Health + Safety

Safety and Security

Bard College is a close-knit community that offers students, employees, and neighbors a space and atmosphere for study, recreation, and reflection.
 
The Office of Safety and Security, located in the Old Gym, is available 24 hours a day to assist all members of the College community. It is service-oriented, providing assistance and information to students daily, often successfully solving student problems without the need for outside intervention. Security is responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing campus regulations and policies, and helping to protect the Bard campus community from loss or damage to personal and college property.
 
The College has taken steps to make the campus as safe as possible. While every effort is made to protect members of the Bard community from being victims of crime, no community is risk-free. Thefts, assaults, and other violations of the law sometimes occur. Many incidents can be avoided if community members take basic precautions to reduce the risk of harm, such as walking with a friend during daytime and in groups at night, keeping interior and exterior residence doors locked at all times, locking bicycles when not in use, and not leaving laptops and other valuable items unattended.
 
Community members should call Security at 845-758-7460 (x7460) to report any crimes, policy violations, concerns, or situations that appear suspicious. Suspected crimes may also be reported directly to local law enforcement. Community members choosing to report to local law enforcement are encouraged to notify Security of this action, as the College needs to be aware of incidents occurring on or near College property.
 
In the event of a life-threatening or emergency situation, students should immediately call the College emergency line at 845-758-7777 (x7777), or 911, if necessary. If 911 is called first, please follow up with an immediate call to the College emergency line. Security assists in coordinating emergency medical transportation for the college community. All members of the department are trained in basic first aid and are supported by Bard Emergency Medical Services (BEMS). Security will assist emergency responders, providing mutual aid if necessary.  
 
Security investigates policy violations, accidents, and assorted complaints, and cooperates with local law enforcement in the investigation of reported or suspected crimes. In addition to patrolling buildings and grounds, Security is responsible for the registration of motor vehicles and enforcement of parking and traffic regulations on campus, assists in emergency transportation of sick or injured students, provides escort services, and maintains a lost and found in the Old Gym.
 
Community members should report suspicious activity or persons on campus to Security immediately. Unauthorized persons, including unregistered guests, may be asked to leave the campus. Trespassers will be prosecuted in accordance with the New York State Criminal Code.
 
The Office of Safety and Security is always open, and community members are welcome to speak with the Director of Security at any time to discuss policy, personnel, or personal problems.