Bard Business Office

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Budget Questions

  • Who do I contact for questions regarding my budget/budget activity?
    Budget Managers should send all budget inquiries to [email protected]. Please include your full budget account number in your email.
  • Can a faculty member(s) or administrator(s) request that a new budget be created?
    Answer: You can request a new budget by writing a memo to the Dean (academic departments) or Vice President for Administration. Include a detailed rationale for establishing the budget, the amount requested and the proposed source of funding.
  • When one of my accounts has a negative balance, must I request a budget modification so that current expenditures do not exceed the budget?
    Answer: Yes, it is a good practice. You should try to appropriate your account for the remainder of the year, not just the current negative balance. This will secure that your accounts stay in the "black" and future purchase requests are not returned for insufficient funding. You may request a budget transfer via email request to [email protected].
  • How do I increase my current budget?
    Answer: Increases are requested through the annual budget process. The potential of a gift or grant to the College for some special projects and needs should be considered.
  • When does the annual budget process begin and when should a request be submitted?
    Answer: The budget planning process is continuous. Significant changes to an existing program or new initiatives under consideration should be discussed with the Business Office in the early stages of the planning process. Departmental budgets, submitted in early spring for the following College operating year, enable the Business Office to integrate approved funding changes in the College's immediate and long-term planning process.
  • How will I be kept informed of my budget activity?
    Answer: Authorized budget holders can access up-to-date budget and expense data using My Finance Query. This online system, available via Self Service Banner (SSB), provides authorized users access to departmental summary and detailed financial records. If you are an authorized budget holder and you are unable to access My Finance Query through SSB, please email [email protected].
  • How do I register for SSB My Finance Query access?
    Answer: New users can be granted access to SSB My Finance Query budgets upon request by their supervisor to [email protected]. Supervisors must include the new budget manager's name and the funds and/or org numbers the new budget manager can access. Requests without supervisor approval will not be processed.

Purchase Questions

  • How do I contact the Purchasing Department?
    You can contact the Purchasing Department via email using [email protected].

Accounts Payable Questions

  • How do I contact the Accounts Payable Department?
    You can contact the AP Department via email using [email protected].
  • Where can I find a blank W-9 form to give to a vendor?
    You can find the most recent version of Form W-9 on the IRS's website here.
  • What is Bard's mileage reimbursement rate?
    Bard College currently mirrors the optional standard mileage rates issued by the IRS. 
    Visit the IRS Mileage Rates Page

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Note: The Controller's Office must approve all requests that deviate from the guidelines as stipulated in this website.