COVID-19 Student FAQs

Will Bard be a fully vaccinated campus by the fall 2021 semester?

Yes. Thanks to our vaccination mandate, Bard College is now 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, including from the Delta variant.

For the fall 2021 semester, 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 through the semester have received prior approval for medical or religious reasons. Any unvaccinated student or employee, for as long as they are not fully vaccinated, must continue to follow the same protocols that kept our community safe last year 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, for the fall semester the College will require all visitors to show proof of vaccination before being approved for access to College facilities.

I'm fully vaccinated, do I still need to wear a mask on or off campus?

On campus, all students, faculty, and staff are currently required to mask in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. Please see the Mask Policy page for details.

We ask members of the Bard community to be mindful of your behavior off campus, where rates of COVID continue to be significant and vaccination rates are much lower than on campus. Mask-wearing is strongly encouraged in all indoor settings including public transportation, as are all of the familiar protocols, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding large crowds, particularly in areas where vaccination levels are low. Act judiciously, wear a mask and practice physical distancing where directed and recommended, and remember that our collective efforts support campus health.

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 disabilityservices@bard.edu. You are also welcome to email the Response Team at responseteam@bard.edu 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 exception to be unvaccinated, what protocols must I follow?

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

I'm fully vaccinated, 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. While there have been some reports of cases among vaccinated people outside of this area, they are rare. 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 this semester?

Yes. Any student experiencing symptoms should contact Bard Health Services at 845-758-7433 to determine if a COVID test is warranted. Any students determined to be a close contact of a positive case on campus will be contacted by Bard’s contact tracing team and the Dean of Student Affairs Office with detailed instructions.

The Bard Health Service’s COVID testing team continues to conduct weekly randomized testing of students representing 20% of the student body to establish and maintain a baseline for a healthy campus. Students will be notified by email from covidclearance@bard.edu and participation is mandatory. 

If you have further questions, please visit the Testing and Contact Tracing FAQ page.

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?

In the case of a positive test result, contact tracing protocols will be initiated. 

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate themselves from others by remaining out of in-person activities (including class sessions, lab sessions, group or club meetings/rehearsals) for 10 days. Students in a single room may remain in their room; however, students with a roommate will be placed in alternative spaces temporarily. During this time, the student must limit travel to health care appointments or essential trips. The student can be outdoors (alone) on campus while unmasked, but mask in any group setting or when outside of private living space during this time period. The student can pick up food from Kline while masked, but cannot eat with others in person.

If you have further questions, please visit the Testing and Contact Tracing FAQ page.

What should I do if I feel sick or think I’ve been exposed?

If any student, residing on or off campus, learns that they may have been exposed to coronavirus, please notify Health Services at 845-758-7433. You will need to wear a mask in public for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. If you are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, continue daily activities and maintain distancing when possible. Mask everywhere (including the residence hall for students) for 14 days. Obtain a test for the virus 3-5 days after the close contact had occurred, as instructed by the contact tracing team. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, isolate and contact Health Services immediately.

If you have further questions, please visit the Testing and Contact Tracing FAQ page.

I have cold or allergy-like symptoms. Should I get a COVID-19 test?

Please do not dismiss cold or flu-like symptoms. If you experience cold or allergy-like symptoms that are not typical for you for the season, please call 845-758-7433 to make an appointment with Bard Health Services to be evaluated and possibly tested for COVID.

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 new COVID safety protocols during the fall 2021 semester?

The College-established Cares Team will reconvene to assist students in navigating safety protocols during the fall 2021 semester. Led by Vice President for Student Affairs Dumaine Williams, this team of administrators, faculty, and students will be 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 caresteam@bard.edu. 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? 

Every Tuesday from noon to 1PM, the Response Team holds open office hours over Zoom. No appointment is necessary; if you have a question or want to discuss anything, please drop by using the Zoom link and passcode from your Bard email. If that timing does nt work for you, please email us at responseteam@bard.edu and we will get back to you as quickly as possible. 

How do I contact my dean?

First-Year Students

• Contact Assistant Dean of Students Darnell Pierce (firstyear@bard.edu; x7454).

• For students whose last names start with A-G, contact Assistant Dean of Studies Jennifer Triplett (triplett@bard.edu, x7454).
• For students whose last names start with H-P, contact Assistant Dean of Studies Dorothy Albertini (albertin@bard.edu, x7454).
• For students whose last names start with Q-Z, contact Assistant Dean of Students Timand Bates (tbates@bard.edu, x7454).

Can I host visitors on campus?

For the fall semester, our aim is to keep our community safe by maintaining the College as a fully vaccinated campus. Guests remaining outdoors do not need to register in advance, but any essential visitors needing access to College facilities, including guest lecturers and all conference participants, must be approved in advance by the Response Team and will be required to show proof of vaccination and complete a health screening prior to arrival on campus. 

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 dosa@bard.edu. Bardians interested in organizing a large group event such as a conference should contact the Response Team for additional guidance. For conferences and other group events, it will be the responsibility of event organizers to obtain proof of vaccination from all attendees in advance.

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 sparcevents@bard.edu. Employees wishing to hold events may apply by filling out the form here. 

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

During L&T and the first three weeks of the semester, no outside musicians will be allowed at SMOG or the Root Cellar. Students can begin planning for bands to perform after the third weekend of the fall semester. All bands must be fully vaccinated. 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 indoors at all times when possible 

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 indoors at all times when possible 

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 responseteam@bard.edu to discuss relevant restrictions and required approvals. Please note that indoor access is still restricted only to approved visitors. For the fall semester the College will require all visitors to show proof of vaccination before being approved for access to College facilities.

Is the Stevenson Athletic Center open?

The Stevenson Athletic Center is currently open to students 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.

Athletics and Recreation Staff, in consultation with the Response Team, will continue to evaluate the potential return of community use to the Stevenson Athletic Center, starting with family of faculty and staff. Details will be posted to bardathletics.com when dates and requirements are finalized; however, all gym patrons will be required to show vaccination status to have access to the building.

All fans at indoor sporting events will also be required to show proof of vaccination to be allowed entry to the building.

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 oisss@bard.edu or visit the OISSS website for more information.