Parents NetworkThe Parents Network is designed to support the students and families that make up the Bard community. Its primary focus is to enhance the undergraduate college experience. The Parents Network also provides regional programs and networking opportunities that bring together students and their families with Bard faculty and administrators. Membership is open to all parents, grandparents, and guardians. The network’s annual meeting is held each fall during Family Weekend. Through the network, parents of current and former students give their time and resources to projects such as regional events, career counseling, professional introductions, calling parents of prospective students, and fund-raising on behalf of the College. We welcome your ideas and, especially, your involvement.
Regional Programs
To help bring Bard to communities both near and far from campus, parents organize and host events all over the country. This past year, events were held in Chicago, Santa Fe, New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles with special guests President Leon Botstein, Dean of the College Michèle Dominy, and Dean of International Studies Jonathan Becker. No event idea is too big or too small—please share your thoughts with us.
Supporting the Parents Fund
The Parents Fund is a vital component of Bard’s financial life. It provides scholarship dollars to 65 percent of students as well as access to the latest books, technology, and online resources for the entire student body. The Parents Fund also sustains faculty development, student life, and campus upkeep. Tuition and fees cover only about 60 percent of the cost of a Bard education. Your participation in the College’s fund-raising efforts is needed and greatly appreciated. To join the Parents Network or to make a gift to Bard, please call Matt Soper, director of development, at 845-758-7505 or e-mail
him at soper@bard.edu.
Parents Online Community
In the fall of 2009, Bard launched this online community for parents and guardians of current students. ANNANDALEONLINE is an interactive database that allows parents, on an opt-out basis, to view and enhance profiles and to post photos, links, and blogs as well as search for other families of current students for discussion, regional activities, mentorship, and networking.
Assisting Admissions
Parents of Bard students are valued members of our community and have various opportunities to enrich and contribute to the life of the college. Your experiences and insights as a parent of a Bard student are especially valuable to the parents of prospective students. Each spring, the admission office solicits parent volunteers to call parents of accepted students who are considering enrollment at the college. You are in the unique position to be very helpful by answering questions guided by your own experience of having a child at Bard. The admission office also holds receptions throughout the year in various parts of the country, briningn together our president, prospective students and their families, and college counselors. We benefit from the generous community of parents who offer to host such events in their homes. Contact Janet Stetson, Associate Director of Admission, if you are interested in assisting admissions.
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