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Return(ed) to Campus Newsletter

April 30, 2021

Dear Members of the Bentley Community,

Today marks the last day of the spring 2021 academic term. A lot has been asked of our community these past few months, but we have made it successfully through these challenges. Of particular note this week is our campus COVID-19 dashboard totals, which reported zero positive cases among students. This low positivity rate is welcome news for our final week of the spring term and is a testament to the dedication in our community to following health and safety protocols.

Thank you all for doing your part to keep campus health and safe, and for supporting one another along the way. With the vaccine rollout moving along on our own campus and across the country, brighter days are ahead. 

Vaccination Intent Survey Results
Last week, we surveyed our community to gauge intent related to the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly to note who has already been vaccinated and who intends to be vaccinated when able. We heard from nearly 40% of our community—an outstanding response rate. The results showed that the vast majority of our population intends to receive the vaccine, and many have already done so. Specific survey totals are as follows:

  • 89% of students and 96% of faculty and staff intend to be vaccinated by the end of August
  • ½ of students and more than ¾ of faculty and staff already received at least one dose (a figure measured before this week’s vaccination clinic).

This week, we also hosted a successful vaccination clinic on campus administering 693 total doses. Vaccinations are an important opportunity in the fight against COVID-19. We will continue to share important updates here. As a reminder, if you are fully vaccinated and on campus, you still must follow all health and safety protocols including always wearing face coverings and undergoing regular testing in the screening test program.

Face Covering Guidance
This week, the CDC recommended that fully vaccinated persons can gather outdoors without wearing a mask except in crowds and at venues. Governor Baker also relaxed the Massachusetts face covering order effective today; however, the revised state order still requires face coverings at events, whether held indoors or outdoors. This applies to anyone attending this Saturday’s commencement exercises at Fenway Park. Face coverings are to be worn at all times during the event.  

Additionally, Bentley University policy still requires face coverings at all times while on campus except when seated and eating or drinking, or when in a private office.

COVID-19 Dashboard

Since January 1, 362 positive cases have been reported on the dashboard. With 65,320 total tests administered, that leaves us at a 0.57% positivity rate.

Geoffrey C. Bartlett, CEM
Director of Emergency Management