Dear Bentley Community,
I hope that your spring semester is off to a smooth start. Whether you’re already on campus, preparing to move in or attending class remotely, we’re thankful for the flexibility and understanding of our entire community as we navigate this ease-in period. As we look ahead to next week, I’m glad to share that we are on track to conclude our ease-in measures on Monday, Feb. 7.
All of us on campus know that it can be hard to keep track of the ever-changing health and safety guidelines related to the pandemic. Please know that we are closely watching our on-campus positivity rate, and we will regularly evaluate which additional measures can be lifted as the semester goes on. While nothing is certain or predictable when it comes to COVID-19, cases in the region and across the country are trending in the right direction, and our guidelines will continue to align with the current public health trends.
For now, here’s what you should know:
In-Person Dining
All in-person dining locations, including the Faculty and Staff Dining Room and LaCava Lower Café, will fully reopen on Monday, Feb. 7. Please continue to wear your mask when inside the dining area, and only remove it when you’re seated and eating or drinking.
In-Person Classes
On Monday, Feb. 7, all undergraduate classes will return to fully in-person instruction unless otherwise noted. Graduate classes will continue in a hybrid format, as is always offered for master’s level courses at the university. Students who test positive for COVID-19 and are in their initial five-day period of isolation must attend classes remotely or follow other arrangements made by their faculty to keep up on class work.
In-Person Events
Student organizations may continue holding in-person events, and beginning Monday, Feb. 7 will return to regular event guidelines. All student organization programs are required to be advertised through Campus Groups and should follow the Student Programs & Engagement event guidelines.
Residence Hall Guests
As of Monday, Feb. 7, Bentley visitors will be allowed in residence halls.
Booster Deadline
The deadline to upload proof of a COVID-19 booster has passed for all students who were eligible to receive a shot. If you have not already uploaded your updated vaccination record, please do so now on the Bentley Health Portal. The deadline for all other students going forward is two weeks from the time they first become eligible for a booster. The deadline for faculty and staff to upload proof of a COVID-19 booster is Feb. 24.
Masking on Campus
Current mask guidelines will remain in effect at this time. You are required to wear your mask when in shared spaces across campus, such as academic and administrative buildings, the student center, the fitness center, the library and when you’re not actively eating in a dining area. Masks remain optional in your residence halls, but recommended when visiting friends outside your direct residence. Complying with the university’s mask policy ensures that the university is following the masking mandate issued by the Waltham Board of Health on December 31, which remains in effect. Keep an eye out for mask ambassadors at the entrances of academic buildings, where they’ll be handing out rewards for properly wearing a mask.
COVID-19 Testing Dashboard
Since Jan. 16, 98 positive cases have been reported on the dashboard and 4,096 total tests have been administered. The average positivity over the past 7 days is 2.41%.
As always, you can find the latest health and safety guidelines on bentley.edu/backtobentley. I know that a lot has been asked of our community as we look to start the semester on the right foot. Thank you for doing your part to protect those who are most vulnerable and keeping case rates manageable.
Until next time,
Geoffrey C. Bartlett, CEM
Director of Emergency Management
COVID-19
