UMass Dartmouth, BCC Require Vaccination Proof for Fall Semester

For many folks, the COVID-19 pandemic seems like a distant memory, but if you plan to attend classes or work at the University of Massachusetts or Bristol Community College this fall, proof of COVID vaccination is required.

Returning students and staff have probably already met the vaccination requirement, but those who plan to be on campus for the first time when classes resume in September had better hustle if they have not gotten "the jab." UMass Dartmouth health officials tell me the vaccination policy will be enforced.

The UMass Dartmouth website states "UMass Dartmouth requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty, staff, and all students who wish to live, learn, or physically come to campus."

The university's guidance on face masks is updated but is essentially the same, stating that "wearing face coverings indoors will be optional for individuals who are fully vaccinated." However, "individuals who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear face coverings indoors."

The policy states, "Face coverings must be worn in Student Health Services, the Counseling Center, and on-campus shuttles and other forms of university transportation."

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Bristol Community College and the Commonwealth's other community colleges also have strict COVID policies.

A statement on the BCC website says, "The fifteen Massachusetts community colleges, including Bristol Community College, require all students who have an in-person component, to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19."

The statement continues, "Faculty and staff are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or have a valid COVID-19 accommodation."

Face mask or covering requirements at BCC "is dependent on the daily level of new COVID-19 cases in our area."

UMass Dartmouth and Bristol Community College have extensive information about their COVID-19 policies and procedures on their websites that should be reviewed by all incoming students and staff now since the new semester begins on September 1, 2022.