Soon you will join a collaborative community of passionate students from all over the world whose perspectives expand every aspect of campus life.
Language and Thinking Program (L&T)
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All first-year students at Bard take part in the Language and Thinking Program (L&T), a three-week intensive introduction to the liberal arts and sciences. Outside of class, a series of events help L&T students get to know each other, become familiar with the campus and College resources, and settle into life at Bard.
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Photo by Karl Rabe
Photo by Karl Rabe
Important Dates
Arriving at Bard? Here's what you need to know.
Spring Semester Arrival
Arrival Day, Check-in, and Financial Clearance for Spring Transfer Students
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Check-in and Financial Clearance for All Returning Students
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Arrival Day, Check-in, and Financial Clearance for Spring Transfer Students
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Check-in and Financial Clearance for All Returning Students
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Sakinah Bennett Talks about the First-Year Experience at Bard College
Sakinah Bennett studied dance and historical studies at Bard College, where she was also a Posse Scholar. In this video, Sakinah talks to incoming students about the first-year experience at Bard, including the Language and Thinking Program, student advising, and getting involved on campus.
Understanding Where Someone Is Coming From
“Just look at our student clubs—we have so many for a small school,” observes Jonian Rafti. “The challenge is learning how to agree or disagree with all your peers since there are so many different beliefs on this campus. That’s an essential life skill: to understand where someone’s coming from and to be able to express your views in a meaningful way.”
Photo by Karl Rabe
Welcome New Bardians!
The Class of 2029 and other new students at Language and Thinking, Summer 2025.