COVID-19 Student FAQs

In accordance with CDC recommendations and the evolving public health situation, the College is strongly encouraging everyone in the Bard community—students, faculty, and staff—to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, and will continue to organize on-campus vaccination clinics whenever possible based on vaccine availability. However, the College will no longer require all incoming students and new hires to submit COVID-19 vaccination data to Bard Health Services and the Human Resources Office.

Bard College is a “mask-friendly” campus. With this policy, we have lifted the indoor mask mandate, but encourage anyone who wishes to wear a mask to do so.

In accordance with CDC guidelines and based on current community transmission levels, everyone must continue to be masked when visiting Bard Health Services. The College asks all students, faculty, and staff to remember to keep a mask on them to be ready for various situations you may encounter throughout the day.

Following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, anyone—student, faculty, or staff—who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate at home or in their dorm room unless/until they have been fever free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medications and their symptoms are improving. It is no longer necessary to isolate for five days after testing positive if you are not experiencing fever or worsening symptoms. Anyone who tests positive should continue to wear a high-quality mask and practice physical distancing for a five-day period, even if they are symptom free. 

Bard Health Services will continue to provide support for students who test positive and/or have questions about COVID-19. The Dean of Student Affairs and Office of Residence Life will also continue to support students who need assistance with COVID-related questions. Students who test positive and are in isolation may not eat in Kline, but they may pick up grab-and-go meals (or ask a friend to do so on their behalf). For further assistance and instructions, including access to the isolation meal ordering form, please email [email protected]. 

Free COVID-19 testing is available for students through Bard Health Services. If you are a student who is having symptoms of COVID-19, please schedule an appointment via the Student Health Portal or by calling 845-758-7433. Health Services will also continue to dispense free at-home tests when available. Students can call 845-758-7433 or stop by Health and Counseling Services during business hours to inquire about at-home testing availability. 

COVID-19 tests also continue to be available at most local pharmacies and many insurances will still cover a set of COVID-19 tests; please check with your insurance about this option.