COVID-19 Student FAQs

How can I request a medical or religious exemption?

To request an exemption for vaccine or booster requirements for religious or medical reasons, please complete the form found on the Health Services website. Please note that if you were previously approved for an exemption, your exemption extends to the booster requirement and you do not need to reapply.

What are the vaccination and booster requirements for spring 2022?

In accordance with the recent CDC guidance that everyone 18 years and older should receive a booster, we are updating our vaccine mandate to require that all students receive a vaccine booster by January 18 or within 30 days after becoming eligible for a booster, whichever comes first. Individuals who received Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are eligible to receive a booster dose six months after their last dose. Those who received Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine are eligible to receive a booster dose two months after your original dose. Boosters are widely available at vaccination sites nationwide. 

Once you have received your booster, students should upload the date and submit proof of the vaccine (a screenshot of your vaccine card) to the medical portal at bard.medicatconnect.com (if you are unable to access the portal, students may send this information to [email protected]).

Is Bard a fully vaccinated campus?

Yes. Thanks to our vaccination mandate, Bard College is considered a “fully vaccinated campus” by CDC standards. This is a special status that enables the College, and our peer institutions that have achieved fully vaccinated status, to return to full capacity in-person learning, in accordance with CDC’s Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People and New York State requirements. Vaccines have been shown to be very effective at preventing illness.

All students, faculty, and staff are required to provide proof of vaccination, bringing us to a vaccination level of over 99%. The fewer than 1% of students and employees who remain unvaccinated have received prior approval for medical or religious reasons. Any unvaccinated student or employee, for as long as they are not fully vaccinated and up to date, must continue to follow the same protocols that kept our community safe when we were all unvaccinated, including masking and physical distancing at all times indoors or in group settings on campus. 

In order to maintain our campus as fully vaccinated, the College requires all visitors to show proof of vaccination before being approved for access to College facilities.

I’m fully vaccinated and up to date. Do I still need to wear a mask?

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. The College is requesting that students, faculty, and staff keep a mask with them in order to be ready for various situations you may encounter throughout the day.

The CDC has recently classified Dutchess County as an area of high transmission for COVID-19. In areas of high transmission, the CDC recommends vaccination, testing if you experience symptoms, and masking indoors. As a result of this designation, members of our community should consider wearing a mask when indoors and in a public setting and in other common or shared spaces where individuals may interact. 

In accordance with New York State requirements, everyone must continue to be masked when visiting the Bard Health Service and Nursery School/Children’s Center, and when utilizing any Bard transportation. Students, faculty, and staff who have vaccine exemptions will continue to wear a mask in all indoor and group settings.

Who should I contact about classroom accommodations during the pandemic?

If you require classroom accommodations, for example a supply of clear masks to aid in lip-reading, please contact the Office of Disability Access Services at [email protected]. You are also welcome to email the Response Team at [email protected] to explore accommodations to the College’s protocols or policies, or you may join the Response Team's virtual office hours every Tuesday from noon to 1:00 p.m.; check your Bard email for Zoom details.

If I have received a College-approved exemption to be unvaccinated, what protocols must I follow?

Any student or employee with a College-approved exemption to be unvaccinated, or who is not yet fully vaccinated and up to date, must be masked at all times and remain physically distanced.

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should review their daily activities for 48 hours days prior to the test or onset of symptoms and make a list of people they had close contact with. A "close contact" is someone who was less than six feet away from an infected person (laboratory-confirmed or a clinical diagnosis) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. It does not matter if you were wearing masks or not, and it does not matter if you were indoors or outdoors.

In accordance with updated CDC guidance, anyone who tests positive can be released from isolation after five days if they are not experiencing symptoms. Bard will also require a negative test to be released from isolation. If current COVID trends continue, there is a strong possibility that the number of students testing positive at any given time could exceed the number of single rooms with private bathrooms. Therefore, designated isolation rooms will be prioritized for the vulnerable and symptomatic. Any residential student who tests positive will be given two options: 1) Return home or to another safe place off campus to recover, and after 5 days, if the student is not experiencing any COVID symptoms and has a negative antigen test, they can return to campus; or 2) Recover in their dorm room following already established isolation protocols. The College’s COVID case management team, in coordination with the Bard Health Service, will support all students in isolation with regular check-ins and access to College resources and food. Given the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, medical experts have advised us that roommates of positive cases are likely positive as well, even if there is a slight lag in test results. Many of our peer institutions have been successfully using this isolation protocol.

Read the CDC Guidelines for Quarantine and Isolation

What if my on-campus roommate tests positive for COVID-19?

During your roommate’s isolation period, you have the option to stay in your room or you can be moved to a temporary room. A member of our COVID-19 case management team will help arrange that move, if you would like. If you live off campus, there is no option to move to campus during this time.

As long as you have no symptoms during this time, you should mask at all times, but you can and should go to class, go to work, engage in activities, and monitor your symptoms.

What is the College's contact tracing policy?

Bard’s COVID-19 Case Management Team, which includes trained contact tracers, continues to conduct contact tracing of all on-campus positive cases to identify campus close contacts. The Case Management Team works with any student testing positive to determine their on-campus close contacts. If our contact tracers identify you as a close contact of an on-campus positive case, you will be contacted by the Case Management Team.

Students who are identified as close contacts will be notified by email from [email protected] and will be asked to take a COVID-19 test about 5-7 days after exposure as recommended by the CDC. 

• Testing for asymptomatic close contacts is at the gym (read your email for times) until further notice. 
• Close contacts who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should call the Bard Health Service at 845-758-7433 during business hours to arrange for testing. Until you have consulted with the Health Service regarding your symptoms, do not go to class or work. Isolate as much as possible, and wear a mask at all times.
• If the college’s contact tracers determine you to be a close contact, you are fully vaccinated and up to date, and you have not tested positive and are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, per CDC guidance you may continue daily activities and should continue to observe masking protocols and maintain social distancing when possible. You may continue to go to class, your job, study group, etc.
• If you are not fully vaccinated and up to date because you have a religious or medical exemption, the Bard Health Service will advise you regarding quarantine requirements for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated close contacts.

What should I do if I feel sick or think I've been exposed to COVID-19?

If any student, residing on or off campus, learns that they may have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact Health Services at 845-758-7433 to determine if and when a COVID test is warranted. If you are not experiencing symptoms, continue daily activities and maintain distancing when possible. Continue to follow masking protocols. If you are experiencing symptoms, isolate and contact Health Services immediately.

Read the CDC Guidelines for Quarantine and Isolation

I'm fully vaccinated and up to date. Can I still get a COVID infection?

It is important to remember that vaccination is not a guarantee against infection. The purpose and power of vaccines comes from their ability to teach and strengthen our immune systems to more effectively identify and fight viruses, in this case the virus that causes COVID, thereby avoiding serious illness despite potential exposure. Vaccination, particularly as a fully vaccinated campus, is the best way to minimize exposure and prevent serious illness and community spread.

Will testing be available on campus?

Yes. Any student experiencing symptoms should contact Bard Health Services at 845-758-7433 to determine if a COVID test is warranted.

I feel sad, anxious, or depressed. Who can I talk to?

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 in-person open clinic hours. Please visit the Counseling website to set up an appointment. The Counseling staff also has a page of virtual mental health resources.

Bard Wellness offers a host of programming, including meditation, peer health open hours, and Dog Days. They also offer resources for self-care during this time. Visit the Wellness website for details.

What support is available to students in navigating COVID safety protocols?

The College-established Cares Team assists students in navigating safety protocols. Led by Vice President for Student Affairs Dumaine Williams, this team of administrators, faculty, and students is available to answer questions and advise community members on all matters relating to student safety and well-being. Dr. Williams and other members of the Cares Team can be reached at [email protected]. Individuals may use the COVID-19 Incident Report Form to report violations of community health standards related to COVID-19 safety protocols.

How do I reach out to the Response Team? 

The Response Team will hold virtual office hours where members of the Bard community can drop in with any questions. Please consult your Bard email for more information on hours and availability. You are also welcome to send questions to us at [email protected].  

How do I contact my dean?

First-Year Students

• Contact Assistant Dean of Students Darnell Pierce ([email protected]; x7454).

• For students whose last names start with A-G, contact Assistant Dean of Studies Jennifer Triplett ([email protected], x7454).
• For students whose last names start with H-P, contact Assistant Dean of Studies Dorothy Albertini ([email protected], x7454).
• For students whose last names start with Q-Z, contact Assistant Dean of Students Timand Bates ([email protected], x7454).

 Can I host visitors on campus?

Visitors who are vaccinated and boosted are welcome in campus facilities (except residence halls and the gym, which remain off limits to visitors) with advance approval from the Response Team, which can be obtained through this simple form.

Students who wish to host a visitor for a club activity or other reason should contact the Dean of Student Affairs Office for guidance at [email protected]. Guests remaining outdoors do not need to register in advance, but any visitors needing access to College facilities must demonstrate proof of vaccination in advance via this simple form. Event organizers will be responsible for planning and staffing for advance registration, including proof of vaccination confirmation and obtaining names and contact information.

Are students allowed to visit other students in residence halls? How about off-campus guests?

At this time, no off-campus guests are allowed in the residence halls. Enrolled students are now allowed to access other residence halls at the invitation of a resident of that building.

Can I plan in-person activities with other members of the campus community?

Campus community members may now begin to plan small, COVID-safe in-person activities. All proposed events must adhere to COVID safety protocols as outlined in the COVID-19 Student Handbook Addendum, as well as any additional protocols needed for each specific event. Students should contact SPARC through the Office of Student Activities by emailing [email protected]. Employees wishing to hold events may apply by filling out the form here. 

Will bands be allowed to perform in student spaces like SMOG or the Root Cellar?

Yes. All bands must be fully vaccinated and up to date. The Office of Student Activities must obtain proof of vaccination for anyone playing at any venue.

Are College-sponsored trips permitted this semester?

With a fully vaccinated campus community, students and faculty may resume course-related and club day trips off campus by following common sense safety protocols. Student clubs and organizations wishing to organize activities off-campus should register their event with SPARC to be sure they understand and are following all current guidelines and expectations. Anyone hoping to plan an overnight trip off campus should consult with the Response Team as part of the planning process. All students, faculty, and staff planning to participate in or organize trips off campus are asked to abide by the travel guidelines below, and to follow the guidelines in place at your destination.

• Masks worn at all times on shared transportation
• Meals should take place outside if possible, or in private quarters. Groups should refrain from eating in restaurants.
• Masks worn indoors where mandated or requested

Can students organize off-campus activities or events?

Student Clubs and Organizations wishing to organize activities off-campus should register their event with SPARC to be sure they understand and are following all current guidelines and expectations. All students, faculty, and staff planning to participate in or organize trips off campus are asked to abide by these travel guidelines:

• Masks worn at all times on shared transportation
• Meals should take place outside if possible, or in private quarters. Groups should refrain from eating in restaurants.
• Masks worn indoors where mandated or requested

How does on-campus pick-up for Taste Budd’s Cafe work?

Taste Budd’s Cafe provides a daily delivery to campus once per day at noon. Be sure to order by 11:15AM via the Taste Budd’s website for your items to be included in the noon delivery. Item pickup is at the Taste Budd’s table at the Bard Security Office in the Old Gym on main campus. There is no minimum order and just a $2.00 drop/delivery fee. To order, visit TasteBudds.com and click Cafe Orders Online. Just add “Budd’s Bard Drop” to your cart when placing your order, and choose “pick up” (not delivery) when ordering, because you will pick up these orders at the Taste Budd's pick up table at the Old Gym. This service is only available for online orders.

Is the main campus open to the public?

Yes, the main Bard College campus grounds in Annandale are now open to the community. External groups that wish to hold outdoor gatherings on campus grounds should contact [email protected] to discuss relevant restrictions and required approvals. Visitors who are vaccinated and boosted are welcome in campus facilities (except residence halls and the gym, which remain off limits to visitors) with advance approval from the Response Team, which can be obtained through this simple form. Students who wish to sponsor a visitor should coordinate with a faculty or staff member to fill out the form. 

Is the Stevenson Athletic Center open?

The Stevenson Athletic Center is currently open to students, faculty, and staff, with hours posted on bardathletics.com. Users should present their Bard ID at the front desk when entering the building. The pool is available for lap swim on a reservation basis. Please visit the website for more information.

The gym is open to vaccinated and boosted spectators at sporting events. Any visitor wishing to attend an event at the gym must be prepared to show proof of vaccination and a booster before entering the facility. Please visit bardathletics.com for further updates about expanded gym access for visitors later this semester.

Is Montgomery Place open to the public?

The Montgomery Place grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. Mansion tours are currently suspended. Visit the Montgomery Place website for more information.

Who should I contact for information on travel to the United States?

We advise students to check the website of the U.S. Consulate in their home countries for updates on international student and scholar travel to the United States. The U.S. Department of State also provides updates on its travel policy requiring COVID-19 vaccination here.

Students and families with questions should contact the Bard Office of International Student and Scholars Services (OISSS) at [email protected] or visit the OISSS website for more information.