Dear Bentley Community,
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our policies and procedures have closely followed the requirements, guidelines and best practices of public health experts like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. We are thankful to have made it to where we are today in the pandemic thanks in part to this guidance and the hard work and cooperation of our entire community.
On May 11, the COVID-19 national public health emergency will be officially lifted, signaling a shift in the country’s approach to navigating the pandemic. In line with this guidance, Bentley is reviewing any remaining COVID-19 policies and procedures to determine the university’s approach to public health and safety moving forward. Today, we are announcing the university will end the COVID-19 vaccine and booster mandate. New students, faculty and staff will no longer be required to submit proof of vaccination as a condition of matriculation or employment.
As with annual flu shots, the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters will continue to be strongly recommended. The Bentley Health Center will continue to host flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics on campus each year. We still strongly encourage those who are showing symptoms or are ill to take COVID-19 rapid tests and seek medical evaluation as needed. As a reminder, all new and returning students will continue to be required to follow the immunization guidelines of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health prior to the start of each academic year.
At this time, isolation guidelines for those who test positive on campus will remain unchanged. Students who test positive for COVID-19 must continue to isolate for five full days, then can leave isolation if displaying no symptoms or symptoms have improved. Faculty and staff who test positive cannot return to campus until the conclusion of the first five days of an isolation period if displaying no symptoms or symptoms have improved. Masks must be worn in public places for five full days after an isolation period. All isolation and exposure guidelines will continue to be available here.
Thank you for all that you’ve done over the past three years to keep our community healthy and safe during uncertain times. We are glad to be at this point in the pandemic and look forward to continuing to support a healthy campus for all.
Emergency Management Executive Policy Group
George Cangiano
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Maureen Forrester
Vice President for Administration and Finance, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Liz Hess
Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Chris Joyce
Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Andrew Shepardson
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Paul Tesluk
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
