Dear Students,

I hope you have had an enjoyable summer. I write to share Bucknell’s COVID-19 policies for fall semester — please review this information carefully before you come to campus. Pandemic conditions can fluctuate quickly, so these policies are subject to change at any time. We need everyone’s flexibility and cooperation to keep our community as safe and healthy as possible, so please be alert for updates throughout the semester. 

Masking
Bucknell's face covering requirements continue to follow CDC guidelines, based on current rates of transmission of COVID-19 in Union County. 

• When transmission rates are low or medium, masks are not required in indoor campus spaces, at campus events or on the Downtown Shuttle. 
• When transmission rates are high, face coverings are required of everyone in all public and academic indoor campus spaces as well as on the Downtown Shuttle.
• Masks are required at all times in Bucknell Student Health and the Counseling & Student Development Center, regardless of transmission rates. 
• Masks remain optional in residence halls.
• Individual faculty and staff retain the option to require students to wear masks in classrooms, labs and office areas, so be sure to bring a supply of masks with you to campus, and plan to have a mask available at all times. 

At this time, the transmission rate is medium, so masks are not required in indoor public spaces. We will promptly notify the campus community of any changes in mask protocol via email as well as the Message Center. Individuals may also check current campus mask requirements by scanning the QRC found on exterior door signage.

Testing
The University does not require submission of negative pre-arrival test results prior to move-in this fall. However, to help protect the health and safety of our community, we encourage all students to take a home antigen test as close to their departure as possible. Please see the section below on Move-in Procedures for further information.

Sequential testing will not be required during the semester, and COVID-19 testing will be offered only to students who are symptomatic. If you are experiencing symptoms, please call Student Health at 570-577-1401 to arrange a test — do not go directly to the health center. 

We strongly recommend that you bring a supply of home COVID-19 test kits with you to campus. Free home antigen test kits can be ordered from the federal government website. Additionally, individuals can receive up to eight free test kits per month without a prescription by presenting their insurance card at participating pharmacies, including those at CVS and Walmart in Lewisburg. If you take a home antigen test and get a positive result while on campus, immediately contact Student Health at 570-577-1401. 

Isolation
In accordance with the American College Health Association’s recommendations for the fall 2022 semester, and in keeping with the approach used by many of our peer schools, symptomatic students who test positive for COVID-19 at Student Health or those who self-report a positive test result will isolate in their residence, whether on or off campus. They also have the option to isolate at their permanent residence. The University will offer limited isolation housing for students in extraordinary circumstances. We are unable to provide dining, transportation or package delivery to isolating students. 

Students isolating in place may leave their residence hall room to use shared bathroom facilities or to pick up to-go meals from campus dining facilities. They should wear an N95 or KN95 mask while doing so, and return directly to their room. KN95 masks will be available at the University Switchboard, which is located on the second floor of the Elaine Langone Center. Eating in public dining spaces is not permitted for students who are isolating. 

Isolating students must not attend classes. Student Health will continue its standard practice of notifying the appropriate academic dean’s office if a student will be out of class for more than three days. Students who are isolating should communicate with their faculty members to ensure continuation of academic progress. 

Per CDC guidelines, students who test positive will remain isolated for five days, with release on Day 6. They must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and have significant reduction in symptoms. Students should use a home antigen test to confirm a negative result before leaving isolation. They must continue to wear an N95 or KN95 mask for an additional five days after release from isolation.

Close Contacts and Quarantine
The University has discontinued contact tracing. Should you test positive, please alert your close contacts — individuals with whom you have been in close proximity for 15 minutes or more within the last two days. 

Close contacts who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine but should wear a mask for 10 days and do a self-test on Day 5. If symptoms develop, contact Student Health at 570-577-1401 for an evaluation. 

Close contacts who have received a University exemption from vaccination should quarantine following the isolation instructions provided above for students who test positive. 

Move-in Procedures
There are no restrictions on the number of family or friends students may bring to move-in for the fall semester, but we ask for sensible moderation. Although masking inside residence halls is optional, we encourage the use of masks during move-in due to crowded conditions. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have tested positive within the last five days must delay their arrival to campus.

While the University does not require submission of negative pre-arrival test results, we strongly recommend all students to take a home antigen test just prior to departure for campus. If you test positive within five days before your planned arrival date to Bucknell, do not come to campus. Please take the following steps:

• Contact Student Health at 570-577-1401 — they will give you instructions and contact your academic dean.
• Contact your professors to let them know you will be unable to attend classes.
• Contact Housing Services at housing@bucknell.edu to arrange a new move-in date. 

Vaccine Exemptions
Students in the Class of 2026 may apply for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine until Friday, Aug. 5. No requests for exemption will be accepted after that date. All students who receive approval for an exemption are required to meet with Student Health prior to the start of the academic year to discuss the goals of the vaccine and review the risks of not receiving it. 

Thank you again for working together to help ensure the best possible year ahead. I wish you safe travels to Lewisburg and look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal 

Dear Bucknellians,

Throughout the past year, the University has followed CDC guidelines while gradually evolving its COVID-19 protocols. I write today with updates on our testing requirements and programs for the summer and beyond. With most students having departed from campus, the number of staff and faculty seeking tests dwindling, and home tests now readily available, it is time to change our policies accordingly. Nonetheless, given the realities of COVID-19, we understand that all of our protocols are subject to review and modification, even as we move from a pandemic to an endemic status.

Beginning Monday, May 23, 2022, and until further notice, Bucknell will no longer provide COVID-19 testing except to symptomatic students, and it will no longer require testing for unvaccinated students or employees. The University will discontinue the COVID-19 dashboard and contact tracing on May 23 as well. Employees who are symptomatic or contact-traced by public health authorities should contact their health care provider or self-test at home. Students who are symptomatic should call Student Health to receive further instructions and to arrange a COVID-19 test. 

Updated COVID-19 information will be posted on the Bucknell COVID-19 information web page on May 23, when these changes take effect. Any additional changes to these protocols will be posted there as well as shared via the Message Center. Individuals may continue to require others to use masks in their personal spaces, classrooms and similar locations.

In the coming weeks, Provost Mermann-Jozwiak will communicate to faculty and staff updated information about COVID-19-related academic protocols for the summer session and fall 2022 semester. These, too, will be subject to ongoing review and modification.

I look forward to celebrating with our graduates and their families at Commencement — and I deeply appreciate the faculty and staff who have taught and supported them. Congratulations to each of you on the successful completion of the 2021-22 academic year, and best wishes for a restful summer. 

My best,

John
John C. Bravman, President

Dear Bucknellians,

Throughout the pandemic, Bucknell has been guided by the recommendations of the CDC, which recently relaxed indoor masking guidelines for people living in areas of low or medium risk for COVID-19. While Union County is currently considered high risk, it is our hope that this will change soon as cases of COVID-19 continue to decrease. 

Accordingly, and contingent upon CDC guidance, we plan to update our campus masking requirements beginning Saturday, March 26, if Union County is rated as low or medium risk by the CDC. Here are the changes that will take place on that date, if circumstances permit:

• Masks will no longer be required in indoor public spaces on campus. 
• Bucknell employees may require those entering their individual classroom, laboratory, work or office spaces to wear masks. For this reason, please continue to have a mask handy at all times. 
• If people do not mask when required to do so in a Bucknell employee’s designated area, the employee has the authority to ask them to leave. 
• All instructors should email students to inform them of their classroom and lab mask requirements after March 26. To help employees communicate expectations in individual work spaces, signage is available through PP&M (login required). 
• The KLARC will continue to designate time for self-identified vulnerable populations to use the facility. All users of the KLARC must wear masks during this period. 
• Masks will not be required at events or on the Downtown Shuttle. 
• Anyone who has symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19 must wear a mask. 

The above changes are dependent on the CDC's risk assessment of pandemic conditions in Union County. As virus transmission rates will likely fluctuate for some time, I ask that you consult our COVID-19 website for the latest updates and masking requirements. Additionally, we plan to install new door signage with a QR code you can scan to instantly check on current COVID-19 guidelines. 

While we are all eager for a break from masks, I want to underscore the fact that the current requirements will remain in place, regardless of CDC guidance, until March 26. In particular, masks must continue to be worn in all classrooms, labs and academic spaces during the week after spring break. 

Please note that the weekly sequential testing requirement for unvaccinated students and employees remains in place.

Timing
I understand that pandemic norms are changing rapidly across society, and many universities are making more immediate revisions to their masking requirements. After consulting with medical experts and members of the Emergency Response Team — comprising faculty, staff and administrators — I believe we must proceed prudently, and give ourselves a cushion to contain any potential spread of the virus that might occur with the return of spring break travelers. 

Bucknell’s approach to COVID-19 management has served us well, beginning nearly two years ago, when we were among the first schools to go fully remote in the earliest days of the pandemic. We’ve come this far, with great success; and just a few more weeks of extra caution will go a long way to help protect the health and safety of our community. As of this writing, we also see more than a small number of students in quarantine, and have been told about others who are self-isolating. This, too, has influenced our thinking.

Masking Remains an Option
Some may be concerned with the decision to lift some mask requirements on campus, local conditions permitting. It is worth noting that the pandemic landscape has changed a great deal in the past two years, and that Bucknellians are now a highly vaccinated population, with scientifically proven protection against serious COVID-19 complications. Further, it has been widely acknowledged that COVID-19 will become endemic, meaning that it will never go away, and that we must learn to coexist with the virus. 

I want to stress that no matter which guidelines are in place, everyone retains the personal choice to mask, in any situation on campus — or, in my opinion, anywhere. Many members of our community will want or need to continue to wear masks. We expect that they will be treated with the utmost respect. If you are more comfortable continuing to wear a mask in public spaces at Bucknell, by all means continue to do so. 

Thank you, as always, for your support and cooperation. We will continue to monitor virus transmission closely over the weeks ahead and make adjustments to our plans as needed. I wish you all a rejuvenating and healthy spring break.

My best,

John

Dear Students,

As classes are starting tomorrow, please pay careful attention to the information below.

If You Have Not Received Your Pre-arrival Test Results
Due to delays with some test processing as well as inclement weather, your test results may not yet be available. Please continue to check your Aura account. 

You must receive a negative result in order to attend classes in person. If you have not yet received your results, do not go to class. Contact your professors to let them know you will not be in attendance — they will be flexible as we begin the semester. 

Students who have reported a negative PCR test result to Student Health are permitted to attend class in person.

If Your Pre-arrival Test Is Positive
If you have tested positive, refer to this webpage for instructions on what to do. Please note that you may attend class in person only if you have been cleared by your healthcare provider or Bucknell Student Health.

KN95 Masks
I also remind you that the University recommends wearing KN95 masks, per CDC guidelines, and that many faculty now require KN95 masks in their classrooms and labs. Please check your syllabi to confirm class policies. We will have masks available in a variety of locations across campus, including the Elaine Langone Center Switchboard, the residence halls, the Housing Office, the Dean of Students Office, the library and the KLARC.

Thank you again, and welcome back to campus.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Dear Students,

I hope you’re enjoying the final days of winter break. As the omicron variant continues to surge, I write with several important updates to our COVID-19 operations for the spring semester. Please review this information carefully to ensure you are prepared for the start of classes on Tuesday. 

KN95 Masks
To increase protection against airborne transmission of COVID-19, the University now strongly recommends the use of KN95s (or N95s) for all students and employees, effective immediately. KN95s are more effective than other types of masks, and this step is being taken by many universities as an extra precaution against the spread of omicron.

I encourage you to bring your own supply of KN95 masks for the semester — please be prepared. Those of you living in University housing may obtain an initial supply of KN95s in your residence halls or through the Housing office. All students, including those residing off campus, may also pick up KN95 masks from stations in the Office of the Dean of Students, the ELC, the library and the KLARC. 

Although the University is not mandating the use of KN95s at this time, faculty will have the individual authority to require them to be worn in classrooms and labs. Students who do not comply may be barred from attending class. Please consult your class syllabi to be sure you understand your individual professors’ mask requirements and prepare accordingly. 

Mask Compliance
Masking is not optional — it is required in all academic and public indoor spaces on campus. Full stop. I cannot overstate the importance of correct and consistent mask usage. Even if you are vaccinated and boosted, or if you have already had COVID-19, you can still catch the virus or transmit it to others. To respect and protect the health of all community members, including our Lewisburg neighbors, wear your mask, and wear it correctly — over your nose, and adjusted to fit snugly. Show you care. Wear your KN95. 

A special note about eating and drinking: Masks may only be lowered when you are actively eating or drinking. It is not acceptable to remove your mask for extended periods because you have a coffee cup or water bottle nearby. We have received many complaints about masklessness in this type of situation, particularly in the library. You may lower your mask when actively drinking in the library. If you wish to eat while in the library, please minimize time spent with your mask lowered, and use a study carrel or one of the private study rooms if at all possible. 

Boosters
Most of you have submitted your booster documentation as required — thank you. Per Dean Badal’s email earlier this week, eligible students who do not submit booster documentation without a previous exemption by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14, will be unenrolled from spring classes. Their card access to University buildings will be removed, and they will be required to leave campus no later than Jan. 18. 

Please note that student course registration will not be restored once canceled, even if evidence of a booster shot is submitted after Friday, Jan. 14. Additionally, noncompliant students will need to request reinstatement to Bucknell this summer to continue with their studies in fall 2022 and beyond. 

Testing
As a reminder, all students are required to take a pre-arrival test no later than Monday, Jan. 17, in order to attend spring classes. If you did not receive and return your University-provided test kit over break, or if you did not submit the results of a PCR test from an another provider taken in the 72 hours prior to your return to campus, please make an appointment in Aura to test as soon as possible on campus when you return.

For your convenience, testing availability has been expanded to include daily testing through Friday, Jan. 21. Please continue to use the Aura app to schedule appointments. 
Athletes and students in other programs who returned to campus early and have already tested in groups have fulfilled their pre-arrival testing requirement and do not have to take an additional pre-arrival test. 

On Monday, Jan. 24, we will resume our regular testing schedule of Monday through Wednesday. Please note that students with a vaccination exemption must continue to be tested weekly, and that vaccinated students have the option to test weekly if they wish to do so. 

Campus Gatherings
As previously announced, other campus events and activities will continue, with masking and social distancing in place. 

Please be aware that indoor Bison athletics events will operate under reduced capacities for students and the general public. Mask compliance will be strictly enforced throughout athletics events, and concession stands will be closed. The updated spectator policy can be found here.

Off-campus Gatherings
On Jan. 6, the Borough of Lewisburg suspended issuance of social gathering permits for 30 days, after which the ban will be reviewed. Off-campus gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited for health and safety reasons until further notice. Students found to be in violation will be subject to charges by the Buffalo Valley Regional Police as well as University conduct review. 

We are halfway through the 2021-22 academic year, and are facing our toughest test yet. I urge you to be extra careful and hold each other accountable. 

I know this is hard. But I also know that we can do this!

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

I write with an important update to instructions for your University-provided COVID-19 test kit. Due to pandemic-related circumstances, the lab processing time for our testing partner has increased to 72 hours. For this reason, we ask that you take your test and ship the kit back on the same day that you receive it, if possible. 

• Tests were shipped via FedEx and should arrive soon.
• Please make sure you have checked the consent boxes in the Aura app to ensure that you are able to promptly receive results within 72 hours. 

Testing Upon Arrival
You may also choose to test as soon as possible after your arrival to campus in order to fulfill your pre-arrival testing requirement. All tests must be scheduled in Aura and taken before classes begin on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Students who fail to take a pre-arrival test or test upon arrival will be unenrolled from spring classes. 

For your convenience, we have expanded on-site testing times this week as follows:

• Tuesday, Jan. 11, 6:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 12, 6:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 13, 8 a.m–4 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 14, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 
• Monday, Jan 17, 6:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (Note: Jan. 17 appointments will appear in Aura on Jan. 12.)

Booster Reminder
You may be aware that the CDC recently reduced the time required between primary vaccination and the booster shot. You can now get the Moderna or Pfizer booster five months after you are fully vaccinated. If this change means you are now eligible to receive the booster vaccine, please schedule yours as soon as possible. 

Booster documentation was due on Jan. 7. Please submit yours to booster@bucknell.edu no later than Friday, Jan. 14, if you have not already done so. 

Thank you again for your cooperation — I wish you safe travels to campus.

Sincerely,
Dean Badal

Dear Students,

As the first day of spring classes rapidly approaches, I write with important updates to our COVID-19 protocol. 

First and foremost, we will start the semester as scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 18, with courses taught in person. Our faculty and staff look forward to seeing you soon. To help ensure a smooth start to the semester, please review the important information below.  

New Pre-arrival Testing Requirement
With the emergence of the omicron variant, the world has changed considerably since winter break began. This highly transmissible form of COVID-19 has infected millions and continues to surge. It is straining health care systems, including our local hospitals in and around Lewisburg, and putting community health at risk. 

In response to these conditions, we have updated our COVID-19 protocol to require all Bucknell students, including those who are vaccinated, to take a COVID-19 test three days or 72 hours before arrival on campus in order to begin classes. Students who fail to do so will be unenrolled from their spring courses. 

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, you should not take a pre-arrival test. Make sure you have submitted documentation of your positive test results to medicalrecords@bucknell.edu.

Test Kits
This week, our testing partner will ship a test kit via FedEx to your permanent home address on file with the University. There is no cost for the test or shipping. (Please note that test kits will not be shipped internationally — if you are outside the U.S., follow the directions in the next section for students living at a different address.)

• Make sure you have downloaded the Aura app, which is required to receive test results. (To access Aura, go to the Bucknell app, choose the Student persona, and navigate to Health & Wellness>Herd Health.)
• Read all instructions and activate your test kit.
• Take the test three days or 72 hours before your arrival. 
• On the same day, attach the provided prepaid return label and ship the kit. You can either call FedEx to schedule a pickup or place the package in a FedEx drop box. 
• If your test date falls on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday prior to your scheduled arrival, take your test on Friday and ship it back by noon on Friday. 
• Your test result will automatically be reported to Student Health. 
• Do not come to campus if you have a positive test result — contact Student Health at 570-577-1401 right away for further instruction.

If You Are at a Different Address or Do Not Receive a Kit
If you are not currently at the address we have on file, are located outside of the U.S. or do not receive your test kit, you may get a COVID-19 PCR test on your own or test upon arrival to campus.

• If you test at home on your own, take the test three days or 72 hours prior to your campus arrival and promptly submit the results to medicalrecords@bucknell.edu.
• Do not come to campus if you have a positive test result — contact Student Health at 570-577-1401 right away for further instruction.
• If you need to test upon arrival to campus, use the Aura app to schedule your appointment as soon as possible after your arrival.

Pre-arrival Testing for Unvaccinated Students
If you have an approved medical or religious exemption, you are required to take a pre-arrival test 72 hours prior to arrival rather than the five days communicated to you in November. 

Testing for Those Already on Campus
If you are currently on campus, you should schedule a test in the Aura app. Testing is available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the Graham Building. Students currently on campus are required to test by Jan. 12. 

Students who are approved to arrive on campus early and have not received their test kit should plan to test upon arrival. 

Sequential Testing 
Weekly sequential COVID-19 testing will continue to be required for all students who have received a University exemption from vaccination or who are in the process of vaccination but are not yet fully vaccinated. 

Fully vaccinated students are not required to participate in sequential COVID-19 testing at this time but may schedule up to one COVID-19 test per week. Appointments are required and should be scheduled in the Aura app.

If you are symptomatic, do not go to the testing site. Contact Student Health at 570-577-1401 for instructions.

Booster Requirement
As a reminder, booster documentation is due to booster@bucknell.edu by Jan. 7. Boosters are required for all students who have not received a University COVID-19 vaccination exemption. Booster exemptions for religious reasons will not be granted for students who are already vaccinated. Medical exemptions for boosters may be considered in extenuating circumstances.

Students who are not eligible to receive their COVID-19 booster vaccine before Jan. 7 will be required to receive their booster within a week of their eligibility date. The University has a record of your primary vaccination administration date(s) and will notify you when you are due for your booster. If you are eligible but unable to get your booster by Jan. 7, please schedule it as soon as possible and submit documentation promptly. Please note that Bucknell Student Health does not offer COVID-19 boosters. Students who do not get their booster shot will be unenrolled from classes. 

The decision to require the booster for students was based on the guidance of medical experts in the interest of our community health. The booster requirement remains in place. 

Isolation and Quarantine Policy Update
The CDC recently reduced its recommended isolation time. Accordingly, students who test positive for COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status) will now be required to isolate for five days. If they have no symptoms or if they are fever-free after five days, they will be released from isolation on day six but must continue to wear a mask around others (including in residence halls and outside) for an additional five days. Please refer to the Student Guide to Quarantine, Isolation & Contact Tracing for the most current information.

Masking Policy
Consistent use of properly fitted face coverings remains the most effective line of defense against the transmission of COVID-19. As such, the University mask policy remains unchanged as we begin spring semester. Please respect and protect the health of others by continuing to wear masks in all public and academic spaces on campus, including the library and the KLARC. To help keep our neighbors safe, please wear masks in local businesses as well.

It is very clear that, by the end of fall, masking was not being fully observed in many spaces, including the library and even in some classrooms. This is totally unacceptable. I’ve asked all Bucknell employees to be vigorous in asking those without proper masking to do the right thing, and now I’m asking you to do the same — recall our fall 2020 mantra, “mask up or pack up.” Now more than ever, everyone must commit to 100% masking in designated spaces. We also strongly recommend the use of N95 or equivalent masks, and we are working to secure a large supply of these for distribution on campus. Cloth and other mask materials are not nearly as effective.

Academic Instruction
As noted, spring semester classes will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 18. All courses will be taught in person, without a remote option. If you need to isolate or quarantine, please contact your professors so that they can make sure you stay on track with your assignments. 

Campus Events and Activities Policy
University events and activities will proceed as last semester, with current COVID-19 guidelines in place. COVID-19 protocols for athletics and recreation facilities, including attendance at athletics events, will be updated and shared on the athletics website. 

Thank you for doing your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help us have another successful semester on campus, together. I wish you good health and safe travels, and I look forward to seeing you soon,

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

Due to the steep rise in COVID-19 cases, driven in part by the highly contagious omicron variant, the vaccine booster will be required for all eligible Bucknell students effective Friday, Jan. 7. Please send a photo or scan of your updated vaccination card to booster@bucknell.edu by that date. Booster documentation is required of all eligible students in order to move into campus housing or take classes in the spring semester. 

Exemptions
Students who have already received a University exemption from vaccination for medical or religious reasons will automatically be exempted from the booster requirement. They are still required to have a weekly COVID-19 test when they return to campus in January. 

There will be no exemptions granted for the booster requirement for students who have already been vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Eligibility Guidelines
Your booster eligibility is determined by the type of COVID-19 vaccine you already received. 

• Those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible to receive a booster shot beginning two months after they received the initial dose.
• Those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine are eligible beginning six months after they completed the initial series of two doses.
• Those living in congregate settings (including universities) may be eligible for the booster dose earlier than the above timelines. Please contact your vaccine provider for additional information.

If you are unable to receive your booster by Jan. 7 based on the above guidelines, please contact booster@bucknell.edu as soon as possible. Please note that Bucknell Student Health will be closed for winter break beginning at noon Friday, Dec. 17, and will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 4. 

Thank you for your continued cooperation — I wish you all the best in this last week of finals, and I look forward to seeing you next semester.

My best,

John 

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

Welcome back to campus — I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. With just days to go, the semester is nearly over. I want to congratulate and thank you for all of your efforts to keep yourselves and each other healthy in recent months. 

As the pandemic continues, it's extremely important that we all stay vigilant in the coming weeks. COVID-19 case counts have risen in the Northeast, including Union County. Please review the following information and do your part to reduce the transmission of the virus. 

Masking

Masks remain our best defense against COVID-19. Please continue to wear your mask inside all public and academic buildings on campus, regardless of your vaccination status or social distancing. This includes Bertrand Library, the Elaine Langone Center and the KLARC. 

COVID-19 Testing

In order to protect your loved ones, we recommend getting a COVID-19 test before you leave for winter break. Testing is available through Dec. 15 to all students, regardless of vaccination status, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Appointments should be scheduled in your Aura app. 

If you are symptomatic or suspect that you have been exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, do not go to the testing site. Contact Student Health at 570-577-1401. 

If you have received a medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine, you must continue your required weekly testing until you depart campus for the winter break. 

COVID-19 Booster

In order to maximize protection against COVID-19, we strongly encourage all students to receive a booster shot. You are eligible for a booster if you completed the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine series at least six months ago, or received a dose of the J&J vaccine at least two months ago. 

Boosters are readily available at local pharmacies, and you may mix and match vaccine brands. To find a provider, visit vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233. Locally, CVS is within walking distance. Evangelical Hospital, Weis Markets and Walmart can be reached via the Downtown Shuttle. 

If you have received the COVID-19 booster, please email a photo of your vaccine card to medicalrecords@bucknell.edu.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the spring term, we will keep you updated on any changes to campus protocols for COVID-19. Pandemic conditions continue to fluctuate, so please be sure to check your email and stay alert for announcements in the weeks ahead.

Thank you again for working together to keep our community healthy in these last days of classes. I wish you the best of luck on your final projects and exams, and a restful and joyful winter break.

Sincerely,

Dean Amy Badal
Fritz Family Dean of Students

Dear Bucknellians,

Though Pennsylvania's K-12 school masking mandate is being contested, I write to remind you that Bucknell's mask policy remains in place. 

Masks are still required for all individuals inside all public and academic indoor campus spaces, regardless of social distancing or vaccination status. Please continue to always have a mask with you when you are on campus. 

• Masks are required in dining halls except when eating or drinking. 
• Masks are required in public areas of the KLARC.
• Masks are not required in private spaces, such as individual offices or residence hall rooms.
• Masks are not required outdoors.

Any changes to the University's COVID-19 policies, including masking requirements, will be announced to the campus community. For the most current information, please visit our COVID-19 website. 

You may have seen media reports of rises in Pennsylvania COVID cases and hospitalizations. We are nearing the end of the semester, and I'm so proud of our success in keeping the virus at bay on our campus. Thank you for making that true.

I know we're all tired of this — I surely am — but let's do our very best to stay healthy and to protect one another during the next few weeks together. We can do this!

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

The current stage of the pandemic continues to present a significant challenge to our community. I cannot overstate that masking remains critically important. Combined with vaccination, it is our very best defense against COVID-19. 

As I have repeatedly stressed, the University requires all individuals to wear masks when inside public or academic buildings on campus, regardless of vaccination status. Clearly, then, all students must wear masks in classrooms and labs, and in academic common areas — yet some faculty report that noncompliance is actually increasing.

This is deeply disturbing to me on a personal level. Your professors have ensured that classes could continue without interruption during an ongoing global health emergency. These faculty are in the classroom to teach you in person, in the traditional Bucknell model. They want to be there ... with you. It is unacceptable that some of you are not wearing masks. 

You came to campus this fall to take part in Bucknell academics, first and foremost. You rightfully expect to receive an excellent education from our teacher-scholars. In turn, I expect you to come to class prepared to learn — safely — as a member of our educational community. That includes respecting your faculty, your community and all University expectations, including the COVID-19 guidelines. 

The global pandemic continues. The danger is still present. It's time to act like it. Please. 

My best,

John 

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Bucknellians,

We are now well into the third week of the semester, and positive cases of COVID-19 remain relatively few. I am encouraged by our progress as we continue to address the demands of the pandemic amid the return to in-person teaching. To help ensure that our community stays as healthy as possible, I write with an update on testing as well as important reminders about our masking protocol.

Expanded COVID-19 Testing Available
Fully vaccinated Bucknell employees and students may now schedule up to one COVID-19 test per week at no charge. Beginning next week, testing will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the Graham Building lobby. Appointments are required and must be scheduled in the Aura app. Those who have not yet participated in our testing program should go to the Health and Wellness section of the Bucknell App. Click on the Herd Health icon, which will prompt you to download Aura.

If you are symptomatic or have been identified as a close contact, do not go to the testing site on campus. In those cases, students should phone Student Health for an evaluation and instructions, and employees should contact their health care provider or obtain a test from an off-campus source.

Masking Reminders
We know that COVID-19 is an airborne virus, and that consistent and correct use of face coverings are our best front-line defense against transmission. While the vaccine offers strong protection against severe cases of COVID-19, vaccinated individuals can still transmit the virus. Masks are a minor inconvenience that will help ensure we can continue in-person instruction and regular campus activities — and, more importantly, that we do our part to avoid spreading this potentially deadly illness. 

To reiterate the previously shared guideline for fall 2021: Face coverings are required of everyone in all public and academic indoor campus spaces, regardless of social distancing or vaccination status. This is a requirement, not a suggestion.

We all enjoyed the brief reprieve from constant masking in late spring and early summer, when vaccinations had taken effect and the pandemic seemed to be easing a bit. However, the rapid spread of the delta variant has meant that we all must again take strict precautions, including indoor masking. I am disappointed by the lax adherence by some students, including those at the recent concert in the field house, where the majority of attendees removed their masks after being admitted. This went directly against University guidelines and verbal directions at the event, and created an unnecessary health and safety risk. Many Bucknellians and members of the local community are deeply upset about this disregard for others, and rightly so. 

I am also dismayed by reports that some students are failing to properly mask in classes, even when reminded to do so. This behavior is disrespectful and ill-advised. Please note that faculty retain the right to dismiss noncompliant students from a class session or to cancel the session altogether for everyone. They may also institute a range of academic penalties against individual students who repeatedly fail to cooperate. I truly believe that students value their education enough not to put it at risk through poor decision-making.

I must note that some faculty and staff are also failing to wear masks where required to do so. While masks are not necessary when employees are alone in a private office space, they must be worn in all other public indoor areas and academic buildings — including classrooms. Employees must set the example of protecting themselves and our community from the virus.

Here are a few other reminders regarding face coverings:

• You are expected to provide your own masks, and to always have one handy. Don’t show up for classes, meetings or events assuming that masks will be available.
• Make sure your mask covers both nose and mouth, and fits snugly on the sides. Bandanas and neck gaiters are not appropriate for virus protection.
• Masks may be removed temporarily while actively eating or drinking. Do not spend long amounts of time unmasked because you happen to have a drink nearby. This is true whether you are in dining areas or in academic buildings. 
• COVID-19 droplets do not distinguish between friends and strangers. Don’t let your guard down in situations such as studying with classmates or speaking with coworkers in your office.
• I also ask that everyone be respectful of downtown businesses that are requesting masking in their establishments. We’ve heard from some that our students are refusing to comply with their request, which shows disrespect for our community and reflects poorly on all of us.

Our ability to remain on campus and in the classroom depends on continued adherence to these and other health and safety measures. I know we’re all tired of this, and can’t wait for it to be over. But until it is, please follow these guidelines and encourage others to do so as well. We need each other in this fight. Together, we can maintain the ground we’ve gained against COVID-19 and keep enjoying all that Bucknell has to offer.

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

I hope you have had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to the new school year. Bucknell faculty and staff are preparing for your arrival on campus — we are eager to welcome you. 

After the myriad challenges presented by COVID-19 during the last academic year, you may be wondering what to expect at Bucknell this fall. The good news is that many restrictions will be eased or lifted, with campus operations much closer to business as usual. 

While we are thrilled about the return to a far more normal Bucknell experience, please note that we are still operating in a pandemic, and that our guidelines are always subject to change. It will be important for everyone to stay flexible and adapt to adjustments that may occur throughout the fall semester. Our community did an incredible job with this last year, and I know we can succeed again. Here is a summary of key points regarding campus operations.

Move-in
You will receive information from Housing (or from your program for approved early arrivals) regarding your move-in details. We have resumed our regular move-in procedure, and family and friends may help you move into your residence hall. Since there will be a large number of people entering the residential buildings at one time, we ask that all students and visitors wear masks while indoors during move-in.

Masking
Given the increased transmission of the delta variant, masks are now required for everyone in all public and academic indoor campus spaces, regardless of social distancing or vaccination status. Please always have a mask available when you are on campus. 

Masks are no longer required in the residence halls, although we encourage all students to continue wearing them in common areas. 

However, masks will be required during move-in, due to the large numbers of people in the residence halls. Please make sure your family and friends are aware of this policy.

In dining facilities, masks must be worn except when eating or drinking. 

Masks are required in public areas of the Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center (KLARC). 

Masks are not required outdoors.

Testing
Vaccinated students will not participate in weekly COVID-19 testing. Students who have obtained a University-approved exemption from vaccination, or who have started the vaccination process but who are not yet fully vaccinated, will be required to participate in weekly on-campus testing. These students have already received information regarding weekly testing as well as required pre-arrival testing. 

Isolation and Quarantine
Bucknell will continue to provide housing for students who need to isolate or quarantine, as this remains a possibility as the pandemic continues. An updated isolation and quarantine guide will be posted on the University website soon. 

Visitors
Visitors are welcome on campus, and guests of students are permitted in residence halls and in residence hall rooms. They are required to abide by current University COVID-19 guidelines, including the masking policy. 

Gatherings
Limitations on gathering sizes have been lifted, including in residence hall rooms. We continue to encourage social distancing where possible. 

Dining 
We will offer full eat-in dining service, with no restrictions on venue capacity. Menus can be found on the Bucknell app. Please visit the website for full details on dining operations this fall, and remember that they are subject to change as the pandemic continues. Please note that masks are required in dining facilities unless you are actively eating or drinking. 

Activities
The University has planned a robust menu of programs and events for students to connect with one another. Please join us for special welcome events during “Bucknell Refresh,” Aug. 27-28, when we will offer concerts, a club and activities fair, food trucks, performers and more. 

Recreation
Bison Rec activities will return to normal operations, including group fitness classes, club sports and intramurals. Reservations for the KLARC fitness center and Kinney Natatorium open swim hours can be made at klarc.bucknell.edu. Facility hours and other information can be found here. 

Travel
All travel restrictions have been lifted. Students may travel off campus without requesting permission. We ask that you stay mindful of community health and carefully consider your decision to visit any current pandemic “hot spots” if you plan to return directly to campus. 

Questions?
We want to make sure you have everything you need for a great start to the academic year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the offices below. 

Student Health: medicalrecords@bucknell.edu 
Housing: housing@bucknell.edu 
Dining: dining@bucknell.edu 
Registrar: registrar@bucknell.edu 
College of Arts & Sciences: artsandsciences@bucknell.edu 
College of Engineering: engineering@bucknell.edu 
Freeman College of Management: management@bucknell.edu

I look forward to seeing you very soon. 

Sincerely,

Dean Badal 

Dear Bucknellians,

As pandemic conditions continue to evolve in a positive way, I write with an update on our University policy for face masks. This policy supersedes all previous guidance regarding face covering requirements for students, employees and visitors. 

Outdoor Spaces
Effective immediately, face masks are no longer required in outdoor campus spaces regardless of an individual's vaccination status or social distance from others. 

Indoor Spaces
Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear a face mask at all times when inside any University facility unless they are alone in a private space, such as an office. 

Effective June 28, 2021, individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are not required to wear a face covering inside University facilities unless the inside space they occupy cannot accommodate social distancing and/or the nature of their activity does not accommodate social distancing. Face masks must be worn by all individuals inside any University facility if social distancing is not possible, regardless of an individual's vaccination status.

Questions regarding mask policy in specific situations or spaces should be directed to Gregg Rokavec, director of safety & risk management, at gregg.rokavec@bucknell.edu or 570-577-3337.

Fall Semester
Updates to this and other COVID-19 policies will be announced as appropriate as we approach the return of students for the fall semester.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

My best,

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Bucknellians,

On this last day of final exams, with Commencement less than 48 hours away, I want to congratulate everyone on the completion of this extraordinary academic year. Thank you, again, for your dedication to teaching and learning under incredibly challenging circumstances, and for taking the health and safety measures needed to allow us to remain on campus throughout the term. 

While the pandemic continues, widespread availability of the vaccine has diminished the threat of the virus, as evidenced by the CDC's recent relaxation of masking recommendations. Slightly less than half of our students have been vaccinated, and about 60 percent of our employees have received at least one dose. As you know, students are required to be fully vaccinated by August 1 in order to be on campus this fall, and we are considering mandatory vaccinations for faculty and staff as well. We understand that there is significant hesitancy regarding this prospect, which we must balance with our obligations to community health. 

Given these facts, as well as an overwhelming faculty preference for teaching in person this fall, we have made the decision to conduct all fall 2021 courses fully in person. Barring any unforeseen pandemic developments, hybrid and remote instruction will not be offered as modality options. This will allow us to return to what we do best: teaching and learning in a residential environment with highly personalized, face-to-face instruction. 

Classroom health and safety protocols will be in place. In partnership with the Environmental Health & Safety Committee, members of my staff are working to safely increase classroom density, while observing governmental safety guidelines. Information about masking and cleaning protocols and other health-related considerations will be shared at a later date. 

We recognize that the decision to discontinue hybrid and remote instruction will present challenges for some students. We understand that some of our international students continue to face challenges related to obtaining visas and travel restrictions, and we will continue to work with them using partner programs so that they can continue their education. Students may continue to follow the accommodations process for any academic, housing or dining requests. 

I look forward to resuming the daily interactions that make the Bucknell experience so very special for our students, and hope that the return to a more "normal" campus experience this fall renews our appreciation for each other. Thank you again, and best wishes for some well-deserved relaxation this summer. See you in August!

Sincerely,

Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak
Provost 

Dear Students,

I hope you have had the opportunity to read the recent email from President Bravman regarding Bucknell's decision to require all students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the fall 2021 semester. Many of you have already received both doses of the vaccine and have submitted your documentation to Bucknell Student Health — thank you!  

All students, including those who live off campus, are required to submit proof of completed vaccination to medicalrecords@bucknell.edu by Aug. 1, 2021. Here is what you need to do:

• If you have completed the vaccine series, please submit documentation of your vaccination card to medicalrecords@bucknell.edu if you have not yet done so. Scan or take a picture of the front of your completed COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Be sure we can read your name, date of birth and the completed vaccine record.
• If you are still in the vaccine process, please submit a photo of your vaccination card as soon as you receive your final dose.
• If you are an incoming first-year or transfer student and have yet to start the vaccine, please schedule your vaccine as well as a physical exam with your health care provider as soon as possible. Download the Medical Record form and take it with you to your physical exam.
• Returning students do not need to complete a new Medical Record form. They only need to provide proof of the COVID-19 vaccination.

If you have questions regarding the vaccine, please refer to these FAQs. Questions that are not answered by the FAQs may be directed to Bucknell Student Health at 570-577-1401 or medicalrecords@bucknell.edu.

Thank you for your continued vigilance against COVID-19. We look forward to seeing you on campus this fall!

Take care,

Dr. O'Neil

Catherine O'Neil, M.D.
Medical Director, Bucknell Student Health 

Dear Students,

I write to thank you for your extraordinary efforts to protect our community from COVID-19 during this academic year and to share news regarding the University's vaccination policy for students. 

As a residential university, Bucknell has long required incoming students to be vaccinated against many diseases that can spread quickly in shared living spaces. Medical experts and public health authorities have established that the SARS-COV-2 vaccination is safe, effective and the best defense against transmission of the virus or serious complications that may result from contracting COVID-19. Therefore, beginning Aug. 1, all Bucknell students will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their arrival on campus for the fall 2021 semester unless they have an approved exemption on file with Bucknell Student Health.

Beyond our responsibility to protect the health and safety of our campus community, Bucknell is deeply committed to providing students with a full and robust residential experience. That has been difficult during the past year due to pandemic-related measures. Mass vaccination will be essential to our ability to return to as "normal" an academic and campus life as possible this fall. In requiring the vaccine for students, Bucknell joins a growing list of more than 300 U.S. colleges and universities, including many in the Patriot and Ivy leagues. 

The University will work with individual students who may have limited access to the vaccine, including international students, to ensure that they can meet this new requirement. For your reference, we have created these FAQs to answer your questions about this situation as well as religious and medical exemptions. Students will receive instructions from Student Health on how to submit vaccine documentation.

Thank you again for your commitment to a healthy Bucknell. I wish you a safe and restful summer, and look forward to seeing you on campus this fall.

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

The end of the academic year is always a demanding time, and this year we face the additional challenge of COVID-19. To successfully navigate the next few weeks, and to keep everyone as healthy and safe as possible, we must all work together. This message contains information that will be critical to our community as the semester comes to a close — please read this message carefully so you know what to expect and how to plan. 

Testing
All students, except those for whom two weeks have passed since their final dose of the vaccine, must continue to receive a weekly COVID-19 test. Testing will be available until May 21. If you are feeling symptomatic, contact Student Health at 570-577-1401 immediately. 

If you have been fully vaccinated, please be sure to submit your documentation to Student Health at medicalrecords@bucknell.edu. 

Close Contacts
If you are a first-year, sophomore or junior who is identified as a close contact and chooses to quarantine away from campus, you will be required to move out of your residence hall and switch to remote learning for the remainder of the semester. This is to minimize the possibility of spending your final exam period in isolation housing. 

Graduating seniors identified as close contacts who choose to quarantine away from Bucknell will be permitted to return to campus after completing the additional quarantine in University-provided isolation housing as required by the University travel policy. 

Travel
The last day for travel more than 30 miles from campus is May 5. Students who have been fully vaccinated or who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days are exempt from this policy. 

If you have not been fully vaccinated or have not recently had COVID-19 and plan to travel on or after May 6, you must switch to remote learning for the remainder of the semester. If you travel on or after that date, you will be required to complete the spring remote intention form, clean out your room and depart campus. 

Vaccination
We continue to encourage all students to be vaccinated. To locate a vaccination site, please visit the direct federal distribution program or the state's website. The Downtown Shuttle route serves several sites, including Weis Market, Evangelical Hospital and Walmart; and the CVS in Lewisburg is located within walking distance of campus. Students in isolation housing or quarantine are not permitted to leave to get a vaccine. 

After you are fully vaccinated, please send documentation of your vaccine to Student Health at medicalrecords@bucknell.edu. Please note that all students, even those who are fully vaccinated, must continue to follow COVID-19 behavioral guidelines, including masking, social distancing and frequent hand-washing.

Switching to Remote Learning
If you choose to switch to remote learning and depart campus prior to May 7, you should complete the spring remote intention form, clean out your room and return your room key to Public Safety, 580 Snake Road, which is open 24 hours. Please be sure to promptly inform your professors if you go remote, as this may affect your final exams. 

Move-out Dates
All students, with the exception of graduating seniors, will need to be moved out 24 hours after their last exam or by noon on Saturday, May 22. Graduating seniors will need to vacate their residence halls by noon on Monday, May 24. Late-stay requests will not be accepted. Students who are approved for summer housing will receive additional information from Housing Services. 

Thank you for your continued cooperation — I wish you the best with your final projects and exams.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Amy Badal 
Fritz Family Dean of Students

Dear Students,

We continue to see a spike in positive COVID-19 test results, which is deeply concerning as we still have nearly four weeks to go before finals. 

I remind you that the vaccine is not at its full protective capacity until two weeks after receiving your final shot — and even then, the vaccine does not guarantee 100% protection. Following our COVID-19 protocols, including masking and social distancing, is as essential now as it has ever been.

At present, our isolation and quarantine space is adequate — but as we have seen before, that can quickly change. Our policies for isolation and quarantine remain in effect and can be found here. 

If you are symptomatic, it is imperative that you contact Student Health immediately, even if you are vaccinated. Do not wait for your most recent COVID-19 test result. 

Our current instructional modality will continue to be at faculty discretion. Your professors will let you know if there is a change in plans for your classes.

This remains a highly uncertain situation, and we must all continue to take this pandemic very seriously. Please pay close attention to email in the coming days, and thank you for your cooperation.

My best,

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

In the past week the Bucknell community has seen a marked increase in positive COVID-19 test results. The current level of infection on campus is relatively low, but we are trending above a 1% positivity rate. While that number is tolerable in the general population, it can quickly spike to dangerous levels in congregate living situations such as ours. Further, the timing of these positive cases is cause for concern as we strive to finish the semester on campus and provide our seniors with an in-person Commencement. I write to ask for your help in containing this latest surge.

Many of you are getting COVID-19 vaccines, and Student Health records show that nearly 10% of students have reported being fully vaccinated as of this writing. While this is good news for public health, we are by no means in the clear, as it is not known how new variants and past infection affect the ability of fully vaccinated individuals to become reinfected. The fact remains that virus transmission is on the rise in our region, and the vast majority of students and employees are not yet fully vaccinated. Additionally, some of you are said to believe that most students have already had COVID-19 and are now immune. This is a dangerous misperception, as only about 10% of you have had the virus, according to Student Health. Research indicates that we will need to reach a vaccination rate of nearly 80% to achieve herd immunity. 

Please remember that maximum protection against the virus does not take effect until two weeks following your final dose of the vaccine. After that point, while some precautions may no longer be necessary, all campus health protocols must continue to be followed — including masking, social distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding large gatherings and abiding by the University travel policy. 

I know you’re restless and anxious to get back to some semblance of normalcy, but please hold on for just a few more weeks and do your part to help everyone finish the semester here, together. We are so close to the finish line.

My best,

John 

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

As President Bravman shared with you on March 31, college students in Pennsylvania became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 5. Student Health has received several questions regarding vaccination — here are some reminders and additional information:

• While Bucknell does not require students to get vaccinated at this time, we strongly encourage you to do so to protect yourself and others.
• To locate a vaccination site, please visit the direct federal distribution program or the state's website. It is worth checking both, as the locations they list can differ.
• The Downtown Shuttle route serves several Lewisburg sites that are or have been listed as vaccine providers, including Weis Market, Evangelical Hospital and Walmart. The CVS in Lewisburg is located within walking distance of campus.
• Students who are in isolation housing/quarantine are not permitted to leave to get a vaccine.
• After you are fully vaccinated, please send documentation of your vaccine to Student Health at medicalrecords@bucknell.edu. This is an important step that will allow Student Health to determine when campus protocols regarding testing, travel, quarantine and isolation may change for individuals.
• All students, even those who are fully vaccinated, must continue to follow COVID-19 behavioral guidelines, including masking, social distancing and practicing hand hygiene.

More information about vaccination can be found here. Questions may be directed to Student Health at 570-577-1401. 

Thank you for your continued efforts to stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Catherine O'Neil, M.D.
Medical Director
Bucknell Student Health

Dear Bucknellians,

We are nearing the home stretch of this incredibly challenging academic year. I want to thank you for your continued efforts to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, which, as evidenced by our very low number of positive cases in recent weeks, are working. As a community you've done an outstanding job under relentlessly difficult circumstances, and I am so grateful. Thank you for all your efforts. 

Earlier today, the state of Pennsylvania announced that COVID-19 vaccines will be available to those in category 1B beginning April 5. This is good news for Bucknell employees and students in residence, as 1B includes education workers and those living in congregate settings. To check vaccine availability in our area, please visit the state's website. At this time, Evangelical Hospital and the Lewisburg Weis are listed as local providers, and we hear from members of our campus community that other sites are also offering vaccines. Students who wish to schedule their first vaccine locally should make sure to allow enough time to complete the vaccination series prior to leaving at the end of the semester. 

Though this is extremely encouraging news, I remind you that the pandemic remains a serious threat, and that we must pay close attention to news of the increasing national spread of COVID-19 and its variants. President Biden has urged citizens to continue masking, regardless of individual state guidelines, and the director of the CDC has issued urgent warnings about a significant resurgence of the virus. Pennsylvania is already seeing a rise in infections — today the University of Pittsburgh issued a shelter-in-place order for students due to an outbreak of the virus in multiple residence halls. In our own area, COVID-19 admissions are up at both Geisinger and Evangelical hospitals. You can track Union County statistics here. 

We all want to return to "normal" life as soon as possible. But now is not the time to let down our guard. It is critically important to remain vigilant about masking, social distancing, good hygiene, and following the University travel policy and testing protocols. We are so close to finishing the semester on campus, together — and we want to be able to welcome guests to our in-person Commencement on May 23. 

In the weeks ahead, please stay focused on reducing the spread of COVID-19, and please continue to look out for each other. Let's finish strong in these final weeks on campus. Again, warmest congratulations and thanks!

My best,

John 

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

I hope you enjoyed your day off from classes this week and had an opportunity to rest and recharge. With active COVID-19 cases greatly reduced and the semester half over, I am optimistic that we will be able to complete the next six weeks on campus if we continue our health and safety precautions. I know this has not been easy — thank you so much for your efforts. 

Here are some reminders for the weeks ahead.

Staying Connected 
Now more than ever, it's important to take care of yourself and stay connected to others. I want to remind you of the many opportunities for you to get together with friends and make new ones. Some great sources for student organization and event information include GetInvolved, Outdoor Education & Leadership, and 7th Street Studio & MakerSpace. I encourage you to check out our activities, both virtual and in person, and to get outside to enjoy the spring weather.

Testing

• All students are required to receive a weekly COVID-19 test administered by Genetworx, our on-site testing company. Please continue to schedule your appointments using the Aura app. 
• If you receive a positive test result, the University will follow CDC guidelines, which include mandatory isolation. During the 90 days following your positive test result, the University will not retest you unless you are symptomatic, and will not accept negative test results procured from other sources. 
• If you receive a positive test result, please be aware that the University will not re-test you for the next 90 days.
• If you have been identified as a positive or close contact, you must follow University guidelines for testing and quarantine. Thank you for your cooperation.

Vaccination

• At this time, the University has not been identified as a distribution site for the COVID-19 vaccine. Should that change, we will notify the campus community. 
• If you have received the vaccine, please send medical documentation to Bucknell Student Health at medicalrecords@bucknell.edu. Those who have been fully vaccinated will no longer participate in sequential testing starting two weeks after their final dose. 

Travel Policy

• Our policy for those who wish to travel remains in effect. If you have extenuating circumstances and need to travel more than 30 miles from campus, please contact deanofstudents@bucknell.edu to set up a plan for your mandatory quarantine in isolation housing and testing upon return. 
• Students who are found to have traveled outside the immediate Lewisburg area without following this process will be required to leave campus and finish the semester remotely. 

Thank you again for your cooperation — you are doing an amazing job under these very unprecedented circumstances. 

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Amy Badal
Fritz Family Dean of Students

Dear Students,

For the past two weeks, the COVID-19 dashboard has shown single-digit or zero positive daily test results. This trend is the result of your actions — congratulations and thank you! Based on this data and recent updates to maximum occupancy limits for outdoor events in Pennsylvania as well as quarantine requirements for out-of-state travelers, we have updated our campus visitor policy in a way that continues to prioritize health and safety while honoring our commitments to Bucknell community members and our Lewisburg neighbors. Everything described herein is subject to change depending on campus conditions.

On-campus Visitors
Effective today, family visitors are allowed on campus with the following limitations:

• Visitors are not permitted to enter any campus buildings. 
• Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing restrictions must be maintained; please greet each other with "waves, not hugs."
• Please continue to avoid dining in downtown establishments.

Admissions Tours
Many students have applied and been accepted to Bucknell this year without setting foot on campus. However, in-person visits are crucial to their decision to attend — and therefore, our ability to yield the Class of 2025. Accordingly, we are reinstating the admissions tour route successfully carried out in the fall semester. 

Admissions tours will be scheduled via a private registration link shared only with admitted students, who will be permitted to bring a maximum of two guests. General tours are not being offered at this time. Tour groups will be limited to no more than six visitors, and all admissions visitors will complete a required health screening, including a temperature check upon arrival. Tours are planned three times per day, six days a week for 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.

Athletics Spectators
As many of you know firsthand, Bucknell has consistently been amongst the most cautious of all Patriot League schools regarding athletics competition. Effective today, the University will permit spectators to attend outdoor athletics competitions with the following restrictions:

• Only (1) families of Bucknell student-athletes and (2) Bucknell students, staff and faculty who are participating in on-campus sequential COVID-19 testing may attend outdoor athletics events.
• Visiting-team spectators and general fans are not permitted.
• Each student-athlete may have up to four family members in attendance. 
• Masking and social distancing are required of all spectators at all times. 
• Tailgating is not permitted.
• Spectators are not permitted to enter any University buildings.
• Parents of student-athletes will receive information from their respective teams regarding detailed requirements for spectators. This information is also available on BucknellBison.com.

We understand that families of student-athletes who play indoor sports will be disappointed by the decision to continue the no-spectator policy at indoor competitions. We share your disappointment, but must continue to prioritize the health and safety of the campus community during this difficult period. As a reminder, most indoor Bison sporting events are livestreamed through the ESPN+ platform. 

The Pandemic Is Not Over
Though we are moving toward some semblance of normalcy, it is essential that you continue to abide by the Community Responsibility Agreement and Student Code of Conduct, and remain mindful of the realities of COVID-19. Its three-to-10-day incubation period and asymptomatic carriers are still potent threats to the health of our community. Though the vaccine is becoming more plentiful, remember that vaccinated individuals may still carry the virus. As of this writing, the vast majority of Bucknell faculty, staff and students have not yet been able to obtain vaccinations due to limited availability in Pennsylvania. 

All policies previously announced, such as our travel policy, remain in effect.

It is so important that we stay vigilant; let's all do our part.

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

I am pleased that we are finishing this week with continued good news about COVID-19 containment on campus. Our positive tests have stayed relatively low, sufficient isolation housing is currently available, and I am cautiously optimistic about our ongoing efforts to limit the spread of the virus on campus. Thank you. Your attention to health and safety guidelines, and your concern for others, has made the difference. I'm proud of the way we are all pulling together as Bucknellians, and I hope you are too. 

Barring any new developments, spring instruction moving forward will continue as previously announced in my Feb. 25 message. I will email you if we need to make any University-level changes to course delivery. If you are a student in residence and your personal circumstances require remote attendance for classes that are held in person, please contact your professors in advance to discuss your situation. 

Campus operations will also continue as previously announced on Feb. 25. For your convenience, we have added a quick reference guide to the current status of campus operations on the website. Please check this page if you have questions regarding the status of limitations to our usual procedures for events, dining, athletics, etc. Again, announcements of any significant changes will be emailed to you.

While we can all be heartened by our recent decrease in positive cases of COVID-19, the pandemic remains unpredictable, and the situation could change at any time. Let's not risk our progress now. Please stay vigilant. Mask up, keep your social distance, wash your hands often and continue to schedule your weekly sequential tests. 

We can do this!

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

We’re all pleased to see that the COVID-19 dashboard reflects a decline in the number of positive cases on campus over the past several days. This is encouraging news and demonstrates the impact of our collective efforts to keep our community safe. Congratulations and thank you! 

Below are details about our next steps. Some restrictions will continue while others are lifted; please read carefully and continue to abide by the Community Responsibility Agreement and the Student Code of Conduct.

Instructional Modality
In-person instruction will continue at faculty discretion. Faculty will continue to communicate with you about the modality of your individual classes.

Students will continue to be allowed to conduct research and project work in labs, classrooms, studios and project spaces. The occupancy limit will be 50 percent, per laboratory guidelines; the temporary limit of three students has been lifted. Social distancing is required at all times, as well as washing hands and cleaning surfaces before and after lab use. Double masks are recommended.

Campus Operations

• Athletics activities, including practices, travel and competition, will resume beginning Friday, Feb. 26. The regular season is coming to a close for several winter sports, though some teams or individuals may be eligible to participate in postseason competition. We continue to explore opportunities to relocate athletics events to other schools when possible, and we remain in compliance with the strict COVID-19 policies in place across the Patriot League that govern both practice and competition.
• In-person student activities will resume beginning Friday, Feb. 26. 
• Bertrand Library and academic buildings will remain open during normal hours.
• The KLARC will remain open with reduced capacity.
• Dining or drinking in off-campus restaurants, bars or other establishments is a high-risk activity and is strongly discouraged at this time. It’s especially important to avoid establishments that are not following state policies on social distancing. 
• Face coverings are required to be worn at all times in the common areas of residence halls, and everywhere on campus. Scarfs and neck gaiters are not effective substitutes for a proper mask.
• You are encouraged to go for walks or exercise outdoors while wearing face coverings, staying in small groups and maintaining social distance. 
• Residential policies remain in place as indicated in the Student Code of Conduct, which allows a 1:1 ratio in residential rooms. Students who host gatherings in their rooms will continue to be sent home and required to study remotely.
• The travel policy remains in effect; students who are returning from travel approved by the Dean of Students Office must quarantine in University-provided isolation housing.
• Visitors, including family and friends, are not allowed on campus.
• Students in isolation or quarantine housing are not permitted to have any guests in their rooms. This includes other students in isolation or quarantine housing.
• Admissions tours remain paused.

On-campus Student Quarantine 
We are ending our temporary policy of quarantining on campus. Students who are currently quarantining on campus will complete their quarantine on campus. Beginning today, however, on-campus students who are identified as close contacts or who are symptomatic will quarantine in University-provided isolation housing. We will continue to transport all students (including those living off-campus) with positive COVID-19 test results and those exhibiting symptoms to University-provided isolation housing. 

Students completing on-campus quarantine will continue to pick up their meals in the old Larison Dining Hall using the doorway on the St. George side of the building. Those students should not go to any other on- or off-campus dining facilities. They will choose their meals in advance from a special menu using an online form. Bucknell Dining will accommodate all of their dietary needs and include plates, utensils and heating instructions (if necessary).

COVID-19 Testing

• All students are still required to be tested once per week until further notice. The 24-hour test turnaround time for results remains active but is not guaranteed by our testing partner.
• Students who are completing quarantine on campus or in their off-campus residence will continue to have COVID-19 testing performed in a tent located at the rear entrance of the Graham Building. They should not go to Sojka Pavilion. Appointments at this location should be made in the Aura app.

The success of a residential living and learning experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has always depended on a shared commitment to community, and I am grateful for your dedication. The recent decline in our positive COVID-19 cases is the direct result of your increased attention to safety measures, but cannot become a reason to let down your guard. 

Please think about your peers when making your decisions; those in theatre, dance and music who face deep limitations on their chance to perform; our athletes who have been training throughout their lives; those who have lost their chance to broaden their education with field training, research experiences and volunteer options; and so many more. We’re in this together.

Let’s continue our vigilance so we can get through this challenging spring. 

My best,

John 

John C. Bravman
President
 

Dear Students,

We have made it to the end of a difficult week wherein we saw the highest COVID-19 positivity rate on campus since the pandemic began nearly a year ago. Thankfully, we have seen a drop in positive cases over the past two days, although the numbers are still high. This data, along with CDC guidelines, has informed our decisions about COVID-19 restrictions for the week of Feb. 22–28. It is important to note that the following plan depends on our positivity rate over the coming days and could change quickly. 

Instructional Modality
On Monday, Feb. 22, the University will return to in-person instruction at faculty and student discretion. Faculty may choose to teach in person, and students in residence may choose to attend classes in person or continue with remote learning. Faculty will communicate with you about your individual classes.

No classes will be held Tuesday, Feb. 23, as reflected in the University academic and planning calendar.

Students will continue to be allowed to conduct research and project work in labs, classrooms, studios and project spaces. A maximum of three students, if occupancy limits allow, may be in one location at a time, and laboratory instruction guidelines must be followed. Social distancing is required at all times, as well as washing hands and cleaning surfaces before and after lab use. Double masks are recommended.

Campus Operations

• Face coverings are required to be worn at all times in the common areas of residence halls, and everywhere on campus. Please note that scarfs and neck gaiters are not effective substitutes for a proper mask.
• You may leave your residence hall to pick up groceries, and you may have food delivered. Dining in off-campus restaurants, bars or other establishments is not permitted. Please: For the health and safety of the Lewisburg community, I am asking you to abide by this restriction at this time, recognizing that this may impinge on many of you and many local business owners as well.
• Residential policies remain in place as indicated in the Student Code of Conduct, which allows a 1:1 ratio in residential rooms. Students who host gatherings in their room will continue to be sent home and required to study remotely.
• You are encouraged to go for walks or exercise outdoors while wearing face coverings, staying in groups of no more than three and maintaining social distance. 
• Bertrand Library and academic buildings will remain open during normal hours.
• The KLARC will remain open with reduced capacity.
• In-person student activities remain on pause. 
• Admissions tours remain canceled.
• The travel policy remains in effect; students who are returning from University-approved travel must quarantine in University-provided isolation housing.
• Visitors, including family and friends, are not allowed on campus.
• Students in isolation or quarantine housing are not permitted to have any guests in their rooms. This includes other students in isolation or quarantine housing.
• Athletics activities, including practices, travel and competition, are canceled with the exception of a men's water polo match against Navy tomorrow, which was originally scheduled to be contested at Bucknell but has been relocated to Navy. I made the decision to allow this event because it is the last week of competition in a season that was otherwise missed in its entirety, and because of the extraordinary preparations we have implemented across the Patriot League and the Collegiate Water Polo Association. As of this writing, this decision is pending the last round of testing for these particular students. 

On-campus Student Quarantine 
Temporary on-campus student quarantine will remain in place for residential students who have been identified as a close contact and who have not tested positive for COVID-19. We will continue to transport all students with positive COVID-19 test results and those exhibiting symptoms to University-provided isolation housing. 

Students quarantining on campus will continue to pick up their meals in the old Larison Dining Hall using the doorway on the St. George side of the building. Those students should not go to any other on- or off-campus dining facilities. They will choose their meals in advance from a special menu using an online form. Bucknell Dining will accommodate all of their dietary needs and include plates, utensils and heating instructions (if necessary).

COVID-19 Testing

• All students are still required to be tested once per week. The 24-hour test turnaround time for results remains active but is not guaranteed by our testing partner.
• Students who are quarantining on campus or in their off-campus residence will continue to have COVID-19 testing performed in a tent located at the rear entrance of the Graham Building. They should not go to Sojka Pavilion. Appointments at this location should be made in the Aura app.

Isolation Housing Update
We have secured an additional 35 off-campus University-provided isolation rooms, which will be available to students beginning today and reflected on our COVID-19 dashboard tomorrow. 

We are all heartened by the improving numbers nationally, and the ongoing deployment of the vaccine. But this is not over. We continue to face a very difficult situation, and our entire community must be more vigilant than ever. Moving toward resuming "normal" activities is dependent on your actions this weekend and beyond. Please do not attend or host social gatherings of any kind. Pay special attention to masking, in particular, as it is so very important to slowing the spread of this virus. 

No action you take is insignificant. In this pandemic, everything you do has the potential to seriously affect the lives of students, faculty, staff, and neighbors living and learning alongside you. Please think of your community, and abide by your commitment to do your part to help keep us all safe.

Last semester we set the bar high, and though it may not have seemed so at the time, we cleared it easily — together. Now, in the early part of the spring semester, we're all the same people, the foe is better known, and we have deployed even more resources dedicated to your safety and success. I fully expect that we as Bucknellians will again rise to this occasion.

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

As we continue to see a spike in positive COVID-19 cases and operate under increased restrictions, I write to share with you additional measures the University is taking to help slow the spread of the virus. For more details about campus operations this week, please see my Feb. 12 email.

On-campus Student Quarantine 
I want to again stress that on-campus student quarantine is a temporary measure necessitated by less available space in University-provided isolation housing. On-campus quarantine is limited to students who have been identified as close contacts. They have not tested positive for COVID-19. We will continue to transport all students with positive COVID-19 results to University-provided isolation housing. 

Please note that the quarantine policy for students who are returning from travel has not changed — they must quarantine in University-provided isolation housing.

Beginning today, students identified as a close contact who are quarantining on campus or in their off-campus residence will have COVID-19 testing performed in a tent located at the rear entrance of the Graham Building. They should not go to Sojka Pavilion. Appointments at the new location should be made in the Aura app.

Beginning tomorrow, students quarantining on campus will pick up their meals in the old Larison Dining Hall, a section of the facility not used by the general student population. They should not go to any other campus dining facilities. Quarantining students will enter Larison through a clearly marked doorway on the St. George side of the building. They will choose their meals in advance from a special menu using an online form. Bucknell Dining will accommodate all of their dietary needs and include plates, utensils and heating instructions (if necessary).

Faster Results for COVID-19 Tests
To provide a more consistent flow of test results for all students, faculty and staff, we have arranged with Genetworx, our testing partner, to secure a 24-hour turnaround for test results. Students are still required to be tested once per week.

Isolation Housing Update
Yesterday we secured an additional 37 off-campus University-provided isolation rooms, which are reflected on the COVID-19 dashboard. However, we are still close to exhausting the supply of available isolation rooms.

I remind you that students in isolation housing are not permitted to have any guests in their rooms. This includes other students in isolation housing. 

Thank you for your cooperation.

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

As referenced in my earlier email today regarding the increase in positive COVID-19 cases and limited available isolation housing, I am announcing several changes to our operating procedures, effective immediately. 

Instructional Modality for Next Week
All classes for the week of Feb. 15-19 will continue to be remote. Updates on instructional modality for the week of Feb. 22 will be shared next week.

Research and Project Work
Beginning on Monday, Feb. 15, and continuing until further notice, students will be allowed to conduct research and project work in labs, classrooms, studios and project spaces. A maximum of three students, if occupancy limits allow, may be in one location at a time, and laboratory instruction guidelines must be followed. In particular, social distancing is required at all times, as well as washing hands and cleaning surfaces before and after lab use. Double masks are recommended.

Campus Operations
All limitations on campus operations as described in my Feb. 4 email remain in place until at least Feb. 22. Updates on operations for the week of Feb. 22 will be shared at a later date. 

• Students should limit all gatherings, both indoors and outdoors, to no more than three people. 
• Face coverings are required to be worn at all times in the common areas of residence halls, and everywhere on campus.
• You may leave your room to pick up food, and you may have food delivered. Additional areas for eating meals on campus will be announced shortly. 
• You are encouraged to go for walks or exercise outdoors while wearing face coverings, observing a three-person group limit and maintaining social distance.
• Bertrand Library and academic buildings will remain open during normal hours.
• The KLARC will remain open with reduced capacity.
• Admissions tours remain canceled.
• In-person student activities remain canceled.
• Athletics activities, including practices, travel and competition, are canceled. 
• The travel policy remains in effect. 
• Visitors, including family and friends, are not allowed on campus.

Temporary Quarantine Change for On-campus Students
On-campus students identified as close contacts will remain in their room rather than University-provided isolation housing throughout their quarantine period. This is a temporary measure that we will review as we continue to monitor available isolation space. 

Quarantining students are permitted to leave their residence hall room to use the restroom or pick up meals from the dining hall to take back to their room. They should be masked at all times, including in their room if they have roommates. Once cleared from quarantine by Bucknell Student Health, they will be permitted to attend in-person classes and engage in other activities. 

Off-campus Students to Quarantine in Residence
In a permanent policy change, students who live off campus will no longer quarantine in University-provided isolation housing. They are to remain in their off-campus residence for the duration of their quarantine period. These students should remain isolated from their roommates, wear a mask and avoid participation in group dining. Leaving the residence is not permitted. These are the same procedures we had established in the fall semester.

Once cleared by Bucknell Student Health, students will be permitted to be on campus and attend in-person classes. Students who return to campus during their quarantine period will be required to finish the semester remotely.

Isolation Policy Remains in Place
The isolation policy remains unchanged for all students who test positive for COVID-19. Whether they live on or off campus, they must isolate for 10 days in University-provided isolation housing and be cleared by Bucknell Student Health to return to campus. 

Double Masks Recommended
With the emergence of new, more-transmissible variants of the virus, the CDC has issued new guidance recommending the wearing of two masks at the same time — specifically, wearing a cloth mask over a disposable surgical mask if possible. While not mandatory at this time, I urge all students, faculty and staff to wear two face coverings to reduce the risk of virus transmission.

The CDC also notes that a single mask can be made more effective by making sure it fits snugly. This can be achieved by knotting the ear loops and tucking in the sides close to the face. 

Our Community Neighbors
We live as part of a greater Lewisburg and Union County community. I ask that you do your very best to remain on campus, and avoid going off campus unless absolutely necessary for groceries, health care or the like. If you live off campus, I implore you not to host or attend large social gatherings, and to recall local ordinances. We owe it to our neighbors to do whatever we can to help protect our local community.

This winter is shaping up to pose our biggest challenge yet as the pandemic continues. Please remain flexible and attentive to updates, and continue to follow all COVID-19 directives, including expectations required in your Community Responsibility Agreement. 

Lastly, please be kind and patient with one another, while also practicing self-care, as we strive to get through this situation. No doubt there is light at the end of the tunnel; no doubt that better days are ahead. But there's also no doubt that this is not over; that there remains a great deal of uncertainty; and that vigilance is required. We need to get our numbers back down if we are to return to any sense of normalcy regarding classes, co-curriculars, athletics, and all the other elements that comprise the Bucknell experience. The only way we can do that is by working together. 

We rise by lifting others.

My best,

John 

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Bucknellians,

I want to thank you for your continued cooperation with our COVID-19 restrictions and temporary move to remote learning, which began on Feb. 5. Unfortunately, these extra precautions have not resulted in the hoped-for reduction in positive COVID-19 cases on campus. As our dashboard reflects, the number of students testing positive has substantially increased during the past week. 

Because the University has limited space available for isolation and quarantine, we must make several changes to COVID-19 policies and procedures. Please look for another email from me later today, which will outline final details of these plans as well as information on instructional modality, athletics and other activities for next week. Thank you for your attention to this important announcement. 

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

This is a reminder that all students are required to have a sequential COVID-19 test this week. Please make your appointment now in the Aura app if you have not already done so. 

Students who have received a positive COVID-19 PCR test result in the last three months and have been cleared by Bucknell Student Health do not need to be tested. 

Weekly tests will be required throughout the month of February. We will continue to monitor the spread of the virus on campus and share testing requirements for March at a later date.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Dear Students,

Despite our myriad efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we end this first week of the semester with a concerning increase in the number of active positive cases among students. Our COVID-19 dashboard indicates that, as of yesterday, 17 students are infected with the virus, with 74 in University isolation housing. Tomorrow the dashboard will reflect a spike of at least 17 additional positive test results. 

A significant portion of our isolation and quarantine space is already occupied and could quickly reach capacity. In order to contain further transmission to the greatest extent possible, I am implementing the following restrictions, effective immediately and continuing until further notice.

Academics

• Beginning tomorrow, Feb. 5, all instruction will be conducted remotely. No in-person classes will be permitted during the week of Feb. 8. Faculty will communicate with you about your individual classes. 

• Updates on instructional modality for the week of Feb. 15 will be shared next week.

Campus Operations

• Students should not gather in groups indoors.

• Face coverings are required to be worn at all times in the common areas of residence halls, and everywhere on campus.

• You may leave your room to pick up food, and you may have food delivered.

• You are encouraged to go for walks or exercise outdoors, but in small groups, while wearing face coverings and maintaining social distance.

• Bertrand Library and academic buildings will remain open during normal hours.

• The KLARC will remain open with reduced capacity.

• Admissions tours remain canceled.

• In-person student activities are canceled.

• Athletics activities are canceled. 

• The travel policy remains in effect. 

• Visitors, including family and friends, are not allowed on campus.

COVID-19 Testing

• Sequential COVID-19 testing will continue. All students must be tested once a week throughout February, unless they have received a positive test result in the last three months and have been cleared by Bucknell Student Health. Appointments are required; please make sure you have scheduled yours in the Aura app.

Student Expectations

While the majority of you have taken great care to comply with COVID-19 guidelines — for which we are all so grateful — student compliance is falling, as noted by students, faculty and staff. In one email I recently received, a student told me: 

In the past week, I have noticed that my peers have had an attitude shift. Since we made it through the whole fall semester, some students think they are now invincible and stand no chance of going home … I am concerned because even when I take precautions and limit my exposure to the people I live with, I cannot control the actions of others. 

Another student wrote: 

Many students appear to have a more relaxed attitude in comparison to last semester, especially with mask usage. … There is open dialogue among students surrounding the planning of larger downtown events.

This is simply unacceptable. My goal here is not to threaten or blame but to inform and educate: As the result of poor individual choices, our campus is already at risk for not completing the semester in person. Whether or not other schools are experiencing something similar does not matter. "Mask up or pack up!" has never been more important and will be enforced. In the face of this virus, we must try our best to control what is in our power to control. That's the best we can do, and that's all I'm asking.

The expectations set forth in the Community Responsibility Agreement are requirements, not suggestions. Failure to comply will result in swift conduct review and immediate consequences. While I recognize the temptation to watch the Super Bowl with friends this weekend, I remind you that students who do not follow our COVID-19 directives will be required to leave campus and finish the semester remotely. In fact, we have already sent students home for the remainder of the semester and will continue to do so as appropriate.

Thank you for your immediate attention and cooperation. I know that we have the ability as Bucknellians to do everything in our power to get through this as a community. Many of you have expressed a strong need to be here. To make that happen, we need to do this. Together.

My best,

John Bravman
President

Dear Students,

Welcome back to campus — I hope your first day of classes is going well. As you settle in, please review our on-campus sequential COVID-19 testing protocol, which is an essential part of keeping everyone as healthy as possible.

All students are required to take a weekly COVID-19 test throughout the month of February. Please schedule your first test now in the Aura app. We will closely monitor the virus in the weeks ahead and share testing requirements for March at a later date. 

Students from Pennsylvania should begin sequential testing this week. Please schedule your test as soon as possible.

Out-of-state students should begin sequential testing the week of Feb. 8.

Students who do not comply with mandatory testing will be required to depart campus and go remote.

All sequential testing must now be scheduled in advance using the Aura app. No walk-ins will be permitted at the testing site.

If you are symptomatic or suspect that you have been exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, do not go to the testing site. Contact Student Health at 570-577-1401. 

Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal 

Amy Badal
Dean of Students

Dear Students,

Over winter break, the pandemic has surged at levels never before seen. An increasing number of individuals across the country and around the globe have tested positive for COVID-19, and many of us have friends or family members who have been stricken by — and even lost to — this terrible virus.  

As most of you prepare to return to campus this week, I write to emphasize the critical importance of your role in stopping the spread of COVID-19 at Bucknell and in the Lewisburg community. The emergence of new variants of the virus, which are even more transmissible, brings new urgency to our efforts. 

While we successfully kept campus open in the fall, spring semester will be an even greater test of our resilience and commitment. Simply put, our previous efforts will not be enough this time around. It is more imperative than ever that you take seriously your responsibility for keeping yourselves, and others, as healthy and safe as possible. I understand that 24/7 safeguards against the virus are tiring, and we are all ready for the pandemic to be over. But until we are all vaccinated, which will not happen for months, we must be even more consistently vigilant. 

As you know from previous communications, all students living in University housing or attending classes in person this semester are again required to review and sign the Community Responsibility Agreement, which lists behavior requirements designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Make no mistake: You will be held accountable for substantiated failure to abide by this agreement. While the vast majority of you took great care with compliance in the fall, a significant number of students were found to be in violation of these requirements and went through student conduct review — and more than a few were sent home to finish the semester remotely. Don't risk your ability to live and learn on campus. Full details of our conduct policies can be found in the Student Handbook.

I also remind you that per Dean Badal's Jan. 25 email, all students should remain on campus, or in the vicinity of their off-campus residence, until they have received the results of their first sequential test after arrival. For the health and safety of the Lewisburg community, I ask that you stay on or as close as possible to campus during that time. You should receive your first test results within a day or two, so I thank you in advance for making this small sacrifice to help protect our neighbors. 

Please take a moment to review our student expectations for spring semester, as well as the Spring 2021 Student Guide to Campus Life and the Spring 2021 Student Guide to Quarantine, Isolation & Contact Tracing. Additionally, I remind you that the travel policy, which restricts personal travel to a 30-mile radius of campus unless on a Bucknell-sponsored trip, remains in effect and will be strictly enforced. Questions about any of our COVID-19 or conduct policies may be directed to deanofstudents@bucknell.edu. 

The spread of COVID-19 can change in an instant, as we have learned, so please stay alert for potential updates regarding changes to campus operations in the months ahead. Let's all encourage each other to stay vigilant, and stay healthy. I look forward to seeing you soon.

We can do this!

My best,

John Bravman, President

Dear Students,

I write with final reminders and updates regarding spring semester move-in. This message contains new information — please review it carefully to ensure your smooth transition back to campus. 

Move-in Procedure

Move-in will occur Friday, Jan. 29, through Sunday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. by appointment only in Gerhard Fieldhouse. Appointments for check-in must be scheduled in myHOME. If you have extenuating circumstances and need to reschedule your appointment, please contact housing@bucknell.edu or call 570-577-1195. Students living off-campus who plan to take classes on campus must check in at the Move-in Hub on Sunday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; no appointment is necessary for off-campus students.

• Please limit the items you bring to campus this semester in case the University must unexpectedly close for health and safety reasons related to the pandemic. We recommend bringing only the essentials; additional storage will not be available. Larger objects, such as furniture, will not be permitted in student rooms; if you bring these items to campus, we will require you to send them home. Please do not have large items shipped to campus. 

• For appropriate social distancing, each student may bring one guest into campus housing to assist with move-in. Please keep your family pets at home.

• Upon arriving on campus, proceed directly to the Move-in Hub at Gerhard Fieldhouse at your assigned time. Make sure to bring your Bucknell ID and phone with the Aura app uploaded. Do not enter campus housing prior to checking in at the hub. All students and guests must wear a face covering at all times throughout move-in. 

• You must bring proof of your two negative COVID-19 PCR test results to the Move-in Hub in order to be permitted to check into campus housing or attend in-person classes. Staff will review your COVID-19 test results along with any outstanding vaccinations needed. (If you have not received two negative test results spaced one week apart, do not come to campus; you will not be permitted to move in. If you need to delay your arrival to campus beyond Sunday, Jan. 31, please email deanofstudents@bucknell.edu.)

• If you have tested positive within the last three months, two negative COVID-19 PCR test results are not required at check-in. If your positive test was not taken with a University-provided Let's Get Checked kit, you must send documentation of your positive result to Bucknell Student Health at medicalrecords@bucknell.edu.

• At check-in, you will review and electronically sign the Community Responsibility Agreement you received via email if you have not done so prior to arrival. 

• Out-of-state students will need to take a COVID-19 test during check-in due to Pennsylvania travel restrictions. Please see additional details below. 

• You will then receive your room key as well as a welcome bag containing face coverings, hand sanitizer and a thermometer. Room keys will not be issued to any student who does not have a completed medical record or who has not signed the Community Responsibility Agreement.

• First-year and transfer students arriving at the University for the first time will receive their Bucknell ID card (BUID). Government-issued identification (driver's license, passport, etc.) will be required to pick up your BUID. (If you are a returning student and you have lost your BUID, you will need to make an appointment with Card Services to obtain a new one. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing cardservices@bucknell.edu.) 

Additional Testing for Students Arriving from Out of State

Due to the Pennsylvania Travel Order for out-of-state travelers, Bucknell is beginning the sequential testing process for all out-of-state students during move-in. All out-of-state students will receive a COVID-19 PCR test when they check-in at the Move-in Hub. This is in addition to the two COVID-19 PCR test results required for arrival. 

Limit Your Movement Until the First Test Result

Until you receive the results of your first on-campus test, all students are to remain on campus or in the vicinity of their off-campus residence and are not to enter the local community. You can schedule testing appointments via the Aura app beginning Sunday, Jan. 31. 

• In-state students should schedule a weekly test beginning the week of Feb. 1.

• Out-of-state students should schedule a weekly test beginning the week of Feb. 8. 

• All students should be tested only once per week throughout February. You will receive information on March testing intervals at a later date. 

• Please note that advance appointments are required for testing; walk-ins are no longer accepted. 

Vaccination

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is managing distribution of the vaccine to health-care providers. At this time, Bucknell has not been identified as a vaccination site. Should this change in the future, we will notify campus and offer vaccination clinics as the vaccine becomes available to us. 

If you have received both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer mRNA COVID vaccine, please send documentation of your vaccination to Student Health at medicalrecords@bucknell.edu. More vaccination information, including for students who have received one dose, can be found on the reopening website. 

Travel Policy

I remind you that the University travel policy remains in effect this semester. We strongly discourage students departing campus for any reason outside of a 30-mile radius of campus unless traveling on a Bucknell-sponsored trip. If you need to leave campus for extenuating circumstances, please email deanofstudents@bucknell.edu for permission and complete this travel form to plan for the mandatory eight-day quarantine period in University isolation housing that is required prior to returning to campus. More details can be found on the student expectations webpage.

Quarantine/Isolation

All students who test positive while on campus or who are identified as close contacts of an individual who has tested positive will be required to quarantine in University isolation housing. This applies to students who live on and off campus. You can read more in our Spring 2021 Student Guide to Quarantine, Isolation & Contact Tracing.

Spring Remote Learning Option

If your plans have changed and you wish to study remotely this semester, please complete this form as soon as possible. Students who are considering remote learning at any point in spring semester should be aware of the room and board refund policy. Questions may be directed to bursar@bucknell.edu.

Please note that any student who has chosen the remote option for the spring is not permitted on campus and will be subject to the Student Code of Conduct if found to be in violation of this policy.

Thank you for your attention to these final details. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Dear Students,

I hope you are enjoying your winter break and staying healthy. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus very soon. To assist you with your return, please review the information below carefully. You will also find more detailed information about the spring term in the updated Student Guide to Campus Life.

Keep in mind that as the pandemic continues, circumstances can change at any time. We may need to make adjustments accordingly, just like we did last semester. Thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility.

Spring Remote Learning Option

If your plans have changed and you wish to study remotely in the spring semester, please complete this form as soon as possible. 

Students who are considering remote learning at any point in spring semester should be aware of the room and board refund policy. Questions may be directed to bursar@bucknell.edu.

COVID-19 Testing Prior to Arrival

All students who plan to be in residence or take in-person classes in the spring are required to have two negative COVID-19 PCR test results before returning to campus. Without two negative test results, you will not be permitted to move onto campus or begin in-person classes. 

By now, you should have received your two COVID-19 test kits, which should be taken on and shipped via UPS tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 14 and Thursday, Jan. 21. You must activate your test kit online or on the Let's Get Checked app in order for your test results to be processed. If you have difficulty activating your test, contact Let's Get Checked at 888-397-5754 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. or university-support@letsgetchecked.com. Tests taken prior to these dates will not be accepted. Students who have been approved to remain on campus over the winter break should continue with their sequential testing.

If you do not have two negative COVID-19 PCR test results taken on those dates, do not return to campus. Contact deanofstudents@bucknell.edu with your anticipated arrival date and plan on taking your classes remotely in the meantime.

If you tested positive for COVID-19 over winter break or within the last three months, do not take the at-home COVID-19 tests. Please send a copy of your test results and any information you may have from your primary care provider stating that you have completed quarantine and are recovered from COVID-19 to medicalrecords@bucknell.edu and place POSITIVE COVID TEST in the subject line.

COVID-19 Testing After Arrival

All students will be required to take a weekly COVID-19 test throughout the month of February. Please plan to schedule your first test in the Aura app once you arrive on campus. To respond as effectively as possible to prevailing pandemic conditions, we will closely monitor the virus in the weeks ahead and share testing requirements for March at a later date. 

Move-in Process

Move-in for spring semester will take place on Jan. 29, 30 and 31 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Gerhard Fieldhouse (adjacent to the KLARC). Early arrivals will not be permitted. Please visit myHome to register for the date and time slot of your choice (9 a.m.-12 p.m., 12 p.m.-3 p.m., or 3 p.m.-6 p.m.).  

If you are coming to campus, you must review and electronically sign the Community Responsibility Agreement, even if you signed it in the fall. A link to the agreement will be emailed to you soon. 

When you report to Gerhard Fieldhouse, a staff member will:

• Review your two negative COVID-19 test results.
• Ensure that you have signed your Community Responsibility Agreement. 
• Give you your room key, if you are living in campus housing.
• Provide you with a welcome bag filled with face masks, a thermometer and hand sanitizer.

If you need help moving items into your room, one family member or guest may accompany you. Face coverings must be worn at all times. 

If you live off-campus but will be taking classes in person, report to Gerhard Fieldhouse on Sunday, Jan. 31, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to review your COVID-19 test results and the Community Responsibility Agreement, and to pick up your welcome bag.

Dining During Move-in

The Bison and Bostwick will be open during move-in. Please check the Dining website for hours. Students may use Dining Dollars, Plus Dollars or credit cards as payment until meal plans begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31. 

Mail Service

The student mail service window will offer the following extended hours during move-in: 

• Friday, Jan. 29: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 30: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 31: 9-11 a.m.

Policies, Guidelines and Conduct

Because of your dedication to community health and safety last semester, we were able to keep campus open. I ask each of you to renew your commitment to staying well this semester so that we can build on our success and continue in-person instruction in the months ahead. It will be especially important to follow stringent virus mitigation practices as outlined in the Community Responsibility Agreement. Failure to comply will be subject to conduct review. 

In the two weeks before you return to campus, it's essential that you do whatever you can to protect your health — and by extension the health of our community. While the pandemic has tested all of us, we are succeeding as a community by taking good care of ourselves and each other.

Sincerely,

Dean Amy Badal 
Fritz Family Dean of Students

Dear Students,

Please read the following important reminders and updates regarding COVID-19 and spring semester operations.

Pre-arrival COVID-19 Testing

If you took your first COVID-19 PCR test on Jan. 14, your second required COVID-19 test kit should be activated, taken and shipped this Thursday, Jan. 21. If you took your first test late, you should take your second test one week after you took the first test. You are not permitted to be on campus or take in-person classes until you have two negative COVID-19 PRC test results. Students who will not be on campus this semester are not required to submit test results. 

If your test results are positive, Bucknell Student Health will be in touch with you. If your test results read inconclusive, compromised or insufficient you should get a COVID-19 PCR test on your own, email the negative results to medicalrecords@bucknell.edu, and bring a copy of the results when you check in at the move-in hub.

If you have questions about your test kits or difficulty activating your test, contact Let's Get Checked at 888-397-5754 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. or university-support@letsgetchecked.com.

Sequential COVID-19 Testing 

As communicated to you last week, all students will be required to take a weekly COVID-19 test throughout the month of February. Please plan to schedule your first test in the Aura app once you arrive on campus. We will closely monitor the virus in the weeks ahead and share testing requirements for March at a later date. 

Starting this semester, all sequential testing must be scheduled in advance, using the Aura app. No walk-ins will be permitted at the testing site.

As a reminder, if you are symptomatic or suspect that you have been exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, do not go to the testing site. Contact Student Health at 570-577-1401. 

Quarantine Policy Change

Effective this semester for the health and safety of the campus community, students will no longer be permitted to quarantine in their rooms. All students required to quarantine, including those who live off campus, will move to isolation housing for the quarantine period. This policy does not apply to students who live in the local area with their family or to students living at their local permanent address. 

Students in isolation housing will now be able to choose from a selection of Bucknell Dining meal options, and will receive three meals in a single daily delivery. 

Travel Policy Reminder

Our fall travel restrictions remain in effect this semester. Students should remain on or near campus (within a 30-mile radius) unless traveling on a Bucknell-sponsored trip. Otherwise, students should only leave the area if they: 

• Have extenuating circumstances and 
• Have emailed deanofstudents@bucknell.edu to plan the mandatory eight-day quarantine period in University isolation housing that is required prior to returning to campus. More details can be found on the student expectations webpage.

Take Extra Care With Your Health 

In less than two weeks, most of you will be returning to campus. Please do everything you can to protect yourself from COVID-19 during this time, even if you have two negative tests. By taking extra precautions as individuals, we will help protect the whole community and create the best possible environment for a healthy start to spring semester. The new, more transmissible variants of the virus makes this more important than ever.

Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our community safe.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Dear Students,

I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving break. You will soon receive two COVID-19 test kits at the address you recently provided. If you have not yet confirmed your mailing address, please do so now using this form. 

As a reminder, you must provide two negative PCR test results to be permitted to live on campus or take classes in person this spring. Move-in will take place Jan. 29, 30 and 31. Early arrivals will not be permitted. Detailed instructions will be emailed during winter break.

To ensure a smooth start to the semester, please follow these directions:

Keep track of your test kits, and take the tests on the correct dates. You will be responsible for paying for any additional test kits. 

Tests must be taken on Jan. 14 and Jan. 21, and shipped back via UPS on Jan. 14 and Jan. 21. Do not take the tests early; results will not be accepted for move-in.

Tests cannot be shipped internationally. If you are living abroad or will be traveling abroad during the break and will arrive in the United States after Jan. 14, please submit this form as soon as possible so that we can determine your COVID-19 testing plan.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 at an off-campus location, please scan and email your positive test result to medicalrecords@bucknell.edu with a subject line stating POSITIVE COVID TEST.

If you plan to study remotely this spring, you will not need to take two COVID-19 tests. Please be sure to fill out the spring remote intention form if you have not already done so. 

Thank you for your cooperation. I wish you a healthy and happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Dear Bucknellians,

We did it. 

Today marks not only the last day of fall classes but also a tremendous milestone. Just three months ago, we reopened our residence halls and classrooms, and embarked on the seemingly impossible task of resuming in-person instruction as the COVID-19 pandemic continued. I write to congratulate and thank you for your hard work and commitment to keeping yourselves and each other healthy during this challenging time. 

It is difficult to express the gratitude I feel as I reflect upon the efforts every member of our community has made — and will continue to make — to support each other. We all know that COVID-19 is an unpredictable opponent that demands our constant vigilance, and that the process of continuing University operations in these circumstances has not been perfect. I appreciate your patience and flexibility as we constantly review information and recalibrate our pandemic response. I want to offer a special word of thanks to our first-year students, who faced unforeseen challenges as they began their college careers under most unusual circumstances; and to all of those who spent time in isolation or quarantine in recent months. None of this has been easy.

I also want to acknowledge those who have taken the time to communicate with me as the University has navigated this situation. I am grateful for your encouraging words as well as your critical feedback. As media reports make clear, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to containing the virus on college campuses. We may not always agree on the approach, but we share a common commitment to the enduring value of a Bucknell education and helping students achieve their goals — even in a pandemic. 

Our commitment to Bucknell and each other is what makes this community special, as it has for generations. By working together, we've avoided the drastic measures taken by many institutions. We finished fall classes here, together. We can't know how the pandemic will impact our spring semester, but your resilience and determination give me great confidence that we'll get through that, too. 

I wish each of you the best as we head into final exams, and I hope you enjoy a well-deserved winter break. I look forward to seeing you on campus in 2021.

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

As we once again conclude a period of heightened restrictions, I write to thank you for your continued cooperation and to share our expectations for the final week of classes in a remarkable fall semester. 

We expect more test results over the weekend, which may alter the plan described below. Please check your email frequently for updates.
 

Academics

Beginning Monday, Nov. 16, all classes may resume in-person instruction at the professor's discretion. Your faculty members will reach out to you with details about the status of your classes; please contact them with any questions you may have.

Campus Operations

• Bertrand Library and reduced-capacity KLARC will remain open.
• Athletics will resume at the discretion of coaches on Monday, Nov. 16.
• Admissions tours and in-person student activities are cancelled through the end of the semester.

Above all, your health and wellness is our priority — I urge you to take extra care as classes end and finals begin. Be well.

My best, 

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

We are in the home stretch! In a semester of many unusual challenges, you have shown great resilience and the ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances. I am so proud of you and grateful for your dedication to keeping our community healthy — thank you again for all of your efforts, which allowed us to keep our campus open. 

As we finish the last days of fall classes, please take a moment to read these important final reminders.
 

COVID-19 Testing and Travel Precautions

Per President Bravman's recent emails, all students currently on campus or living off-campus are required to have a COVID-19 test this week. If you have not yet scheduled your test, please do so as soon as possible. Sequential testing will be available through Tuesday, Nov. 17. 

In the interest of public health, it is important that you get a test before traveling to your permanent residence. Before you leave, please review these guidelines from Bucknell Student Health to reduce the risk of infection while you are en route.

Departing Campus

If you have left campus or are planning to depart early (before Nov. 15), please make sure you complete the fall remote intention form. Remember to leave your room key at one of the drop boxes or at Public Safety. 

Spring COVID-19 Test Kits: Action Required 

All students who plan to be in residence or take in-person classes in the spring are required to have two COVID-19 negative test results. Without two negative test results, you will not be permitted to move on campus or begin in-person classes. 

In December, the University will mail two test kits to the address you provide using this form. Tests must be taken on Jan. 14 and Jan. 21 and returned via UPS. Tests taken prior to these dates will not be accepted. More detailed information regarding testing will be shared in January.

Tests cannot be shipped internationally. If you are living abroad or will be traveling abroad during the break and will arrive in the United States after Jan. 14, please submit this form as soon as possible so that we can determine your COVID-19 testing plan. 

Spring Remote Intention Form

If you plan to study remotely in the spring semester, you will need to complete this form. This is required even if you are already studying remotely this fall. 

Thank you for your attention to these details — I wish you a peaceful, healthy winter break.

Sincerely, 

Dean Badal 

Dear Students,

The most recent testing data shows two new positive cases of COVID-19 in the campus community. This relatively low number reflects our determination to contain the spread of the virus as the country is experiencing a concerning spike in active cases, including an alarming surge in our area. I am proud that you are doing your part to keep our neighbors safe, and I know local residents are grateful for your efforts. Thank you.

Although these test results are encouraging, the situation could change overnight, so this is not the time to let down our guard. Through Sunday, Nov. 15, we will continue remote instruction for all classes and maintain current restrictions on campus operations as described in my Nov. 8 email. Information and guidance for classes and campus operations after Nov 15 will be shared later this week. 

I remind you that all students are required to have a COVID-19 test this week. Please schedule your test as soon as possible if you have not already done so. 

Hang in there. Winter break is in sight, and we will get through this.

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

I write with important information about University operations for the week of Monday–Sunday, Nov. 9–15. While campus is not on lockdown, we are implementing increased restrictions designed to contain the spread while supporting students academically through the end of the semester. Please expect to receive updates via email, including the possibility of extending these restrictions.
 

Overview

We have 26 active cases of COVID-19. As we did previously, we will immediately implement restrictions designed to mitigate potential infection, and closely monitor data. We expect that additional test results will be available Tuesday or Wednesday, at which time we will update campus with next steps.

COVID-19 Testing

All students must be tested this week, regardless of your most recent test date. Please schedule your appointment as soon as possible using the Aura app.

Academics

There will be no in-person classes this week. All instruction will be remote from Monday through Friday. Faculty will communicate with you about specific classes.

Campus Operations

I urge all members of the Bucknell community to congregate only in very small groups, preferably outdoors, with face coverings mandatory at all times regardless of social distancing. Please remember to wear masks while in your residence halls, as well.

• Bertrand Library and academic buildings will remain open.
• All dining locations will remain open.
• The KLARC will remain open with reduced capacity, though I encourage you to exercise outdoors as weather permits.
• Admissions tours are cancelled until further notice.
• All in-person Athletics and student club activities are cancelled until further notice.

Travel Policy

The travel policy remains in place. If you must travel more than 30 miles off campus for any reason you will not be permitted to return to campus and/or take in-person classes for the remainder of the fall semester. Please plan on going remote and turning in your room key to Public Safety before departing campus, and contact deanofstudents@bucknell.edu with any questions.

Remote Option for Fall

Students who feel compelled to switch to remote learning before fall classes end may do so by filling out the fall 2020 remote intention form. After you submit the form, please turn in your room key to Public Safety before departing campus and notify your professors that you have switched to remote learning for the remainder of the semester. For additional information about move-out, please contact housing@bucknell.edu.

If you choose to depart campus, we ask that you leave within 24 hours of a negative test result and consult with your families to determine if, once home, you should isolate for a period of time.

Visitors

As I have stated in previous communications, families and guests must not visit students, either on and off campus.

Behavior

So many have worked so hard to make this in-person fall semester a reality. As I've shared several times, I am proud we have been able to get this far. And I am so grateful. Large numbers of you have written to me with similar appreciation. However, as I reflect on what I've seen in the last week, both on and off campus, I'm disappointed in some of the choices a small fraction of you have made, especially downtown behavior that we believe has contributed to this current situation.

We must all do our best in order to finish the semester on campus. For this to work, we must be united in responsible behavior and in our commitment to each other. We are almost there.

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,  

I write to inform you that 21 new positive cases of COVID-19 were confirmed today among the Bucknell campus community. We may receive additional test results throughout the evening.

We must act immediately to contain further spread of the virus.

I urge you to return to your room (or off-campus residence) and remain in place to the greatest extent possible. 

You may leave your residence for meals or emergencies, or just to be outside, but please — only in very small numbers and fully masked. 

All gatherings on or off campus must cease immediately. All University gatherings tomorrow should be virtual.  

Contact tracing has begun. Your full and prompt cooperation will be critical.

Please share this message with your friends via texts or calls as we know that many will not see email tonight. 

The Emergency Response Team will meet on Sunday morning, and we will update campus via email after that time, including information about in-person instruction for Monday and beyond. 

I recognize that this is most unwelcome news as the campus community — indeed, the entire country — is processing election results after days of awaiting an outcome. I understand the instinct to gather together this evening. However, we must stay vigilant and find ways to safely communicate with each other — be it virtually or in very small groups of individuals who are observing requirements for face coverings and social distancing. 

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

John 

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 environment and prepare for the end of the fall semester and the extended winter break, the following temporary student employment guidelines will help support the many programs and projects currently in place. These guidelines will permit students who are currently working on campus to complete their work assignments off campus, as needed by the University and approved by senior management during the remainder of the fall semester and during the winter break.

The following guidelines must be met for a student to be eligible to complete their work off campus between Nov. 1, 2020 and Jan. 31, 2021:

1. Following up on earlier guidance, the student must not have chosen the Remote Learning Option for the fall semester prior to Nov. 1, and the student’s position request must have been submitted in Workday by Oct. 30 and have an effective start date prior to Nov. 1.
2. Approval for remote student employment will be made after review by senior management. It is understood that the work performed by the student(s) should be of such a nature that it can be done remotely, and that the work supports the core purpose of the University or is needed to complete a research or educational project.
3. Students who choose the Remote Learning Option for the spring semester, currently scheduled to begin on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, will not be eligible for student employment during the spring semester. 
4. Students who are approved to stay on campus over winter break are also eligible to work. The need to work on campus is NOT an approved reason to be able to stay on campus after Nov. 20, 2020.
5. New student employment positions with an effective start date between Nov. 1, 2020, and Jan. 29, 2021, will not be approved.

If you have questions, please see additional resources on student employment online, email student.employment@bucknell.edu or call 570-577-3335. 

Sincerely, 

Elizabeth D. Stewart
Associate Vice President, Treasurer & Controller

Dear Students,

This is a reminder that all students are required to have a COVID-19 test this week. If you have not already scheduled your test, please go on the Aura app and schedule one for as early in the week as possible. 

Thank you for continuing to prioritize the health of our community in these final weeks on campus. 

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Dear Students,

I’m pleased to share that the testing data we received this weekend have not given us reason to alter the plans I shared with you in my Oct. 30 email. 

To reiterate, on Monday, Nov. 2, and Tuesday, Nov. 3, classes of around 25 or fewer students present are permitted to meet in person. Classes of more than 25 students will continue to engage in remote instruction.

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 4, all classes may resume in-person instruction at the professor’s discretion. Your faculty will communicate with you regarding the status for specific classes. 

Bertrand Library and the KLARC will reopen on Monday, Nov. 2. Athletics and student club activities will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Thank you for your continued adherence to COVID-19 restrictions. We are at a critical time in the semester — finals are in sight — so, once again, let’s finish together. Let’s finish strong. 

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

Today's COVID-19 dashboard shows one new positive, and the data we’ve received thus far today indicates that one more positive case will be reflected there tomorrow. This is encouraging news as we wrap up a week of heightened restrictions to help contain the spread of the virus. Thank you for your continued cooperation. 

I will share the final decision about next week's modality of teaching by email on Sunday, Nov. 1. However, pending significant developments with testing, we expect to follow the plan outlined below beginning Monday, Nov. 2. 
 

Academics

On Monday, Nov. 2, and Tuesday, Nov. 3, classes of around 25 or fewer students present are permitted to meet in person. Classes of more than 25 students will continue to engage in remote instruction. Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 4, all classes may resume in-person instruction at the professor’s discretion.

Your faculty members will reach out to you with details about the status of your classes; please contact them with any questions you may have.

Campus Operations

• Bertrand Library will reopen on Monday, Nov. 2.
• The KLARC will reopen on Monday, Nov. 2.
• Athletics and student club activities will resume Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Travel Policy

The travel policy remains in place as described in my Oct. 25 email. If you must travel more than 30 miles off campus for any reason — including medical appointments, family events or to vote — you must not return to campus and/or take in-person classes for the remainder of the fall semester. Please contact deanofstudents@bucknell.edu with any questions.

COVID-19 Testing

All students should have been tested this week and are required to be tested again next week. Please schedule your appointment in the Aura app. 

Visitors

Just three weeks remain on campus. Though we know it may be difficult, we ask that you please wait to see your families and friends until you depart campus.

Thank you for rising to the challenge of temporarily moving to remote classes and abiding by stricter COVID-19 guidelines. I deeply appreciate our shared commitment to ensuring a residential learning experience, which has helped to make this fall semester together on campus possible. 

I urge you to stay aware of the obligations of being part of a community — both at Bucknell and at home — so you and your peers are able to finish the semester in good health and return to your families and home communities safely. 

My best, 

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

As you may have already seen, the COVID-19 dashboard today shows no new positive test results. While this is welcome news, I again remind you that the situation may change as we move through the lengthy incubation period that attends each new infection. We must remain vigilant. 

Please continue to follow the guidelines from my Oct. 25 email. We will continue to hold all classes remotely through the end of this week. Information about campus operations for next week will be shared in the days ahead.

Again, you must be tested this week and next week. Schedule your tests as soon as possible if you have not already done so.

Thank you for all that you are doing for our community!

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

We have received the results of our Monday sequential COVID-19 tests. Out of 753 tests, 630 of which were for students, all were negative. This is good news, but please recall that test results in the coming days may include positive results, and that we will continue to assess the situation and respond accordingly. The long incubation period for COVID, the issues around asymptomatic spread, and new guidelines from the CDC on what constitutes "close contact" require our constant vigilance.

All of the measures I shared with you in my Oct. 25 email remain in place. We are not on lockdown, but will continue to hold all classes remotely through the end of this week. Do not hesitate to contact your professors if you are experiencing difficulties that affect your classes, and please reach out to deanofstudents@bucknell.edu if you need additional support. We are here to help you in every way we can. 

You must be tested this week and next week — so please schedule your tests now if you have not already done so. 

These final weeks of the semester will not be easy, but we are almost there. Please take good care of yourselves and keep encouraging each other as we monitor daily testing reports and do our best to finish the semester in residence. As Dean Badal and I told the students who attended the Zoom meeting last night, we are so proud of you for getting us to week 11. Let’s finish strong!

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

Thank you for your attention to the COVID-19 measures that President Bravman shared in his email yesterday. Here is some important additional information and clarification.
 

COVID-19 Testing 

All students are required to get a COVID-19 test this week and one next week, unless they have been instructed to isolate or quarantine. We have extended COVID-19 testing hours until 6 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 6 to ensure that all students can be tested twice in this timeframe. Please go to the Aura app and schedule your tests if you have not already done so. If you were tested last Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, please schedule your next test for the latter part of this week. 

Regular sequential testing hours will resume Monday, Nov. 9, and continue through Tuesday, Nov. 17. 

Campus Remains Open

In response to questions from several students, I want to stress that we are not in lockdown, and that campus is not closing. We have temporarily moved to remote instruction to reduce large groups and help contain the potential spread of COVID-19. We will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 test results and will communicate with you late this week about plans for instruction for the week of Nov. 2. 

We are committed to opening campus for residential learning this spring, as long as prevailing pandemic conditions permit us to safely do so.

Gathering Guidelines

While classes are being conducted remotely this week, you are not confined to your residence hall rooms. You may continue to move about campus or the immediate area while continuing to take health and safety precautions, including properly wearing face coverings and maintaining social distance. 

We urge you to limit gatherings to 3-5 people. You are welcome to gather in small groups both indoors and outdoors — again, please follow all pandemic safety guidelines while doing so.

Thank you again for doing everything you can to stay healthy and help us finish the semester in residence.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal 

Dear Students,

Thank you for your collective response to the email I sent last night regarding new positive cases of COVID-19 on campus. As we strive to contain the spread, I write with important information about University operations for the week of Monday–Sunday, Oct. 26–Nov. 1. Please expect to receive frequent updates on this situation via email, including the possibility of extending these restrictions.
 

Overview

As of today, we still have 10 active cases of COVID-19. We have chosen to act swiftly and conservatively to mitigate potential infection, and will continue to closely monitor data. We are committed to remaining on campus and finishing the semester in residence, if at all possible. There is limited COVID-19 testing over the weekend, so more test results will not be available until Wednesday. Although our overall positivity rate has been extremely low, in the last day we approached 2%. More than anything else, this increase is driving our decision-making.

Academics

There will be no in-person classes this week. All instruction will be remote from Monday through Friday. The Teaching & Learning Center (TLC) and L&IT will be available to assist students and faculty. Please watch for an email from the TLC with more information. 

Campus Operations

I urge all members of the Bucknell community not to congregate on or off campus. For your physical and mental health, you may go outdoors as individuals or in small groups, with face coverings mandatory at all times regardless of social distancing.

• Bertrand Library is closed Monday–Sunday.
• The KLARC is closed Monday–Sunday.
• Admissions tours are cancelled Monday–Sunday.
• Until further notice, all Athletics and student club activities are cancelled.
• All dining locations will remain open as usual.

Travel Policy

Effective today the travel policy has changed in an effort to preserve isolation space for students who are here. If you must travel more than 30 miles off campus for any reason — including medical appointments, family events or to vote — you will not be permitted to return to campus and/or take in-person classes for the remainder of the fall semester. Please plan on going remote and turning in your room key to Public Safety before departing campus, and contact deanofstudents@bucknell.edu with any questions.

Remote Option for Fall

Students who feel compelled to switch to remote learning before fall classes end may do so by filling out the fall 2020 remote intention form. After you submit the form, please turn in your room key to Public Safety before departing campus and notify your professors that you have switched to remote learning. For additional information about move-out, please contact housing@bucknell.edu. 

Dining

As I stated in my email last night, you may leave your residence to pick up meals from Bucknell Dining facilities and return to your room. I remind you that unused dining swipes from earlier in the semester have been added back to your individual meal plan. 

• If you choose to get meals off campus, I urge you to bring your food back to your residence to eat — please avoid dining in local restaurants. 
• You may continue to order food and meet the delivery person outside of your residence. 
• Grocery store and pharmacy trips are permitted. 

COVID-19 Testing

All students must be tested this week and again next week. We are updating the Aura app for scheduling to include expanded hours as soon as possible. Please check the app this evening or tomorrow morning. If you were tested recently (last Wednesday–Friday), please schedule your appointment later in the coming week. 

Visitors

Families and guests must refrain from visiting students, both on and off campus. I understand that this semester has been a strain on everyone, and that you may feel anxious. However, to reduce the spread of the virus, we ask that you wait to see your families and friends until the end of the semester.

Moving Forward

I want to reiterate that we have every intention of completing our semester here in person. The measures we are taking now are intended to be temporary and designed to give us the best possible chance of staying on campus through Nov. 20. We will get through this. 

My best,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,  

I write to inform you that seven new positive cases of COVID-19 were confirmed this evening among students in the Bucknell campus community, bringing the active number of positive cases to nine students and one employee.

It is imperative that we act immediately to contain further spread of the virus.

Return to your room (or off-campus residence) and remain in place. You may leave your residence for meal service or emergencies (such as a fire alarm). 

All gatherings on or off campus must cease immediately.

Contact tracing has begun. Your full and prompt cooperation will be critical.

All in-person University gatherings tomorrow should be virtual.  

Please share this message with your friends via texts or calls as we know that many will not see email tonight. 

The Emergency Response Team will be meeting on Sunday morning and we will update campus via email after that time, including information about in-person instruction for Monday and beyond. 

Thank you for your cooperation. Let’s remember we’re all in this together. 

Sincerely,

John

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

I hope your semester is going well — I am so very proud of your continued success in maintaining a healthy living and learning environment. Thank you again for your efforts to keep each other safe and healthy this fall. 

We will soon be starting move-out in preparation for remote finals and our extended winter break. Here is important information you will need to plan for your departure at the end of the semester. Please read it carefully, as this process is much different than usual. 

Departing Campus

The residence halls will close at noon on Saturday, Nov. 21. You may keep your belongings in your room over winter break unless you plan on switching to remote learning in the spring.

• Housing will collect room keys from all students and will re-distribute them at move-in in January. After you lock your room, please turn in your key at any drop box location or Public Safety before departing campus. Be sure to place your key in one of the provided white envelopes, which will be available at any drop box location or from your RA. This applies to all students who are leaving for winter break and returning to campus in the spring. 
• We advise taking home items needed for a prolonged absence in case an unexpected change in public health guidelines delays our return to campus at the end of January. You will not be able to return to get belongings from your residence hall, and staff will not be available to retrieve and ship items to you.  
• Family members or other guests are not permitted in the residence halls during move-out. Please remember that all campus visitors must wear face coverings and practice social distancing.  
• If you need transportation to an airport or to the Northeast, please sign up for a shuttle now. 
• Students who wish to switch to remote learning before fall classes end may still do so by filling out the fall 2020 remote intention form. After you submit the form, turn in your room key to Public Safety before departing campus and notify your professors that you have switched to remote learning.

On-campus COVID-19 Testing 

Sequential COVID-19 testing will be available until Nov. 17. Please continue to schedule your tests approximately every 10 days until that time. 

Staying on Campus Over Break

Students who have extenuating circumstances and need to stay on campus past Nov. 20 should visit myHOME. Please click “Winter Break Housing Request” on the blue bar at the top of the page and submit this form by Nov. 19. Your request will be reviewed and you will receive a response soon. Please be aware that campus services will be limited during this time, and that travel and quarantine restrictions will remain in place. 

Spring Move-in and COVID-19 Testing

Spring semester move-in will take place Jan. 29, 30 and 31. You will be asked to sign up for a move-in day over winter break. As in August, you will need two negative COVID-19 test results to be permitted to move in and/or attend in-person classes; the University will again provide you with test kits. Detailed information regarding both test kits and spring move-in will be shared at a later date.

Spring Remote Learning Option 

We assume you will be taking classes in person next semester unless you complete the spring 2021 remote intention form. If you choose remote learning for spring, please submit the form by Nov. 13 so that we can plan appropriately for campus housing. Even if you are studying remotely this fall, you still need to complete the form if you plan to continue to study remotely in spring.

Thank you again for your continued cooperation. For additional information about move-out, please contact housing@bucknell.edu. 

Sincerely,

Dean Badal 

Dear Students,

We’ve reached the halfway point of fall semester — thank you again for your extraordinary dedication to everyone’s health and safety. We can all be proud of our success as a community that is living and learning together under challenging conditions. 

As the pandemic continues, we have finalized necessary adjustments to the spring semester calendar, with a goal of safely continuing in-person education with our current model of hybrid instruction. I write to share important updates to help you and your family plan for the months ahead.

We will delay the start of the semester by two weeks, to Feb. 1, 2021. This later start will give faculty time to prepare their courses for both in-person and remote education. It will also allow for pre-return COVID-19 testing, similar to that undertaken in August, as well as for careful planning of the spring move-in process. Details on both will be forthcoming.

Spring break has been eliminated. While I know this is not ideal for students, faculty or staff, we must mitigate the risk of a campus outbreak by continuing to reduce travel. 

Classes will end on May 7, and the last day of finals will be May 17. These dates will ensure that student summer employment and internships are not impacted. Our goal is to hold final exams in person this spring; unlike this semester, students in residence will remain on campus during finals. 

Commencement is scheduled for May 23. Please note that Commencement plans will depend on health and safety limitations presented by prevailing pandemic conditions in early 2021 and are subject to change. 

Spring classes will be delivered in a hybrid format, and students will again have the option of learning in person or remotely. The University assumes you will be taking classes in person in spring 2021 unless you complete this remote learning form. Before you opt for remote learning, be sure to discuss your choice with your faculty advisor.  

If you wish to take your classes remotely this spring, please complete the form by Nov. 13.  
Even if you are studying remotely this fall, you still need to complete the form if you plan to continue to do so in spring.

Please note that the following terms will continue to apply to remote learning in spring 2021: 

You will not be able to return to Bucknell to visit during the spring 2021 semester, as the University will limit visitors to campus. Students who violate this policy will be cited through the Student Code of Conduct.

You will not be charged for room and board if you are not living on campus or in a University-owned property. 

If you receive financial aid, your financial aid package will be reviewed and may be adjusted proportionally if you are not charged for room and board. For questions related to financial aid, please call 570-577-1331 or email finaid@bucknell.edu.

If you elect to participate in your academic program exclusively through remote instruction, I remind you that tuition for this academic year will not be adjusted based on the method of instruction. If you have additional billing questions, please contact Bursar Services at 570-577-3733 or email bursar@bucknell.edu. 

Thank you again for your continued support — I wish you the best on your midterm exams and projects.

Sincerely,

ELISABETH MERMANN-JOZWIAK, PH.D.

Dear Students,

I hope this email finds you well. I am sure you’ve seen media reports of other institutions that began the semester in person but have already switched to remote instruction due to outbreaks of the virus. Fortunately, Bucknell has maintained an extremely low infection rate — but that could change in an instant if we let our guard down. 

It is important to do your part by getting a COVID test every 10 days throughout the semester. This sequential testing is absolutely critical to quickly identifying and containing an outbreak, and your participation is essential. Students who do not participate in sequential testing will be required to depart campus and take classes remotely.

The process is simple:

• Schedule your COVID test every 10 days using the Herd Health app.
• Commit to showing up at Sojka Pavilion for your tests, which take only a few minutes. 
• If you must miss a test, reschedule it as soon as possible.

I commend you for your ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our community. Thank you for wearing your face coverings, staying physically distanced, and making other adjustments that will help keep our campus open this semester.

Others are taking notice, too — I invite you to read a letter that recently appeared in our local newspaper applauding Bucknell students for behaving responsibly during this difficult time. I’m so proud of your commitment to each other, and to our Lewisburg neighbors.

Please continue to take good care of yourselves and each other by prioritizing testing and continuing to uphold the requirements of the Community Responsibility Agreement. Everyone’s individual efforts will make all the difference in our success.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Dear Students,

As a result of continuing conversations, the University will continue to offer students the option of keeping an assigned grade or converting it to pass/withdrawal after final grades are submitted for the Fall 2020 semester. Student transcripts will be modified to provide context about the disruption caused by COVID-19 during the Fall 2020 semester, as well as Spring 2020 semester and the resulting change in grading.

At this time students will follow a similar process and timeline related to the review of grades and request for change of grade that was used during Spring 2020. Details and procedures for this change are still being finalized, and you will receive additional information from the Registrar's Office as soon as it is ready.

A word of caution: Before you take advantage of this option, please be sure to consult with your academic adviser and/or your academic associate dean in your college about the implications of your choices. You should also consult with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure that your decision has no adverse impact on your current or future financial aid package.

I thank you for your partnership in this process as we continue on this journey. 

Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak

Provost and Professor of English  

Dear Students,

I hope your classes are going well and that you are adjusting to the new routines of campus life during the pandemic. Despite our precautions and regular testing, the University community remains vulnerable to COVID-19, and several students have recently tested positive. We have worked to swiftly isolate these students and to quarantine their close contacts.

This process is new to all of us and has understandably caused some confusion and anxiety. To answer your questions about how the University is addressing positive cases of COVID-19, we have created the Student Guide to Quarantine, Isolation & Contact Tracing. This is a living document that will be regularly updated as circumstances continue to evolve. 

Please read this guide now so that you understand the steps the University is taking when it receives reports of positive COVID-19 tests. Knowing what to expect if you or your friends are required to isolate or quarantine will help you prepare for that possibility in the weeks ahead.

We recognize that isolation and quarantine can be difficult. However, they are our front-line defense in containing the virus. Should you be required to isolate or quarantine, your cooperation will be extremely important in protecting the Bucknell community and surrounding area. Please know that the University is making isolation and quarantine as manageable as possible by providing medical support, regular meal delivery, laundry service and other resources that students may need. Questions may be directed to deanofstudents@bucknell.edu. 

Finally, I invite you to visit our new COVID-19 dashboard. We've made some improvements to make it more robust and helpful to community members. The dashboard now displays both daily and weekly statistics on tests administered, positive results, students in isolation and more. I encourage you to use this resource to stay informed about COVID-19 trends at Bucknell. 

Thank you for your continued support as we work to provide the best possible residential experience for all students this semester. 

Sincerely,

Dean Badal 

Dear Students,

We've been together on campus for about a week. I'm sure you're aware that some schools haven't reached even that small milestone — and I am compelled to remind you that Bucknell is just as vulnerable to ending our semester early. As the image below shows, we know that the next few days are critical to maintaining our early success.

Many colleges and universities did not open for in-person instruction this fall. My decision to reopen Bucknell's campus was based largely on three factors: the latest science behind CoV infection, epidemiology and what we know about CoV PCR tests; the implementation of a robust testing program; and my trust that you would adhere to new guidelines designed to protect community health and safety. We allocated significant resources to do this, because I believed that you really wanted to be here. I'm still trying to believe that.

Yet less than one week into classes, we are already receiving calls from people who are dismayed and angered by the thoughtless behavior of some — ranging from walking around town without face coverings to having large off-campus gatherings without social distancing. Our Lewisburg neighbors state, correctly, that they have a right to live in a safe community in which students are accountable for their actions. Our faculty state, correctly, that they have a right to expect students to follow simple safety directives when they have made the decision to risk their own health by teaching in person during the pandemic. And many students have reached out to say that some of their classmates aren't taking this pandemic seriously.

Living in residence and attending in-person classes is a privilege, not a right. This privilege is earned, but also must be maintained, and your choices have consequences. You can honor the Community Responsibility Agreement you signed this summer and stay on campus, or you can return home. The choice is yours. Those who fail to respect their responsibility to our community during the pandemic will find that the student conduct code and local governmental restrictions will be enforced.

If outbreaks of the virus compromise the ability of our faculty and staff to safely deliver our residential educational experience, or threaten the health and well-being of our Lewisburg neighbors, or burden our local medical facilities and resources, I will end in-person instruction to protect our community, just as I did in March. I truly do not want to do that, but I will if the facts demand such action.

I urge you to think about what going home would mean for our seniors, who could well miss out on Commencement on the Quad, and would have to conduct their job searches from home. And for our first-years, who have yet to experience the Bucknell traditions we know and love — such as Candlelighting and Matriculation. I recognize that it's tempting to believe that you are safe in the "Bucknell Bubble." But no place is safe from COVID-19, and some of you may mistakenly believe that negative tests mean that you are in the clear. All it takes to transmit or become infected with the virus is one walk through campus without a mask. One gathering in a residence hall without physical distancing. One party. One Super.

You were admitted to Bucknell based, in part, on your critical thinking ability. Draw upon that ability, and make the right choices — the ones that will help our campus remain open through the semester, and the ones that will make all Bucknellians proud, now and in the years to come. We need each other, now.

Sincerely,

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students, 

I hope your first week of classes is off to a great start. Now that we have completed pre-arrival COVID testing and move-in, we are turning our attention to sequential COVID testing. This is a critical component of our efforts to keep our campus as safe and healthy as possible throughout the semester. 

Please read this message carefully, as action is required of all students living or attending classes on campus this semester. Students who are not in residence or taking in-person classes this fall may disregard this notice. 

Sequential Testing Process
Every student who is living in University housing or taking classes in person this semester is required to take regular COVID tests throughout the semester on an average of every 10 days. These are mid-nasal tests administered and processed by Genetworx. 

Thank you to everyone who has already begun their sequential testing. If you still need to set up testing, please follow this process: 

• The next time you click the Herd Health icon on your mobile device, you will be prompted to install the iOS/Android native Aura app. Be sure to use the Sign in with Google button to login.
• For help, please refer to Herd Health Frequently Asked Questions.
• Use the app to schedule your initial test as soon as possible.
• Check-in for testing will take place in the lobby of Sojka Pavilion.
• You'll receive results via the app about two days after each test. (If you test positive, you will be contacted by Bucknell Student Health with further instructions.)
• The app will remind you to schedule additional tests in the weeks ahead. 

For technical assistance with the app, please contact techdesk@bucknell.edu.

Comply With Contact Tracing
Bucknell is coordinating its own contact tracing program to notify members of the campus community (students and employees) who have been in close contact with persons with confirmed cases of COVID-19, and to monitor exposure to COVID-19 on campus. If you have been in contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, a member of the Contact Tracing Team will call you. This call could come from a number you don't recognize. It is important that you answer calls to your phone and comply with the instructions that the contact tracers provide. 

Check Your Symptoms Every Day 
The app's Daily Symptom Checker allows you to note when you are experiencing symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19. Using this checklist every day will help you monitor your daily health and identify possible illness, which will facilitate early treatment if necessary. 

COVID-19 Dashboard
Finally, I want to make you aware of the University's new COVID-19 dashboard, which is visible to the public and includes positive, laboratory-verified test results of students, faculty and staff reported to Bucknell Student Health and/or Human Resources. The dashboard is updated weekly, which allows the University to protect student and employee privacy while observing campus trends. 

Thank you for your attention to these important matters as we strive to prioritize our community's health. 

Sincerely,

Dean Badal 

Dear Students, Parents and Families,

In recent weeks, we’ve heard from many students expressing concern and confusion about changes to the University’s dining options. I am writing to acknowledge your frustration and dismay about the new meal plan structure, and to apologize for not communicating this change more effectively. We should have provided better context to explain the reasoning behind the new plans. I’ll try to provide some clarity in this email, share some additional information about meal plan choices and explain in detail how they differ from previous years. 

First, I want to assure you that profits are not the goal of our dining operation, and Bucknell has not increased the cost of the meal plan to increase profits — per-meal breakfast and dinner prices have actually decreased from last year. We are aware that circumstances related to the pandemic have placed an additional financial strain on some families. Our aim is to provide more meals to help protect the safety and welfare of our students. For more details about this and other aspects of our dining plan changes, please visit our website.

Our dining program is not as simple as some might think, and explaining its key elements may help answer some of the questions you’ve raised over the past few weeks.

Key Elements 

1. Food and drinks for students are available at Bucknell principally through two payment mechanisms: “meals” and “retail.”
2. “Meals” are all-you-care-to-eat, and most typical of what students find at Bostwick Cafeteria. “Meals” are obtained through “swipes” on one’s BUID card. “Swipes” are not differentiated by meal type (e.g., breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner).
3. “Retail” refers to a large variety of á la carte items, pre-packaged and made-to-order, that are available across campus in many different venues. Prior to Fall 2020, the Bison food court has offered the greatest variety of retail items. Retail items are available to anyone for cash, and to students with “Dining Dollars” on their BUID. 
4. Dining Dollars are part of student meal plans but can also be added at any time throughout the year. This means that Dining Dollars are equivalent to a prepaid charge card (debit account). Dining Dollars may only be used for dining on campus.
5. First-year students are required to purchase the “all-access” meal plan, which provides 19 meals (via “swipes”) per week.
6. Sophomores, juniors and seniors have typically had a variety of options from which to choose, ranging from the all-access 19-meal plan down to a $700 Dining Dollars option (debit account), which provided no meal swipes at all.
7. All sophomores, juniors and seniors have had to purchase a meal plan of one type or another for decades, with the exception of members of fraternities (roughly 500 students) that have their own house and those that live off campus (roughly 250 students).
8. By far the most popular option for sophomores, juniors and seniors has historically been the $700 Dining Dollars (debit account); in Fall 2019, 1,267 students opted for this plan. This plan has not been increased in price for at least 15 years, and has been the minimum required even for our students who live in on-campus apartments with kitchens.
9. Students who receive financial aid from the University have their comprehensive fee and aid package calculated based on the most expensive meal option, the all-access 19-meal-per-week plan. This plan costs $2,750 per semester.
10. Bucknell has long held a policy of allowing financial aid recipients to “buy down” from the all-access plan to a lower-priced plan, applying the difference either to their remaining bill or to a cash payout. In Fall 2019, fewer than 60 highly aided students bought down from the all-access plan to the $700 Dining Dollars option (debit account).

A Different Dining Experience
As we made plans to reopen campus this year amid the realities of a global pandemic, we soon realized that — among many other parts of campus — our dining program will necessarily be very different. On the “retail” side, the variety of items available will be sharply lower, and all made-to-order items have been eliminated. This has been done to move everyone through our serveries as quickly as possible during the pandemic. On the “meals” side, we have three options available, providing 19, 12 or seven meals per week. Meals will be packaged by food service staff while students make their selections, and will be “all-you-care-to-eat.” Different for Fall 2020 — and to meet CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines related to COVID-19 safety — is that students may go through the line only once, and may pack their food into their own reusable bags or into a standard bag provided by the cashier. Cooking to order, however, will not be available.

We also eliminated the $700 Dining Dollars option (debit account) as a meal plan choice. Maintaining the general policy that all students must purchase a meal plan, the lowest price available is now the seven meal per week plan, for which we set the price at $1,400 per semester. This plan also includes $200 Dining Dollars.

Lastly, this year we are also requiring fraternity members to purchase a University meal plan, as we have closed their self-operated kitchens in accordance with health and safety procedures necessitated by the pandemic. (This is not true for the two groups that retain ownership and legal authority over their houses.)

Environmental Impact
As these dining changes are implemented, we continue to make choices that prioritize our commitment to sustainability.

1. Food is served in containers made of natural sugarcane fiber or in a simple wrap of parchment paper or foil. The minimal amount of packaging is used to reduce waste.
2. Students are offered a plastic bag when they enter, but they are not required to take one. The bags offered are made from recycled materials and are degradable. Students and guests are invited to bring their own reusable bags.
3. Water can only be served in plastic bottles. Students are welcome to use their own refillable water bottle. They can fill their water bottle in the Mall area of the ELC before picking up their meal in Bostwick; and there are water-filling stations located in the Bison and the Commons. Indoors, students and guests should recycle empty bottles and cans in the recycling containers that have been in place. 
4. Outdoors, Facilities is placing trash and recycling near many of the picnic tables. If recycling cans are not already in place in some areas, they should be soon.
5. Plastic utensils are individually offered so students take only what they need. There will be signage on dispensers to let guests know they can bring their own reusable utensils. 
6. We cannot offer wooden utensils because there is no safe and sanitary dispenser available to distribute them. They would need to be individually wrapped, but they would then come wrapped in plastic and would include an entire set of utensils, which does not support sustainability.

Food Insecurity
The Food Insecurity Group, which began focusing on this issue in 2019, recommended in February 2020 that the University offer only two meal plan options, of 19 and 12 meals per week, and to eliminate the $700 Dining Dollars option (debit account). We were not able to start considering the full ramifications of their plan because of the onset of the pandemic. Nonetheless, their ideas were imported into our COVID-19 planning over the past six weeks. 

In the end, a third plan comprising seven meals per week was added given the concerns that moving the minimum option from a $700 Dining Dollars option (debit account) to an approximately $2,000, 12-meal plan was too big a change for one year, especially during the pandemic. We also believed that, because retail options are limited this year, we must ensure that students eat at least one full meal per day on campus, which would reduce the potential for virus exposure during the pandemic. To be clear, we never envisioned that seven meals per week represents sufficient nutrition, but we do believe that a $700-per-semester debit account most certainly does not. 

Looking Ahead
The University remains deeply invested in providing a food-secure environment for our students, and dining options and costs are long overdue for close examination. And your feedback in recent weeks makes it clear that students are deeply invested in their dining options.

In response to your requests, and in recognition that we must as a community look more holistically at the complicated issues of dining options and costs, I will form a task force this academic year comprising students, faculty and staff to study these issues closely and to bring forward a series of recommendations. I will share more information at a later date. To express your interest in serving on the task force, or to share your ideas and suggestions about dining, please contact food@bucknell.edu.

Sincerely,

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

Because some of you reported that you did not receive the message that I shared this morning, I am resending it. 

According to our records, you are scheduled to arrive at Bucknell between Wednesday, Aug. 12, and Sunday, Aug. 16; or on Tuesday, Aug. 18 or Wednesday, Aug. 19. We understand that many of you are still awaiting results from your second LetsGetChecked COVID test, and we are sorry for any frustration this may have caused. If you do not have two negative test results, or if one or more of your test results are from rapid tests, please continue reading this message.

On-site Testing Now Available 
To provide every opportunity for you to begin your academic year on schedule, Bucknell has set up additional testing capacity at the Smith Parking Lot move-in hub offering same-day results. 

• Students can be tested from Wednesday, Aug. 12, through Sunday, Aug. 16, during hours listed in the schedule below. You may choose to be tested on your scheduled move-in day, or on any day prior to your scheduled move-in day, if you plan to arrive in Lewisburg early. 

• Students who are currently scheduled to move in on Tuesday, Aug. 18, or Wednesday, Aug. 19, are encouraged to reschedule their move-in time to Aug. 12-16 in MyHOME.

• Please note that you will not receive a room key until the on-campus test results are delivered. You do not need to change your move-in appointment if you are arriving for testing and expect to receive your on-site testing results on your scheduled move-in date (please refer to testing and result times below). You may arrive, take your test, wait for your results, and then move in. If you will not receive your results the day you are scheduled to move in, please visit MyHOME to set up a new move-in date.

• The testing requirement includes students under 18 as well. Because Bucknell is now offering on-site testing with same-day results, all students, including those under 18, will require a negative test result before receiving their room key. 

Rapid Testing Results Will Not Be Accepted
Some students have submitted point-of-care rapid COVID test results, which are not acceptable for move-in. The only tests that will be accepted and are considered valid for diagnosing COVID at the sensitivity and specificity required are the PCR rNA nasal, pharyngeal or nasopharyngeal tests. All students with fewer than two of these types of tests are required to have an on-site test at Bucknell. 

How to Get an On-Site Test
Testing is available from Wednesday, Aug. 12, through Sunday, Aug. 16, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment is needed; walk-ups are welcome. You may also schedule a test appointment in the Herd Health app, located under Fall Reopening in the Bucknell app. Testing is located in the check-in area in the Smith Parking Lot move-in hub during the time periods below:

• Testing 7-10 a.m.: Same-day results by 6 p.m.
• Testing 10 a.m -1 p.m.: Same-day results by 8 p.m.
• Testing 1-6 p.m.: Next-day results by 7 a.m.

We encourage you to get your test early so you can move in on your scheduled day. However, if you need assistance with accommodations for one night while you await test results, we’ll work with you to make arrangements at an area hotel. 

If You Get Results of Your Shipped Tests Prior to Your Scheduled Move-in

Results are continuously updated in the Herd Health app, so you may still get your test results before or on your scheduled move-in day. Here is how to proceed with those results:

• If results are negative, please come to campus at your scheduled time. 

• If they are positive, do not come to campus. Please prepare to begin classes remotely and follow the instructions shared with you in earlier communications. 

Thank you for your continued cooperation. If you have questions, please email deanofstudents@bucknell.edu.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Dear Students,

According to our records, you are scheduled to arrive at Bucknell tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 12. We understand that a significant number of you are still awaiting results from your second LetsGetChecked COVID test, and we are sorry for any frustration this may have caused.

We've been working diligently with our testing company to address testing delays, which have unfortunately increased in the last several days. Results are continuously updated in the Herd Health app, located under Fall Reopening in the Bucknell app, so you may still get your test results the morning of move-in day. 

If results are negative, please come to campus at your scheduled time. 

If they are positive, please prepare to begin classes remotely and follow the instructions shared with you in earlier communications. 

On-site Testing Available 
To provide every opportunity for you to begin your academic year on schedule, Bucknell has set up additional testing capacity at the Smith Parking Lot move-in hub offering same-day results. 

You may schedule an exact testing time in the Herd Health app under “testing” or have a walk-up appointment during the time periods below:

• Testing 7–10 a.m.: Same-day results by 6 p.m.
• Testing 10 a.m.–1 p.m.: Same-day results by 8 p.m.
• Testing 4–6 p.m.: Next-day results by 7 a.m.

Please note that you will not receive a room key until the on-campus test results are delivered. Our staff will work with you to reschedule your check-in time after you have taken the test.

While you're waiting for results, we invite you to explore downtown Lewisburg and the surrounding area — and continue to take precautions like wearing face coverings and practicing physical distance. 

We encourage you to get your test early so you can move in on Wednesday. However, if you need assistance with accommodations for one night while you await test results, we'll work with you to make arrangements at an area hotel. 

We recognize that this may be an inconvenience for some of you, and we apologize for the short notice but appreciate your patience. If you have questions, please email deanofstudents@bucknell.edu.

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

Dear Students,

As you know from previous messages from President Bravman and me, two negative COVID tests are required for all students moving to campus between Wednesday, Aug. 12, and Sunday, Aug. 16, as well as for all off-campus students who will be taking classes in person this fall. 

We are aware that not all students have received their results from both test kits. Please be sure to check the Herd Health link under Fall Reopening in the Bucknell app for your test results. If you are still waiting for results, please read this important information about your next steps. 

If you do not have two negative test results on the day of your scheduled move-in between Aug. 12 and Aug. 16:
Do not come to campus. If you come to campus, Bucknell will not issue you a room key. In order to accommodate those who are still awaiting test results, we have extended move-in to include Tuesday, Aug. 18, and Wednesday, Aug. 19, with appointments available from 1-4 p.m. on both days. Beginning tomorrow afternoon, you will be able to reschedule your move-in date and time using MyHOME if you are still awaiting results. 

If you need to delay your arrival to campus beyond Aug. 19 because you are waiting for two negative test results, please email deanofstudents@bucknell.edu.

If you want to get a COVID test on your own instead of waiting for your test kits to be processed:
The University will accept results from tests arranged on your own. You will need to share your documented proof of negative results with Bucknell Student Health prior to coming to campus by emailing the results to medicalrecords@bucknell.edu. The University will cover the cost of the test. Please save your testing receipt and send it to deanofstudents@bucknell.edu for reimbursement.

If you did not receive a testing kit and need one shipped to you, please complete this form by Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 5 p.m. EDT.

Quarantine upon arrival is not an option for students who lack two negative test results.
The University is not able to accommodate quarantine during the move-in period. Your room key will not be released under any circumstances until you have completed two negative tests. 

Sequential COVID testing of all students throughout the semester will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
On an average of every 10 days, all students will be required to take a COVID test on campus (in staggered, ongoing appointments offered on weekdays). These will be mid-nasal tests administered and processed by Genetworx, with results expected within 48 hours. Please go to the Herd Health app, in the Bucknell app, and begin to schedule your sequential tests.

We understand that pre-arrival testing has not proceeded as smoothly as we had hoped, and we apologize for any inconvenience you and your family may experience as a result. Throughout the arrival process, please know that every decision we make is guided by our goal to create the healthiest possible environment for every member of our campus community this semester. 

Thank you again for your continued patience as we navigate these final days leading up to the start of classes. 

Sincerely,

Dean Badal

--
Amy A. Badal, Ph.D.
Fritz Family Dean of Students
Bucknell University

Dear Students, Parents and Families,

As you have heard from us many times, we require two negative COVID tests from every student who comes to campus. While the testing process hasn’t been without its challenges, we remain steadfast in that commitment. 

In order to provide the safest and healthiest possible residential learning experience during these unusually challenging times, students who do not have two negative COVID tests may not come to campus. If you come to campus, Bucknell will not issue you a room key, and you will not be permitted to participate in any campus activities or attend in-person classes.

However, we recognize that the testing process has not gone as smoothly as we had hoped for all students. This is no surprise, given the national issues related to COVID testing. To address this, we are offering two additional move-in dates for those students who have not yet received their second test result by their originally scheduled move-in date.

Please look for an email from Dean Badal that explains your options if you have not met our requirement of two negative tests and need to reschedule your move-in date.

Individual Responsibility
Students, we have planned extensively for your arrival. We have spent months reviewing every facet of instructional delivery and student life, and have made numerous adjustments to campus operations in order to deliver the outstanding educational experience you expect from Bucknell. 

Make no mistake: We cannot do this alone. And just as Bucknell faculty and staff have prepared to welcome you to campus, you must be completely prepared to do your part, even though that involves making some personal sacrifices on behalf of all of us. We expect you to wear a face covering and practice physical distancing and hand-washing hygiene, among other recommended precautions. This is a community moment. This is your moment. 

In order to come to campus, you are also required to sign the Community Responsibility Agreement that was shared with you earlier this month. Let us be clear: We will hold you to it. Students who do not uphold their agreed-upon responsibilities to the Bucknell community will be required to leave campus, with no exceptions. The risks presented by the pandemic leave no tolerance for poor individual choices. There is no optionality.

As we welcome you to campus, we also call upon you to do everything you can to protect the health and well-being of your fellow students, your professors, University staff, our Lewisburg neighbors — and yourself. As a member of the Bucknell community, you must meet the high expectations to which our community will hold you.

You are part of an historic moment for Bucknell University, and this semester will be unique in ways both seminal and serious. We must all commit to taking individual responsibility for providing a safe, healthy community. We are all counting on each of you to rise to the occasion in the best tradition of Bucknell. Because we are Bucknellians, I know that we can!

Sincerely,

John C. Bravman
President

Dear Students,

As we quickly approach move-in and prepare for your arrival on campus, I write to share a number of important reminders. Please review these points carefully. It is essential that everyone understands these procedures so that we can have a safe and successful reopening. Students who will not be on campus this fall do not need to follow these steps. 

Pre-arrival Medical Testing 

• By now you should have received your first COVID testing kit, self-administered the test and shipped it back. Those under the age of 18 and students who are living abroad received separate communication and instructions about their COVID testing.
• The second test kit contains a mid nasal test and is being shipped this week by LetsGetChecked. All students, except those who have received separate communication, should receive this kit by Saturday via FedEx to the address you provided. This test must be completed and shipped back in the prepaid box as soon as you receive it. This is a change from the original instruction to test five days prior to your campus arrival. 
• Please make sure your kit is registered with your Bucknell email. If you have questions about this process, contact LetsGetChecked at support@letsgetchecked.com or 929-376-0056.
• You will need proof of two negative tests in order to move into your residential space. You will be required to show your test results at check-in using the Herd Health app, which will be released in the next few days. Please be sure to become familiar with this app, which will soon be accessible through the Bucknell app, prior to check-in, and begin using the daily symptom checker function.
• Students who receive positive results on either test will not be permitted on campus until they meet the following criteria: You have completed the isolation protocol recommended by the CDC; received documentation from your provider that you are no longer contagious; and provided that documentation to Bucknell Student Health. 
• If you are exhibiting symptoms of illness prior to your scheduled arrival, do not come to campus. Please notify deanofstudents@bucknell.edu to inform the University that you will be arriving at a later date.

Quarantine, Isolation and Contact Tracing

• Quarantine will not be required for students who have two negative tests prior to arrival on campus. 
• All students will receive a symptom test upon arrival. If you arrive on campus and are experiencing symptoms, you will immediately be tested for COVID and go to isolation housing while results are pending. You will not receive your room key or be permitted to move into your residence hall.
• Isolation housing will be provided at a local hotel. The University will provide transportation to the hotel, daily telehealth visits with Bucknell Student Health and three meals delivered each day. If you are required to stay in isolation housing, you should plan on attending your classes remotely. You are permitted to return home or to a permanent place of residence to isolate if you are accompanied by a family member or friend. 
• You should pack an emergency bag in advance of your arrival on campus for use in case isolation housing is required at any point during the semester. Please have this bag ready to go at all times. A list of suggested items to pack can be found in the Fall 2020 Student Guide to Campus Life.
• The contact tracing process for Bucknell will be handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 

Sequential Testing and Herd Health App

• Sequential testing of all students will begin on Aug. 18 and repeat every 10 days throughout the semester. This testing will occur in Sojka Pavilion. Students will be required to sign up for appointments via the Herd Health app. 
• The Herd Health app, accessible through the Bucknell app, is where you make appointments for testing, receive your COVID test results, and do daily symptom checks. The Herd Health app will be available within the next few days.

Student Expectations

• The Community Responsibility Agreement was emailed to all students. Please be sure to electronically sign the agreement prior to your arrival on campus. Key points are as follows:
  • Face coverings must be worn by all members of the community when in shared indoor spaces including classrooms, labs, hallways, offices, restrooms and common areas. Face coverings are also required outside when you are less than 6 feet away from others.
  • Physical distancing of at least 6 feet is expected in all spaces, when feasible. This includes classrooms, labs, hallways, offices, restrooms, common areas and outdoor spaces.
  • Proper covering of the face when coughing or sneezing is expected at all times.
  • COVID-19 signage is to be followed at all times.
  • All community members are expected to consistently report symptoms and follow isolation and/or quarantine guidance from University medical officials.
• Please avoid all unnecessary travel out of the Lewisburg area this semester.
• During the fall semester, only Bucknell students in residence on campus will be allowed in campus housing. No outside visitors will be permitted in campus housing, including family members.
• Student conduct codes will be strictly enforced. 
• You will receive your “My Herd” assignment before classes start. A herd is a supportive micro-community of about 10 students from a variety of class years, led by a faculty or staff member. 

Housing, Packing and Storage 

• Housing assignments were released in late July. Questions regarding your housing assignment or building or room specifics should be directed to housing@bucknell.edu or 570-577-1195.
• As the pandemic is unpredictable, it is important to remember that our community may be called upon to pivot at any point. You should be prepared to move all of your belongings to your permanent residence with little notice. For this reason, we urge you to pack lightly.
• Furniture and other large items will not be permitted on campus this semester.
• If you stored belongings with Dorm Room Movers, you will need to contact them to arrange delivery of your items to campus. 
• Students living off-campus will check in between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, in the Smith Parking Lot. Look for the blue tent that says “Off-campus Students.”

Move-in

• You will only be permitted to move in during your two-hour scheduled appointment. There will be no arrivals outside of your assigned time frame. Please do not arrive early.
• You and your guests must wear a face covering throughout check-in and move-in.
• Check-in for all students will begin at the Smith Hall parking lot, located at the corner of Moore Avenue and Seventh Street. 
• You will immediately meet with a medical provider for symptom-checking and review of your COVID test results and vaccinations. 
• Upon health clearance, you will review the Community Responsibility Agreement with a staff member, who will ensure it has been electronically signed.
• You may bring one guest into your residential facility to help you move in. This guest will receive a wristband at check-in. Other family members or friends will be welcome to come to campus, but must stay outside of the residence halls.
• You will receive a wellness kit that contains two Bucknell masks, a thermometer and hand sanitizer.
• During move-in, meals will be free for students in residence until University meal plans begin with dinner service on Sunday, Aug. 16.

Changing to Remote Learning Status

• If you decide that the remote learning option is best for you this fall, and that you will not be coming to campus, please complete this form if you have not already done so.
• Requests for remote learning may be submitted up to midnight EDT on Sunday, Aug. 16, without incurring room and board fees for fall semester. Students who switch from on-campus to remote learning after this date will receive room and board credit according to University credit and refund policy. 

Thank you for your attention to these important matters. With everyone’s cooperation, we will have a semester that is as safe and healthy as possible. I look forward to seeing you very soon.

Dean Badal

--
Amy A. Badal, Ph.D.
Fritz Family Dean of Students
Bucknell University

Dear Student,

Thank you for registering for your Bucknell move-in date and completing your address form for the delivery of your first pre-arrival COVID-19 tests. You should receive your first test kit at the address you provided by FedEx delivery today, July 24, or tomorrow, July 25. (Please note that if you are younger than 18, your parent or guardian’s consent is required in order for you to be tested. We will communicate with you shortly regarding this additional step. While your test kits have not yet been shipped, once consent is secured you will receive your tests and all other steps in the process will be the same.)

Test kits were shipped via overnight FedEx by our testing partner, Genetworx. If you provided your address and do not receive a testing kit today or tomorrow, or if you have any other shipping concerns, please contact bucknell@auratracker.org. 

Learn About the Test
The test kit you will receive is a mid-nasal swab test kit (not a saliva test kit as originally described). The test should be taken and shipped back on the weekday 14 days prior to the date of your scheduled arrival on campus (or as close as possible to the weekday 14 days prior to your arrival). Off-campus students should use Aug. 15 as their arrival date. 

Please collect the nasal sample on your own and prepare and label the sample carefully by following the instructions that will be included in your test kit. In order for your results to be accurately reported, it is critical that you follow all instructions for collecting your nasal sample and for returning the sample for testing. Test results will be analyzed and reported by LetsGetChecked. Their website has FAQs and a video that will help you become familiar with the test procedure before you collect your sample. If you have questions, you can access support services from a LetsGetChecked medical team member by following the directions included in the test kit. 

Set Up Your Account
Before collecting your sample, please follow all instructions in the kit to activate your confidential, secure account with LetsGetChecked. You will receive a unique identifier in your test kit to activate your online LetsGetChecked account. It is important to use your Bucknell email address with your user name, not your “friendly” address (example: use rab001@bucknell.edu rather than ray.bucknell@bucknell.edu). Your results will be available through your LetsGetChecked account and on the Fall Reopening section of the Bucknell app in three to five days. When you create the LetsGetChecked account, you will also be asked to give consent for your results to be shared with Bucknell Student Health and our testing partner, Genetworx. Please contact Bucknell Student Health at medicalrecords@bucknell.edu if you are unwilling to grant such consent, because you will not be able to activate the testing protocol without granting consent.

Plan Ahead for Return Shipping
Your collected samples will need to be returned with the prepaid UPS shipping labels that will be included with the testing kit. This is a change from the previous plan for FedEx shipping, and I apologize for the change. Make sure to contact UPS to arrange pickup before taking the test sample. Take your sample on the same day as the scheduled UPS pickup, which must be a weekday. You may schedule pickup with UPS online or by calling 1-800-742-5877.

Receive Your Results
Although there has been a slight shift in the process for testing and returning this first COVID-19 test, all guidance provided in my previous email regarding the action steps that are required based on your results is unchanged. If your result is positive, call your primary care provider for evaluation and next steps. You should expect that your local Department of Health will ask you about any recent close contacts to aid their contact tracing team. If you test positive and are unable to reach your primary care provider, please contact your local health department for further guidance.

For everyone’s health and safety, please remember to monitor your symptoms daily, wear your mask when you are outside of your home, keep physically distant from others whenever possible, and wash your hands frequently. Thank you for your compliance and dedication to making your return to Bucknell’s campus as safe as possible for everyone.

Sincerely,

Catherine O'Neil, M.D.
Medical Director

Dear Students,

I write to provide an important update about COVID testing. Please read the following information carefully, as it is critical to the fall reopening of campus.

To ensure the health and safety of all students receiving in-person instruction this fall, Bucknell has contracted with TCA/Genetworx to deliver two COVID test kits to each student who will be actively engaging on Bucknell’s physical campus this semester. There is no charge to students for these tests or shipping. 

If you do not complete required testing with negative results, you will not be permitted to move in or attend in-person classes. 

Students who will not be on campus this fall do not need to complete COVID testing. 

If you will be on campus this semester, please complete the following tasks immediately:

• Provide the address where you will be located two weeks prior to move-in and one week prior to move-in by submitting a form that you will receive from Dean Badal today in a separate email. You must provide this information as soon as you schedule your move-in date to prevent delay in testing or results, and to ensure you stay on track to come to campus. Visit MyHome to schedule your move-in appointment as soon as possible. 
• You may only submit the form ONE time, so make sure your address information is accurate.

Here is when you will need to take and return your tests, based on your arrival date.* For accurate results, it’s important to follow this schedule exactly — do not return your test kits early.

Arrival Date: Aug. 12

• July 29 - Test 1 Take and Ship Date
• Aug. 7 - Test 2 Take and Ship Date

Arrival Date: Aug. 13

• July 30 - Test 1 Take and Ship Date
• Aug. 7 - Test 2 Take and Ship Date

Arrival Date: Aug. 14

• July 31 - Test 1 Take and Ship Date
• Aug. 7 - Test 2 Take and Ship Date

Arrival Date: Aug. 15**

• Aug. 1 - Test 1 Take and Ship Date
• Aug. 10 - Test 2 Take and Ship Date

Arrival Date: Aug. 16

• Aug. 3 - Test 1 Take and Ship Date
• Aug. 12 - Test 2 Take and Ship Date

*Pre-Orientation participants and student leaders who are arriving earlier than the above dates will receive testing information from their program director.

**Off-campus students should consider Aug. 15 as their “move-in” date.

• Locate your nearest FedEx drop-off site, so when you complete your test you can take it there immediately. If you drop off your test kit to FedEx by 4 p.m., you will receive your results approximately 48 hours after the laboratory receives your sample.
• Watch for instructions on how to retrieve your test results in the days ahead. Results will be shared with you via the Bucknell app.

If you anticipate any issues that will prevent you from completing any of these requirements, email Bucknell Student Health as soon as possible at medicalrecords@bucknell.edu.

Test #1: 14 days prior to arrival on campus
The first test kit will contain a saliva test, which will arrive via FedEx to the address you provide. 

Your test kit will include detailed instructions on how to complete the test, which must be completed and shipped back in the provided prepaid box via FedEx 14 days prior to your arrival date. You will be notified of your results via the Bucknell app. Bucknell’s medical team will also receive your results. 

• If the test is positive, you will be instructed through the Bucknell app on next steps that will need to be completed before you can come to Bucknell’s campus. Concurrently, your state’s Department of Health will reach out to you to begin the contact tracing process.
• If the test is negative, you will also be notified via the Bucknell app.

Test #2: Five days prior to returning to campus
The second test kit will be a mid nasal test. Mid nasal tests are minimally invasive, easy to self-administer and not painful. It will arrive via FedEx to the address you provide and will include detailed instructions. This test must be completed and shipped back in the provided prepaid box via FedEx five days prior to your arrival date. Again, you will be notified of your results via the Bucknell app approximately 48 hours after the laboratory receives your sample. Bucknell’s medical team will also be notified.

• If the test is positive, you will be instructed through the Bucknell app on next steps that will need to be completed before you can come to campus. Concurrently, your state’s Department of Health will reach out to you to begin the contact tracing process. 
• If the test is negative and you are asymptomatic, you will be able to enter Bucknell’s campus and will receive confirmation through the Bucknell app.

Test Results and Your Next Steps 

• When you arrive on campus to check in, you will be required to show the medical staff your two negative tests on your Bucknell app. Please remember that early arrivals to campus are not permitted. All students are required to arrive by appointment. Visit MyHome to schedule your move-in appointment between July 20 and 27. Off-campus students will receive separate instructions about check-in before classes begin.
• If you test positive for COVID or you have not completed required testing, DO NOT come to campus. You will not be permitted to move into residential housing or attend in-person classes. Notify Student Health to discuss next steps. Students who test positive will be required to go to isolation housing for two weeks in a local hotel arranged by the University. 

If you have tested positive and do not have symptoms of COVID: 
Complete your daily symptom tracking with temperature recording and contact your health care provider for a medical evaluation.

• If you are asymptomatic and remain asymptomatic throughout the next 14 days and your second COVID test is negative, you will be able to enter campus. 
• If you are asymptomatic at the time of testing and remain so for the 14 days after the positive test was performed, have quarantined since being tested and done your symptom tracking daily along with a temperature check, but your second test remains positive, you must call Bucknell Student Health at 570-577-1401 to determine next steps.

If you have tested positive and have symptoms of COVID:
If you have symptoms of COVID, please seek medical attention. Continue to complete your symptom tracker including the temperature checker on the Bucknell app. Follow isolation guidelines as provided by your state’s Department of Health. Before you are allowed to move into residential housing or attend in-person classes, you will need to provide medical documentation to Bucknell Student Health stating that you are cleared from infection. To ensure the safety of campus, Bucknell Student Health will review the documentation and determine your readiness to arrive on campus.

If you test negative for COVID but have symptoms:
If you have been tested for COVID while experiencing symptoms and your test is negative, please see your health care provider for evaluation. Documentation of that evaluation should be faxed to Bucknell Student Health at 570-577-3570 before you come to campus. 

If you test negative for COVID on the first test but positive on the second test:
You will not be able to come to the Bucknell campus until you have met the CDC guidelines for isolation and can provide documentation to Bucknell Student Health that you have been cleared of COVID by a medical professional. 

Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to keeping our community safe. Detailed instructions on how to track your symptoms and temperature and receive test results, as well as information about contact tracing, will be shared soon. If you have additional questions about COVID testing or coming to campus, please contact Bucknell Student Health at medicalrecords@bucknell.edu

Sincerely,

Catherine O’Neil, M.D.
Director, Bucknell Student Health 

• Move-in will still take place by appointment and will follow the same move-in and check-in procedures described in the Fall 2020 Student Campus Guide. This information is also available on the fall reopening website. 

• Sign-ups for appointments will begin Monday, July 20, at 8 a.m. EDT and end Friday, July 31, at 4 p.m. EDT. To sign up, visit MyHome in myBucknell. Click on the appointments link to select your move-in time. It is imperative that you are respectful of your assigned time. Early arrivals will not be permitted.

• Students participating in the in-person Pre-Orientation programs and student leaders who need to arrive on campus early will receive direct communication from their program director about move-in times. 

• Airport shuttle times will be updated to coordinate with these new dates. Please visit the reservation page for details. 

• Orientation for the Class of 2024 and transfer students will still begin virtually on Monday, Aug. 3, and wrap up with small-group, in-person sessions the weekend of Aug. 15-16. The program schedule will be shared with students shortly.