COVID-19 Updates and Information
This page will be updated with the latest news regarding Bennington College’s response to COVID-19.
Vaccinations and Protocol
All Bennington faculty, staff and students should follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID vaccinations and remain up to date on their boosters. However, as of August 15, 2023 the College no longer requires verification of vaccination. Bennington College reserves the right to change COVID policies at any time based on local, state, and federal recommendations.
In the interest of the health and safety of our campus community, please continue to be mindful of COVID symptoms. The College recommends that community members follow the CDC guidelines for what to do if you were exposed to COVID as well as the CDC Guidelines for what to do if you are caring for someone who may be sick.
As always, if you are sick, please refrain from coming to work if you are an employee. If you are a student and you test positive for COVID-19, we ask that you isolate yourself and contact Health Services.
Reporting
The College will no longer require employees to report COVID exposures to Human Resources. The State of Vermont no longer requires the College to track and report COVID cases, which means that the College will no longer be collecting this information for the dashboard.
Mask friendly campus policy
The College continues to be a “mask friendly” campus, and this policy will continue for the spring. Masks are welcome and encouraged for anyone who wishes to continue to wear one, but are no longer required (unless you are a confirmed close contact or have left isolation for COVID within the last 5 days).
Campus events & visitors
Campus events can now be held fully in person, and visitors are asked to be up to date on their vaccinations. We also ask that visitors who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms refrain from coming on campus.
A hybrid option for events is only necessary if an event is a class requirement and includes remote students.
General Prevention Measures
We encourage all community members to take measures to protect themselves to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses as outlined below, and in the CDC guidelines:
Both the influenza virus and the novel coronavirus have similar recommendations for prevention and protection:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home and away from public places when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough down into your elbow, and never into your hand.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?
Students
Students who test positive for COVID-19 will be asked to isolate in place. Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both of the following are true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
Faculty/Staff
Faculty and staff who test positive or become sick with COVID-19 related symptoms while at work should self-isolate at home.
What should I do if I feel sick and have COVID symptoms during the term?
Students
- Wear a high quality mask in the presence of others.
- Practice diligent hand hygiene.
- Students should take food out of the dining hall to eat.
- Students should notify faculty of their situation for advice on whether to come to class in person. Some class settings may be appropriate to attend (e.g. a lecture in a well-ventilated space where you can sit apart from others), while others may not (e.g. singing, acting, partner dance, etc.).
- If you are employed as a student worker, stay home and contact your manager.
Faculty/Staff
- Wear a high- quality mask in the presence of others.
- Practice diligent hand hygiene.
- Stay home from work if you are an employee. Contact your manager. If feeling well enough, certain employees may be able to work remotely if approved by the employee's supervisor.
For more information on what to do if you are sick with COVID-19 or another respiratory virus, see the CDC’s updated guidance for respiratory viruses.
Are tests available on campus?
Students
Students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can purchase rapid antigen tests through the bookstore or at local pharmacies.
Faculty/Staff
The College has a limited supply of COVID-19 tests for employee use. Please contact Human Resources if you need one.
What do I need to know about COVID-19 testing and where can I get tested?
As needed, COVID-19 testing remains available in Vermont. Please refer to the resources offered by the state.
Where can I get vaccinations and boosters?
The Student Health Center sponsors vaccination clinics throughout the year. Please check the Student Health Services webpage and the Bennington Bulletin for dates and on-campus locations. All other vaccinations and boosters (COVID-19, etc.) can be obtained at local pharmacies.
Travel procedures and guidance
College-Related and Personal Travel
Faculty and staff who travel (both domestically or internationally) for College-sponsored business should observe all CDC health and safety guidance.