Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What are the dates?
Friday through Sunday, May 24–26, 2024.
Where do I pick up my event tickets and wristband?
You may pick them up at Registration during Reunion Weekend. We do not mail tickets. Registration is open Friday from 2 to 10:30 pm, and on Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, at the George Ball Lounge in the Bertelsmann Campus Center. If you arrive after 11 pm on Friday, please go to Security in the Old Gym. Alumni/ae and their guests must wear their wristbands throughout the weekend.
How can I find out who else plans to attend Reunion?
A list of attendees will be posted on the website closer to the event.
Where should I stay?
A comprehensive list of nearby hotels, inns, and B&Bs may be found on the Dutchess Tourism website. 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. Residence hall room rates are $150 for single occupancy, $200 for double occupancy, and $250 for triple occupancy. The prices above indicate the total cost regardless of whether you stay one or two nights.
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 blanket. All rooms must be vacated by Sunday, May 26 at noon.
Will shuttle service be offered between the Bard campus, train stations, and local hotels?
Please see the College’s transportation website (under Special Schedules) for information regarding shuttle service to and from the Amtrak station in Rhinecliff and the MTA in Poughkeepsie. Schedules are subject to change. There is no shuttle service to and from off-campus hotels.
Should I bring my spouse or significant other?
Absolutely. Be sure to register all guests by the May 13 deadline.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are permitted on campus during Reunion Weekend.
How do I make a gift to Bard in honor of my class reunion?
You can either make a gift when you register, or you can make a gift here. Thank you for supporting Bard and your reunion class!
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 live streamed at Weis Cinema at the Bertelsmann Campus Center, and at Olin Auditorium, located in the Franklin W. Olin Humanities Building; both are air conditioned.
Will water be available at the Commencement tent?
Bottle filling stations will offer water refills 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. Rented caps and gowns should be picked up at the Bard Campus Bookstore on or before 2 pm on Saturday, May 25 and returned to the bookstore immediately after Commencement. PLEASE NOTE: The deadline to order is April 4.
Do you offer live streaming of Commencement?
Yes, a live webcast of the Commencement ceremony will begin at 2:30 pm on Saturday, May 25. The streaming link will be posted on bard.edu closer to the event. We also live stream Commencement at Olin Auditorium, located in the Franklin W. Olin Humanities Building, and Weis 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 13.
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 Bertelsmann Campus Center, until 6 pm on Saturday, but we highly 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 picnic, a blanket and a flashlight! 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 845-758-7116.