The OISSS is part of the Institute for International Liberal Education at Bard College and works to serve 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
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Manishka Kalupahana
Manishka Kalupahana
Manishka Kalupahana has been working as international student adviser and principle designated school official since 2009.
Prior to 2009, she worked as the study abroad adviser and continued to work in both study abroad and international student advising for a couple of years. Her experience working as a study abroad adviser provided her a breadth of knowledge about the Bard networks outside the Annandale-on-Hudson campus, along with welcoming international students and scholars who visited campus from partner institutions.
As international student adviser she works closely with all international students prior to their arrival on campus, during orientation, and throughout the time students remain at the College. Her main focus has been to welcome all international students to campus and to educate them about maintaining their student status at the College. In addition, she focuses on providing advice and support toward international students adjusting and thriving in the new academic, social, and cultural environment. -
Additional Staff MembersAbigail Swartvagher, Assistant International Student Advisor
Abbigail supports displaced and refugee students with services unique to their status in the United States. She also provides general support to international students at Bard College. Abigail can be reached at [email protected]
Carmen Smith, OSUN Student Mobility Manager and ARO/DSO
Carmen manages student exchanges across the Open Society University Network and is an Alternate Responsible Officer for J1 students and a Designated School Official for F1 students. Carmen can be reached at [email protected]
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Remote Support for SEVIS and Visa IssuesThe following individuals are providing additional support to Bard's international student and scholar community.
Alexandra Kirshenbaum Responsible Officer and Designated School Official (RO/DSO)
Alex's work for Bard focuses on J1 scholar and H1B hiring needs. She can be reached via the [email protected] email address.
Natalia Meyer, Principal Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer (PDSO/ARO)
Natalia is the primary point of contact for graduate programs. She provides additional SEVIS support to the F1 and J1 communities of students and scholars at Bard College. Natlia can be reached through [email protected]
Connor Willingham, Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer (DSO/ARO)
Connor is the primary point of contact for students at programs in New York City and he provides additional support to the F1 and J1 students and scholars at Bard College. Connor can be reached via [email protected]
