Vaccinations and Boosters
What is the Mask Policy?
Effective Wednesday, March 2, Bay Path University will rescind its mandatory mask mandate for all vaccinated and boosted employees and students in all indoor public places and replace it with a mask optional provision. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are still required to wear a face-covering indoors to minimize the spread of COVID-19 within the Bay Path community.
Bay Path University will continue to follow the CDC guidelines and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health advisory which recommends that all unvaccinated individuals continue to wear masks indoors.
Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear masks:
During in-person meetings or group activities in conference rooms, or other indoor spaces
In the classroom to include instructors and students
When using the University shuttle
When visiting Health Services
When outdoors if social distancing cannot be guaranteed.
Unvaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks in these situations:
When actively eating in Blake Dining Commons, the Carpe Diem Cafe’, kitchenettes, and other public or shared spaces on campus
In residence halls, resident students may be unmasked in their room with their roommate(s) or on their specific floor. At all other times, students should be masked
Working alone in a private office
Working in a shared space more than six feet from a colleague
Working in a cubicle with a barrier between people and when not providing services to anyone
Vaccinated individuals are required to wear masks:
In Health services department
When using the campus shuttle
Will I need to be vaccinated to attend classes in person?
Yes. All undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff who will be on campus after August 1 will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide the appropriate documentation. Please refer to the vaccination policy .
Are Covid-19 Booster Shots Required?
Based on new evidence, Bay Path University has updated its health and safety requirements to include booster shots.
When will I be required to get a booster shot?
Documentation of the booster shot will be required by February 1 for those who are eligible. For those who become eligible after February 1, documentation will be required sixty (60) days after they become eligible. If you received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna and are ages 18 or older, you are eligible at least six months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series. If you received Johnson & Johnson and are ages 18 or older, you are eligible at least two months after receiving your vaccine.
Am I required to get a booster shot even if I have antibodies from a previous Covid-19 infection?
Emerging evidence indicates that survivors of previous COVID-19 infections may be at a higher risk of re-infection with the Omicron variant. Preliminary data also show that protection improves with a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. It remains unclear how long a past infection provides immunity against the virus, so vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19. We want to promote our community’s safety using the most effective tools we have.
If I already have an approved religious or medical exemption to the vaccine requirement, do I need to request it again for the booster?
No. If you already have an approved religious or medical exemption you do not need to submit another request.
How do I submit my vaccination information?
Once you have received your Covid-19 vaccine, please submit and upload your documentation through the my.baypath.edu portal and select vaccination status.
How do I submit my Booster Information?
What if I can’t get the vaccine for health reasons?
Please consult your healthcare provider if you are eligible for a medical exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine. If you would like an exemption from the vaccine due to health reasons, students must submit a medical exemption form to Dean Anne Chapdelaine and employees should submit their form to Javier Padilla . The medical exemption form for students, faculty, and staff is available on the my.baypath.edu portal and must be submitted by February 1, 2022.
What if I don’t want the vaccine for religious reasons?
A request for a religious exemption will be reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis. Students can submit their religious exemption form to Dean Anne Chapdelaine: achapdelaine@baypath.edu . Employees can submit their religious exemption form to Javier Padilla, assistant vice president, and director of human resources: japadilla@baypath.edu . The religious exemption form for students, faculty, and staff is available on the my.baypath.edu portal and should have been submitted before July 26.
What if I don't want to receive the booster?
The University has a strict compliance policy. If there are extraordinary circumstances that prohibit you from receiving the Covid-19 vaccination booster, students should contact Dean Anne Chapdelaine, achapdelaine@baypath.edu , and employees should direct their correspondence to Javier Padilla, japadilla@baypath.edu .
If I am completely remote, either studying or teaching, do I need to be vaccinated?
No. You will not need a vaccination or booster at this time.
I am a commuter student: Do I need to be vaccinated (booster)?
Yes. All students who attend classes or will be on campus for any reason are
I have not been able to be vaccinated: Will Bay Path provide a means for me to be vaccinated?
Free vaccinations are provided by CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Walmart, doctor's offices, and Mass vaccination sites. You can make an appointment at any of these and other testing sites in Massachusetts by going to the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder Form or in Connecticut Vaccine Portal.
What are the approved vaccines at Bay Path?
Currently, Bay Path University approves three vaccines authorized and recommended by the FDA and CDC:
Pfizer-BioNtech
Moderna
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen
I am not vaccinated: What procedures must I follow to be on campus?
Unvaccinated students, as well as faculty and staff, are required to wear face coverings indoors, and also outdoors when social distancing of six (6 ) feet or more cannot be maintained. Unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff are permitted to be on campus ONLY
Unvaccinated commuter and graduate students attending classes on any one of the Bay Path University campuses are required to provide a negative COVID test weekly. This is the same procedure that was observed during the fall semester.
If there is a case of COVID-19, what protocols are in place to protect the community?
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or a variant, you will be required to return home to ensure the health and safety of the Bay Path community and your own. For extenuating circumstances, Bay Path has designated a separate student housing area for isolation/quarantine.
What do I do if I experience COVID-19 symptoms?
If you are a resident student and are not feeling well , you should call Health Services for an appointment at 413.565.1104, during the hours of 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Should you require medical attention outside of these hours, residential life staff will be available to help you take the appropriate next steps, including a visit to local urgent health care or one of the local hospitals. If needed, local Emergency Medical Services will respond.
Faculty, staff, commuter students and other community members should not come to campus and seek consultation from a health care provider. Students who test positive for COVID-19, should contact health services at 413.565.1104. Faculty and staff should inform Human Resources.
Will Bay Path be providing masks?
Bay Path does not provide masks, and all students, faculty, staff, and guests must use their own masks.
Why should I get a booster?
Antibodies from vaccines decline over time.
Higher antibody levels from vaccines seem to make the average person less likely to get sick from the coronavirus.
Booster shots of mRNA coronavirus vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) increase antibodies by about 10 times.
Boosters can provide further protection against the Omicron variant; early data shows that this variant is more transmissible than other variants.
Will there be COVID testing?
Only for resident students and those who are unvaccinated with an approved religious or medical waiver.
Unvaccinated commuter and graduate students attending classes on any one of the Bay Path University campuses are required to provide a negative COVID test weekly.
This is the same procedure that was observed during the fall semester.
Failure to comply with the testing/vaccination policy will result in the individual being referred to the Student Conduct system within the Dean of Students office.
Do resident students need to be tested weekly?
Yes. Resident students are required to be tested weekly.
Beginning the week of January 17, 2022, the testing site will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM for the remainder of the semester.
Do Unvaccinated commuter and/or graduate students have to get tested weekly?
Yes. If they are attending classes on any one of the Bay Path University campuses they are required to provide a negative COVID test weekly. This is the same procedure that was observed during the fall semester.
Beginning the week of January 17, 2022, the testing site will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM for the remainder of the semester.
Do unvaccinated employees have to submit a negative covid test weekly?
All unvaccinated employees who have authorized medical or religious waivers and work on any of the Bay Path University campuses must also submit to a weekly COVID test and email results within 72 hours to japadilla@baypath.edu , AVP & Director of Human Resources.
Where can unvaccinated employees get tested?
There are two options for testing:
Test at an authorized testing site off-campus and email your results to the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources Javier Padilla at japadillia@ baypath.edu . Test results must be within 72 hours of your arrival on campus. For a list of testing sites in Massachusetts, go to mass.gov/GetTested. For a list of testing sites in Connecticut, go to Connecticut COVID-19 Response .
Test at the Longmeadow campus (free of charge) in the Health Services Department which will be open on January 13, 14, 2022, from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM or January 15 from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM. Beginning January 17, 2022, the testing site will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM for the duration of the spring semester.
I can not come to campus and get tested in Health Services.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has authorized people to use the Rapid or Antigen test when a PCR test is not available.
Isolation and Quarantine Protocols NEW
What should I do if I test positive for Covid-19?
If you tested positive do not come to campus.
Antigen and PCR test results are accepted. If you submit an antigen or rapid test, please submit a picture of the test results accompanied by your BPU ID.
You will be contacted by a contact tracing specialist about the next steps.
What are the Isolation requirements?
Those who test positive for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination/booster status:
Must remain in isolation for five days, whether having symptoms or not.
Are eligible to leave isolation after five days if they have decreasing symptoms and no fever;
Individuals with fever must remain in isolation until they are fever-free for 24 hrs.
Must wear a mask indoors and outdoors for five days after release from isolation when unable to maintain appropriate social distancing.
What are the Quarantine requirements?
If you have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, you must comply with the protocols according to your vaccination status as listed below:
You are fully vaccinated and have received a booster OR You are fully vaccinated and not yet eligible to receive a booster:
Will not have to quarantine, unless you have symptoms;
Can return to work or attend in-person class;
Must wear a mask indoors or outdoors for 10 days when unable to maintain social distancing;
Test on Day 5 after exposure to an individual testing positive and if symptomatic, test at any time during the 10-day period.
PCR tests or antigen/rapid tests are acceptable.
Those with university approved religious or medical COVID-19 vaccination exemptions:
Must quarantine for five (5) days and are prohibited from returning to work or attending in-person class;
Must wear a mask indoors and outdoors after release from quarantine for five (5) days when unable to maintain social distancing;
Test on Day 5 after exposure to an individual testing positive and if symptomatic test at any time during the 10-day period.
PCR tests or antigen/rapid test are acceptable.
Can I take a rapid test instead of a PCR test?
People can take a rapid/antigen test instead of a PCR test in situations that include testing to exit quarantine.
If a person tests positive with a rapid antigen test, they don’t need to confirm their diagnosis with a PCR test.
Those with COVID symptoms who test negative with a rapid antigen test should isolate and either test again with a rapid test or get a PCR test in two days.
Can I use the microwaves and refrigerators in the residence halls?
Yes. All common areas, including kitchen facilities, will return to pre-COVID 19 access and use.
What are the dining hall hours?
The Blake Dining Commons will return to the following schedule:
Monday through Friday Breakfast : 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.Lunch : 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Dinner : 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Brunch : 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Dinner : 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Will the Carpe Diem Café be open?
Yes. The hours will be the following:
Monday – Friday , 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Saturday , 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Will the Ryan Center Café be open?
Yes. The hours will be the following:
Monday – Thursday , 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Friday , 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
What are the dining hall protocols?
When eating in Blake Dining Commons, the Carpe Diem Cafe’, kitchenettes, or other public or shared spaces on campus, everyone should remain masked and only remove their face mask to eat, and then re-mask when done.
Do I have to eat in Blake Dining Hall?
No. Food Service on Campus will be offering a take-your-food-to-go or dine-in option .
Are there restrictions for the number of people who can gather?
There are currently no restrictions.
Will events be held on campus?
Can I have a visitor/guest in the residence hall?
Vaccinated guests with a booster will be allowed in the residence halls. Guests are defined as anyone who is not a Bay Path University residential student.
PLEASE NOTE Guests who are not vaccinated and are not “boosted” will not be permitted in the residence halls.
Resident students will be required to submit a ‘request a guest’ form 48 hours in advance of their guest’s arrival. The ‘request a guest’ form will be reviewed by the residential life professional staff. You will receive an email to your BPU email address with the result. All approved guests must check-in and out with either Campus Public Safety or desk attendants upon arrival or departure from campus.
PLEASE NOTE:
Approved guests must be over the age of 14 years old (per campus guest policy)
Approved guests must be able to provide a valid photo ID, proof of vaccination, and telephone number at their time of arrival
Any residential student who brings a guest to campus without following this policy will not be permitted to have their guest enter the residence halls. Failure to comply with the policy will result in the host resident being referred to the Student Conduct system within the Dean of Students office.
Will the Breck Fitness Center be opened?
Beginning January 18, the Breck Fitness Center will be open to those with a valid Bay Path University ID. Alumni can access Breck Fitness Center after providing vaccination status via the portal, and with a valid Bay Path ID (contact Vicki Braim at vbraim@baypath.edu ).
Hours of operation will be:
Monday through Friday : 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Saturday : ClosedSunday: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Can I use the lockers in the Breck Fitness Center?
Yes. Lockers will be available for use.
Will the Breck Fitness Center be opened to the community?
Alumni can access Breck Fitness Center after providing vaccination status via the portal, and with a valid Bay Path ID (contact Vicki Braim at vbraim@baypath.edu ).
Will the Hatch Learning Commons be open this semester?
The Hatch Learning Commons will return to normal operations beginning Monday, August 2, including offering physical and virtual services on Saturdays. All other activities, schedules and densities will return to pre-COVID-19 status.
Questions regarding access to the Hatch Learning Commons can be directed to Peter Testori, dean of academic support services, assistant coordinator, Title IX at: ptestori@baypath.edu
Will the Hatch Learning Commons be opened to the community and alumni?
Members of the local community will be permitted inside Hatch Learning Commons ONLY if they are accompanied by a Bay Path student, faculty or staff person with a valid BPU ID/access control card.
Alumni can access Hatch Learning Commons after providing vaccination status via the portal, and with a valid Bay Path ID (contact Vicki Braim at vbraim@baypath.edu ).
Will the Fleming Gift and Bookstore be open?
Yes, the Fleming Gift and Bookstore will be open:
Monday through Friday : 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays : 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Transportation/Van Shuttle
Will there be van shuttle services on campus?
Beginning January 18, 2022, Bay Path University shuttles will resume normal operations with full seating capacity. Safety protocols, including daily disinfecting of vehicles and required mask wearing for all riders and drivers, will continue at this time.
Will faculty or staff be able to travel to conferences, events, or business on behalf of the University?
Currently, this restriction is still under review.
General Health and Safety
What are the health recommendations in order to maintain a safe and healthy campus?
We recommend maintaining everyday preventive actions to contain and minimize the spread of COVID-19 and similar respiratory viruses, including:
washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — especially after you cough and sneeze and before you eat. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw the tissue in the trash;
clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched, including laptops and mobile devices. Also, we recommend you use antimicrobial wipes, such as Clorox or alcohol wipes, to disinfect your phone, laptop, mouse, keyboard and tablet;
and if you are sick, avoid contact with others (in classes, group meetings, work settings, common areas, etc.). Staff members should not come to work.
How will I gain access to University buildings and residence halls?
All buildings will continue to be secured 24/7. Access will only be available to those who have been issued a Bay Path ID/Access Control Card.
What will facilities do to provide an environmentally safe learning and working space for the community?
In addition to routine custodial cleaning, the University has implemented an enhanced cleaning frequency to clean and disinfect common areas and commonly touched surfaces in occupied buildings. Touchpoints such as entrance handles, handrails, elevator buttons, tables, restroom stall handles/doors are cleaned at least once daily, five days a week, using EPA-registered disinfectants . In addition, Bay Path is using Victory electrostatic sprayers to disinfect classrooms, laboratories, and common areas. Hand sanitizing dispensers are also distributed across campus.
Are visitors allowed on campus?
Visitor Definition
A visitor is any individual who does not have a current and active university identification card or is employed by Aramark or the Bookstore. Visitors must remain away from campus if they feel sick, have tested positive, or believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Visitors on Campus
All visitors who attend campus indoor events, single-day conferences, group meetings or are invited as guest lecturers are required to adhere to the University’s mask policy and all other COVID-19 policies.
A visitor who is fully vaccinated and boosted is not required to wear a mask/mask optional. We respect the personal decisions of all individuals regarding masks, but require face coverings for those individuals who are not vaccinated. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe community.
Will Mills Theatre be open for events?
Mills Theatre will be open for events.
Will outside vendors be allowed on campus?
Short-term Visitors/Vendors
Short-term visitors (less than a day), vendors, contractors, and consultants are permitted on campus. All such individuals must follow campus COVID-19 health and safety requirements.
A vendor who is fully vaccinated and boosted is not required to wear a mask/mask optional. If a vendor is unable to show proof of being fully vaccinated and boosted then they are required to don a face covering in any campus building or unable to socially distance themselves from others while outdoors.
Will there be Close Contact tracing?
Close contact tracing will be offered to students and employees who have been exposed to an individual from the Bay Path campus community who tests positive for COVID-19. Vicki Braim, Close Contact Specialist, can provide details, and who is eligible for this service. If you have any questions, she can be reached at vbraim@baypath.edu or 413.565.1224.
If I come in close contact with an employee or student who has tested positive for Covid-19 can I get tested in Health Services on Monday, Wednesday or Saturday?
Yes. Although, the contact tracing specialist, Vicki Braim , will notify you and make the arrangements for you to be tested.
Vaccination Data
These vaccination rates are for employees and students who are authorized to be on the Longmeadow or East Longmeadow Campuses and exclude students, faculty, and staff who are at Concord campus or studying fully online. This dashboard will be updated once a week.
Students
Fully
Exempt
Grand Total
Undergraduate
91%
9%
100%
Graduate
90%
10%
100%
Employees
Fully Vaccinated
Exempt
Grand Total
Employees
96%
4%
100%
