Information for Students and Families

Updated Sept. 8, 2023

We all have a part to play in keeping the Lafayette community safe and healthy. We encourage you to assess your individual risk factors in making decisions about masking and vaccines.

Staying up to date with your own vaccinations remains the best way to protect yourself from the most serious outcomes of COVID-19. High levels of vaccination in the community also help to protect us from large numbers of students, faculty, or staff becoming ill simultaneously.

In addition to being vaccinated, the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to avoid being exposed to COVID-19. That’s why you should practice everyday preventive actions:

  • Avoid large groups and self-isolate if you’re feeling ill.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wear a mask when required or as your own personal risk profile dictates.
  • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch frequently.

By taking these simple steps and following the other rules and policies you’ll find here, you’re doing your part.

Test Positive/Close Contacts

For students who test positive for COVID-19:

  • Students who test positive for COVID-19 using a rapid self-test or at an off-campus location should use Bailey Health Center’s COVID-19 self-reporting form. A positive test result can be reported 24 hours a day. After submitting the form, you will receive an automatic response with next steps.
  • Isolate for a minimum of five days.
  • Mask for 10 days.
  • A standard Dean’s Excuse will be given and the Office of Advising & Co-Curricular Programs will be notified.

For students exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (close contact):

  • If asymptomatic, attend classes.
  • Wear a mask for a full 10 days.
  • Watch for symptoms. If feeling ill, isolate immediately except to get tested at Bailey Health Center. Students may also use self-supplied, at-home test kits. A minimum of two, preferably three, negative tests taken at least 24 hours apart is recommended.

Vaccination

The College updated its vaccine policy in April 2023.

Testing

Bailey Health Center will continue to perform free diagnostic testing of students. In addition, free self-test kits are available at the health center for students who are concerned about close contacts or having mild symptoms. The CDC does not recommend, and we are not performing, population-level arrival testing or surveillance testing.

Students who are experiencing symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention and take precautions, including masking if they feel ill.

Masks

The College has a mask-optional policy for most spaces on campus. Individual faculty members may require masking for their class meetings, laboratories, and studio sessions. In keeping with our commitment to respecting our community values, we expect everyone on campus to support the decisions others may make to wear a mask at any time.

If You Think You Might Have COVID-19

It’s important to pay attention to your health and monitor any changes. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you test positive for COVID-19 over a College break, please stay at home for the current CDC recommended isolation period. Students who test positive for COVID-19 should use Bailey Health Center’s COVID-19 self-reporting form.

If your symptoms present when you are on campus, we recommend that you test for COVID-19 and use the health center’s self-reporting form if you test positive. Remember, a negative test does not guarantee that you are not infected with COVID-19. Therefore, use precautions including wearing a mask to ensure that you do not spread infection to others.