Skip to main content

COVID-19

The Library quad

COVID-19 Resources

Guidelines for a healthy and safe campus

Last Updated: May 11, 2023

Students convening on campus

Campus Guidelines

  • Face Masks: Optional on campus, but may be requested in certain classrooms, offices and spaces.
  • Vaccination: Bentley University ended the university-wide COVID-19 vaccine and booster mandate on March 30, 2023. New students, faculty and staff will no longer be required to submit proof of vaccination as a condition of matriculation or employment.
  • Testing: Weekly screening testing is not required. COVID-19 rapid test kits are readily available for purchase at many local pharmacies and retailers, including the Falcon Mart. Additionally, the Health Center will be open for appointments to evaluate and test students who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.
  • Self-Checks: All community members and guests should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 on a regular basis.

Isolation and Exposure Guidelines

Isolation

Those who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, are required to isolate for five full days. If on day 6, you display no symptoms of COVID-19 and have been fever-free for 24-hours without the aid of medication, you may exit isolation but must wear a mask in all settings for five full days. A helpful isolation timeline can be found below:

A timeline detailing the 11 days of isolation

It’s important that students and roommates have conversations and make plans for what to do if one tests positive, as there is no reserved space on campus for moving the positive student or their roommate(s). Students who test positive are encouraged to isolate at their permanent residence or family home if within a reasonable distance to campus. Alternatively, students can isolate in place in their current housing assignment. Students should work with their professors to make alternative arrangements for course requirements that may be missed during an isolation period.


Exposure

How do I know if I've been exposed?
If you recently interacted with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, the likelihood that you were infected can vary greatly depending on factors like distance, length of time, ventilation and whether the individual was coughing, singing or breathing heavily. Learn more about understanding exposure risks here.

Exposure Precautions
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, take precautions for 10 full days regardless of your vaccination status. The CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health advise you wear a high-quality mask any time you are around others indoors in your home or in public. Take a rapid test on day 6 even if you do not have symptoms. If you do develop any potential COVID-19 symptoms, take a rapid test or contact the Health Center and stay away from others until you know the result. Continue to follow masking guidelines and other precautions through day 10 even if negative. 

Isolation and Exposure Resources

Testing Resources

COVID-19 rapid tests are widely available at pharmacies and online. A list of sites where rapid tests can be ordered can be found below:

U.S. Government  
Every U.S. household may place an order to receive four free COVID-⁠19 rapid tests delivered directly to your home.

BCBS-MA (Bentley's student health insurance provider)
Tests can be ordered through health insurance providers. To order from BCBS, sign into MyBlue. Click “Express Scripts” under “My Medications.” Click “Order At-Home COVID Tests” on the home page.

Local Pharmacies
Rapid tests are widely available at local pharmacies in the Waltham area. Health insurance providers will reimburse plan holders for up to eight individual tests (usually, that means four total kits) per month. Be sure to save your receipt and contact your health insurance provider for details on reimbursement.

Vaccination

Bentley University ended the university-wide COVID-19 vaccine and booster mandate on March 30, 2023. New students, faculty and staff will no longer be required to submit proof of vaccination as a condition of matriculation or employment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 continues to be strongly recommended, and the Health Center will continue to host COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics on campus throughout the year.  


COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Contacts

For questions, please contact the following offices:

General Questions: Returntocampus@bentley.edu
Campus Services- SM_CampusServices@bentley.edu
COVID Vaccination Questions- COVIDVaccine@bentley.edu
Dining- GA_BentleyDining@bentley.edu
Financial Aid- Finaid@bentley.edu
Health Center- GA_Healthcenter@Bentley.edu
Housing- Housing@bentley.edu
Student Affairs- GA_StudentAffairs@bentley.edu
Student Financial Services- GA_SFS@bentley.edu