Campus Life

We follow New York State law 2164 for Academy students and 2165 and 2167 for College students. We accept records in English and they must be signed or stamped by a doctor’s office or on an official government record to be acceptable. 

EXEMPTIONS FROM IMMUNIZATIONS FOR ACADEMY STUDENTS
In accordance with NY State Law, there is no Religious Exemption for Academy Students.

Academy studetns who need a Medical Exemption must file a form 5077, signed by a New York State Board Certified Physician. This must be done annually. 

EXEMPTIONS FROM IMMUNIZATIONS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
1. A medical exemption must be written by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and state that a valid contraindication to vaccination exists.  The exemption must specify which immunizations are contraindicated and why. 2. A religious exemption is a written and signed statement from the student (parent or guardian of students less than 18 years of age) that he/she objects to immunization due to his/her religious beliefs. Simon’s Rock College students may use the form that is used by Bard College students: Simon’s Rock and Bard College Religious Exemption Form. Students who decline Meningococcal Vaccine must complete a Meningococcal Response Form (here). 

Immunization Requirements for Bard Academy

Immunization Requirements for Simon’s Rock at Bard College
 

New entrants to Bard Academy or Simon’s Rock, or students who are graduating from Bard Academy and continuing to Simon’s Rock as College Freshmen, must provide a physical exam. A blank form is provided above, and also on the Health Portal. A current exam is defined as an exam that is completed on or after July 1 of the school year. 

Medication use on campus must be done safely and in accordance with New York State Law. The Medication Policy is in place to ensure safety.

Students self-manage any medications they are prescribed by their home provider. Academy Students who are prescribed a controlled medication must store it in the Health Office and receive weekly distributions. Students who would like the Health Office to store their medications may do so, and receive weekly distributions. We strongly recommend students lock their medications, especially controlled medications, in their room. 

How to handle weekly distributions of medication: 

Who needs weekly distribution?
Academy students who need controlled medication, or any student who wishes to keep a large amount of medication safely stored in the Health Office and receive scheduled distribution. 

What is required if I need or want weekly distributions?

1. Properly completed paperwork (see Prescription Medication Form)
2. An empty, pharmacy-labeled container (or, original packaging if the medication or supplement is available over-the-counter, such as vitamin supplements).

Prescription Medication Form:
ALL students who take daily medications, including supplements and OTC medications, must complete a Prescription Medication Form which is signed by a provider. This form is valid for one school year and should be updated if there are any changes. This form must be signed by a medical provider and the student, or if the student is under 18, a legal guardian. Allow time for your doctor’s office to complete the form and return it to you in time for the start of the semester. Students who take medication or supplements without filing this form may be subject to school discipline. A blank form is provided above, and also on the Health Portal.

How to fill prescriptions while at school:
Students are welcome to manage their own prescriptions locally or from pharmacies from home. If they see a provider in the Simon's Rock Health Office, they can advise the Provider which pharmacy they would like to use (the closest is CVS on Broadway, Red Hook, NY.) They are responsible for picking up their own medications. 

Students can receive medication in the mail or via CVS paid delivery if available, or use a delivery service like DoorDash to receive medications. (Controlled substances cannot be mailed). 

This form includes Consent to Treat, Emergency Contact, Major Health History, Insurance, and Photo ID. Students should also store their completed form where they can easily access it, as it suffices as admission documentation in local Emergency Rooms (Hospitals). The student is responsible for updating the Portal with any updates AND ensuring the Health Office is advised of the changes.

We strive to take care of our students as whole people. Students can visit our office as often as needed throughout the academic year while enrolled at Bard Academy and Simon’s Rock Early College. Our students should take care of chronic issues with their home provider. Day students may receive acute care services for issues that arise during the school day, and follow up with their home provider.

While in school, students can visit the Health Office for acute care for illness and injury. Appointments are encouraged - students can email the School Nurse, Sheila Lewis, RN, BSN, at [email protected].

The Health Office is located at our Massena campus, East Wing, Room 360; adjacent to the East Wing Dorm. It is staffed with a Registered Nurse from Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. We have a Nurse Practitioner who serves as a medical provider a half a day per week for appointments, and throughout the week on a consultancy basis.

Students, especially those who do not live at the Massena campus, should email with health concerns. There may be telehealth or remote options available for these students, so they do not have to travel to the Massena Health office if they are sick or injured. 

OUR STAFF

Sheila Lewis, RN, BSN
School Nurse, Bard Academy and Simon’s Rock Early College
Sheila (she/her) received a BS in Nursing from Binghamton University in 2007. She has worked in school nursing and residential pediatric psychiatry since 2014. Prior to this, she worked as an acute care nurse at Vassar Brothers hospital and Northern Dutchess Hospital. She started her career in health care in 2002 as a Ski Patroller and EMT in Vermont.

Andrea Provan, RN, MS, FNP-BC 
Medical Director and Nurse Practitioner, Bard Academy and Simon’s Rock Early College
Andrea (she/her) received a BA in biology from the College of the Holy Cross and a BSN and MSN from Pace University as a family nurse practitioner in 1995. Andrea has worked in student health at Boston University, conducted research at an STD clinic in Birmingham, AL, as well as having experience at Cornerstone, a drug detox and rehab facility in Rhinebeck.

Health Office services are free to all students and do not require insurance. All students must have Health Insurance to be enrolled in school. This insurance may be accessed if a student seeks care off campus. The Health Office does not provide insurance and cannot answer questions about insurance. Students and families are responsible for payments for health care, such as deductibles and co-payments.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact your insurance company. Or, if you use student health insurance purchased through Simon's Rock, you may contact Marshall+Sterling, insurance broker, at [email protected]

FOR STUDENTS WHO USE SCHOOL HEALTH INSURANCE

How to Register and Access Your Digital ID Card:
 
You can register for an Anthem member portal using your student ID by visiting the following link:
Register for Your Online Anthem Account | Anthem.com
 
Once registered, you’ll be able to view your digital ID card and manage your insurance information online.

Students who are interested in learning about NYS Medicaid may contact: 

Marylen Irizarry-Moyer   AKA: Mary Moyer
Certified Health Care Navigator 
Public Policy Education Fund of New York
7 Grand Street 
Kingston, NY 12401
845.372.3233
[email protected]

NY State Resources to Help Understand Insurance:
Community Health Advocates
New York State of Health

The Bard Wellness Center has the following list of local providers: Find a Provider.

In addition, students who use the school health insurance can download the Sydney Health App to find a provider who accepts their insurance.

Simon’s Rock Health Services does not have transportation available for medical appointments; students and their families should plan for how their child will get to a medical appointment if the need arises. The Bard Transportation website includes schedules for the Bard College Shuttle and local public transportation options. In addition, there is a free service for Bard students for medical appointments, Simon’s Rock students can try to access this service Community Appointment Transportation Service (CATS), subject to availability.

Other transportation options include:

• Private car or friend with car
• Ride services, i.e. Uber or Lyft
• Local taxi services:
  • Horseless Carriage: 800-836-5466 (takes credit cards)
  • Red Hook Taxi Service: 845-758-1478 (takes credit cards)
  • Rhinebeck Taxi: 845-876-TAXI (cash only)

The Health Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Students with Health concerns outside of business hours should call Campus Security at x7777 or 845-758-7777. Campus Security can respond with trained EMT’s to student issues 24/7. 

The nearest hospital is Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, NY.

Students may submit a request for Health Records by emailing a photo ID showing the name, birth date and an image of the student, signed by the student or if under 18, signature of parent guardian with an additional, accompanying photo ID, to the School Nurse. They will be granted access to download their records from our secure portal. The access is open for 24 hours after the processing of the request. Additional time may be granted for accessing and downloading record if needed. The Health Office will support students who have difficulty accessing the secure portal if needed. Email: School Nurse, Sheila Lewis: [email protected].