the department and provides leadership to a dynamic team. She assists in the planning of NSOP, oversees the advising structure for all recognized student organizations, serves as the general advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA), and partners closely with campus colleagues to create a vibrant co-curricular experience for Barnard students. Kyrena earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Hartford and her M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Vermont. She is passionate about cultivating a culture of engagement where students feel supported, connected, and empowered to shape their college journey.

You Can Ask Me About…. Student leadership and governance, NSOP, planning large-scale events, recognized student organizations, building community and engagement on campus, or ways to make the most of your Barnard experience. Outside of work, you can also ask me about my dog (I’m a big dog lover), what book I’m currently reading on the subway, or how it feels to be relearning piano after not playing since fifth grade.

Simone Medley (she/her), smedley@barnard.edu 
Associate Director, Student Experience and Engagement 
Tel: 212-854-2096

As Associate Director, I collaborate with the Director of SEE and other departments around campus to organize large-scale events like Block Party, along with leadership workshops and retreats at Barnard. My focus is on supporting student groups advising leadership.

I advise several student groups, especially academic and pre-professional clubs, and oversee group advising for GBB and SGA-recognized organizations.

I also lead Barnard Leadership Training (BLT), advise the Governing Board of Barnard (GBB), and support the SGA Leadership Awards and serve as a Gallup Strengths Coach where I help students discover their strengths and leadership potential.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, I am a dual citizen of Jamaica and the US.  I have been in the Barnumbia community since 2018 starting at Columbia and joining SEE at Barnard in August 2023. I’ve worked at several schools across the U.S and hold a Master’s in Higher Education from the University of San Francisco. In my free time, I am a professional audience member and I’m always up for chatting about getting free or cheap event tickets around the city!

You Can Ask Me About…. How to start a new Student Group at Barnard College?

Jared Eaton (he/his), jeaton@barnard.edu
Theater Director
Tel: 212-851-2942

Jared oversees technical direction and management of the Glicker-Milstein Theatre and its talented team of student staff. A couple decades of work in education, a good bit of time involving power tools, heights, and electricity, have led to more than a few gray hairs in his beard. He holds an MFA in Acting from the American Repertory Theater / Moscow Art Theatre I.A.T.T. at Harvard University. When not on campus he is busy being manipulated by his adorable infant son.  

You Can Ask Me About…. Anything at all! Though if you want an educated answer, it is best to stick to technical theater, acting, the performing arts in general, home renovations, world travel, and/or the Catskills. Are you familiar with coywolves!?

Rachel Graf Evans (she/her), revans@barnard.edu
Program Coordinator, Arts Education
212-851-2969

As the Program Coordinator for Arts Education, Rachel produces arts education programming on- and off-campus, such as Arts Week, Barnard B’Scursions to performances and cultural events around NYC, Arts & Crafternoons creative sessions, and skill-building workshops in collaboration with campus partners. She also advises the performing and visual arts student groups. RGE holds an M.F.A. in Musical Theater Collaboration from Temple University and an M.F.A. in Playwriting from Hollins University. She also holds Graduate Certificates in Teaching in Higher Education and Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies, and a B.A. with High Honors from Oberlin College. RGE is an award-winning playwright and has worked as a multidisciplinary theatre and teaching artist in NYC, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and beyond. She is a fierce advocate for the arts as a garden for empathy and transformation. Outside of Barnard, RGE is a competitive barbershop singer with the Sirens of Gotham and Gotham Chorus, a crafting/making enthusiast, and a cat parent to two tabbies, Leo and Juno.

You Can Ask Me About…. Upcoming SEE Arts events, how to get involved in co-curricular performing and visual arts opportunities at Barnard, being a transfer student, being a Third Culture Kid, propagating plants, and methods of pro-CRAFT-ination ;)

Grace Kelly (she/ella), gkelly@barnard.edu
Program Coordinator, Student Development and Involvement
Tel: 212-851-2941

"Hi! I’m Grace Kelly, and I am so excited to be your Program Coordinator here to help you in navigating campus life and leadership. My background is in Global Studies and Political Science, but my work has always been rooted in the arts, social justice, and the belief that you don’t need a formal title to be a powerful leader.

In this role, I’m here to help you find your unique path on campus through community workshops and collaborative events. I've spent my career building inclusive spaces—from supporting refugee youth with social emotional learning to teaching career readiness and reproductive health to Latina New Yorkers—and I’m dedicated to making sure every student here feels a deep sense of belonging. Whether you want to sharpen your leadership skills, find a new student organization, or just chat about how to make an impact right where you are, I’m here to support you. I can’t wait to meet you and see the creative ways you’ll lead our community!

Ask me about...all things MillieLINK, how to find your passion, and becoming the best leader you can be for your community!

Theresa Parson (she/her), tparson@barnard.edu
Student Activities Fees Assistant
Tel: 212-854-2097

As the Student Activities Fees Assistant, Theresa works with the student groups on all their purchasing! Born in Queens, NY, and raised in Jersey City, NJ. She currently is a Master’s student at Columbia SIPA studying International Affairs. 

You Can Ask Me About…. Everything finance!

Yasmin Neil (she/her), yneil@barnard.edu
Assistant to the Student Experience & Engagement Department
Tel: 212-854-3095

As the Assistant to the SEE Department, Yasmin’s main focus is to ensure that she provides the SEE Team with the assistance they need. Having worked in a post-secondary school for 12 years, she brings a strong team leadership and will implement team values while emphasizing versatility and competence. Born in Puerto Rico, raised in New York City (in Alphabet City, also known as the East Village), and lived in Jersey City, NJ, for 14 years. She moved back to New York City to continue to strive for the best in her career and to pursue her degree in Organizational Leadership. 

You Can Ask Me About…. What is happening within the SEE Department, such as any Office Assistant events, tablings, or any B’scursions? Also, know that for your study needs, with ample time, we have available reservations for your study needs to reserve a Study Room in Diana’s Reading Room, or if you're doing a study group or having a club meeting for your student group, depending on the availability, you will also be able to reserve the Conference Room in Diana.

Also, the last thing I would like to share with the student body if you and your peers want to have a game night or just want to lay out on the lawn, we are able to let students rent/borrow some games and picnic blankets throughout the year. Don’t be shy, and make sure to stop by the SEE Office, even if it’s just to say hi.

Office Assistants
Sophia Bartley '26
Nina Marquard ‘26
Vianny Mondragon ‘26
Huda Paracha ‘26
Arianna Suarez ‘26
Ariana Banez '27
Esther Cohen ‘27

Glicker-Milstein Theatre Production Assistants
Keala Henry, '26
Sophia Ling, '26