Fire Safety

Download the Bard College Annual Fire Safety Report

The following electrical equipment may be used in the student room: alarm clock, fan, hair dryer, computer, radio, stereo, television, study lamp, typewriter, electric blanket, humidifier. The following may be used in kitchenettes, but not in the student room: coffee maker, iron, popcorn maker, toaster oven, hot plate, hot pot, rice cooker, microwave oven. Only brand name, UL appliances may be used. The following may not be used in any residence hall: any exposed coil heater, heating pads, portable heater, candles, air conditioner. Students are responsible for cleaning dishes and cookware.

Written permission to use candles for religious observances must be obtained form the Office of Residence Life prior to use. Anyone having a lit candle will incur a $500 fine. Any student responsible for a fire started by a burning candle may lose the privilege to live on campus, and will be financially responsible for all associated damages.

Tampering with fire extinguishers or alarms is a serious offense. Persons found tampering with the fire extinguishers or alarms will be charged the replacement/repair costs plus a $100.00 fine and may face disciplinary action. Fire control doors, with automatic door closures, exist in stairwells and hallways. In case of fire, such doors prevent the spread of fire and the dispersal of smoke. Never tamper with these doors; also, never block or prop them open.

During a fire drill or alarm, everyone is required to leave the building, a fine for not doing so is $50.

Fire drills are held three times each academic year to comply with New York State laws and to familiarize students with protective procedures. When the fire alarm sounds, act immediately:
1. Close the windows.
2. For protection, put on a coat and wear hard-soled shoes.
3. Feel the door for heat to determine that it is safe to enter the corridor.
4.Turn off the lights.
5. Do not rush. Continued order and quiet is essential.
6. Go to the designated exit area as quickly as possible.
7. Do not leave the designated area until cleared to do so, so that you may be accounted for.

Everyone must respond to the alarm. Do not use an elevator. Think clearly about all the available exits from the building, in case one exit is blocked, so that you can alter your route without causing delay or panic. If you are in the study or social areas, leave by the nearest exit without returning to your room. If you are not in your room at the time, make sure you are accounted for as soon as possible. Refusal to vacate a building during a fire drill or alarm is a serious disciplinary infraction and may result in a fine, suspension, or cancellation of the On Campus Living Agreement.

All residence hall exterior doors will be locked 24 hours a day. Every resident student is issued a key for the front door. You are encouraged to keep your room door and the exterior doors locked at all times. If you answer a request for entry to a residence hall and do not recognize the individual, it is appropriate to ask for a Bard ID or to contact the visitorÕs host before granting entry.


Parties and Events

All students interested in hosting a campus event must attend a workshop on responsible planning and practices given at the start of each semester. All campus wide events (i.e., in Kline, campus center, or residence hall social spaces) must be registered at least three days in advance. Registration forms are available in the Office of Student Activities. Students must acquire guest passes from the Safety and Security Office for any event attendees who are not part of the Bard community.

All material posted or distributed on campus, including flyers, posters and banners, must include information identifying at least one person responsible for the material and contact information for that person. Failure to include identifying information may result in removal.

Any event at which alcohol is served must be registered by two hosts who are both over the age of 21 and have attended a social event planning workshop. All kegs must be registered.

Any additional setup/cleanup arrangement charges will be billed to the hosts.

An event that develops from a small, initially private gathering to a larger, more public one and/or having a significant impact on the larger campus environment must be registered with Safety and Security through the on-call administrator. If this is not done, Safety and Security will treat the event as unregistered and will respond accordingly. Any event may be stopped if it becomes too disruptive in the judgment of the Safety and Security Officer. Interfering with Safety and SecurityÕs responsibilities in this matter will be considered a breach of policy and community principles and will jeopardize a hostÕs ability to sponsor future events.

No student has the right to bind the College to contract with an outside vendor (e.g., a film or performance). All contract arrangements must be made with the approval and supervision of the Director of Student Activities.

Bard College strongly affirms the right of free speech for each member of the Bard community. This right includes the freedom, through College departments and organizations, to invite to the campus speakers and representatives of off-campus organizations as long as the visits do not disrupt the CollegeÕs regular educational or administrative functions.

As an independent academic institution, Bard College is under no obligation to make its facilities or services available to, or act as the agent for, off-campus organizations, whether private organizations or agencies of government.


Transportation

(For more information, contact the Physical Plant at ext. 7007)

On-campus shuttle service and service between the campus, Tivoli, and Red Hook is offered from early morning through late evening. Scheduled trips are provided during the year to Hudson Valley Mall, Poughkeepsie Galleria, Crossgates Mall, local movie theaters and local libraries. On the opening day of the school year, transportation from the train stations in Rhinecliff and Poughkeepsie is provided by the College. During the school year, transportation to and from the train stations is available, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Schedules are available at the Dean of Students Office, the Security Office, and the Transportation Office in the Physical Plant. Unless otherwise specified, all off/on campus trips leave from the Kline Commons parking lot.

To reserve a vehicle and driver for trips to shows, concerts, exhibits, and the like, complete a Transportation Request form at the Transportation Office at least three days in advance of the event. A representative for the group must make the arrangements for collecting payments from participants and/or charging the appropriate department or budget.

Amtrak has regular train service to and from Penn Station (New York City) and Albany and points north. The local station is at Rhinecliff, which is eight miles south of the campus. Metro North offers regular train service from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central Station (New York City). Trailways in Kingston offers regular bus service to the Port Authority Terminal (New York City). The Loop Bus provides regular service throughout Dutchess County.

Amtrak: (800) USA-RAIL (872-7245)
Trailways: (914) 331-0744
Metro North: (800) METRO-INFO (638-7646)
Loop Bus: (914) 485-4690


Foot Patrol

A student-run organization that offers after-dark walking escorts seven nights a week.