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Photo by Chris Kendall ’82
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Bard College’s plan for the academic year is designed with the safety of our students, faculty, and staff, and the broader Bard community as its highest priority, while enabling the College to continue its mission of providing an engaged and rigorous education.

COVID-19 Incident Report  Contact the Cares Team  Campus Data Dashboard

Last Updated January 22, 2021

Recent Updates to:

Data Dashboard
Citizen Science + Spring 2021
Quarantine Protocol
Montgomery Place Access
Contact Tracing FAQs

COVID-19 Announcements by Date

  • Jan
    15
    Friday, January 15, 2021
    A Message about Operating as a Closed Campus, Pre- and Post-Arrival Testing, and Vaccine Guidance
  • A Message about Operating as a Closed Campus, Pre- and Post-Arrival Testing, and Vaccine Guidance

    Friday, January 15, 2021

    A COVID-19 Update

    Topics in this update:
    • Closed campus
    • Pre- and post-arrival testing
    • Vaccine guidance

    To the Bard College community,

    With Citizen Science now underway, we want to remind everyone that Montgomery Place and all campus facilities are closed to public access until further notice. In light of rising cases regionally and nationwide, access to the campus by members of the surrounding communities, friends or family, or casual visitors is still prohibited. Anyone who does not live, work, or study at Bard is not allowed access to campus without prior approval from the College. No visitors are allowed in dormitories, and students should refrain from visiting each other’s dorms until further notice. After all returning students have completed their return-to-campus protocols and have exited quarantine, we will reevaluate our visitor policy and also consider requests for small in-person gatherings, much as we did in mid-September last year. The no visitors policy and continuation of social restrictions is particularly important given the new strain of the virus, which is easier to transmit and the resultant disease no less severe. However, the good news is that vaccination is understood to be effective against all known strains. 

    All first-year students have arrived for Citizen Science and their return process has gone smoothly. There was one positive test among returning students this week, and that individual is now in our on-campus isolation housing. We want to reiterate the importance of pre-arrival testing and ask that all students returning for the spring semester review our pre- and post-arrival testing protocols and adhere closely to those protocols, which are based on requirements from the State of New York. Community spread begins largely with people who are infected but asymptomatic, so this testing process is one of our most effective ways of starting off the semester safely. 

    The vaccination process in New York State is off to a slow and confusing start, but we expect it to improve and for more vaccines to become available in the coming weeks. We understand the State is controlling all aspects of the distribution and delivery process to individual vaccination sites. We recommend that you first establish vaccine eligibility via the State website here. Please consult our step-by-step guide for navigating it. This website will generate a list of nearby vaccination sites once eligibility is confirmed. It has been very challenging to get accurate information about the vaccine process, as this article underscores. If you are having trouble getting an appointment, you are not alone. The College has been in touch with many local, state, and federal officials this week, trying to gather accurate information and access to vaccines for our community. We have volunteered on multiple occasions for Bard to serve as a vaccination site. The key underlying problem is the lack of vaccines, compounded by chaotic roll-out of the vaccination plan at the state level. Many vaccination sites do not actually have any vaccines to provide. Those that do have vaccines have many fewer than they hoped for. Ulster County, for example, established a vaccination site in Kingston capable of vaccinating 50,000 people a month. However, in their first month of operation, they only received 2,100 vaccines from the state. This in turn reflects the lack of vaccines at the federal level. At this stage of the process, patience and persistence are recommended. More vaccinations will become available in the Hudson Valley Area and we consider that to be the best option. If you do travel elsewhere within the state for your vaccinations, please take extra precautions while traveling to and from your destination. 

    We will continue to do everything we can to advocate for access to vaccines for our community at the local, state, and federal levels. Until there is widespread vaccination in our community, we must continue adhering to the mask wearing and physical distancing protocols that the College has put in place. We look forward to a time when we can relax them, but that time is not yet here, so the best way to continue to protect our community is to follow the same behaviors that kept us safe in the fall.

    Sincerely,
    Bard College COVID-19 Response Team
    responseteam@bard.edu
     
    Coleen Murphy Alexander, Vice President for Administration
    Kimberly Alexander, Director, Human Resources
    Jonathan Becker, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs
    Barbara Jean Briskey, Director, Health Services
    Erin Cannan, Vice President Student Affairs/Dean for Civic Engagement
    Deirdre d'Albertis, Dean of the College
    Malia Du Mont, Chief of Staff, President's Office/Vice President for Strategy and Policy
    Brooke Jude, Associate Professor of Biology
    John Gomez, Director, Safety and Security
    Emily McLaughlin, Associate Dean of the College
    Jennifer Murray, Dean of International Studies
    Bethany Nohlgren, Dean of Students
    Kahan Sablo, Dean for Inclusive Excellence
    Michael Sadowski, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies
    David Shein, Associate VP for Academic Affairs/Dean of Studies
    Éric Trudel, Chair, Faculty Senate
     
  • Jan
    11
    Monday, January 11, 2021
    A Message about Pre-arrival Testing, Vaccine Availability, and the Mandatory Daily Health Screening
  • A Message about Pre-arrival Testing, Vaccine Availability, and the Mandatory Daily Health Screening

    Monday, January 11, 2021

    A COVID-19 Update

    Topics in this update
    • Pre-arrival tests
    • Vaccine availability
    • Mandatory daily health screening 
     To the Bard College Community,

    This week we are beginning random surveillance testing of all employees working on campus, and welcoming Citizen Science students and faculty to campus. We want to express our thanks to the students who remained on campus over the break and strictly adhered to the COVID-19 policies and protocols we put in place to keep the campus safe. We tested all students on campus last week, and all those who remained on campus over the break tested negative. (As we announced last week, we had one positive student result, from a student returning to campus from out of state.) We also tested approximately 200 employees last week who are working on campus, with two positive results (1%); the affected employees and a small number of direct contacts will remain off campus until cleared to return. The College’s contact tracing team completed its work in the case of each positive result within 24 hours. Test results are reported daily to the New York State and Dutchess County Departments of Health, and are reflected on our campus data dashboard.  
     
    Pre-arrival tests
    Our return-to-campus testing protocols are designed to identify sick individuals before they come to campus. Several asymptomatic students, who were planning to travel to campus this week and did not previously know they were sick, have notified us that their pre-arrival test was positive. In August, the same protocol similarly identified several students who were infected in summer and did not know it. Studies have clearly demonstrated that most community spread begins with infected individuals who are asymptomatic, so feeling well does not mean you can skip pre-arrival or surveillance testing. We are working directly with these students to shift them to remote classes as needed. 
     
    These pre-arrival test results highlight the necessity of our pre-arrival protocol. Every student who has access to a PCR or antigen test is required to get one within three days of returning to Bard. For those students unable to get a pre-arrival test, please be prepared to be tested immediately upon arrival at Bard, and to shelter in place until receiving your test result the next day, refraining from contact with others while you await your result. You will receive detailed instructions from Residence Life staff upon arrival. 
     
    Vaccine availability
    As of this morning, the state has added “in-person college instructors” to the list of populations who are eligible to be vaccinated beginning today. Eligible individuals should register for a vaccination appointment via the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. Another option for scheduling an appointment is through the State’s new COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline, at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). The complete list of populations currently eligible for the vaccine as part of Phase 1a & 1b is here. If you are not sure if you are eligible, you can visit this NYS Department of Health website to determine your eligibility; “in-person college faculty or instructor” is an option under the “Additional Information” section. 
     
    It’s important to emphasize that while faculty teaching in-person classes are now eligible to make a reservation for vaccination, demand for vaccines still far outpaces the state’s supply. We encourage eligible employees to register today. Appointments at all vaccination points in Dutchess County were full for this week as of yesterday, but once you register, you will be notified by email when more appointments become available. 
     
    The vaccination process is complex and involves multiple layers of government. New York State defines who is eligible by phase, sets the timeline for each phase, and receives vaccines from the federal government and distributes them to the counties. County governments establish and operate vaccination sites, and have in many cases also launched county-level vaccine websites. We encourage employees to visit the appropriate websites for Dutchess County or Ulster County to learn more. Those in NYC should visit the NYC COVID vaccine website. If you live outside of these areas please check with your local county health department for details on vaccination sites. Some counties are requiring individuals to bring proof of eligibility to their vaccination appointment, such as an employee ID card, employer letter, or pay stub. Please contact the College’s Human Resources office if you need assistance with any of these.
     
    Access to vaccinations is currently limited by New York State eligibility requirements and supply, but we encourage you to visit these sites and begin this important process as soon as possible. Vaccinations are not yet available to students in New York State. We will share any new information on eligibility and access to vaccinations as it becomes available.
     
    Mandatory daily health screening
    We are all looking forward to returning to campus and to the classroom, but must remain cognizant that cases are rising locally and nationally, so we must be particularly vigilant as we work to reestablish a safe campus environment for the coming semester. It was very gratifying to see how well the students who remained on campus over winter break adhered to health and safety protocols. We ask that all of our returning students, faculty, and staff recommit to making campus health and safety their top priority for the coming semester. We also want to remind all employees that submitting a daily health check-in is mandatory before you come to campus, and you should not enter any campus facility without submitting one.
     
     
    Sincerely,
    Bard College COVID-19 Response Team
    responseteam@bard.edu
     
    Coleen Murphy Alexander, Vice President for Administration
    Kimberly Alexander, Director, Human Resources
    Jonathan Becker, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs
    Barbara Jean Briskey, Director, Health Services
    Erin Cannan, Vice President Student Affairs/Dean for Civic Engagement
    Deirdre d'Albertis, Dean of the College
    Malia Du Mont, Chief of Staff, President's Office/Vice President for Strategy and Policy
    Brooke Jude, Associate Professor of Biology
    John Gomez, Director, Safety and Security
    Emily McLaughlin, Associate Dean of the College
    Jennifer Murray, Dean of International Studies
    Bethany Nohlgren, Dean of Students
    Kahan Sablo, Dean for Inclusive Excellence
    Michael Sadowski, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies
    David Shein, Associate VP for Academic Affairs/Dean of Studies
    Éric Trudel, Chair, Faculty Senate
     
  • Jan
    06
    Wednesday, January 6, 2021
    A Message about a Positive Case on Campus, Testing and Quarantine Requirements
  • A Message about a Positive Case on Campus, Testing and Quarantine Requirements

    Wednesday, January 6, 2021

    A COVID-19 Update

    Topics in this update:
    • Positive case on campus
    • Return-to-campus testing
    • Quarantine requirements

    To the Bard College community,

    This month we are welcoming students back to campus, with a detailed and well-coordinated check-in process that includes testing and quarantine as required by the State of New York. The importance of maintaining stringent testing and safety protocols moving forward cannot be overstated. This week the College is testing all students who remained on campus during winter break, as well as the small number of early arrivals, and all staff currently working on campus. Through this process, we identified one positive test result yesterday. The individual has been moved into our isolation housing. Through contact tracing, we identified one person on campus who was exposed to the positive case and is now in quarantine. No other individuals on campus have been exposed to the active case.

    In 2020 we learned how to keep our community healthy in a pandemic, through our personal behaviors and the College’s COVID policies and protocols. We are grateful to everyone who helped. Now that we are entering a new year, rising transmission rates and the new highly contagious strain first discovered in England make it far more important than ever that we all strictly adhere to these protocols, and the appropriate health and safety behaviors, both on and off campus. Along with the entire nation we are entering the most challenging moment of the pandemic, even though the end is in sight with the vaccine.

    A safe return to campus starts prior to arrival on campus. Take extra precautions to avoid situations where you might become exposed to the virus before returning to Bard, so that you do not bring it back with you. Take the opportunity now to review the College’s COVID policies and protocols as published on our COVID page. Students should reacquaint themselves with the requirements outlined in the COVID-19 Addendum to the Student Handbook. All of us have worked together to take extraordinary measures to keep our community safe. We must continue to support these efforts with our actions now. 

    Testing and quarantine requirements for January return-to-campus

    All students who did not remain on campus for Winter Break are required to take two COVID tests as part of the “return to campus” protocol. 
    1. Pre-arrival test: New York State requires each returning student to take a pre-arrival COVID test within three days before returning to campus. If you receive your test result before returning to Bard, you must submit it to covidclearance@bard.edu. PCR or rapid antigen tests are acceptable; antibody tests are not. If you do not receive your test result before returning to campus, you must be prepared to shelter in place upon arrival until you receive your result. This pre-arrival test requirement is for ALL STUDENTS, including those living locally off-campus. Arranging for and taking this pre-arrival test is the responsibility of each student. Under current New York State guidance, if you do not have a pre-arrival test, you cannot test out of mandatory 10-day quarantine. Any student unable to obtain a COVID test within the 3-day pre-arrival time frame must notify reslife@bard.edu in advance of arrival to update your quarantine status. To identify testing locations, please consult your doctor or the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ list of no-cost on-site testing by state.
    2. Post-arrival test: Each returning student will be required to take their second COVID test approximately four days after returning to campus. The College will schedule and administer this test to all students - whether they live on or off campus - via the same MIT/Broad Institute testing program that we used throughout the fall semester, and that typically delivers results in less than 24 hours. 
    All returning students must observe the testing requirements listed above in order to regain access to campus for class or other activities, even if you have remained in the local area during winter break. 

    Additional details on arrival protocols and specific arrival dates can be found here. Students must be prepared to arrive on the day that corresponds to their specific situation as described at the link. Due to the complexity of the check-in process under COVID and the importance of maintaining these safety protocols through an orderly check-in, the College cannot accommodate arrival dates and times outside of the options listed.

    Quarantine requirements

    Students returning to Bard from any non-contiguous state or from overseas are required by New York State Guidelines to quarantine upon arrival in NY, and will immediately enter quarantine after arriving at Bard. The College has arranged quarantine space for all students who need it. Students who live off campus and are required to quarantine must be prepared to do so in their off-campus residence. If you have questions about quarantine, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the College’s COVID page.

    New York State has updated its quarantine requirement to enable travelers to test out of quarantine if they submit negative pre- and post-arrival COVID tests, reducing quarantine time to approximately four days. However, in accordance with NYS requirements, any student who needs to quarantine and is unable to get a pre-arrival COVID test will be required to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in NY. Students not required to quarantine will be expected to refrain from any group interactions during the time between their arrival on campus and their post-arrival test. 

    All Bard employees returning to work  this week are required to be tested, and all returning employees are required to participate in surveillance testing during the spring semester. Employees who have traveled or hosted visitors from outside the local area must observe quarantine protocols as outlined by New York State. They are also required to sign a new health pledge and to continue conducting daily COVID health checks before coming to campus.

    We are optimistic that COVID vaccines will become available at some point during the spring semester. We are working closely with NY State and our partners at Nuvance Health to establish a plan of action so we can quickly begin offering vaccinations to our community as soon as possible. Once vaccination is available, it should be considered an additional level of protection, not a replacement for such essential safety measures as mask wearing and social distancing.

    Thank you all for your ongoing commitment to the College’s efforts to keep the community safe. We look forward to a healthy and engaging return for Citizen Science and another successful semester.


    Sincerely,
    Bard College COVID-19 Response Team
    responseteam@bard.edu
     
    Coleen Murphy Alexander, Vice President for Administration
    Kimberly Alexander, Director, Human Resources
    Jonathan Becker, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs
    Barbara Jean Briskey, Director, Health Services
    Erin Cannan, Vice President Student Affairs/Dean for Civic Engagement
    Deirdre d'Albertis, Dean of the College
    Malia Du Mont, Chief of Staff, President's Office/Vice President for Strategy and Policy
    Brooke Jude, Associate Professor of Biology
    John Gomez, Director, Safety and Security
    Emily McLaughlin, Associate Dean of the College
    Jennifer Murray, Dean of International Studies
    Bethany Nohlgren, Dean of Students
    Kahan Sablo, Dean for Inclusive Excellence
    Michael Sadowski, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies
    David Shein, Associate VP for Academic Affairs/Dean of Studies
    Éric Trudel, Chair, Faculty Senate
     
  • Dec
    24
    Thursday, December 24, 2020
    A Message to Bard Students and Families about Winter Break Policies, January Arrival, Citizen Science, Spring Semester, and Vaccines
  • A Message to Bard Students and Families about Winter Break Policies, January Arrival, Citizen Science, Spring Semester, and Vaccines

    Thursday, December 24, 2020

    A COVID-19 Update


    Topics in this update:
    • COVID policies and protocols for Winter Break 
    • Planning for Citizen Science and the spring semester
    • Testing and quarantine requirements for January return-to-campus
    • January arrival dates 
    • Vaccines

    To Bard students and families,

    Please read this email carefully, as it contains detailed requirements for returning to campus in January for Citizen Science and the spring semester.  

    COVID policies and protocols for Winter Break
    With Winter Break now underway, we would like to remind everyone that all of the College’s COVID policies and protocols - including mask-wearing, physical distancing, frequent hand-washing, and size limits for gathering - remain in effect. For all who have returned home for the Winter Break, we ask that you all adhere to these safety protocols at home and observe the CDC guidance for holiday safety. 

    In recognition of the unprecedented public health challenges of COVID, for the first time in memory the College is keeping the residence halls open over Winter Break for those who need to stay. Those students remaining on campus must continue adhering to protocols barring visitors, and also must not travel outside of the local area or spend the night off campus and then return to campus. The safety of the campus community depends on it. Nurses and counselors are on call and available through the Safety and Security Office. For information on shuttle service, food distributions, wellness activities, and other on-campus needs please visit Winter Break Guide 2020-21. 

    Planning for Citizen Science and the spring semester
    Citizen Science will take place January 14-29. We are currently planning for a blended, in-person program. Spring Semester classes will begin on February 1 and end on May 25. Spring Break will be observed as five separate “respite days” throughout the semester; professors will provide schedule details to students at the beginning of the semester. 

    Testing and quarantine requirements for January return-to-campus
    All students not remaining on campus throughout Winter Break will be required to take two COVID tests as part of the “return to campus” protocol. 
    1. Pre-arrival test: Each returning student must take a pre-arrival COVID test within three days before returning to campus. If you receive your test result before returning to Bard, you must submit it to covidclearance@bard.edu. PCR or rapid tests are acceptable; positive antibody tests are not. If you do not receive your test result before returning, you must be prepared to shelter in place upon arrival at Bard until you receive your result. This pre-arrival test requirement is for ALL STUDENTS who are not staying on campus for Winter Break, including those living locally off-campus. Arranging for and taking this pre-arrival test is the responsibility of each student. Throughout your time away from Bard, and especially between the time of your pre-arrival test and arriving on campus, it is important that students adhere to safe behaviors: no large gatherings, wear a mask, and practice physical distancing.   
    2. Post-arrival test: Each returning student will be required to take their second COVID test approximately four days after returning to campus. The College will schedule and administer this test to all students - whether they live on or off campus - via the same MIT/Broad Institute testing program that we used throughout the fall semester, and that typically delivers results in less than 24 hours. 
    To determine your pre-arrival test date, please carefully review the “arrival dates” section further below, and count backwards three days from that date.

    All students who live off campus or travel away from campus during Winter Break must observe the testing requirements listed above in order to regain access to campus for class or other activities, even if you remain in the local area over Winter Break. Only students who remain on campus throughout Winter Break are exempt from the pre- and post-arrival testing requirement. 

    Students traveling to Bard from any non-contiguous state or from overseas are required by New York State Guidelines to quarantine upon arrival in NY, and will immediately enter quarantine after arriving at Bard. (Students who spend the Winter Break in New York State or a contiguous state are not required to quarantine upon return to campus.) The College has arranged quarantine space on campus for all students who need it and reside on campus. Students who live off campus and are required to quarantine must be prepared to do so in their off-campus residence. If you have questions about quarantine, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the College’s COVID page.

    New York State has updated its quarantine requirement to enable travelers to test out of quarantine if they submit negative pre- and post-arrival COVID tests, reducing quarantine time to approximately four days. Any student who is required to quarantine but does not take a pre-arrival COVID test must quarantine upon arrival in New York State. Individuals can end their quarantine after 10 days as long as no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period.* Students not required to quarantine will be expected to refrain from any group interactions during the time between their arrival on campus and their post-arrival test. Only once you’ve received negative results from both your pre-arrival and post-arrival tests will you be able to return to campus activities and in-person classes. 

    January arrival dates
    Below are arrival dates and times for students returning for Citizen Science and the spring semester. It is very important that you plan to arrive on the day that corresponds to your situation. Please note that you MUST plan to arrive between the hours of 9am - 3pm. Because of the complexities of the check-in process under COVID, the College cannot accommodate student check-ins outside of those hours. Whether you live on or off campus, student access to campus facilities after Winter Break is contingent upon complying with the return-to-campus check-in process, including pre- and post-arrival testing and quarantine as required.  
    • Early arrivals: pre-approved student workers, seniors, graduate students: 
      Monday, January 4 and Wednesday January 6 (9am-3pm)
      All early arrivals MUST be pre-approved by Senior Project advisors, work supervisors or, in the case of graduate students, their program directors. These students also must observe the testing protocols listed above, and quarantine as necessary depending on where they are traveling from. If you intend to arrive early and have not already been in touch with your advisor, supervisor, or program director, please contact them as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.  
       
    • Students taking Citizen Science who are NOT required to quarantine:
      Tuesday, January 12 (9am-3pm)
      Students who spend the Winter Break in New York State or in a state that borders New York are not required to quarantine. These students must observe the testing requirements listed above, and refrain from group activities until receiving their test results. 
       
    • Students taking Citizen Science who are REQUIRED to quarantine:
      Wednesday, January 13 (9am-3pm)
      Students who spend the Winter Break anywhere other than New York State or a state bordering New York are REQUIRED to quarantine. These students also must observe the testing protocols listed above. Students who reside off campus must be prepared to quarantine in their off-campus residence.  
       
    • Students arriving from international destinations who live on campus: 
      Friday, January 15 (9am-3pm)
      All students arriving from outside the United States are REQUIRED to quarantine. These students also must observe the testing protocols listed above.  
       
    • Upper College/new transfer/graduate students who live on campus and are REQUIRED to quarantine: 
      Friday, January 22 (9am-3pm)
      Students who spend the Winter Break anywhere other than New York State or a state bordering New York are REQUIRED to quarantine. These students also must observe the testing protocols listed above.   
       
    • New transfer students who live on campus and do NOT need to quarantine: 
      Tuesday, January 26 (9am-3pm)
      Under current guidance, students who spend the Winter Break in New York State or in a state that borders New York are not required to quarantine. These students must observe the testing requirements listed above, and refrain from group activities until receiving their test results. 
       
    • Upper College/new transfer/graduate students who live off campus: 
      January 27, 28, and 29 (9-3pm each day)
      The Dean of Student Affairs office will send instructions in the coming days to students in this category, so they can sign up for a specific date & time to arrive on campus during this three-day check-in period. Off-campus students who are required to quarantine, including any students arriving from international destinations, must be prepared to do so in their off-campus residence.
       
    • Upper College and graduate students who live on campus and do NOT need to quarantine: 
      Friday, January 29 (9am-3pm)
      Students who spend the holiday break in New York State or in a state that borders New York are not required to quarantine. These students must observe the testing requirements listed above, and refrain from group activities until receiving their test results.
    Please see New York State Guidelines for more info about travel and quarantine requirements. 

    Vaccines
    There is a great deal of encouraging news about COVID vaccines, and we are in close contact with health authorities as they develop vaccination plans. As of today, federal, state, and local authorities have not finalized or communicated vaccination protocols. It is imperative that we not relax our vigilance just because a vaccine is on the horizon. Until vaccines are available to the Bard community, we must continue following the public health protocols and policies that have kept us safe to this point. Therefore, until further notice, for Citizen Science and the spring semester we will continue to observe the COVID protocols that have been in place since fall. Students should prepare for an in-person spring semester much like the semester we have just completed. 

    The Response Team will communicate additional aspects of our Spring Semester plan, including how and when we will resume surveillance testing for students and employees, in the coming weeks.  

    We are grateful for the hard work and commitment that each of you made throughout this past semester to support the College community as we worked through the uncertainties and complexities of life under the pandemic. This has been an extraordinary collective effort, dependent on each of us to do our part. Please remain flexible, as the public health situation continues to develop rapidly. We will communicate any changes in government requirements as soon as we learn about them, and will adjust College policies as necessary. We hope you all enjoy the Winter Break. Please stay safe and healthy. We look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

    Sincerely,
    Bard College COVID-19 Response Team
    responseteam@bard.edu
     
    Coleen Murphy Alexander, Vice President for Administration
    Kimberly Alexander, Director, Human Resources
    Jonathan Becker, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs
    Barbara Jean Briskey, Director, Health Services
    Erin Cannan, Vice President Student Affairs/Dean for Civic Engagement
    Deirdre d'Albertis, Dean of the College
    Malia Du Mont, Chief of Staff, President's Office/Vice President for Strategy and Policy
    Brooke Jude, Associate Professor of Biology
    John Gomez, Director, Safety and Security
    Emily McLaughlin, Associate Dean of the College
    Jennifer Murray, Dean of International Studies
    Bethany Nohlgren, Dean of Students
    Kahan Sablo, Dean for Inclusive Excellence
    Michael Sadowski, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies
    David Shein, Associate VP for Academic Affairs/Dean of Studies
    Éric Trudel, Chair, Faculty Senate

    *Quarantine protocols have been updated in this message to reflect new guidance from the State of New York. Please see Bard's COVID-19 Response website for details.

Campus Plan by Topic

  • Important Dates
  • Planning for the Semester
  • Spring 2021 Arrival
  • Academics
  • Health
  • For Employees

Important Dates

January 14–29: Citizen Science Program (See the Citizen Science and Spring 2021 section below for January arrival dates for all new and returning students.)
February 1: First Day of Spring Classes
May 5: Senior Projects Due (5:00 p.m.)
May 25: Last Day of Spring Classes
May 29: Commencement (subject to change)

View the Full Academic Calendar

Planning for the Semester

What Guides Our Planning

Bard’s COVID-19 response plan is informed by current national, regional, and local conditions and best public health practices. We are following New York State guidance, which includes specific mandates for higher education, and guidance from the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health.

The College has a formal agreement with Nuvance Health, one of the largest health care providers in the region, and with them has created detailed protocols for testing and screening, daily monitoring of symptoms, contact tracing, quarantine practices, and physical distancing in the classroom and across the Bard campus. Bard also has a contract with The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard for its Safe for School testing program. The Broad Institute has been at the forefront of developing and providing cutting-edge COVID-19 testing and has created this program specifically designed for higher education. Our Health Services Team is following guidance from the American College Health Association and is in close contact with local and regional health officials. 

 Citizen Science, Spring 2021, and Returning to Campus

Planning for Citizen Science and the Spring Semester
Citizen Science will take place January 14–29. We are currently planning for a blended, in-person program. Spring semester classes will begin on February 1 and end on May 25. Spring Recess will be observed as six separate “respite days” throughout the semester: March 8, March 11, March 16, March 19, March 24, and March 27.

Testing and Quarantine Requirements for January Return to Campus
All students not remaining on campus throughout Winter Break will be required to take two COVID tests as part of the protocol for returning to campus.

  1. Pre-arrival test: Each returning student must take a pre-arrival COVID test within three days before returning to campus. If you receive your test result before returning to Bard, you must submit it to covidclearance@bard.edu. PCR or rapid tests are acceptable to be cleared to come to campus as outlined by New York State guidelines. However, students arriving with antigen tests will be tested upon arrival to Bard with a PCR test and those students will shelter in place until test results come back. We will not accept positive antibody tests. If you do not receive your test result before returning, you must be prepared to shelter in place upon arrival at Bard until you receive your result. This pre-arrival test requirement is for all students who are not staying on campus for Winter Break, including those living locally off campus. Arranging for and taking this pre-arrival test is the responsibility of each student. Under current New York State guidance, if you do not have a pre-arrival test, you cannot test out of mandatory 10-day quarantine. Any student unable to obtain a COVID test within the three-day pre-arrival time frame must notify reslife@bard.edu in advance of arrival to update your quarantine status. To identify testing locations, please consult your doctor or the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ list of no-cost on-site testing by state. Throughout your time away from Bard, and especially between the time of your pre-arrival test and arriving on campus, it is important that students adhere to safe behaviors: no large gatherings, wear a mask, and practice physical distancing. 
  2. Post-arrival test: Each returning student will be required to take their second COVID test approximately four days after returning to campus. The College will schedule and administer this test to all students—whether they live on or off campus—via the same MIT/Broad Institute testing program that we used throughout the fall semester, and that typically delivers results in less than 24 hours.
To determine your pre-arrival test date, please carefully review the “arrival dates” section further below, and count backwards three days from that date.

All students who live off campus or travel away from campus during Winter Break must observe the testing requirements listed above in order to regain access to campus for class or other activities, even if you remain in the local area over Winter Break. Only students who remain on campus throughout Winter Break are exempt from the pre- and post-arrival testing requirement.

Students traveling to Bard from any non-contiguous state or from overseas are required by New York State Guidelines to quarantine upon arrival in New York, and will immediately enter quarantine after arriving at Bard. (Students who spend the Winter Break in New York State or a contiguous state are not required to quarantine upon return to campus.) The College has arranged quarantine space on campus for all students who need it and reside on campus. Students who live off campus and are required to quarantine must be prepared to do so in their off-campus residence. If you have questions about quarantine, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the College’s COVID-19 Response website.

New York State has updated its quarantine requirement to enable travelers to test out of quarantine if they submit negative pre- and post-arrival COVID tests, reducing quarantine time to approximately four days. Any student who is required to quarantine but does not take a pre-arrival COVID test must quarantine upon arrival in New York State. Individuals can end their quarantine after 10 days as long as no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period. (More about quarantine measures below.) Students not required to quarantine will be expected to refrain from any group interactions during the time between their arrival on campus and their post-arrival test. Only once you’ve received negative results from both your pre-arrival and post-arrival tests will you be able to return to campus activities and in-person classes.

January Arrival Dates
Below are arrival dates and times for students returning for Citizen Science and the spring semester. It is very important that you plan to arrive on the day that corresponds to your situation. Please note that you must plan to arrive between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Because of the complexities of the check-in process under COVID, the College cannot accommodate student check-ins outside of those hours. Whether you live on or off campus, student access to campus facilities after Winter Break is contingent upon complying with the return-to-campus check-in process, including pre- and post-arrival testing and quarantine as required.
  • Early arrivals: pre-approved student workers, seniors, and graduate students:
    Monday, January 4 and Wednesday, January 6 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
    All early arrivals must be pre-approved by Senior Project advisors, work supervisors or, in the case of graduate students, their program directors. These students also must observe the testing protocols listed above, and quarantine as necessary depending on where they are traveling from. If you intend to arrive early and have not already been in touch with your advisor, supervisor, or program director, please contact them as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
     
  • Students taking Citizen Science who are not required to quarantine:
    Tuesday, January 12 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
    Students who spend the Winter Break in New York State or in a state that borders New York are not required to quarantine. These students must observe the testing requirements listed above, and refrain from group activities until receiving their test results.
     
  • Students taking Citizen Science who are required to quarantine:
    Wednesday, January 13 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
    Students who spend the Winter Break anywhere other than New York State or a state bordering New York are required to quarantine. These students also must observe the testing protocols listed above. Students who reside off campus must be prepared to quarantine in their off-campus residence.
     
  • Students arriving from international destinations who live on campus:
    Friday, January 15 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
    All students arriving from outside the United States are required to quarantine. These students also must observe the testing protocols listed above.
     
  • Upper College/new transfer/graduate students who live on campus and are required to quarantine:
    Friday, January 22 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
    Students who spend the Winter Break anywhere other than New York State or a state bordering New York are required to quarantine. These students also must observe the testing protocols listed above.  
     
  • New transfer students who live on campus and do not need to quarantine:
    Tuesday, January 26 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
    Under current guidance, students who spend the Winter Break in New York State or in a state that borders New York are not required to quarantine. These students must observe the testing requirements listed above, and refrain from group activities until receiving their test results.
     
  • Upper College/new transfer/graduate students who live off campus:
    January 27, 28, and 29 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day)
    The Dean of Student Affairs Office will send instructions in the coming days to students in this category, so they can sign up for a specific date and time to arrive on campus during this three-day check-in period. Off-campus students who are required to quarantine, including any students arriving from international destinations, must be prepared to do so in their off-campus residence.
     
  • Upper College and graduate students who live on campus and do not need to quarantine:
    Friday, January 29 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
    Students who spend the holiday break in New York State or in a state that borders New York are not required to quarantine. These students must observe the testing requirements listed above, and refrain from group activities until receiving their test results.
Please see New York State Guidelines for more information about travel and quarantine requirements.

Vaccines
There is a great deal of encouraging news about COVID vaccines, and we are in close contact with health authorities as they develop vaccination plans. As of December 24, 2020, federal, state, and local authorities have not finalized or communicated vaccination protocols. It is imperative that we not relax our vigilance just because a vaccine is on the horizon. Until vaccines are available to the Bard community, we must continue following the public health protocols and policies that have kept us safe to this point. Therefore, until further notice, for Citizen Science and the spring semester we will continue to observe the COVID protocols that have been in place since fall. Students should prepare for an in-person spring semester much like the semester we have just completed.

Quarantine Measures

Three populations of students will have to be quarantined upon arrival to the area, as noted below. Any on-campus student who is able to independently complete their required quarantine before arriving on campus should plan to do so. 

  • Students traveling from restricted locations. Students traveling to Bard from any non-contiguous state or from overseas are required by New York State Guidelines to quarantine upon arrival in New York, and will immediately enter quarantine after arriving at Bard. As noted previously, New York State has updated its quarantine requirement to enable travelers to test out of quarantine if they submit negative pre- and post-arrival COVID tests, reducing quarantine time to approximately four days. Any student who is required to quarantine but does not take a pre-arrival COVID test must quarantine upon arrival in New York State. Individuals can end their quarantine after 10 days as long as no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period. After day 10 is reached, individuals must continue monitoring for symptoms through day 14 and if any develop, they should immediately self-isolate and contact Health Services to report this change and determine if they should seek additional testing.  
  • Students unable to get tested before traveling to Bard. The College will provide tests to these students as soon as they arrive. They will be required to quarantine until they receive a negative test result. If they originally traveled from a nonrestricted location, they will be released from quarantine upon receiving a negative test result.
  • Students who get tested before traveling to Bard but do not receive their test result in time to travel to Bard. They will be required to quarantine until receiving their test result. If they originally traveled from a nonrestricted location, they will be released from quarantine upon receiving a negative test result.
In consultation with Nuvance Health, we have set aside appropriate spaces on campus for quarantine and self-isolation as needed. Students living on campus will quarantine in one of the spaces Bard is arranging. Students living off campus will need to quarantine off campus. We will be in close contact with all students about specific plans and requirements. 

The New York State government has established a requirement for all travelers from restricted states to fill out and submit the New York State Traveler Health Form upon arriving in the state. This form is only accessible to and for use by state government authorities; it is not connected to Bard. We ask that you abide by all state requirements when traveling to or in New York. For more information about New York State’s approach to reopening, please check the New York Forward website.  

Questions regarding individual plans for quarantine can be directed to Darnell Pierce, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the First-Year Experience, dpierce@bard.edu.

Getting a COVID-19 Test at Bard

Academics

Physical Distancing in the Classroom

New York State guidance requires physical distancing and masks. We have conducted a space audit and site visits with Nuvance Health to determine how best to manage physical distancing in the classroom. In addition to applying physical distancing best practices in all of our teaching spaces, we now have longer periods between classes to minimize traffic and use alternative teaching spaces to expand capacity.

Special Circumstances for Online-Only Learning

Students may take classes entirely online only as an exception. Students may apply for exceptional remote learning status through the academic executive committee. Our primary concern is that students follow a course of study that makes sense for their academic progress. Faculty advising and the support of the deans in the Center for Student Life and Advising are critical to ensuring students have a successful and productive semester. Online learning in undergraduate education at Bard is a path of last resort.

If a student gets ill or returns home, they will be able to continue learning remotely. We will not penalize students for having to move online. Students will still be expected to continue to fully engage in their classes.

International students who cannot travel to Bard for the start of the semester may enroll in Bard’s online courses from their home countries. See “Supporting International Students” below.

Supporting International Students

Many of our international students are unable to attend classes in person in Annandale, due to travel restrictions and challenges obtaining visas. We have developed options for these students to continue with their Bard education from their overseas locations. For students in Europe who are able to travel to Berlin, we are offering places at Bard College Berlin. For students in China, we are offering options with some Chinese universities so that students can take a mix of online courses through Bard and in-person courses on site in China. Through the Bard network and the Open Society University Network, we have partner institutions on five continents, and we will work individually with each student on a plan that preserves their visa status and gives them the best possible access to the Bard experience.

We hope to welcome all international students back to Annandale as soon as circumstances allow. We are closely monitoring current travel restrictions to the United States, and advise students to check the website of the U.S. Consulate in their home countries for updates on exceptions for student travel to the United States. In the meantime, we will strive to keep all of our students connected around the world. Students and families with questions should contact International Student Adviser Manishka Kalupahana (kalupaha@bard.edu or 845-758-7328) or Dean of International Studies Jennifer Murray (jmurray@bard.edu or 845-758-6822 x7387).

Health

Visitor Access to Campus

Only requests for urgent and/or essential visitors will be approved until further notice.

  • Effective October 20, 2020, there will be tighter restrictions regarding access to campus and campus grounds. Third-party visitor requests will only be approved in exceptional cases and for essential civic activities such as elections, where visitors will be directed to closely controlled facilities operated and cleaned in keeping with New York State and CDC approved COVID-19 protocols. Do not submit a request unless it is urgent or essential to the welfare of our community.
  • For the health and safety of our campus community, supervisors must request permission and receive approval for any non-Bard, third-party visitor to campus at this time. This is not required for visitors going into private residences.
  • Once approval is received, the authorized visitor will be sent an email from the COVID Check-In Coordinator with a link to the health screening form, which they must complete prior to their arrival on campus.

 Montgomery Place Access

Effective Monday, January 11, Montgomery Place is temporarily closed to the public.

We look forward to welcoming visitors back. Please visit the Montgomery Place website for updates and digital exhibitions.

Use of Face Masks on Campus

Wearing a face mask on campus is mandatory for all students, faculty, and staff. Consistently wearing a face covering has been proven to be one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19 (along with physical distancing and hand washing). The College’s policy complies with new public health regulations in New York State requiring any person over age two to cover their nose and mouth with a mask when in a public place and unable to maintain social distancing. Much of the Bard campus can be classified as a “public place,” so both Bard College policy and New York State face mask regulations apply throughout the Bard community.

Face coverings must be worn in all locations on the Bard College campus, both indoors and out, with the following exceptions only:

  1. In a private office when working alone.
  2. In your own dorm room and when brushing your teeth or taking a shower (masks must be worn in the hallway between your dorm room and the bathroom), or in your own private family residence.
  3. When eating while practicing physical distancing (all Bard community members must wear face masks inside the dining hall at all times, except when seated in any designated dining area). 
  4. In a designated mask respite area (which may only be used by one person at a time).
  5. For B&G grounds workers only: when working on campus grounds away from buildings and all other people.
The College will coordinate with public health authorities to consider exceptional circumstances.
 
Bard shuttle drivers will refuse entry or ask riders to get off the shuttle if face masks are not worn the entire ride. 

In keeping with New York State regulations, wearing a face mask is also mandatory in all public off-campus locations, including inside all public buildings and businesses and on sidewalks in town.

Read the Full Mask Policy

Physical Distancing in the Residence Halls

Under New York State guidelines, students who share a room are considered a household. Masks must be worn in communal areas, but are not required when only roommates are together. 

Monitoring Symptoms among the Student Body

  • All students are required to take online COVID-19 training and to sign a pledge committing to adhere to the health and safety requirements to maintain a safe and healthy campus before they arrive on campus. Staff and faculty are required to go through a similar training and are also submitting health pledges.
  • All students, living on campus and off, will be required to complete a daily health screening, just as all employees do every day they come to campus. Our partners at Involvio, with whom we were already working on student engagement activities, have developed a Safe Reopen app, which enables students to complete their screening online. All students will have to show that they have completed the screening and received a “pass” before entering campus facilities including classrooms and the dining commons.
  • The College has also established a contact tracing team to supplement the efforts of the Dutchess County health department. All members of this team have taken online training developed by Johns Hopkins University. Bard’s contact tracers, in close coordination with county health officials, will follow up with anyone who tests positive or believes they have been exposed to COVID. This work mainly consists of time-sensitive phone calls. Any Bard employee interested in taking the Johns Hopkins training and joining the contact tracing team is encouraged to contact David Lindholm at dlindholm@bard.edu for further information.

Bard Health Services and COVID-19

As much as possible, we ask Bard students to be in touch with Health Services directly via phone: 845-758-7433. If you are experiencing fever and lung symptoms or you suspect you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please call Health Services for a medical consult before walking in. In keeping with Health Department guidelines, Bard Health Services requests that you not walk into the clinic until you have consulted with the staff over the phone. Phone consultations are recommended to receive the best care and advice and minimize the chance that others will be exposed.

COVID-19 Testing on Campus

All students and employees who are cleared to come to campus will be tested through our weekly random testing protocol throughout the semester. Students who need a COVID test, as determined by our Health Services staff, will be tested through Health Services. Students will be required to get tested for COVID-19 within three days before returning to campus for the semester, and will be tested again after arrival. (See “Testing and Quarantine Requirements” above.)

Responding to Positive Cases on Campus

Students with positive test results will be moved to dedicated isolation housing. While keeping a student’s identity and health information secure, we will, in coordination with the Department of Health, begin contact tracing.

Health Service providers will check in daily via Telehealth or in person for mild or moderate illness. We will ensure that students have the medications and supplies they need. Meals will be delivered and isolation housing will include beverages and snacks. If warranted, students will be referred to the emergency room at Northern Dutchess Hospital (part of Nuvance Health), which is 10 minutes away. Bard Counseling Service will be available via Telehealth for mental health care.

Protocol for Students Exposed to Someone Who Tests Positive

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced updated quarantine guidelines for New York which are consistent with the latest Centers for Disease Control guidance. Under the new guidelines, individuals exposed to COVID-19 can end their quarantine after 10 days without a testing requirement as long as no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period. After day 10 is reached, individuals must continue monitoring for symptoms through day 14 and if any develop, they should immediately self-isolate and contact the local health department or their healthcare provider to report this change and determine if they should seek testing. Individuals should continue strict adherence to all recommended safe behaviors to stop the spread—wearing masks, socially distancing and avoiding gatherings.

If it is confirmed that a student has been in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 within the previous 14 days, that student will either self-isolate or quarantine. In many cases, students will be able to self-isolate in their rooms adhering to Department of Health guidance. In some cases, students may be relocated to other housing. Students in isolation or quarantine will be supported by health, counseling, wellness, our COVID-19 Contact Team, and Residential Life staff. Meals will be provided along with digital check-ins. Academic support will be provided by academic advisers and the deans in the Center for Student Life and Advising.

Mental Health Resources

We understand that many students have experienced a great deal of change and disruption since the outbreak of COVID-19. Bard Counseling Services, in collaboration with Health Services, Student Government, Residence Life, and Wellness, are offering a range of workshops, programs, training, and support groups that use a trauma-informed approach and are guided by racial and social justice principles. Our programming is geared to support the mental well-being of all students as they begin or return to Bard. 

Bard College remains cognizant and concerned about the disparate impact of this pandemic on people of color and individuals from financially challenged backgrounds, and the additional stress and anxiety during these difficult times. The Office of the Dean for Inclusive Excellence, the Financial Aid Office, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and other campus resources are available to offer assistance in coping with the additional stressors generated by COVID-19.

Bard Counseling is offering teletherapy. Please visit the Counseling website to set up an appointment. In addition, the Counseling staff has added a page of virtual mental health resources.

Bard Wellness is offering a host of virtual programming during the pandemic, including meditation, peer health open hours, and “Show and Tail” (virtual Dog Days). They also offer resources for self-care during this time. Visit the Wellness website for details.

Health and Safety in Bard Facilities

Bard is operating as a closed campus. Access to the campus by members of the surrounding communities and casual visitors is prohibited. Third-party visitor requests will only be approved in exceptional cases and for essential civic activities such as elections, where visitors will be directed to closely controlled facilities operated and cleaned in keeping with New York State and CDC approved COVID-19 protocols. A person who does not live, work, or study at Bard will not be allowed access to campus without prior approval from the College. Signage to this effect is posted at campus access points to alert the Bard community and our neighbors. Local government leaders have been notified that this is a precautionary measure in light of regional upticks in COVID-19 cases, and is intended solely to preserve the health and safety of the Bard community. Access to residence hall dormitories continues to be limited to those who reside there, and students living off campus should limit campus visits to classes and outdoor spaces.

During this period, Bard facilities will:

  • Prohibit unauthorized/nonessential visitors. We will webcast as many student artistic events as possible.
  • Limit noninstructional gatherings and congregations in communal spaces.
  • Limit the number of students in the classroom and provide for physical distancing.
  • Designate entry and exit points for buildings.
  • Adhere to sanitization and physical distancing requirements, including adequate hygiene and PPE supplies, and reduce common seating areas.
  • Limit occupancy of classrooms and other public spaces on campus to 50 percent.
  • Enforce physical distancing through placement of signs and barriers.
Environmental Services has implemented cleaning and disinfecting protocols across campus in accordance with CDC guidelines and OSHA guidelines. All employees who return to work on campus are trained and supplied with EPA-approved cleaning/disinfecting supplies to use in their personal and shared spaces. Over 100 new sanitizing stations have been installed on campus.

Bard’s HVAC department is cleaning and/or replacing all air filters in campus filtration systems as scheduled. The plumbing department has flushed water systems in all buildings, checked HVAC systems and replaced filters, made sure safety systems are fully operational, and ensured all systems are in good working order.

Restricting Travel

Restricting travel is another core element of the College’s COVID safety protocols. The College prohibits nonemergency travel for students outside of our local area (Dutchess, Ulster, Greene, and Columbia counties), and prohibits all work travel and nonemergency travel for our employees. Traveling to visit friends, shop, or even visit family on a nonemergency basis is considered higher-risk behavior, as are visits to campus by friends and family. Among the most common vectors for the spread of COVID-19 are pre- and nonsymptomatic individuals. Unnecessary travel and contact with people outside of the Bard community constitute an ongoing threat to campus safety. Any student who needs to undertake emergency travel should be in touch with the Dean of Students office to work out a travel plan.

Health and Safety in the Community

Bard’s COVID-19 response plan takes into consideration our surrounding communities. Bard students who are living off campus are subject to the same expectations and policies as those living on campus. All off-campus students must sign a health pledge and adhere to our daily health screening protocols. All students living off campus or visiting local communities must adhere to Bard’s health and safety policies, including arrival testing, periodic testing, physical distancing, wearing a mask, and quarantine and contact tracing protocols. They are also expected to abide by all state and local health and safety measures. All Bard students are expected to adhere to these rules whenever they are off campus in the local communities for any reason. Students who fail to adhere to these protocols are subject to the same disciplinary measures as those living on campus. Throughout the semester we will be reminding everyone in the Bard community of the importance of taking personal responsibility for the safety of others, both on and off campus.

Health and Safety Compliance

The College has established the Bard Cares Team to address instances where students or employees are having difficulty abiding by the community norms of behavior regarding the College’s established COVID-19 protocols. The Team, chaired by Vice President and Dean of the Early Colleges Dumaine Williams, has developed a clear set of steps based in restorative practices to respond to reports seeking assistance, guidance, or a resolution of issues related to compliance with health and safety measures in the Bard community. It also seeks to equip members of the Bard community with information about bystander intervention techniques and other actions we can take to help keep each other safe and accountable. Dr. Williams and other members of the Cares Team can be reached at caresteam@bard.edu. Individuals may use the COVID-19 Incident Report Form to report violations of community health standards related to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and requirements.

For Employees

Visit the Office of Human Resources website for guidance about working on campus, as well as information about payroll, benefits, and office procedures during the pandemic.

Visit Bard HR

Bard College Travel Policy

All nonessential work travel is prohibited for faculty and staff.

The College has invested extraordinary effort and resources in designing and implementing plans to bring students, faculty, and staff back to campus. All community members must do their part to uphold these efforts by refraining from nonessential travel. Please adhere to the guidelines outlined below.

  • All nonessential work travel is prohibited for faculty and staff.
  • The prohibition on nonessential travel should be extended to the personal lives of everyone in the Bard community: students, faculty, and staff. Examples of essential travel include medical treatment and family emergencies.
  • All New York State–­mandated regulations continue to apply to any out-of-state travel, even for essential travel.
  • If you travel during the semester for any reason, you may be ineligible to work on campus for a number of days, as determined by the State regulations in force at that time.
  • Failure to report out-of-state travel can lead to barring return to or removal from campus.

Face Mask Guidance for Faculty and Staff

Wearing a face mask on campus is mandatory for all students, faculty, and staff. Consistently wearing a face covering has been proven to be one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19 (along with physical distancing and hand washing). The College’s policy complies with new public health regulations in New York State requiring any person over age two to cover their nose and mouth with a mask when in a public place and unable to maintain social distancing. Much of the Bard campus can be classified as a “public place,” so both Bard College policy and New York State face mask regulations apply throughout the Bard community.

Face coverings must be worn in all locations on the Bard College campus, both indoors and out, with the following exceptions only:

  1. In a private office when working alone.
  2. In your own dorm room and when brushing your teeth or taking a shower (masks must be worn in the hallway between your dorm room and the bathroom), or in your own private family residence.
  3. When eating while practicing physical distancing (all Bard community members must wear face masks inside the dining hall at all times, except when seated in any designated dining area). 
  4. In a designated mask respite area (which may only be used by one person at a time).
  5. For B&G grounds workers only: when working on campus grounds away from buildings and all other people.
The College will coordinate with public health authorities to consider exceptional circumstances.
 
Bard shuttle drivers will refuse entry or ask riders to get off the shuttle if face masks are not worn the entire ride. 

In keeping with New York State regulations, wearing a face mask is also mandatory in all public off-campus locations, including inside all public buildings and businesses and on sidewalks in town.

Read the Full Mask Policy

Health and Safety Protocols for Faculty and Staff

All employees will be required to conduct a daily health screening prior to coming to campus, wear face masks, practice physical distancing, and follow all recommended public health guidelines. If concerns arise during the self-administered health screening, they will be required to self-isolate until it is determined that it is safe for them to return. In the case of a positive test result, contact tracing protocols will be initiated. 

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 or have received a quarantine notice from Bard College or the Department of Health will be required to self-isolate off campus for up to two weeks. 

Employees who test positive must provide medical clearance to the Office of Human Resources before returning to work on campus. A letter from a doctor or health department are both acceptable forms of medical clearance.

Employees who receive a mandatory quarantine notice cannot return to campus until their clearance date, as provided by Bard College or the health department. There is no ability to test out of a quarantine from close contact exposure.

COVID-19 Testing for Employees

Beginning in the spring 2021 semester, COVID-19 surveillance testing will be mandatory for all employees working on campus. This testing applies to employees who (1) are actively working on campus, (2) have submitted the new Health Pledge, and (3) pass the daily check-in screening. Remote employees will not be part of the testing pool until they return to campus for work. Learn more about mandatory surveillance testing for on-campus employees.

Please note there is no on-demand testing on campus for employees. Employees should seek testing off campus for all instances except when they are selected for a weekly surveillance test. Employees can get tested locally through their health insurance, and should discuss their options with their primary care physician. You can locate your nearest COVID testing site at this site operated by the New York State Department of Health, or at the Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield Coronavirus Resource Center here.

COVID-19 Vaccinations for Employees

As of Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the State of New York has added “in-person college instructors” and anyone over the age of 65 to the list of populations who are eligible to be vaccinated. The complete list of populations currently eligible for the vaccine as part of Phase 1a and 1b is here. Individuals should first establish vaccine eligibility here. This website will generate a list of nearby vaccination sites once eligibility is confirmed. Bard also offers a step-by-step guide for navigating it. Eligible individuals should register for a vaccination appointment via the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. Another option for scheduling an appointment is through the State’s new COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline, at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

It’s important to emphasize that while faculty teaching in-person classes and anyone over the age of 65 are now eligible to make a reservation for vaccination, demand for vaccines still far outpaces the state’s supply. We encourage eligible employees to register today. 


Vaccinations are not yet available to students in New York State. Bard College will share any new information on eligibility and access to vaccinations as it becomes available.

Please Note

As the public health situation evolves and the state provides new guidance,
we will adjust plans accordingly and keep the community updated.

COVID-19 Response: Tools + Resources

  • COVID-19 Concern Report
  • Contact the CARES Team
  • Campus Data Dashboard
  • CARES Act HEERF Grants to Students
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