Waltham's Bentley University To Require Masks In Public Areas

WALTHAM, MA — Bentley University announced Wednesday that masks will be required in specific locations on campus, including in all classrooms, academic and administrative buildings, dining areas, and on school transportation.

The mask requirement will apply to all students, staff, and faculty regardless of vaccination status, said Director of Emergency Management Geoffrey Bartlett in a letter to the school community. The policy will be reevaluated by the end of September.

"Our goal is to ensure our campus operates as close to normal as possible this semester, with fully in-person classes and offices, fun events, a collaborative professional environment and a vibrant student life," said Bartlett. "In order to make this possible, there will be some necessary safety protocols the President’s Cabinet will implement at different points to keep our campus operating."

In May, Bentley announced a vaccination requirement for all students, faculty, and staff. As of Wednesday, 87% of undergraduate students, 82% of graduate students, and 90% of faculty and staff are fully vaccinated.

"Our Core Values have helped our community respond to the ongoing and evolving nature of this pandemic at each turn," said Bartlett. "Our values of Caring and Respect call on all to look out for one another and protect the health and well-being of the community—something we have done countless times over the past year and a half."

Bentley released following list face mask guidelines, which will become effective on Monday, August 30:

• Face coverings will be required in all classrooms and in academic and administrative buildings on the upper campus, except when in a private office.
• Face coverings will be required in all dining areas on campus, except when individuals are actively eating or drinking.
• Face coverings will be required on the Bentley Shuttle.
• All buildings requiring face coverings will have notices at the entrance. Building rules apply to all community members, as well as visitors and guests, vaccinated and unvaccinated.
• Face coverings will not be required in residence halls, except in some areas specifically designated by signage. We still encourage individuals to wear face coverings in these buildings, especially if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Face coverings will not be required in all areas of the Student Center, Dana Center and Bentley Arena. However, some areas in these buildings will require face coverings and will be specifically designated by signage. These areas include the fitness center, dining facilities (when not actively eating) and administrative offices, and signs will be posted as reminders. Again, individuals are encouraged to wear face coverings in these buildings, especially if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Face coverings will not be required outdoors, but encouraged if in crowded groups where physical distancing cannot be maintained. To provide more outdoor space for members of the community to gather without face coverings, if they prefer, two protective tents have been constructed on campus with tables and chairs for group meetings and gatherings.

Updates to Bentley's health and safety guidelines are available here.