First-Year Students

The First Year at Bard College is a time of discovery and community building.
You are becoming a Bardian, from the moment you join us on campus for Language and Thinking in August until you complete First-Year Seminar in May. The Office of the First-Year Experience is here to introduce you to Bard and guide you through a year of academic exploration and extracurricular engagement.

Language and Thinking 2018

Arrival Day: August 10
L&T Program: August 13 – August 29
Your first year at Bard begins with the Language and Thinking program—a three-week intensive introduction to the liberal arts and sciences with a particular focus on writing. It is attended by all incoming Bard students and is required for matriculation in to the College.

As you prepare to join us on campus in August, you may be wondering what to expect for Bard's Language and Thinking program. Watch this video to hear about how first-year students spend their first three weeks on campus, and visit the L&T website to learn more.
Learn more about L&T >
Meet the Dean

Meet the Dean

Alexis Lopez, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the First-Year Experience
Alexis Lopez provides personal support to students and helps them navigate the first-year experience at Bard. From the Language and Thinking program immediately as students arrive on campus, through the Citizen Science program in January, and to the close of the first year, Alexis is available to help students integrate personally and intellectually into the climate of Bard and together to shape a welcoming, thoughtful learning community. In order to facilitate the best possible first-year experience for students, Alexis works with and can help connect students with campus partners such as Advising, Chaplaincy, Counseling and Health Services, the Learning Commons, and student-led groups. Alexis is a fan of YouTube tutorials, loves reading books (current favorite book: Adios, Happy Homeland by Ana Menéndez) and hangs out with her cat.

1. Complete the Summer Checklist

We are excited to meet you in August but before you arrive there are a few items that need to be taken care of. There are a few forms to submit, programs to be completed, and email accounts to be set up. 
Go to the checklist >

2. Submit Your ID Photo

ID Tool is now open. Submitting your ID photo in advance will save you a lot of time when you arrive. Early submission of your photo will ensure that your welcome packet is ready for you when you arrive. You will be able to get into your residence hall and charge expenses at the dinning halls and bookstore right away. If you do not submit in advance you will need to get your photo taken and have your ID created before you can access any of the facilities.
Log on to the Student ID Tool

3. Download the Bard App

New student checklist can be found under New Students 2018 tab. Download Bard Mobile App to keep track of events and campus information at Bard directly from your phone. You will have access to schedules of events during your three-week Language and Thinking program and throughout your time at Bard. You can connect with fellow students and Dean of Students staff and receive notifications about important deadlines and last minute changes.
Get the New Student App >