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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to a number of common questions students have before arriving on campus in the Fall. Click on any of the three categories to skip directly to those questions.
When do I need to arrive?
You should plan to arrive between 9:00 am and 11:00 am on Saturday morning, August 16th. During this time you will be assigned a workshop and move into your dorm. The earlier you arrive, the more time you will have to move into your room before the day’s formal activities begin. A complete Arrival Day Schedule is available for download.
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Can I leave during orientation week?
No. Orientation begins on Saturday the 16th and runs through Sunday morning the 24th. During this time you are required to remain on-campus. No guests are allowed on campus during Orientation.
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When do I find out my room assignment and who my roommate is?
If you have filled out and returned your roommate profile form, you will receive your room assignment and your roommate’s information during the last week of July.
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Can I ship my stuff in advance?
Yes. After August 1st, feel free to ship your belongings ahead of you using any of the standard shipping services. When received, your boxes will be cataloged and stored until you arrive. If you would like to ship anything in advance, please use this temporary address:
Student Name, First Year Student
Bard College at Simon's Rock
84 Alford Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230-1978
Please note:
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Where do I get my mail?
All students are assigned a mailbox in the Livingston Student Union. If you have not received your mailbox number before coming to campus, you will receive additional information when you arrive on Saturday, August 16th. All students receive mail at the college using the following address:
Student Name
Bard College at Simon's Rock
SR Box #___ (student's assigned mailbox)
84 Alford Road
Great Barrington MA 01230-1978
When distributing this address, please make sure that your Simon's Rock mailbox number is included and identified as such (and not as a "PO Box") - this is a necessary piece of information for the Post Office to deliver to Simon's Rock, and your mail may not arrive quickly (or at all) if it is left out.
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What about telephone service?
All rooms have phone jacks, but you or your roommate must supply a phone. There is one jack in each room, with each student having their own voicemail box. For long distance calls, you must provide your own calling card. Cell phone service is intermittent on campus, but is quite reliable in downtown Great Barrington.
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What about my computer and email?
The college provides high speed internet access and email services, and each dorm room has standard internet jacks. All personal computers must be registered with the college’s computer services department in order to use these systems. Registering of computers will take place during orientation.
There is no wireless availability in the dorms; however, secure wireless access is available in most academic buildings. Due to the security component of the wireless network, some configuration is generally required and it is unlikely that your computer will be able to connect "out of the box." For detailed information regarding connecting a computer to the Simon's Rock secure wireless network, please refer to the ITS Wireless Help Pages.
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What about my laundry?
All dorms have full laundry facilities. These machines are contracted with a local service provider, and a one-time fee is charged to each student’s account (so you don’t have to carry quarters). If you have never done your own laundry, please be sure to get a crash course before arriving, and please use the facilities every week.
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What about bank services?
There will be two local banks represented on Arrival Day so that you can get set up with an account. There is one ATM on campus in the Student Union, and at scheduled times, students may cash checks at the business office.
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What about insurance?
The college is not responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of personal items. Be sure to find out if your parents' homeowners insurance policies cover such losses.
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Can I bring a car?
First year students are not permitted to have a car on campus.
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How long will my parents need to stay on Arrival Day?
Family members and friends are requested to leave campus on Arrival Day no later than 5:00 pm. A complete Arrival Day Schedule is available for download.
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When do classes start?
Classes begin on Monday morning, August 25th, following the completion of the Writing and Thinking workshop.
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Who can I call with further questions?
Academic Affairs: 413-528-7247
Admissions: 413-528-7334
Bookstore: 413-528-7430
Business Office: 413-528-7365
Computer Services: 413-528-7371
Financial Aid: 413-528-7339
Health Services: 413-528-7358
Student Affairs: 413-528-7693
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What is Student Affairs?
The student affairs offices are located on the third floor of the Student Union. Counseling and Health Services are located in one suite, and Security, the Residence Life Offices (including the Director of Residence Life and the Residence Directors’ offices), Activities, Community Service, and the Associate Dean of Student Affairs are located in the second suite.
These offices are where you will come to discuss your living environment including housing concerns, facilities, community concerns, and get advice and assistance with any extra-curricular issues.
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What is a Peer Advocate?
PAs are upper-class students who work with the Office of Student Affairs. They live in the dormitories and are present to assist you in making the transition to college life. They will meet you on Arrival Day, and will be able to answer many of your questions about the dorms, academics, and extracurricular life.
Back to top
What is a Residence Director?
RDs are professional adult staff who reside in the dormitories. They supervise and work with the PAs to provide programming in the dorms, and to insure a safe, healthy, and secure living environment that supports the educational goals of the college.
Back to top
When do I learn about student organizations?
During the first week of classes there will be a student group and activities fair. Look for posters announcing when and where.
Back to top
What’s the story on food?
All first-year students receive the full meal plan, which is 19 meals (we only serve brunch and dinner on Sat. and Sun.). After your first year, depending on where you will reside, you can get a reduced meal plan. If you have specific dietary needs (e.g., medical or religious), you can make arrangements once you arrive on campus by speaking with the Office of Student Affairs. Meal menus are posted in advance on the Simon's Rock web site and are accessible from on-campus network connections.
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What if I lose my dorm key?
All first year students receive a keycard to access their dorm, and a key to access their room. There is a $50 deposit for the room key. If you lose your keycard, you can get a new one from the mailroom. If you lose your room key, you can get a new one in the Office of Student Affairs. Replacement keys and keycards cost $50 and $10 respectively. There is a charge of $5.00 for each lock-out.
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What do I do if I get sick?
You can call the Health Services Office (ext. 7353) Monday through Friday (9am-5pm), during the academic year, and speak directly to a nurse or make an appointment to be seen. Also, you can come by the office during regular office hours and be seen without an appointment. If you feel too ill to call, have a Resident Director call for you. If you require medical care when Health Services is closed, Security or a Resident Director will contact the nurse on call for you. There is always a medical professional available to speak to you and arrange to see you if necessary.
Back to top
What if I want to see a counselor?
Counseling Services are located in the same office suite as Health Services, and employees are on the same schedule. Any student can see a counselor, and many students see a counselor on a weekly basis. In addition to regular office hours, after hours and emergency services are available. There is always a counselor on call.
Back to top
What does Health Services have to offer me?
You can receive evaluation and treatment for most health problems that can be treated in a primary care medical office. Health Services is staffed by registered nurses, a nurse practitioner, and medical doctors. Students may also be referred to local medical specialists as needed. When possible, staff will work with your medical provider from home, and sometimes may suggest following up when you are home on vacations for continuation of care. Complicated testing requiring certain medical specialties may be better done at home by the medical providers who already know you.
Back to top
Do I have to pay when I’m treated?
All students living on campus are covered by the college’s health insurance and will not be charged for Health Service visits. Students who live locally with parents or guardians will be referred to their local medical provider for evaluation. Day students are welcome to talk with health care staff for advice on medical problems, but will need to be treated by their own or their family’s medical provider. If you do not have a medical provider locally, we can give you referral information for local providers.
Back to top
Are visits to Health Services and Counseling confidential?
We always encourage students to talk with their families about how they are doing while away at college. We adhere to the Massachusetts Laws of confidentiality for treatment of minors, MGL, Ch.12:Section12F. Unless a student is in need of hospitalization or suffering from a life threatening illness, parents will not automatically be notified of office visits. Parents will be notified when students must be seen in the Emergency Room. Health Service staff will ask the student to call parents or guardians when that seems a reasonable plan. If a student asks staff to contact their family, we will ask them to sign a release of information as documentation of this request for their record. We understand that this may represent a change in how our students and their families have approached care in the past. It is important for students to learn to access care, and to feel free to discuss any concern that they may have about themselves with the Health and Counseling staff.
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Before You Arrive and Orientation
Student Affairs and Campus Life
Health and Counseling Services
Before You Arrive and Orientation
When do I need to arrive?
You should plan to arrive between 9:00 am and 11:00 am on Saturday morning, August 16th. During this time you will be assigned a workshop and move into your dorm. The earlier you arrive, the more time you will have to move into your room before the day’s formal activities begin. A complete Arrival Day Schedule is available for download.
Back to top
Can I leave during orientation week?
No. Orientation begins on Saturday the 16th and runs through Sunday morning the 24th. During this time you are required to remain on-campus. No guests are allowed on campus during Orientation.
Back to top
When do I find out my room assignment and who my roommate is?
If you have filled out and returned your roommate profile form, you will receive your room assignment and your roommate’s information during the last week of July.
Back to top
Can I ship my stuff in advance?
Yes. After August 1st, feel free to ship your belongings ahead of you using any of the standard shipping services. When received, your boxes will be cataloged and stored until you arrive. If you would like to ship anything in advance, please use this temporary address:
Student Name, First Year Student
Bard College at Simon's Rock
84 Alford Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230-1978
Please note:
- "First Year Student" is required, as this will assist the mailroom staff in sorting shipments intended for students arriving in time for Orientation.
- This address should only be used to ship items in advance of your arrival on campus. Once you have moved in, you will receive a permanent address which you can give out in order to receive mail and parcels (see next question).
- If you have any questions about what can and cannot be shipped or what address to use, please contact the Mailroom at (413) 644-4127
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Where do I get my mail?
All students are assigned a mailbox in the Livingston Student Union. If you have not received your mailbox number before coming to campus, you will receive additional information when you arrive on Saturday, August 16th. All students receive mail at the college using the following address:
Student Name
Bard College at Simon's Rock
SR Box #___ (student's assigned mailbox)
84 Alford Road
Great Barrington MA 01230-1978
When distributing this address, please make sure that your Simon's Rock mailbox number is included and identified as such (and not as a "PO Box") - this is a necessary piece of information for the Post Office to deliver to Simon's Rock, and your mail may not arrive quickly (or at all) if it is left out.
Back to top
What about telephone service?
All rooms have phone jacks, but you or your roommate must supply a phone. There is one jack in each room, with each student having their own voicemail box. For long distance calls, you must provide your own calling card. Cell phone service is intermittent on campus, but is quite reliable in downtown Great Barrington.
Back to top
What about my computer and email?
The college provides high speed internet access and email services, and each dorm room has standard internet jacks. All personal computers must be registered with the college’s computer services department in order to use these systems. Registering of computers will take place during orientation.
There is no wireless availability in the dorms; however, secure wireless access is available in most academic buildings. Due to the security component of the wireless network, some configuration is generally required and it is unlikely that your computer will be able to connect "out of the box." For detailed information regarding connecting a computer to the Simon's Rock secure wireless network, please refer to the ITS Wireless Help Pages.
Back to top
What about my laundry?
All dorms have full laundry facilities. These machines are contracted with a local service provider, and a one-time fee is charged to each student’s account (so you don’t have to carry quarters). If you have never done your own laundry, please be sure to get a crash course before arriving, and please use the facilities every week.
Back to top
What about bank services?
There will be two local banks represented on Arrival Day so that you can get set up with an account. There is one ATM on campus in the Student Union, and at scheduled times, students may cash checks at the business office.
Back to top
What about insurance?
The college is not responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of personal items. Be sure to find out if your parents' homeowners insurance policies cover such losses.
Back to top
Can I bring a car?
First year students are not permitted to have a car on campus.
Back to top
How long will my parents need to stay on Arrival Day?
Family members and friends are requested to leave campus on Arrival Day no later than 5:00 pm. A complete Arrival Day Schedule is available for download.
Back to top
When do classes start?
Classes begin on Monday morning, August 25th, following the completion of the Writing and Thinking workshop.
Back to top
Who can I call with further questions?
Academic Affairs: 413-528-7247
Admissions: 413-528-7334
Bookstore: 413-528-7430
Business Office: 413-528-7365
Computer Services: 413-528-7371
Financial Aid: 413-528-7339
Health Services: 413-528-7358
Student Affairs: 413-528-7693
Back to top
Student Affairs and Campus Life
What is Student Affairs?
The student affairs offices are located on the third floor of the Student Union. Counseling and Health Services are located in one suite, and Security, the Residence Life Offices (including the Director of Residence Life and the Residence Directors’ offices), Activities, Community Service, and the Associate Dean of Student Affairs are located in the second suite.
These offices are where you will come to discuss your living environment including housing concerns, facilities, community concerns, and get advice and assistance with any extra-curricular issues.
Back to top
What is a Peer Advocate?
PAs are upper-class students who work with the Office of Student Affairs. They live in the dormitories and are present to assist you in making the transition to college life. They will meet you on Arrival Day, and will be able to answer many of your questions about the dorms, academics, and extracurricular life.
Back to top
What is a Residence Director?
RDs are professional adult staff who reside in the dormitories. They supervise and work with the PAs to provide programming in the dorms, and to insure a safe, healthy, and secure living environment that supports the educational goals of the college.
Back to top
When do I learn about student organizations?
During the first week of classes there will be a student group and activities fair. Look for posters announcing when and where.
Back to top
What’s the story on food?
All first-year students receive the full meal plan, which is 19 meals (we only serve brunch and dinner on Sat. and Sun.). After your first year, depending on where you will reside, you can get a reduced meal plan. If you have specific dietary needs (e.g., medical or religious), you can make arrangements once you arrive on campus by speaking with the Office of Student Affairs. Meal menus are posted in advance on the Simon's Rock web site and are accessible from on-campus network connections.
Back to top
What if I lose my dorm key?
All first year students receive a keycard to access their dorm, and a key to access their room. There is a $50 deposit for the room key. If you lose your keycard, you can get a new one from the mailroom. If you lose your room key, you can get a new one in the Office of Student Affairs. Replacement keys and keycards cost $50 and $10 respectively. There is a charge of $5.00 for each lock-out.
Back to top
Health and Counseling Services
What do I do if I get sick?
You can call the Health Services Office (ext. 7353) Monday through Friday (9am-5pm), during the academic year, and speak directly to a nurse or make an appointment to be seen. Also, you can come by the office during regular office hours and be seen without an appointment. If you feel too ill to call, have a Resident Director call for you. If you require medical care when Health Services is closed, Security or a Resident Director will contact the nurse on call for you. There is always a medical professional available to speak to you and arrange to see you if necessary.
Back to top
What if I want to see a counselor?
Counseling Services are located in the same office suite as Health Services, and employees are on the same schedule. Any student can see a counselor, and many students see a counselor on a weekly basis. In addition to regular office hours, after hours and emergency services are available. There is always a counselor on call.
Back to top
What does Health Services have to offer me?
You can receive evaluation and treatment for most health problems that can be treated in a primary care medical office. Health Services is staffed by registered nurses, a nurse practitioner, and medical doctors. Students may also be referred to local medical specialists as needed. When possible, staff will work with your medical provider from home, and sometimes may suggest following up when you are home on vacations for continuation of care. Complicated testing requiring certain medical specialties may be better done at home by the medical providers who already know you.
Back to top
Do I have to pay when I’m treated?
All students living on campus are covered by the college’s health insurance and will not be charged for Health Service visits. Students who live locally with parents or guardians will be referred to their local medical provider for evaluation. Day students are welcome to talk with health care staff for advice on medical problems, but will need to be treated by their own or their family’s medical provider. If you do not have a medical provider locally, we can give you referral information for local providers.
Back to top
Are visits to Health Services and Counseling confidential?
We always encourage students to talk with their families about how they are doing while away at college. We adhere to the Massachusetts Laws of confidentiality for treatment of minors, MGL, Ch.12:Section12F. Unless a student is in need of hospitalization or suffering from a life threatening illness, parents will not automatically be notified of office visits. Parents will be notified when students must be seen in the Emergency Room. Health Service staff will ask the student to call parents or guardians when that seems a reasonable plan. If a student asks staff to contact their family, we will ask them to sign a release of information as documentation of this request for their record. We understand that this may represent a change in how our students and their families have approached care in the past. It is important for students to learn to access care, and to feel free to discuss any concern that they may have about themselves with the Health and Counseling staff.
Back to top