Welcome, Admitted Students

Photo by Chris Kendall '82

A Letter from the President
"Please accept my congratulations on your acceptance to Bard College," writes Bard president Leon Botstein. "I want to welcome you into a college community that cherishes the life of the mind but also seeks to link the spirit of inquiry to public service and engagement with life in society."

Bard's Virtual Admitted Students Day

Explore the Platform Until May 10!

The Virtual Admitted Students Day platform will be available to admitted students and their families for 30 days following April 10 except for the live chat feature and the live webinars. However, recordings of the live webinars will be available for the 30-day period. Admitted Students can continue to use their login credentials to explore the virtual platform, including watching the many videos!

Admitted Students Day Virtual Platform!

Virtual Events for Admitted Students

April is Admitted Students Month!

Time (Eastern Time)	Virtual Session NOTE: Admitted Students must log in with their Bard portal credentials to access registration form.	Registration Link
Wednesday, April 14 at 5:00pm ET	Student-to-Student: Power of Meditation and Mindfulness Virtual Workshop This workshop will explore the relationship between meditation and mindfulness, and the power of integrating mindfulness into our daily lives. We will discuss the transformational effects of practically applying mindfulness to a variety of daily activities. We will finish with a discussion of how we can continue to cultivate these practices and perspectives in our lives going forward.	Register Here
Wednesday, April 14 at 7:00pm ET	The Watch Party Screening 1: College Behind Bars, a documentary about the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI) We will be screening part one of College Behind Bars, a documentary about the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI), produced by Emmy award winner, Ken Burns. This four-part series discusses the power of education for incarcerated individuals. The Bard Prison Initiative was started as a Trustee Leader Scholars Program by Bard undergraduates in 1999. It's run today by one of those students 22 years later! Tune in to learn more about TLS projects and the Bard Prison Initiative!	Register Here
Thursday, April 15 at 4:00pm ET	Virtual Musician Meet-and-Greet (Bard Band Gatherings) Are you in a band? Do you want to be in a band or do you just love music? Join us for a session to meet other Bard musicians, have your questions answered, and learn more about the facilities, venues and musical culture at Bard!	Register Here
Thursday, April 15 at 4:00pm ET	Student-to-Student: Visible Mending - Upcycling Textiles Virtual Workshop Join us for a workshop on Visible Mending, an approach to repairing and upcycling textiles that embraces imperfections by highlighting, rather than masking, them. In this workshop we will discuss ‘slow fashion’ and sustainability while learning a few visible embroidery mending techniques. “Showing off your patches [...] draws attention to the way a garment’s life span has been extended,” says Steven Kurutz of the New York Times. “Visible mending has been taken up by those who want to protest fast fashion and disposable culture. It’s also thrifty.” Sewing experience not required - all skill levels welcome!	Register Here
Thursday, April 15 at 5:30pm ET	Student-to-Student: Of Bards and Basilisks - Dungeons and Dragons One-Shot for Experienced/Intermediate Skill Levels Greetings Adventurers! Join us for an entirely virtual Dungeons and Dragons one-shot adventure for admitted students who have played D&D before. In this session you will explore a Bard campus-inspired adventure and get to know some lesser known parts of the 1000 acres we inhabit. Be prepared to come with a 3rd-level character already completed no homebrew please, or indicate that you would like us to provide a pre-made character instead if you are a little newer to Dungeons and Dragons. This group is for students with some D&D experience	Register Here
Friday, April 16 at 6:00pm ET	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sessions for Admitted Students Admitted Student Financial Aid 101 Virtual Session This session will provide guidance for interpreting a financial aid package and the admitted/enrolling students' financial aid timeline. It will also include basic guidance about Work Study logistics and entrance counseling and financial planning around student loans.	Register Here
Saturday, April 17 at 4:00pm ET	Student-to-Student: Of Bards and Basilisks - Dungeons and Dragons One-Shot for Varied Skill Levels Greetings Adventurers! Join us for an entirely virtual Dungeons and Dragons one-shot adventure for incoming students! Players of varied skill levels should feel encouraged to join in and explore a Bard Campus-inspired dungeon and encounter rather thematic enemies. Pre-made characters will be provided for those who are new to Dungeons and Dragons, but if you have a little bit more experience and would like to come with a by the book third-level character feel free!	Register Here
Monday, April 19 at 6:00pm ET	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sessions for Admitted Students Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Bard Hosted by our Dean of Inclusive Excellence, Dr. Kahan Sablo, this session will serve as an introduction to the work for the Office For Inclusive Excellence and the resources they oversee, including but not limited to institutional research and growth initiatives and the ongoing work of the Council for Inclusive Excellence.	Register Here
Monday, April 19 at 7:00pm ET	About More Than Books: Connecting you with the Bard Library Staff Virtual Event Bard's Library Staff have a unique relationship with our student body. Our library team are guides and helpers, co-researchers and co-creators, they hold an amazing wealth of tools to help you as you grow within the college. Join Betsy Cawley, Alexa Murphy, and Jeremy Hall as they share stories of their time working with students and introduce you to some of the resources at your disposal. They will also have time to answer any questions you have about Bard's library, the services they offer, and how they can help you out over your time as a student.	Register Here
Tuesday, April 20 at 4:00pm ET	Virtual Workshop with Professor Celia Bland Come prepared to write in this workshop led by Professor Celia Bland! Upon registering, students will be emailed material to read before the event.	Register Here
Tuesday, April 20 at 7:00pm ET	Transfer Student Info and Q&A Virtual Session Learn more about the transfer student experience at Bard! Join us for a conversation with current students, Transfer Dean Timand Bates, and Transfer Admission Counselors Greg Armbruster and Josh Tyler as we discuss, transfer of credits, declaring your major, orientation, acclimating to Bard campus life and culture, as well as answering any questions you may have!	Register Here
Tuesday, April 20 at 8:00pm ET	Study Abroad Virtual Session Join Director of International Studies, Jen Murray, Study Abroad Advisor, Trish Fleming, and Director of Admission, Mackie Siebens ‘12, for a presentation on Bard’s study abroad offerings both within and outside of the vast Bard Network. There will be time set aside for a Q&A as well so bring your questions!	Register Here
Wednesday, April 21 at 4:00pm ET	Virtual Workshop on Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome with Professor Lauren Curtis Join Professor Lauren Curtis for a discussion of gender and sexuality in the ancient world. On registering, participants will be emailed links to three short readings (inscriptions on gravestones commemorating women from the ancient Greek and Roman worlds) as well as questions to consider. Come prepared to participate in this lively workshop led by Professor Curtis!	Register Here
Wednesday, April 21 at 5:00pm ET	Bard Early College Student Meet-and-Greet (BEC) This is an opportunity for admitted Bard Early College students to connect conversationally with one another and the experience at Bard Annandale.	Register Here
Wednesday, April 21 at 8:00pm ET	COVID Response Team Virtual Information Session Join members of Bard’s COVID-19 response team for a comprehensive overview of Bard’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols and to gain a better understanding of Bard’s successful in-person learning experience during this academic year. This session will also try to address the College’s plans for the summer, including move-in day and orientation protocols, but these are also subject to change pending state and local guidance. Please bring your questions, we look forward to hosting you!	Register Here
Wednesday, April 21 at 8:00am ET	International Student Virtual Webinar Hosted by the Bard College Admissions and the Office of International Student and Scholar, the webinar is an opportunity to learn and ask about all procedures, questions and concerns regarding the international student experience. This includes questions leading up to your arrival to campus and resources that support and enrich the international student experience at Bard.	Register Here
Thursday, April 22 at 5:00pm ET	Sappho Virtual Workshop with Professor Robert Cioffi Join Professor Robert Cioffi for a spirited workshop on the Greek poet Sappho (c. 620 — c. 570 BCE). In preparation for the workshop, students will read short selections of Sappho's work and an article on the debate surrounding a newly discovered poem allegedly by the poet. Students will be emailed this material upon registering for the event.	Register Here
Thursday, April 22 at 7:30pm ET	Virtual Watch Party Screening 2: Bard Alumni - BoJack Horseman & The Dark Crystal - Age of Resistance The Bardian Alumnx Network is an expansive community of individuals thriving around the globe. The Bard Alumnx badge is worn with pride across a variety of industries. For our second screening, we will be watching some fantastic productions from our Bardian community! First in the lineup is BoJack Horseman, created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg ‘06 who graduated from Bard with a degree in Theater and Performance. Next, we will revisit a Jim Henson classic on the planet Thra with The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, produced by Film Studies alumna and Emmy Award winner Blanca Lista ‘01.	Register Here
Friday, April 23 at 4:00pm ET	Student-to-Student: Introduction to Voice Work + Theater Games Virtual Workshop In this session, the group will be led through a series of vocal warm-ups and theater games. This will be a safe space to be creative with our voices and discover the power that comes with spontaneous collaboration. Come ready to create and connect!	Register Here
Friday, April 23 at 5:00pm ET	Continuing the Bard Journey: A Super Advising Virtual Session for Bard Early College Students (BEC) This session will provide guidance and insight into the academic journey in Annandale for students from the Bard Early College Network. Engage and learn from our Registrar, Dean of Advising, Transfer Dean, Director of Equity and Inclusion Programs and Vice President of the Early Colleges and Student Affairs about the unique benefits and pathways for Bard Early College transfer students.	Register Here
Monday, April 26 at 4:00pm ET	Student-to-Student: Assembled Graduates - Reading (and Writing) the Commencement Address Virtual Workshop What would you say if you had a captive audience and 15 minutes to speak? What would you like to tell your fellow graduates? The Commencement Address is a genre unto itself. From Fred Rogers, to David Foster Wallace, to Steve-O, nearly any moderately famous person you can think of has given one. Commencement addresses have conventions, cliches, and a long winding history. In this workshop, we will crack open the commencement address. I'll share with you a few of my favorites, and empower you with the tools to write your own.	Register Here
Monday, April 26 at 7:00pm ET	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sessions for Admitted Students Connecting with Learning and Wellness Support at Bard Virtual Session Join us to connect further with the comprehensive academic and socio-emotional supports that exist at Bard through the Learning Commons, Disability Services and Health, Counseling and Wellness.	Register Here
Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00pm ET	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sessions for Admitted Students Navigating Bard On A Budget Virtual Session Join your hosts Bard Admissions, the Bard Center for Civic Engagement and the SCALE Project to learn more about the growing resources that support financial equity in Annandale.	Register Here
Wednesday, April 28 at 8:00pm ET	Parent-to-Parent Q&A Join Assistant Director of Development and the Family Network, Lindsay Davis Carr ‘06 and Director of Admission, Mackie Siebens ‘12, and current Bard parents for a Q&A about all things Bard. Looking forward to hosting you and answering your questions!	Registration details to follow in an email.
Thursday, April 29 at 4:00pm ET	Virtual Workshop on Descartes with Professor David Shein Spend an hour with Bard’s Dean of Studies, David Shein, writing and thinking together about skepticism and whether and/or how we know anything. Students who register will be emailed a link to two readings by French philosopher René Descartes, to be completed prior to the workshop.	Register Here
Thursday, April 29 at 7:00pm ET	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sessions for Admitted Students Navigating the First Gen Student Experience at Bard Virtual Session This session will provide space for conversation around the strengths and challenges of the first generation student experience, and will outline resources on and off campus that are particularly relevant to first generation students navigating the Bard experience. Time will also be provided for Q&A.	Register Here
Thursday, April 29 at 8:00pm ET	Civic Engagement Webinar Join members of Bard’s Center for Civic engagement, including representatives from Bard programs such as the Trustee Leader Scholar Program and the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI). The panel will discuss Bard’s mission to tie education, social justice and civic participation together, representing the College’s values as a private college operating in the public interest. Bring your questions!	Register Here
Friday, April 30 at 4:00pm ET	Virtual Workshop on the Meaning of Life (and what to do if there isn't one) with Professor David Shein Join Bard’s Dean of Studies, David Shein, for an hour-long discussion and writing session focusing on the meaning of life. Prior to the workshop, participants will read Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Existentialism is a Humanism,” which they’ll be emailed upon registration.	Register Here
Friday, April 30 at 7:00pm ET	Virtual Watch Party Screening 3: Multiple films from current and recent alumnx from our Film & Electronic Arts program Bard is filled with individuals with endless creativity. At Bard, you’ll often have the opportunity to act in or work on student films. For this screening, we will be showcasing multiple films from current and recent alumnx from our Film & Electronic Arts program. Join us for a mini film festival and discussion with these incredible filmmakers!	Register Here
Thursday, May 6 at 7:00pm ET	Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sessions for Admitted Students Student-to-Student: Employment On-and-Off Campus Virtual Workshop (How to Make $) This workshop will provide a student's perspective on navigating employment on and off campus. Topics covered will include navigating Handshake, utilizing the CDO office, applying for jobs and writing resumes/cover letters with little to no work experience, seeking out jobs from departments that don't list their jobs online, and alternative revenue opportunities, such as TLS projects and tutoring gigs.	Register Here

Faculty Connections

Attention Admitted Students!

Interested in being in touch with a faculty member in the area you're interested in studying? Email classplanner@bard.edu and we will connect you with one of our professors!

Ways to Visit Bard as an Admitted Student

Before making plans to visit Bard College, please review the New York State Advisory Guide found here to determine what protocols you must follow based on where you will be traveling from. Everyone traveling from outside the United States must submit the New York State Traveler Form found here.

Register for an In-Person Tour

These in-person tours are ONLY open to Fall 2021 Admitted Students who have not already visited campus in person. These tours are limited to 3 people per tour (student and two family members).
Tour Times:
Weekdays: 12:00pm ET and 3:30pm ET
Saturdays: April 3, 17, and 24: 10:00am ET and 12:00pm ET (April 10 is Virtual Admitted Students Day.)

Limited, In-Person Walking Tours

These in-person tours are ONLY open to Fall 2021 Admitted Students who have not already visited campus in person. These tours are limited to 3 people per tour (student and two family members).
Tour Times:
Weekdays: 12:00pm ET and 3:30pm ET
Saturdays: April 3, 17, and 24: 10:00am ET and 12:00pm ET (April 10 is Virtual Admitted Students Day.)

Families must register for an in-person campus tour at least 4 days before the tour date. More details about the tour will be found in your registration confirmation email along with important health and safety protocols and action items.

You will be required to submit a Health and Safety form 48 hours before arrival. This form also contains required reading of the New York State travel advisory guide and a link to the New York State Traveler Health Form which must be completed by students and families visiting from outside the U.S. or from noncontiguous states.

The campus visit starts in front of the Admission Office at Hopson Cottage. Your tour begins with a short information session and ends with a Q&A. At this time, the COVID Response Team has not approved entry to any buildings on the tour. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes in advance of the tour. Campus visits usually last about 75 minutes. After your walking tour you are welcome to explore other parts of campus by car. Admitted students and families are not permitted to explore campus on foot unaccompanied by Bard staff or faculty.

Register for an In-Person Tour
Driving Tour Map

Drive around campus in your car using the driving tour map. Self-guided driving tours are available to admitted students and prospective applicants, and their families. Driving tour guests are allowed to visit in parties of 4 or fewer in one car. Please call the Admission Office at 845-758-7472 to ask for any exceptions to this policy.

Self-guided driving tours are not scheduled for specific dates and times.

Self-Guided, Driving Tours

Drive around campus in your car using the driving tour map. Self-guided driving tours are available to admitted students and prospective applicants, and their families. Driving tour guests are allowed to visit in parties of 4 or fewer in one car. Please call the Admission Office at 845-758-7472 to ask for any exceptions to this policy.

Self-guided driving tours are not scheduled for specific dates and times.

Students and their families are welcome to drive on and around campus at a time that works best for their schedule. Those who opt to drive to campus will have the opportunity to explore campus from the comfort of their own vehicle, and will be greeted by a member of the admission staff if they visit Monday through Friday. Please ring the doorbell at Admission when you arrive.

The driving tour map guides you along a full loop of campus starting at the Admission Office (Hopson Cottage) and ending at Blithewood on the southwest end of main campus. Visitors may get out of their car, stretch their legs, and enjoy the view at Blithewood and can picnic at a safe distance from others. A map of local restaurants with take-out options can be found here.

IMPORTANT:
Campus visitors on driving tours must pick up a driving tour map AND identifying sticker, located at the red kiosk in front of the Admission Office.
Driving tour visitors may only get out of their cars to retrieve a driving tour campus map and sticker at the red kiosk in front of the Admission Office, to use the bathroom facilities in the Admission Office foyer (available on weekdays only), and at Blithewood––as long as each visitor is wearing a sticker that is clearly visible for security identification.
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
In the specific instances where driving tour visitors are allowed to get out of their vehicle (to use the Admission foyer bathroom on weekdays, to retrieve a driving tour map and the sticker at the red kiosk, to take a walk at Blithewood), each person must follow the below health and safety protocols:
1. Do not exit your vehicle at any time on the main campus other than to visit the Admission kiosk, or the bathroom in the Admission foyer on weekdays.
2. Wear a mask at all times outside of the vehicle.
3. Maintain social distance (min. 6 ft) with everyone outside of your travel group.
NOTE: Visitors are welcome to exit their vehicles at Blithewood, but must still wear masks and uphold social distancing.

If you are planning to come to campus for a self-guided driving tour, please call the Admission Office (845-758-7472) to hear additional instructions on our health and safety protocols. Follow this link for driving directions to campus.
Driving Tour Map
Live Virtual Tours

Join our student tour guides, who will take you on an academic walking tour of campus. An admission counselor will host an information session for families at the start of each tour and a Q&A session at the end. The virtual tour will last about 75 minutes. You can ask questions using the Chat feature or unmute your video and audio to speak to the counselor and tour guides directly.
Tour times:
Weekdays: 10:00am and 2:00pm ET
Register for a Virtual Tour

Welcome Class of 2025!

Class of 2025 Facebook

Students will need to answer the membership questions and agree to the group rules before their membership will be approved.

Join Now

Admission Instagram

Follow us for a preview of life on campus.
Why Choose Bard College?

The unique and rigorous curriculum, stunning campus, and close relationships with faculty. Hear more reasons!
Bard Bookstore

Spirit Wear
Shop Bard's bookstore!

First-Year Student Experience in Berlin

In this time of travel restrictions, we are relying on public health officials both in the United States and around the world to determine whether or not it will be appropriate to send students to Bard College Berlin in August. We are optimistic, but will keep you posted about COVID and travel protocols. In the meantime, we are building a cohort of interested, deposited students who would like to Begin in Berlin!

Bard College deposited first-year students may apply to spend their first year at Bard College Berlin, joining a close-knit, international community in the heart of the intellectual and artistic hub of Europe. Deposited students interesting in beginning in berlin would need to submit a short application form. You will need your Bard portal login credentials to access the form. Decision notifications will be sent out at the end of May.

Learn More about the Program

Language and Thinking Program

The Language and Thinking Program is an intensive introduction to the liberal arts and sciences attended by all incoming Bard students for three weeks in August of their first year.

Virtual Event Recordings

Below are the recordings of virtual events: Bard's president in conversation with faculty; faculty readings; students, parents, and alumni/ae series!

Bard Connects Through Photos

Bard community members from across the network, the globe, and from right here in Annandale-on-Hudson shared photos of a peek at their view of spring!

View More > >

Discover More

Explore the offices below or visit our Campus Life pages to learn about the system of academic and extracurricular support at Bard.

Campus Services + Resources

Center for Student Life & Advising

The Center for Student Life & Advising (CSLA) is committed to supporting students in their academic and extracurricular endeavors.
Career Development Office

CDO assists Bard students with career planning. Bardians may schedule individual appointments or attend any of the workshops and programs offered throughout the year.
Family Network

The Parents Network is an online group designed to connect current Bard parents, grandparents, and guardians.