Vaccinations and Boosters
What is the Mask Policy?
Mask mandates will remain in effect when visiting Health Services or riding on the university shuttle. At this time face masks are optional for other locations on campus, including classrooms. Students and employees who are not vaccinated with an approved medical or religious waiver ARE High-quality masks worn correctly and regularly will significantly reduce the risk of viral transmission even if others around you are not masked.
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
All individuals are required to wear masks:
In the 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 will be required to be Fully Vaccinated and Boosted (Up-To-Date) 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.
All employees who work at one of the Bay Path University campuses and all students who attend classes or use the facilities on any campus are required to receive a booster shot by July 31, 2022, or sixty (60) days after they become eligible. If you received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna and are aged 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 aged 18 or older, you are eligible at least two months after receiving your vaccine.
When will I be required to get a booster shot?
Documentation of the booster shot will be required by July 31, 2022 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?
YES. 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 Jessica LaFleche, MSN, FNP-C; healthservices@baypath.edu and employees should submit their form to Ashley Pereira at aspereira@baypath.edu . The medical exemption form for students, faculty, and staff is available on the my.baypath.edu portal and must be submitted by July 31, 2022, or at the time of employment.
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 of Students Dinah Moore, dmoore@baypath.edu . Employees can submit their religious exemption form to Ashley Periera at asperiera@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, 2021.
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 of Students Dinah Moore, dmoore@baypath.edu , and employees should direct their correspondence to Ashley Pereira, aspereira@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 2021/2022 fall and spring semesters.
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 413.565.1544, during the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5 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 413.565.1544. 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.
Where can students and employees get tested?
Beginning September 6, 2022
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are encouraged to take a rapid antigen test as soon as possible. Results are available within 15 minutes. Test kits will be available at four locations on campus:
Health Services - Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Student Life Administrative & Transportation Assistant - Breck Student Life Office - Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hatch Library - Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
The Ryan Health Science Center - 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
Close Contact - PCR Test
Any individuals with a known COVID-19 exposure (been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19) are encouraged to submit a PCR test via our new Broad/Color Health testing option at least five (5) days after your exposure (sooner if symptoms develop). Beginning September 6, test kits will be available at these four locations:
Health Services - Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Student Life Administrative & Transportation Assistant - Breck Student Life Office - Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hatch Library - Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
The Ryan Health Science Center - 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
I Cannot Come to Campus To Pick up a Test Kit.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has authorized people to use the Rapid or Antigen test when a PCR test is not available.
Will there be COVID testing?
Yes. Students and employees are no longer required to participate in a regular surveillance testing regimen. However, self-administered PCR and Rapid/Antigen testing will be offered as an option under certain circumstances.
Do Unvaccinated commuter and/or graduate students have to get tested weekly?
Do unvaccinated employees have to submit a negative COVID test weekly?
How Do I Access Color Health and Submit My PCR Test?
Step 1. Pick up a self-administer test kit (locations listed in the question above), AND log into your Color Health account . Follow the instructions in the handout provided with the kit to report your results. Please remember to seal the sample in the envelope provided.
Step 2. Deposit your test kit in the kiosk located in the Blake Student Center lobby or at the Lot “A” entrance from Sunday - Friday during the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on the day that the sample has been taken. The courier will pick up your sample on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You will receive a notice of your results via an email from COLOR Health on the following day.
NOTE: Since samples are only viable for 56 hours, DO NOT deposit your sample in the kiosk on Saturdays. Your sample will degrade and the results you receive will be inconclusive.
VIDEOS
How to Create a Color Account
https://www.color.com/cust/enterprise-resources
How to use Color’s self-swab kit
https://www.color.com/cust/self-swab-instructions/
Isolation and Quarantine Protocols
What should I do if I test positive for Covid-19 from Color Health?
If you tested positive, do not come to campus.
For individuals who test positive for COVID-19 via Color Health, Bay Path University will:
Send you an email containing your isolation requirements and resources to your Bay Path email within 24 hours of reporting your positive case. The email will include contact information if you have questions or concerns.
Ask you to identify and notify your close contacts from your infectious time period (48 hours prior to your test kit activation date) and provide them with health services exposure guidance as soon as possible. See the “Notifying close contacts” section below.
Educate, support, and identify your needs and barriers to self-isolation
Serve as a resource if you have questions throughout your isolation
Ensure your confidentiality
What should I do if I test positive for Covid-19 outside of Bay Path’s Color Health?
STUDENTS- If you test positive outside of Bay Path’s Color Health testing program or from a self-administered antigen test, report your positive result to Health Services.
EMPLOYEES - If you test positive outside of Bay Path’s Color Health testing program or from a self-administered antigen test, report your positive result to Health Services.
What are the Isolation requirements?
Those who test positive for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination/booster status:
Students
Isolation lasts a minimum of 5 days but might be longer depending on the specifics of your case. If you’re in isolation, you need to limit contact with others and stay home (or go to an isolation floor, if applicable).
If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving and you have been fever-free for more than 24 hours, you may leave isolation on day 6. For the continued safety of the community, you must wear a mask at all times until day 11. During this period of strict masking, ensure a tight fitting mask when leaving your home or interacting with others; this means no dining with others and no other mask-free activities. Masks are critical in reducing the spread of COVID-19. We encourage the use of high-quality disposable masks, worn in a way that minimizes air gaps around the edges. A surgical-style mask or a cup-style protective mask such as a KN-95, layered under a form-fitting fabric mask, can ensure good filtration as well as an effective seal.
If on day 5 or later you are still experiencing significant respiratory symptoms, you continue to have a fever, or any other symptoms have not improved, then you must continue to isolate and inform Health Services.
If you live on campus, during your isolation period, you will be moved to a temporary space for the duration of your isolation (with the exception of evacuating the building for a life-threatening emergency). Student Life Staff will share procedures for cleaning your room upon ending isolation.
Employees
Isolation lasts a minimum of 5 days but might be longer depending on the specifics of your case. If you’re in isolation, you need to limit contact with others and stay home.
If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving and you have been fever-free for more than 24 hours, you may leave isolation on day 6 and can return to work. For the continued safety of the community, you must wear a mask at all times until day 11. During this period of strict masking, ensure a tight fitting mask when leaving your home or interacting with others; this means no dining with others and no other mask-free activities. Masks are critical in reducing the spread of COVID-19. We encourage the use of high-quality disposable masks, worn in a way that minimizes air gaps around the edges. A surgical-style mask or a cup-style protective mask such as a KN-95, layered under a form-fitting fabric mask, can ensure good filtration as well as an effective seal.
If on day 5 or later you are still experiencing significant respiratory symptoms, you continue to have a fever, or any other symptoms have not improved, then you must continue to isolate
What are the Quarantine requirements?
Please do the following for the 10 days following your date of last exposure:
Attend class or return to the office if asymptomatic.
Wear a mask around others for the 10 days following exposure. Masks are critical in reducing the spread of COVID-19. We encourage the use of high-quality disposable masks, worn in a way that minimizes air gaps around the edges.
Test on day 5 following the exposure using an antigen or PCR test.
Self-monitor for COVID symptoms. If you develop symptoms: isolate from others, get tested, and stay home while waiting for the test results.
If negative, you may move about campus without restrictions (mask around others)
If positive, continue to isolate away from others and await next steps from Health Services or HR. If you test positive outside Bay Path’s testing program, report your positive test to Health Services or HR.
Can I take a rapid test instead of a PCR test?
Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to take a rapid antigen test as soon as possible. Results are available within 15 minutes. Test kits will be available at four locations on campus:
Health Services / First floor Theinert Hall: Monday-Friday,
Student Life Administrative & Transportation Assistant in Breck’s Student Life Office, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hatch Library Monday-Friday, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m -9:00 p.m.
The Ryan Health Science Center, 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
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 continue to wear a mask and either test again with a rapid test or take a PCR test.
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 1:30 p.m.Friday , 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
What are the dining hall protocols? Do I have to eat in Blake Dining Hall
Food Service on Campus will be offering dine in service only. Although, students do have the option to buy a re-useable, plastic-to-go container.
Are there restrictions for the number of people who can gather?
There are currently no restrictions.
Will events be held on campus?
Student clubs and organization meetings, in-person student programming, and informal gatherings will be authorized based on the size of the group and location. Each function will be accessed individually. Please contact John Stankiewicz, Jstankiewicz@baypath.edu for further information.
Can I have a visitor/guest in the residence hall?
Vaccinated guests with a booster “Up-To-Date” will be allowed in the residence halls.
PLEASE NOTE Guests who are not vaccinated and are not booster which is considered "Up-To-Date," 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?
The fitness room will reopen to those with a valid Bay Path University ID beginning August 15, 2022. Alumni can access Breck Fitness Center after providing vaccination status included a booster “Up-To-Date” 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 4:30 p.m.Saturday: ClosedSunday: Closed
Beginning Tuesday September 6, 2022
Monday through Friday : 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Saturday : ClosedSunday: 6:00 p.m. -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 and booster “Up-To-Date” 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, 2022 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 and Title IX Coordinator 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 and boosted "Up-To-Date" 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 in September 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.
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. If a visitor is not vaccinated and boosted “Up-To-Date” then they are required to don a face covering in any campus building or unable to socially distance themselves from others while outdoors.
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 “Up-To-Date” is not required to wear a mask/mask optional. If a vendor is not vaccinated and boosted “Up-To-Date” 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?
Beginning August 22, if you test positive, you are now responsible for informing your close contacts. We ask that you reach out to these close contacts as soon as possible to let them know of their exposure and the date, so they can take the next steps including: testing, monitoring for symptoms, and quarantining, if applicable. If any close contacts have questions about how you made your determination, we ask that you have a discussion with this individual directly.
Contact Tracing
Please think back over the last 48 hours from the day you took the test. This is considered your infectious period. Close contacts are those who you have spent 15 minutes or more within the two days prior to your positive test or developing symptoms. These commonly include roommates, close friends, and intimate partners.
Please alert all close contacts that you have tested positive.
Your close contacts should be advised to wear a high-quality mask around others for 10 days.
It is recommended that close contacts test 5 days after you last saw them or if symptoms develop.
Please feel free to forward the below email template when notifying your close contacts.
Hello - I am reaching out to let you know that I tested positive for COVID-19 and I am currently in isolation. As part of my isolation instructions, I have been asked to notify each person who I believe to be a close contact. A close contact is someone who in the 48 hours prior to my test positive date, who were less than 6 feet from me indoors for more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. Your Day 0 is the last day we were together and you were less than 6 feet from me indoors for more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. As a precaution and to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19, I am providing you with the information on where you can find free testing kits.
If I come in close contact with an employee or student who has tested positive for Covid-19 can I get tested on campus?
Yes.
Any individuals with a known COVID-19 exposure (been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19) are encouraged to submit a PCR test via our new Broad/Color Health testing option at least five (5) days after your exposure (sooner if symptoms develop). Beginning September 6, test kits will be available at these four locations:
Health Services / First floor Theinert Hall: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.
Student Life Administrative & Transportation Assistant in Breck’s Student Life Office, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hatch Library Monday-Friday, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Ryan Health Science Center, 9:00 a.m -4:00 p.m.
*Sample Drop Off
A Kiosk is located in the lobby of Blake Student Commons.
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%
