Student Support and Relief Fund

Photo by Karl Rabe

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” –Margaret J. Wheatley

At Bard, we are committed to ensuring students are given every opportunity to succeed in and out of the classroom without the stress of unexpected financial challenges. The Bard Student Support and Relief Fund was created to provide inclusive and equitable access to financial support to any matriculated undergraduate Bard student at the Annandale campus.

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What is the Student Support and Relief Fund?

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide relief from undue financial stress so that students can remain engaged in their college careers at Bard College in Annandale. The fund assists students who face unforeseen challenges during the academic year, despite their effort to be adequately prepared financially. Unforeseen circumstances may include, but are not limited to: the loss of an immediate family member, an unexpected but emergency trip home, required educational supplies, or urgent personal needs.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide relief from undue financial stress so that students can remain engaged in their college careers at Bard College in Annandale. The fund assists students who face unforeseen challenges during the academic year, despite their effort to be adequately prepared financially. Unforeseen circumstances may include, but are not limited to: the loss of an immediate family member, an unexpected but emergency trip home, required educational supplies, or urgent personal needs.

When students encounter unpredictable financial hardship, such as an accident, illness, natural disaster, or other unforeseen events, their success as a student is threatened. The Student Support Relief Fund was developed to better respond to our students’ needs in these situations and provide one-time grants. Average awards range from $100–$300, with a maximum of $1,000 for extreme situations. In the event of a qualifying request, funds can be used toward essential academic needs (books and supplies), replacement of lost or damaged items, or basic needs such as utilities, childcare, short-term housing, or transportation. Unlike other relief funds, the Student Support Relief Fund does not assist with tuition or fees, on-campus room and board charges, or food. Priority will be given to students who have fully taken advantage of student loan opportunities available to them (including students who have taken alternative loans to cover expenses). Undergraduate students who need assistance should complete the Relief Fund Form.
How Do I Apply?

Undergraduate students who need assistance should complete the SSRF Request Form. All SSRF requests are reviewed on a weekly basis by a committee of Bard faculty and staff.

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SSRF 2023–24 Committee Members

Claudette Aldebot, Dean of Inclusive Excellence
Katherine Hardy, Senior Associate Director of Admission
Alyson Harte, Associate Director of Financial Aid
Sharif Rosen, Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Karen Unger, Associate Vice President, Office of Institutional Support

Contact the Committee