COVID-19 Student FAQs

When can I get a vaccination?

As of April 6, everyone in New York age 16 and over is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. That means the entire Bard College community is now eligible, and we encourage all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Please use this tool on the New York State website to find a nearby vaccination site and make an individual appointment.

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

Spring is around the corner and with it come allergies and seasonal sniffles. We would like to reiterate the importance of not dismissing cold or flu-like symptoms. If you experience cold or allergy-like symptoms, even mild ones, please get yourself tested for COVID. In the vast majority of cases, it will not be COVID, but even one undiagnosed case poses a risk to you and creates the potential for spread in your community. If you are experiencing symptoms, please fill out your daily health screening to indicate these symptoms. If you are a student, please also alert the Bard Health Service to get yourself tested.

Once I’ve been vaccinated, do I still need to wear a mask?

Yes. The vaccine only helps to protect you from becoming severely ill if you’re infected. It does not prevent you from spreading the virus should you become infected. To protect others in the Bard community and beyond, you must continue to observe all COVID-19 safety protocols, including mask wearing, physical distancing, and frequent handwashing.

Do I need to wear a mask on campus?

Yes. 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.

What resources are available to students in quarantine?

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.

Bard’s Health, Counseling, and Wellness team also offers this Quarantine Wellness Kit, which includes virtual and on-campus resources for students in quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in my dorm?

You do not need to wear a mask in your dorm room, but you must wear a mask in your dorm common areas, hallway, and bathroom, unless you are brushing your teeth or taking a shower. 

As outlined in the Addendum to the Student Handbook, visitors are not allowed in any dorm facilities, and only the residents of a specific dorm room should enter that room. If anyone besides you and your roommate enters your room, you all must put on masks.

How can I get masks? What kind of mask should I use?

Safe face coverings, and ones that are permitted at Bard, are defined as those that secure via ear loops, or with ties, and have a close fit to the face, nose, and under the chin. Cloth masks are also acceptable for use. Face coverings with valves or plastic face shields used alone do not provide protection to the user or to the community, nor do loosely fitting bandanas, gaiters, or scarfs. Please find updated CDC guidelines on mask use here.

All students will be provided two reusable cloth masks on arrival or at the beginning of the semester. Some additional disposable masks will be available at mask dispensing locations around campus as needed for those who forget or misplace their masks. You are also encouraged to bring your own masks. Community members must make sure they have access to clean masks at all times.

How do I put on a mask correctly?

Wearing a face mask properly is a simple and extremely effective protective behavior that also shows you respect the health and well-being of all members of our community.

• Keep the mask on your face the entire time you’re in public. 
• Don’t wear the mask around your neck or up on your forehead.
• Wash your hands before putting on your face mask.
• Avoid touching the exterior of the face mask, wash your hands if you do.
• Make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth and fits securely under your chin. Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face. 
• Change or launder face masks when they become soiled, wet, or after one day of use.
• Disposable masks must not be used for more than one day and should be placed in the trash after use.
• Don’t be complacent with other protective measures like physical distancing.

Should I wear one mask or two?

The CDC has updated its guidance on masking to prevent the spread of COVID-19, recommending that wearing a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask decreases exposure. The Response Team has researched and discussed this guidance and wants to share with you why we have decided that, until further notice, Bard will follow New York State’s lead in continuing to require one mask.

The key point is that mask effectiveness against the spread of disease is chiefly dependent on mask fit. A single tight-fitting mask remains extremely effective at preventing the spread of disease. Please visit the mask policy page for more information. 

In personal experiments, Response Team members trying on two masks found that having two loops over each ear sometimes caused the masks to fall off, or to displace each other on the face so there was no longer a tight fit.

The College will continue to provide masks to students and employees who need them at the mask dispensing stations around campus.

What does it mean to practice physical distancing?

This means that all individuals must maintain a distance of at least six feet from all other individuals. Physical distancing has to be maintained whenever possible.

Do I need to practice 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.

Do I need to practice physical distancing with my roommate?

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.

Do I have to wear a mask and physically distance in my dorm’s community kitchen and common areas?

All students are required to wear masks and physically distance while using community kitchens and other common areas, including hallways and residence hall bathrooms. Visit the Residence Life + Housing website for detailed guidelines.

Are students responsible for keeping the common areas clean? Should I bring my own cleaning supplies?

Students are required to clean as they go, which means cleaning during kitchen use and immediately after kitchen use. Students should bring their own antibacterial dish detergent and sponges if they intend to use the common kitchen. Bard’s Environmental Services team will clean dorm bathrooms six days a week, several times per day. In addition, each student is responsible for sanitizing their space after use. Cleaning and disinfectant spray will be provided in residence hall bathrooms. See Reslife + Housing for details.

What is isolation housing? How does it differ from quarantine housing?

Dedicated housing for on-campus students who have tested positive for COVID-19 is called isolation housing. Quarantine housing is dedicated housing for on-campus students who have been determined by the state or the Dutchess County Health Department as needing to quarantine for up to 14 days due to potential exposure to COVID-19 or State Travel Advisories. Learn more by clicking the buttons below.
Isolation Housing
Quarantine Housing

I just found out I had contact with someone with COVID-19. What quarantine protocol should I follow?

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced updated quarantine guidelines for New York that 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. 

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?

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

Health Service providers will check in daily via Telehealth or in person for mild or moderate illness, and 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.
 

Will students be tested on campus?

Yes. 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.

Will students be monitored for symptoms on campus?

All students, living on campus and off, will be required to complete a daily health screening. 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.

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

If any student, residing on or off campus, feels ill or learns that they may have been exposed to coronavirus, quarantine/isolate yourself immediately. If you are off campus, please quarantine in place in your room and notify the Dutchess County Coronavirus Hotline at 845-486-3555. If you are on campus, please notify the Security Emergency Line at 845-758-7777.

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 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.

What should I do if I see someone on campus who does not appear to be following guidelines for community health and safety?

There will be instances when the community norms may seem hard to follow. Mask fatigue will be real. People will forget. Some will become frustrated with physical distancing. All members of the community serve as the front line in encouraging personal accountability, through open communication and with kindness.

Masks are available around campus for anyone who needs one. You should feel empowered to approach someone without a mask and ask them if they need help finding a spare. They may have simply forgotten or were running late, and can be gently reminded to put on a mask or to wear it correctly. If a student or employee hasn’t completed their health check for the day, start a conversation by first learning why they missed it that day. Reminders about the need for everyone to be diligent and engage in safe practices are essential, and active listening is key.

Mutual Responsibility: “Remind and Remove”
If you see someone not wearing a mask, please remind them that masks are mandatory. There are mask dispenser stations in RKC, Olin, Kline, Campus Center, Bito/Blum, Fisher Center, Rose/Hegeman, Fisher Arts, and Security should they need one. Then remove yourself from any situation that is unsafe or not in compliance with the required policies.

If you would like advice on how best to engage with those who are not in compliance, or would prefer an intervention from the College, please contact the Bard Cares Team at caresteam@bard.edu or Bard Security at 845-758-7460. You may also use the COVID-19 Incident Report Form to report violations of community health standards.

How will violations of community standards for health and safety be addressed?

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.

How do I reach out to the Response Team? 

Any member of the Bard community is welcome to send questions or suggestions to the Response Team by email, or to attend our weekly office hours. Every Tuesday afternoon from 4 to 5pm, members of the Response Team will be available on Zoom for anyone who wants to drop by with a question. Please check your Bard email or write to the Response Team at responseteam@bard.edu for Zoom details.

How does the daily health screening work?

Bard College expects all students to download and utilize the Bard College Involvio app to submit daily required health screenings and track any potential exposure to individuals who have tested positive.

Students should complete their health screening on the College’s official app (Involvio) before leaving the residence halls or coming to campus. Every day, students will receive a red, yellow, or green pass on the app, depending on the answers they submit to the questions it contains. Green passes will allow access to classrooms and dining areas on campus. Red and Yellow passes require further action, and students should follow the directives on the app and from Health Services. The daily screening can be done on a smartphone via the Involvio app, online via computer, or by submitting a paper form. If you are not feeling well, please inform Health Services and do not go to class or to the dining hall in person.

May I visit my friends in their dorms or dorm rooms?

No. To preserve the health of each student household, students are expected not to enter any dorm room that is not their own. Students who live off campus may not enter dorm facilities.

Is the main campus open to the public?

Bard is operating as a restricted campus. Access to the campus by members of the surrounding communities and casual visitors is prohibited. Limited exceptions are outlined in the Campus Visitor Policy for outdoor visits from daily household members of Bard students, faculty, and staff, or for essential civic activities. A person who does not live, work, or study at Bard will otherwise 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.

Can I host visitors on campus?

The College is expanding the categories of approved on-campus visitors to include daily household members of Bard students, faculty, and staff. This new exception applies only to current, daily members of your local household, not anyone who has traveled to visit you, and pertains only to the outdoor campus grounds. For students, New York State considers residential college roommates to be household members. Please note that the main campus remains closed to unapproved visitors from outside of the campus community, and no visitors of any kind are permitted inside buildings or facilities unless they have been approved in advance by the Response Team via the Essential Visitor Request Form (below). All visitors must be accompanied at all times by their Bard host and must follow all masking and physical distancing requirements.

• Other 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.
• 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.

 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. 

 Is Montgomery Place open to the public?

The Montgomery Place grounds are open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays only from dawn to dusk. Visit bard.edu/montgomeryplace for updates as well as virtual exhibitions.

Is the Stevenson Gym open?

The Stevenson Athletic Center and Stevenson Pool are now open to Bard students, faculty, and staff, as well as to non-remote graduate students who live on campus or in Dutchess, Columbia, Greene or Ulster counties. Reservations are required: visit bardathletics.com for access and protocols. Please note the facility remains closed to the public.

Is the library open? What services are available?

Although most of the library is being used as classroom space this semester, there are now two expanded study spaces in the library: First Floor Study Space and Senior Study Space. Locations and hours are listed on the library website. Although senior carrels will not be assigned, seniors may use this designated Senior Study Space. 

Anyone entering the library must adhere to the following guidelines:   

• Students or faculty entering the library must wear masks, maintain physical distancing, and clean any space they have used before leaving.
• Faculty, staff, and students may not eat or drink in the library.

Will there be a Spring Recess?

No. 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.

I'm enrolled at Bard and was approved to study remotely this semester. May I visit campus?

No. Only students who are enrolled to take courses in-person are allowed on campus. Any students on a leave or approved for remote learning are not allowed on campus for any reason.

I'm on leave this semester. May I visit campus?

No. Only students who are enrolled to take courses in-person are allowed on campus. Any students on a leave or approved for remote learning are not allowed on campus for any reason.

May I visit the local towns and travel regionally?

We expect that all students will take great care when interacting with our neighbors in Tivoli, Red Hook, Kingston, and the greater Dutchess and Ulster County communities. 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.

Do I need to wear a mask in town?

Yes. New York State requires face masks inside all public buildings and businesses and on sidewalks in town. Students will be held accountable for following local and NYS regulations and law.

Can I travel outside of New York State during the semester?

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.

In addition, all New York State–mandated regulations continue to apply to any out-of-state travel, including the requirement to quarantine at your own expense for up to 14 days if you travel to a restricted location, even for essential travel. If you travel to a restricted location during the semester for any reason, your ability to return to campus may be endangered, and will be determined by the state regulations in force at that time. Failure to report travel to a restricted location can lead to barring return to or removal from campus.

How will the shuttle run this semester?

In accordance with New York State guidelines, all Bard shuttle passengers are required to wear a face mask for the entirety of the ride. Drivers will refuse entry or ask riders to get off the shuttle if face masks are not worn the entire ride. Transportation schedules have been altered to support changes to class times and limit nonessential travel. Please check the Bard Transportation website for the most up-to-date schedule.

How will dining work this semester?

All Bard community members must wear face masks inside the dining hall at all times, except when seated in any designated dining area. Community members must follow proper physical distancing and traffic flow signage, and must not handle food serving utensils. All food will be served by Bard Dining team members. Indoor dining at Kline Commons and Down the Road Cafe is open effective Friday, February 5.

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

Taste Budd’s Cafe now has a pick-up table on campus. Patrons can pick up orders at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. seven days a week at the Bard Security Office at the Old Gym. There is no minimum order and just a $2.00 drop/delivery fee. 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. Be sure to order at least 45 minutes before 12:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. This service is only available for online orders. Visit www.TasteBudds.com and click Cafe Orders Online. Please be mindful to maintain a safe distance from others when picking up your order, which will be clearly marked with your name.

• For the 12:00 p.m. pick up, please place your orders online by 11:15 a.m. Any orders placed after 11:15 a.m. will be brought to Bard as part of the 5:00 p.m. drop-off.
• For the 5:00 p.m. pick up, please place your orders online by 4:15 p.m.

How will student activities and clubs work this semester?

The Student Services team is planning in-person and online events targeted at keeping the community together, helping people make connections, engaging in thoughtful leadership and conversation, and staying civically engaged. Protocols for holding events have been developed in accordance with state and CDC guidelines, and communicated to all club and organization leaders. New online platforms for connection, particularly around music and the performing arts, will also be available to students this semester. Students can anticipate smaller events across campus with a lot of outdoor engagement. 

Follow the link below to read more from the Office of Student Activities about event planning and Bard clubs during the pandemic.

How will performing arts classes be handled during the pandemic?

Bard's performing arts programs are addressing health protocols for in-person classes and performances. Please see:

Music Program

Dance Program

Will there be intercollegiate sports this winter?

No. The Liberty League, of which Bard is a member, has announced it is canceling winter sports competition and championships due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Sports impacted include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s squash, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s and women’s indoor track and field. 

What resources are available for remote learning?

Visit the connected learning page for online course tools. You can also find robust remote resources from the Learning Commons and the Bard Library on the academic support page.

Don't hesitate to contact your academic adviser or your dean for support. Find your dean and get information about advising on the Dean of Studies website. For information about registration, academic records, and student forms, visit the Registrar's Office website.

How do I contact my dean?

First-Year Students

• For first-year students whose last names start with A-K, contact Assistant Dean of Students Darnell Pierce (dpierce@bard.edu; x7454).
• For first-year students whose last names start with L-Z, contact Assistant Dean of Studies Kaet Heupel (kheupel@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).

I live off campus. Do I still need to follow the same community health and safety guidelines as students living on campus?

In order to uphold the health and safety of our broader community, you are expected to uphold the same physical distancing protocols, sanitization practices, and mask-wearing requirements in your off-campus residence as is outlined for on-campus students. According to New York State regulations, you will be considered a “household” with any roommates you have, and do not need to wear masks inside your residence in their presence.

Can I have visitors in my off-campus residence?

On the advice of our medical consultants, we strongly discourage any visitors, including other students, to your off-campus residence.

Can I have parties in my off-campus residence?

Students are expected to limit their social gatherings and abide by all local ordinances.

What are the consequences of violating community standards off campus?

Students are expected to uphold all local laws and ordinances, particularly as it relates to COVID-19 and the College reserves the right to discipline off-campus residents should we learn that infractions have occurred.

May I use campus facilities?

Yes, students are welcome on campus, with limited access to facilities—classrooms, dining hall, academic buildings, and campus center, for study space—but must abide by the protocols outlined in the student handbook addendum for 2020–21.

Can I visit my friends in their dorm rooms or dorm common areas?

No. Off-campus residents are not allowed to enter residence halls on campus.

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

If any student, residing on or off campus, feels ill or learns that they may have been exposed to coronavirus, quarantine/isolate yourself immediately. If you are off campus, please quarantine in place in your room and notify the Dutchess County Coronavirus Hotline at 845-486-3555. If you are on campus, please notify the Security Emergency Line at 845-758-7777.