2022 Alumni/ae Reunion Weekend Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Information
What are the dates?
Friday through Sunday, May 27–29, 2022
Do I have to register to attend?
Yes, alumni/ae, their guests, and all other visitors to campus must register. COVID vaccinations, including one booster shot, are required for all eligible attendees. To view Bard’s COVID-19 regulations, please visit bard.edu/covid19. Be sure to register by the May 16 deadline! There is a $25 registration fee for adults, 21 years and over, to attend.
Do I need to submit my proof of vaccination?
No, submitting vaccination records is not required. However, the primary registrant will have to attest to the fact that everyone in the group is fully vaccinated. If this is not possible, the primary registrant will be contacted by a member of the COVID response team and asked to explain the circumstance.
Where can we find the schedule?
View the weekend schedule online at bard.edu/reunion.
Where do I pick up my event tickets and wristband?
You may pick them up at Registration during the weekend. We do not mail tickets. Registration is open Friday from 2 to 11 pm, and on Saturday from 9 am to 6:15 pm, at the George Ball Lounge in the Bertelsmann Campus Center. Alumni/ae and their guests must wear their wristbands for access to the weekend’s events.
How can I find out which other alumni/ae plan to attend?
Click here to view the list of registrants.
Where should I stay?
A comprehensive list of nearby hotels, inns, and B&Bs may be found on the Bard website at bard.edu/visiting. We recommend booking your accommodations as soon as possible. A limited number of on-campus residence hall rooms will be available to alumni/ae on a first-come, first-served basis. Alumni/ae may make reservations on their registration forms.
I plan to stay on campus. Can I specify which dorm I want to be in? Do I need to bring sheets and towels?
We do our best to house reunion classes in the same or nearby dorms. It is not always possible, however, to honor specific housing requests. Towels, one pillow, sheets, a pillowcase, and a light blanket are provided. You may want to bring an extra light blanket. All rooms must be vacated by Sunday, May 29 at noon. Please remember, these dorm rooms are being used by returning alumni/ae less than 48 hours after students vacate them for the summer.
Will shuttle service be offered between the Bard campus, train stations, and local hotels?
No shuttles will be available between campus and hotels. Saturday shuttles will pick up passengers at the Amtrak station in Rhinecliff. The pick-up schedule will be posted on the College’s transportation website, blogs.bard.edu/transportation (under Special Schedules). Guests are responsible for making their own return travel arrangements to the train station.
Travel times will be confirmed when the MTA schedule is posted.
Should I bring my spouse or significant other?
Absolutely. Bardians-in-law are 100 percent welcome. Be sure to register all guests by the May 16 deadline.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are permitted on campus during reunion weekend.
Commencement Ceremony
When does the Commencement ceremony begin and end?
The ceremony will begin at 2:30 pm and end at approximately 6 pm. The academic procession enters the Commencement tent at approximately 3 pm.
Is the Commencement tent air-conditioned?
Large fans are stationed throughout the tent, but it is not air-conditioned. If extreme heat poses a health risk to members of your party, please plan accordingly. Guests are invited to view the Commencement ceremony via live streaming at Olin Auditorium, located in the Franklin W. Olin Humanities Building, which is air-conditioned.
Will water be available at the Commencement tent?
Bottle filling stations will offer water freefills around the perimeter of the tent. Please bring your favorite reusable bottle to the ceremony.
I would like to walk in the Commencement procession. How can I do that?
Caps and gowns are required if alumni/ae plan to walk in the Commencement procession. The option to rent them will be on your registration form. The last date to order is April 4. Rented caps and gowns should be picked up at the Bard Campus Bookstore on or before 2 pm on Saturday, May 28 and returned to the bookstore immediately after Commencement.
Do you offer live streaming of Commencement?
Yes, a live webcast of the Commencement ceremony will begin at 2:30 pm on Saturday, May 28. The link will be posted on the Bard website on Commencement morning. We also live stream Commencement at Olin Auditorium, located in the Franklin W. Olin Humanities Building, and Weiss Cinema in the Campus Center; all alumni/ae and their guests are welcome.
Meals on Campus
Are menu options available for people with special dietary concerns?
We make every effort to accommodate dietary needs. Vegan options will be available at the reunion barbecue and at Kline Dining Commons.
What happens if I purchase meal tickets and don’t use them? May I get a refund?
All requests for refunds must be submitted by Monday, May 16.
May I pay for the Saturday barbecue on site?
A limited number of tickets will be available at Registration, located at the George Ball Lounge, in Bertlesmann Campus Center, until 6:15 pm on Saturday, but we recommend you register in advance.
May we come for fireworks and dancing if we don’t purchase barbecue tickets?
Yes, but in order to come to campus you must register in advance. Bring a blanket and flashlight and enjoy! Fireworks begin at dark, around 9:15 pm.
Contact
I have more questions. Whom do I ask?
Feel free to contact the Office of Alumni/ae Affairs if you need further assistance, at [email protected] or 845-758-7084.