Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS)
The OISSS is part of the Institute for International Liberal Education at Bard College and serves the needs of all international students and scholars in the Bard community. Our work extends to Bard's programs in New York City and reflects international integration efforts across campus.
Our Staff
Carmen Nicole Smith
Director of Visa and Immigration Services PDSO, RO Scholar Support [email protected]
Carmen Nicole Smith
Director of Visa and Immigration Services PDSO, RO Scholar Support [email protected]
Carmen provides visa and immigration support to international students and scholars from across the globe. She joined Bard in September of 2021 as the Berlin Programs Manager for Bard Abroad and later shifted to OSUN where she managed the Student Mobility program. Before moving to the Hudson Valley, Carmen had a successful career as professional contemporary dancer, choreographer, and arts educator. As a member of Battery Dance Company, she led movement residencies on five continents, often sponsored by the U.S. State Department, and was an Arts Envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Carmen has also taught dance and choreographed musicals at academic institutions in the area. She has an MA in International Affairs from The New School and a BA in Psychology and Movement Studies from SUNY Empire State.
Kean Hawker is a higher education professional with more than twenty years of experience across public and private higher education institutions. Her work spans student Affairs, Title IX and international student initiatives, where she has focused on fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for international students. She is especially passionate about supporting international students based in part on her own experience as a former international student.