Academic Support
As an integral part of the Equity and Inclusion Programs, the Learning Commons provides tutoring and other forms of supplemental instruction to all students. Support is offered in writing, math, subject-specific areas such as sociology and chemistry, and in general areas like research strategies, time management, and study skills.
Advising and Mentorship
Small-Group Advising
Undergraduate advisers guide a small group of first-year HEOP/BOP students throughout their first year and into the sophomore year, until they declare their majors.
Peer Mentors
Peer mentors are selected from a highly competitive group of HEOP/BOP scholars in their sophomore, junior, or senior year at Bard. They are trained and paid to provide personal and academic support to other HEOP/BOP scholars.
Summer Programs
Equity and Inclusion Summer Program
The primary objective during this two-week program is to ensure that the Equity and Inclusion scholars reach and maintain the level of academic proficiency necessary for successful college work.
Language and Thinking Workshop
The L&T Program is an intensive introduction to the liberal arts and sciences with a particular focus on writing. All incoming first-year students attend the program during the last three weeks of August. The program also offers a substantive introduction to the campus, the College, and community activities.
Leadership Development
Bard provides Equity and Inclusion scholars with leadership lessons as early as summer orientation. From their first evening on campus, students are informed of the College's expectations and hopes for them. Current scholars participating in the Summer Program often play a major role in helping other students adjust during L&T, since they have been on campus already and "know the ropes."
Incoming Equity and Inclusion scholars also inherit responsibilities—such as program management, student leadership positions, and community engagement activities—traditionally passed down from their older counterparts. Students are encouraged to participate in leadership development workshops, as well as endeavors that enable them to train other leaders, such as Equity and Inclusion peer mentor, peer counselor, tutor, TLS, and mentorship positions. The Equity and Inclusion Programs' commitment to developing leaders, academics, and change agents is directly aligned with the College’s pledge to service, leadership, and academic excellence.