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Residence Accessibility 
On this page you will find resources around policies that impact life in the residence halls.  For the full policy text, we encourage you to review the student handbook below. The policies for life in the residence halls are derived from local, state, and federal law (especially fire safety codes) and are enforced to assure safety of the community.

Planning for the Semester

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    We look forward to welcoming you back to campus! You'll find detailed guidance on travel requirements, testing, quarantine, and more on the COVID-19 Response website.

    COVID-19 Student FAQs

Pet Request Form

Students have the privilege of bringing a small pet, such as a fish or hamster, to the residences.  Download this form and complete it for approval prior to bringing pets into the residence halls.

Pet Request Form Download

Pet Request Form

Having a small pet in a residence hall is a privilege. As a pet owner, you are responsible for keeping your pet safe and
healthy at all times. Please adhere to the following:
• Birds, cats, dogs, ferrets, poisonous animals, rabbits, and snakes are not allowed in residence halls.
• Pets must be in good health to remain in residence halls.
• Pet owners are permitted only one animal in their room.
• Pets must remain caged or contained in a tank at all times.
• After cleaning cages, all waste products should be sealed in a heavy-duty bag and disposed of directly in a waste
receptacle outside of the building.
• Your pet must always be cared for in a manner that does not disturb other residents. This includes noise and odor.
• If another resident or member of the Residence Life Staff complains about your failure to maintain your pet in
accordance with these rules, you will receive a written warning indicating the date by which the situation must be
corrected. If another complaint is made you will be asked to remove your pet.
• Depending on the pet, you may be asked to obtain permission from your floor or building members as well.
• Residents are responsible for any damages or excessive cleaning needs caused by the pet.
• All liability for any actions of the animal (e.g., bites, scratches, etc.) is the responsibility of the owner.

Facts About Mold and Mildew

Facts About Mold and Mildew

BARD OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE AND HOUSING
Fact Sheet about Mold and Mildew


Bard’s Buildings & Grounds Department provides routine maintenance to prevent
maintenance and mold concerns, and Bard’s Environmental Services Department
cleans residence hall common areas on a daily basis. Buildings and residence hall
rooms are inspected multiple times per year.
If you believe that you have mildew or mold in your residence hall room, please
complete a work order as soon as possible so the issue can be addressed as quickly
and effectively as possible https://www.bard.edu/bandg/

What causes mold to grow?
Mold is a part of the natural environment that aids in the decomposition of leaves, trees,
and other natural outdoor organic materials. Individual mold spores are invisible to the
human eye and are continually floating around outside in nature. However, when those
spores make their way indoors and are exposed to wet/humid areas, they can begin to
grow or colonize. It is impossible to eliminate mold and mold spores in the indoor
environment due to the ingress and egress of daily human activity being carried in on
clothing, shoes, and backpacks.

Mold can grow on almost any material, as long as moisture and oxygen are present.
Maintaining indoor moisture and humidity levels between 30-60 percent will reduce the
likelihood of indoor mold growth. Unfortunately, controlling humidity in large, heavily
populated buildings is difficult, especially in hot humid and rainy weather.

Where is mold and mildew found?
Mold can be found almost anywhere and can grow on virtually any organic substance if
moisture and oxygen are present. The levels of airborne mold spores can vary from month to
month and day to day; are highly reliant on temperature, humidity, other seasonal factors in the
environment; and are not reliable indicators of an indoor dampness or mold problem. It is
impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores. However, since mold requires water to grow, it
is important to identify and prevent moisture problems in buildings to prevent active mold
growth.

Molds come in a variety of colors, including white, which is sometimes seen on a damp
carpet; pink, which is often found on shower walls; and darkly pigmented, which is often
seen around windowsills as a result of condensation. Given a source of moisture, mold
can grow just about anywhere. Moisture control, air circulation, and good cleaning
practices are necessary to control mold growth.

Are there state or national regulations regarding mold?
There are no federal or state regulations governing the presence of mold or mold spore
levels in buildings. There are also no health standards from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) or public health departments for concentrations of mold
spores in the indoor air. However, the presence of visible mold on indoor building
materials should be remediated.

State and federal agencies generally recommend the following measures to address mold and
moisture indoors:
• The best way to deal with mold in buildings is to identify and correct the source of water or
leak; then clean or discard and replace moldy building materials
• Vent bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside.
• Provide adequate and appropriate ventilation to avoid temperature and humidity conditions
that will lead to excess moisture.
• Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to
prevent mold growth.
• Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry completely.
• Prevent the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls,
roof, or floor) by adding insulation.
• In areas where there is perpetual moisture, such as near fountains, by classroom sinks, or on
concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation, do not install carpeting.

Why not conduct mold testing?
Mold testing is not recommended in many cases. Instead, careful detailed visual
inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing
correction. Efforts should focus on areas where there are signs of moisture or water
vapor (humidity) or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation goals
should be to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture
problem and remove contamination safely and effectively.
The Department of Health, as well as the CDC and EPA, do NOT recommend testing as
there are no exposure-based standards to use for evaluation of the sampling results.

How does mold spread?
Most molds reproduce through the formation of spores, tiny, microscopic cells that are
resistant to drying and are released into the air. Airborne spores are found both indoors
and outdoors. Air circulation in a building varies throughout the day and depends on the
level of activity in that space. Mold spores are always present in both the indoor and
outdoor environment and can be carried in on clothing, backpacks, shoes, etc.
Is it safe for me to stay in my residence hall that currently has mold?
In most cases, the answer is yes. According to federal health and safety agencies, mold
growth is commonly found in both indoor and outdoor environments. Therefore, varying
levels of mold are around us at all times.

How does mold affect people?
• Some people are sensitive to mold and may experience short-term or acute
reactions in the presence of mold growth. Symptoms associated with mold
exposure are not unique and cannot be readily distinguished from symptoms
caused by other medical conditions, such as the common cold or seasonal
environmental allergies.
We recommend that you see your health care provider if you experience any health
concerns.

What is the inspection process to determine how to address any mold in
my residence?

A qualified team of B&G and/or ES respond to work orders. Staff will knock, enter, and
conduct a thorough visual inspection of furniture, wall, closets, and fan coil units to
check for any evidence of mold growth or other concerns, as well as take internal
temperature and humidity readings. If mold growth is found, staff will take appropriate
steps to clean or remediate.

What will be done if there is mold found in my room?
Measures will be taken to thoroughly clean and dry the area affected. This work may be
completed by staff and/or an outside contractor specializing in water cleanup. Staff will
return to check regularly on the progress until the situation has been resolved and may
instruct residents in ways to assist in that process. Due to the unique circumstances
around each situation, cases are managed independently with communication managed
by the Director of Residence Life.

Does the College conduct proactive inspections for mold?
Mold inspections within occupied spaces during the academic school year are only
conducted at the request of a work order. Proactive inspections occur regularly
throughout the year focusing on common areas in conjunction with the fire and life
safety inspections. Comprehensive building inspections during the summer between
conferences also occur each year.

Student Handbook

 
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Alcohol and Drug Policy

Bard College is committed to providing a healthy learning environment that facilitates the highest level of academic achievement and fosters the full development of all students. The community strives to support and promote safe and legal behavioral norms and standards with respect for individual integrity coupled with our shared responsibility to create a safe and vibrant academic environment. The purpose of policies related to alcohol and illegal drug use is to:

  • stress safety, well-being, and individual accountability for all Bard College students
  • provide an atmosphere free from coercion to abuse alcohol, illegal or prescription drugs
  • discourage and prohibit the illegal use of alcohol and drugs or misuse of prescription drugs
  • prohibit the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of illegal and prescription drugs
  • prevent problem behavior and to combat alcohol and drug abuse
  • provide prevention and intervention information and education for all students
  • provide students with information about confidential on- and off-campus resources to address issues related to alcohol and drug use and abuse.
Every member of the community is responsible for abiding by the alcohol and drug policy and for encouraging others to do the same. The College expects that all members of the community will, through year-round educational programming and orientation events, familiarize themselves with the physical risks of and legal constraints on alcohol and drug use, and that they will make informed decisions regarding their own behavior. The use, sale, transfer or manufacturing of illegal drugs, the abuse of alcohol and the abuse of prescription medications disturbs and offends members of the Bard community bringing unintended consequences that create an atmosphere of fear and distrust at odds with the educational mission of the College.

Students are recognized as adults and, therefore, held responsible for their own behavior. All students are expected to obey all local, state, and federal laws as well as college policies and regulations. The College expects moderation, restraint, and care in the use of alcohol for students of legal age; only students age 21 or older may consume alcohol in designated campus locations or at college-sponsored events. Those students are permitted to consume alcohol only at registered college events that have been approved to serve alcohol (refer to section on how to register events with alcohol for additional information) or in limited quantity in their rooms (refer to the Residence Life and Housing section for additional guidelines on alcohol in residence halls). Students may not consume alcohol in their rooms, even if they are age 21 or older; if they live in a wellness residence hall, or a residence hall that houses primarily first-year students; or if they have not have obtained permission from their roommate(s). Possession of open containers of alcohol outside a registered venue will result in disciplinary action. The responsible use of alcohol on campus by those of legal age is a social privilege which, if abused, may be revoked. A room whose occupants are under 21 cannot have any alcohol stored or consumed in it.

Safety and Security, Residence Life and Housing and Dean of Student Affairs staff will confiscate alcohol if a student is not of age or quantities are considered larger than individual servings. Drinking games and other activities that encourage rapid ingestion of alcohol are not permitted.

All members of the Bard community must take responsibility for their own actions and for compliance with the laws of New York State and the Drug-Free School and Communities Act. The major points of the law are as follows:

1. Legal Age and Intoxicated Individuals: No person shall sell, deliver, give away, cause, permit, or procure to be sold, delivered, or given away any alcoholic beverages to: (1) any person actually or apparently under the legal age (21); or (2) any intoxicated person or any person under the influence of alcohol.

2. Dram Shop Liability: Any person who shall be injured in person, property, means of support, or otherwise by an intoxicated person or by reason of the intoxication of any person, whether resulting in death or not, shall have a right of action against any person who shall, by unlawfully selling to or unlawfully assisting in procuring liquor for the intoxicated person, have caused or contributed to the intoxication. In any such action the injured person will have a right to recover actual and exemplary damages.

3. Social Host Liability: If intoxication results in injury or damages to a third party, anyone who knowingly furnishes alcoholic beverages to any intoxicated person under the legal age of purchase, can be held subject to civil liability.

Dangerous Drinking

The safety and health of students is the College’s overriding concern. Any member of the community who observes another member involved in dangerous drinking should feel a responsibility to discourage the behavior and help the intoxicated individual. In cases of intoxication, alcohol poisoning or alcohol and/or drug overdose, individuals are asked to call for medical assistance (x7777) for themselves or for any members of the Bard community. The College believes it is the personal responsibility of each student to call for medical assistance in cases of alcohol or drug-related medical emergency. Special consideration for policy infractions will be given in cases where students voluntarily seek medical attention for themselves or other members of the community. Serious sanctions may result in cases where students do not seek appropriate medical treatment for intoxication or overdose.

False Identification 

Any person under the legal age of purchase who is found to have presented or offered false or fraudulent written identification of age for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages will be sanctioned and false identification will be confiscated.


Possession or Distribution of Alcohol, Illegal Drugs and Improper Use of Prescription Drugs


An academic environment is incompatible with the use of illegal drugs, the abuse of any drugs, and the use of drugs not medically prescribed and supervised. Federal and New York State law prohibit the possession of illegal drugs that are defined as controlled substances which cannot be obtained legally or which, although available legally, have been obtained illegally. This includes prescription drugs that have not been lawfully prescribed for the individual (see the Federal Controlled Substances Act for a list of controlled substances).

While the College’s emphasis is on preventive and educational approaches to substance use and abuse, the College will not protect students from local, state, or federal laws. The College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs or misuse use of legal or prescription drugs by students. Bard College cannot and will not protect students from prosecution under federal, state, or local law, nor are students immune from legal investigation or arrest by civil authorities resulting from the unlawful possession, use, manufacture and sale of any dangerous drugs. The sale, transfer or manufacturing of alcohol or illegal or prescription drugs will result in prompt and forceful action, and include immediate removal from campus and possible prosecution under Section 220.000 of the New York State penal code. Information received about drug dealers is shared with local police agencies. Further, persons suspected or found using illegal drugs or voluntarily being in the presence of their use are potentially subject to disciplinary action by the College.

Paraphernalia includes those items made expressly for the purpose of supporting the use or distribution of illegal drugs or items made for another purpose, but used for the distribution or use of drugs. Items with the purpose or effect of facilitating the abuse of alcohol are considered in this category. Items considered to be paraphernalia may be confiscated and become property of the College, including paraphernalia identified as having been used in a drinking game, including tables.

Policy Violations

Violations of these policies will result in disciplinary action. Penalties will reflect both the degree and number of offenses and may include written warnings submitted to the student file, restitution to community, fines, social probation, mandatory alcohol and drug evaluation, mandatory attendance in educational programs, loss of housing privileges, loss of scholarship, disciplinary leave, suspension and expulsion. Those whose drinking or illegal drug use repeatedly leads to problem behavior will be dealt with more severely because of the predictable relationship between the use and the behavior that follows.

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the College may notify parents or guardians of violations of the College’s alcohol and drug policy. The College reserves the right to notify parents or guardians when a student is found in violation of the alcohol and illegal drug policy, including hospital transport for alcohol or illegal drug-related overdose.


 

 

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