COVID-19 Guidance
As we continue to monitor COVID-19 vaccination progress, locally and across the nation, we have updated our campus plans for the spring term. Please note that our policy continues to be based
on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and can change based on new information at any time.
COVID-19 Vaccine Policy
Bellarmine University requires all students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated. Additionally, in an effort to continue to provide our quality in-class learning and co-curricular experience, Bellarmine is now requiring the booster vaccine for anyone who is eligible to receive it,
unless previously approved for an exemption. Most individuals who are at least five-months post vaccination are eligible. To determine whether you are eligible for a booster vaccine, please review this article: CDC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots.
This requirement applies to all undergraduates and graduates, both full- and part-time students. Students, faculty and staff may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement, including the booster only, for medical or religious reasons.
Being vaccinated helps protect you, your family and your community.
All students, faculty and staff are required to provide their vaccination status. Learn more about submitting your vaccination status, testing protocols and the required vaccination timeline below in the 'Vaccine Information' section.
Exemptions
Those who did not receive an exemption previously but wish to do so for the booster may do so here.
Faculty, staff and students with an existing exemption from the vaccine requirement must continue to participate in weekly on-campus surveillance testing while on campus for the Spring 2022 semester. Those who are vaccinated
but are granted a booster exemption will be required to follow these same health and safety protocols.
All students, faculty and staff are required to provide their vaccination status. Learn more about submitting your vaccination status, testing protocols and the required vaccination timeline below in the 'Vaccine Information' section.
Masks
As of March 7, 2022, face coverings are optional, rather than required, on campus. We will continue to monitor the county rates weekly and will re-instate mask mandates if it is recommended by CDC guidance. Though the COVID-19 virus is still with us, we recognize that vaccines, medication, and preventive measures are working to curb the spread and severity of illness.
Quarantine Protocol
Tested Positive for COVID-19 AND Symptomatic/Everyone Regardless of Vaccination or Booster Status
- Isolate for 10 days from the day symptoms began.
- If symptoms fully resolve, isolation may be shortened and end after day 5 on the first day without symptoms.
- Wear a well-fitting face mask for 10 full days from the start of symptoms. Isolation should not be shortened if a mask cannot be worn properly and consistently, or if symptoms persist.
- Employees: please contact your Human Resources Business Partner and your supervisor
- Students:
- Email BU health services at healthservices@bellarmine.edu and they will walk you through what to do and will continue to check in with you during this time.
- Email each of your faculty members to let them know you will not be in class so that arrangements can be made to get access to course material and make-up work.
- Student athletes should contact their athletic trainers.
Tested Positive for COVID-19 without ever developing symptoms (asymptomatic)/Everyone Regardless of Vaccination or Booster Status
- Isolate for 5 days from the date the test sample was collected.
- Starting on Day Six, wear a well-fitting mask around others for 5 days.
- Isolation should be extended to 10 days if a mask cannot be worn properly and consistently, or if symptoms develop.
- Employees: please contact your Human Resources Business Partner and your supervisor
- Students:
- Email BU health services at healthservices@bellarmine.edu and they will walk you through what to do and will continue to check in with you during this time.
- Email each of your faculty members to let them know you will not be in class so that arrangements can be made to get access to course material and make-up work.
- Student athletes should contact their athletic trainers.
Exposed to COVID-19/Unvaccinated or Not Boosted
- Not boosted means more than five months out from the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer or more than two months out from the J&J vaccine.
- Quarantine for 5 days. (Day Zero is the day of exposure.)
- Take a COVID test on Day Five.
- If the Day Five test is negative, follow strict use of wearing a well-fitting mask for an additional 5 days, starting on Day Six.
- If the Day Five test is positive or symptoms develop at any point, quarantine immediately and contact your healthcare provider or the Office of Health Services for guidance and testing options
- Employees: please contact your Human Resources Business Partner and your supervisor
- Students:
- Email BU health services at healthservices@bellarmine.edu and they will walk you through what to do and will continue to check in with you during this time.
- Email each of your faculty members to let them know you will not be in class so that arrangements can be made to get access to course material and make-up work.
- Student athletes should contact their athletic trainers.
Exposed to COVID-19/Vaccinated and Boosted
- No need to quarantine after an exposure.
- Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days. (Day Zero is the day of exposure.)
- Test on Day Five of exposure. If the test is negative, continue to wear a mask for the additional 5 days.
- If at any point symptoms develop, quarantine immediately and contact your healthcare provider or the Office of Health Services for guidance and testing options