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Student Conduct
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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Harassment, Discrimination and Stalking Policy

Harassment, Discrimination and Stalking Policy*

*Concerns of gender-based harassment, discrimination or stalking should refer to the Gender Based Misconduct policy and procedures at https://www.bard.edu/genderequity/policy/.

Discrimination and harassment of any kind, will not be tolerated. Those believing that they have been unlawfully harassed or discriminated against on the basis of their sex, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status, ex-offender status, should contact the Dean of Student Affairs Office, Human Resources, or Office of Safety and Security.

Any person who feels uncomfortable, compromised, or otherwise unable to file a complaint through the channels set forth below may make a report via the Misconduct Reporting Line. Reports of alleged violations of this policy may be made anonymously to the Misconduct Reporting Line at 888-323-4198; however, it is important to note that this is not a confidential reporting line. Individual identities may be disclosed through the process of investigation. Reports made to the Misconduct Reporting Line telephone number will be received by and responded to by a person outside of the Bard community. That person will determine, based upon the allegations made, whether this is a matter which constitutes an alleged violation of this policy. Alleged violations of this policy will be referred for investigation in accordance with the procedures set forth herein. Accommodations will be made, if necessary, based upon the specific allegations made. Any reports received via the Misconduct Reporting Line will be filed for statistical purposes, even if made anonymously. If a complaint warrants a formal investigation, all parties involved will be interviewed individually in person or over the phone with the potential for follow up discussions. Upon completion of the investigation a report is submitted for the College President‘s review. Final decisions regarding investigations rest with the President.

Discrimination
Discrimination is the unlawful and intentional act of unfair treatment of a person based sex, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status, ex-or offender status.

Harassment
Unwelcome, hostile, or inappropriate conduct directed toward an individual because of their protected status. Such conduct violates College policy if it (1) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, living, or learning environment for the affected individual, or (2) substantially interferes with that individual’s working, living, or learning environment. This can include persistent comments or jokes about an individual’s religion, race, age, or gender; verbal behavior, including insults, remarks, epithets, or derogatory statements directed at an individual or group; nonverbal behavior, including graffiti, inappropriate physical advances short of physical violence; and assault, including physical violence or the threat of physical violence.

Stalking
A course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Stalking behaviors may include pursuing or following, unwanted or nonconsensual communication or contact (including in-person contact, telephone or voice messages, electronic messages, social media messages, and text messages), unwanted gifts, trespassing, surveillance, and other types of observation.

Retaliation
To take an adverse action against an individual or subject an individual to conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with that individual’s educational experience, work or academic performance, or creates an educational experience or academic or work environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating or hostile because of something that individual did to further this policy. This may include complainants, respondents, witnesses, and other reporting persons.

Procedures for Investigation and Resolution of Non-gender based Discrimination, Harassment, Stalking or Retaliation Complaints

Informal Resolution:
Any members of the College community who has observed or has been involved in an incident of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation may wish to attempt informal resolution of the matter first. Resources for informal resolution include: Office of the Dean of the College, Bard Community Response Team, Dean of Student Affairs Office, and Human Resources. If the matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved through such informal communications, or if an individual wishes to file a formal complaint, the following process should be employed:

Complaint Process
When a student, or any other member of the College community, believes that they have been discriminated against, harassed, stalked or retaliated against by a member of the community (including faculty, staff, and students), the complainant should notify the Dean of Student Affairs Office, the Office of the Dean of the College, or Human Resources.

All members of the College community have an obligation to make sure that complaints about discrimination, harassment, stalking, or retaliation are directed to the appropriate administrative office for investigation and evaluation.

Complaints should be filed as soon as possible after the date of the alleged misconduct, and a written complaint is required. Accommodations can be made in circumstances where this is not possible. The accused will be notified of the substance of the complaint.

Complaints about Students
Upon receipt of complaint against a student, an administrative committee including members of the Dean of Student Affairs Office or the Office of the Dean of the College will investigate the circumstances of the complaint and make a recommendation to the Dean of Student Affairs or the Dean of the College, that (a) reviews the facts of the case, (b) determines whether a disciplinary violation has occurred, and (c) recommends sanction for any such violation. In appropriate circumstances, the committee may, in consultation with the vice president for administration, employ the services of an external investigator, who will conduct a thorough investigation. During the investigation, a designated staff member will act as a support for the student reporting the incident and another staff member will serve as a support for the accused student. The Dean of Students organizes logistical components of the investigation and acts as a resource to answer questions regarding the investigation or process. At the conclusion of an investigation, a report is generated and shared directly with the President. Designated members of the Dean of Students Affairs Office or Office of the Dean of the College will meet individually with the accused and accuser to discuss the results of the investigation, and implement any applicable sanctions as recommended; sanctions vary and are determined by the severity of the violation. As in all cases appeals for administrative decisions may be directed to the Student Judiciary Board; however, in cases of external investigations, appeals will go directly to the President.

Complaints about Faculty or Staff
Complaints of discrimination, harassment, stalking, or retaliation by a faculty or staff member shall be investigated according to the Bard College Employee Handbook found on the Human Resources website https://www.bard.edu/humanresources/forms/.

External Remedies
Members of the Bard College community are always subject to local, state, and federal laws, and nothing in these procedures is intended to limit or postpone the right of an individual to file a complaint or charge with appropriate federal, state, or local departments or agencies. An individual is not required to use this complaint resolution procedure before pursuing other remedies.

Confidentiality
The College has an independent obligation to investigate potential misconduct, even if a complainant does not want to initiate an official process. Therefore, absolute confidentiality cannot be promised with respect to a complaint of discrimination, harassment, stalking or retaliation. The College wishes, however, to create an environment in which legitimate complaints are encouraged, while also protecting the privacy of all involved in an investigation. Complaints about violations of these policies will therefore be handled in strict confidence, with facts made available only to those who need to know in order for the College to promptly and thoroughly investigate and resolve the matter.

Academic Freedom
Bard College is committed to the principles of free inquiry and free expression. The College’s policy against discrimination, harassment, or retaliation is not intended to stifle this freedom, nor will it be permitted to do so. Prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, however, are neither legally protected expression nor the proper exercise of academic freedom, and such conduct is incompatible with the values of this College. To ensure that academic freedom considerations are properly considered in any investigation and resolution of a complaint, the Office of the Dean of the College will be consulted and appoint a designee to be added to any investigative body for any complaint that appears to raise questions about academic freedom or appropriate pedagogy.


 

 

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