Faculty and Staff FAQs

What are the vaccination and booster requirements for faculty and staff?

Bard requires all students, faculty, and staff to have up-to-date immunization against COVID-19 as per current CDC guidelines. Currently, this means you must have received a primary COVID-19 vaccine series and at least one booster shot. We strongly recommend receiving the most updated booster whenever eligible. Please send your updated vaccination record to [email protected]. 

If you have any questions or need assistance uploading the documentation, please email [email protected].

Once 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.

In accordance with CDC guidelines and based on current community transmission levels, everyone must continue to be masked when visiting the Bard Health Service. 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.

Are fully vaccinated and up to date individuals still at risk for getting 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 is the best way to minimize exposure and prevent serious illness and community spread.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

• Isolate: Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate immediately at home after their initial positive test. Follow CDC protocols for isolation and masking. While you may end your isolation after five full days if you are fever free and your symptoms are improving, you must continue to wear a mask around others through day 10. Please monitor your symptoms and seek medical care as needed.
   
• Notify: If you test positive for COVID-19, notify Human Resources at [email protected] or by calling 845-758-7249 if a positive test will cause you to miss work.  

What should I do if I learn that I've been exposed to COVID-19?

If someone who tests positive notifies you that you are their close contact, please mask, monitor your symptoms for the next 10 days, and test yourself five full days after exposure. In keeping with CDC guidance, as long as you are fully vaccinated and remain asymptomatic you may continue with normal activities (with a high-quality mask for 10 days).

Will testing be available on campus this semester?

The College does not provide on-demand COVID-19 testing for employees. At-home tests are available at local pharmacies. You may also consult your primary care physician, urgent care, or other testing entity to receive a COVID test.

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

If you experience cold or allergy-like symptoms that are not typical for you for the season, please consult your physician to be evaluated and possibly tested for COVID.

Is the Bard campus open to the public?

Yes, the Bard College campus in Annandale is now open to the community. Bard College performances, exhibitions, and academic events are also open.

We expect all visitors on campus to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Prospective visitors who are unvaccinated may visit campus facilities, providing they test negative for COVID within 24 hours before coming to campus. Anyone experiencing COVID symptoms should refrain from coming to campus.

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.

May I host visitors on campus?

Yes, you may host visitors on campus.

We expect all visitors on campus to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Prospective visitors who are unvaccinated may visit campus facilities, providing they test negative for COVID within 24 hours before coming to campus. Anyone experiencing COVID symptoms should refrain from coming to campus.