Bergen Community College returned to an open campus environment in summer 2021, while maintaining certain health and safety protocols as part of a revised reopening plan. The College has now moved to a face mask optional environment with vaccination strongly recommended. For specific questions related to College operations, please view the FAQ below.

As the College enters a “new normal,” it encourages students, faculty and staff to vaccinate, practice good hygiene and remain home when ill. Welcome back, Bergen!

Students
Faculty
All Employees
Community
Students

Is campus open?

Yes, as of July 6, 2021, all locations are open for classes, activities and the use of facilities/resources.

  

Are face masks required on campus?

In light of revised federal, state and county guidance, the College has moved to a mask-optional environment.

  

Is a COVID-19 vaccine required to attend class?

No, but the College strongly recommends becoming vaccinated.

 

What should I do if I’m positive, have symptoms or become exposed?

The College will follow Centers for Disease Control recommendations for each of these scenarios:

 

Confirmed Positive:

  • Contact Associate Director of Health Services Dania Huie-Pasigan at [email protected];
  • Isolate for five days (symptomatic or asymptomatic); and
  • Wear a high-quality mask for an additional five days after isolation.

 

Confirmed Positive with Moderate- to- Severe Illness (breathing difficulties):

  • Isolate and speak with your doctor before ending isolation.

 

COVID-19 Symptoms:

  • Isolate and test;
  • If negative, end isolation and wear a high-quality mask for 10 days; and
  • If positive, follow “Confirmed Positive” steps.

 

COVID-19 Exposure (No Symptoms):

  • Wear a high-quality mask immediately after the exposure notification and continue to do so through day 10;
  • Test on day five following exposure;
  • If positive, follow “Confirmed Positive” steps; and
  • If negative, continue wearing a high-quality mask through day 10.

 

Will the College offer COVID-19 vaccinations on campus?

Yes, in partnership with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, the College will offer periodic vaccination events on campus.

     

Will the College screen me for COVID-19?

While the College will not screen you for COVID-19, you may consider taking the Centers for Disease Control symptom checker if you feel ill. Please do not come to campus if you feel ill; consult your healthcare professional for additional assistance.

 

Is my classroom clean?

The College has taken great care to ensure a safe learning environment for students. Among its work, the College has conducted - and will continue to conduct - cleaning and sanitization of restrooms, common areas, high-touch areas, equipment and shared surfaces at least once daily. The College has also taken significant steps to improve ventilation by bringing in fresh air via rooftop HVAC units and installing MERV-rated air filters.

        

How will the College make sure the reopening plan is followed?

The College has appointed a reopening coordinator, Dr. Larry Hlavenka, who will monitor real-time compliance of the plan. This individual will also have the authority to make adjustments and subsequently update the plan in order to deliver best practices for the institution. The coordinator will also establish mechanisms for students to make inquiries, suggestions and comments.

Faculty

Are face masks required on campus?

In light of revised federal, state and county guidance, the College has moved to a mask-optional environment.

  

Is a COVID-19 vaccine required to work at Bergen?

No, but the College strongly recommends becoming vaccinated.

 

What should I do if I’m positive, have symptoms or become exposed?

The College will follow Centers for Disease Control recommendations for each of these scenarios:

 

 

Confirmed Positive:

  • Contact Associate Director of Health Services Dania Huie-Pasigan at [email protected];
  • Isolate for five days (symptomatic or asymptomatic); and
  • Wear a high-quality mask for an additional five days after isolation.

 

Confirmed Positive with Moderate- to- Severe Illness (breathing difficulties):

  • Isolate and speak with your doctor before ending isolation.

 

COVID-19 Symptoms:

  • Isolate and test;
  • If negative, end isolation and wear a high-quality mask for 10 days; and
  • If positive, follow “Confirmed Positive” steps.

 

COVID-19 Exposure (No Symptoms):

  • Wear a high-quality mask immediately after the exposure notification and continue to do so through day 10;
  • Test on day five following exposure;
  • If positive, follow “Confirmed Positive” steps; and
  • If negative, continue wearing a high-quality mask through day 10.

 

Will the College offer COVID-19 vaccinations on campus?

Yes, in partnership with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, the College will offer periodic vaccination events on campus.

  

Will the College screen me for COVID-19?

While the College will not screen you for COVID-19, you may consider taking the Centers for Disease Control symptom checker if you feel ill. Please do not come to campus if you feel ill; consult your healthcare professional for additional assistance.

 

Is my classroom clean?

The College has taken great care to ensure a safe learning environment for faculty. Among its work, the College has conducted - and will continue to conduct - cleaning and sanitization of restrooms, common areas, high-touch areas, equipment and shared surfaces at least once daily. The College has also taken significant steps to improve ventilation by bringing in fresh air via rooftop HVAC units and installing MERV-rated air filters.

 

How will the College make sure the reopening plan is followed?

The College has appointed a reopening coordinator, Dr. Larry Hlavenka, who will monitor real-time compliance of the plan. This individual will also have the authority to make adjustments and subsequently update the plan in order to deliver best practices for the institution. The coordinator will also establish mechanisms for students to make inquiries, suggestions and comments.

All Employees

Are face masks required on campus?

In light of revised federal, state and county guidance, the College has moved to a mask-optional environment.

 

Is a COVID-19 vaccine required to work at Bergen?

No, but the College strongly recommends becoming vaccinated.

  

What should I do if I’m positive, have symptoms or become exposed?

The College will follow Centers for Disease Control recommendations for each of these scenarios:

 

Confirmed Positive:

  • Contact Associate Director of Health Services Dania Huie-Pasigan at [email protected];
  • Isolate for five days (symptomatic or asymptomatic); and
  • Wear a high-quality mask for an additional five days after isolation.

 

Confirmed Positive with Moderate- to- Severe Illness (breathing difficulties):

  • Isolate and speak with your doctor before ending isolation.

 

COVID-19 Symptoms:

  • Isolate and test;
  • If negative, end isolation and wear a high-quality mask for 10 days; and
  • If positive, follow “Confirmed Positive” steps.

 

COVID-19 Exposure (No Symptoms):

  • Wear a high-quality mask immediately after the exposure notification and continue to do so through day 10;
  • Test on day five following exposure;
  • If positive, follow “Confirmed Positive” steps; and
  • If negative, continue wearing a high-quality mask through day 10.

 

Will the College offer COVID-19 vaccinations on campus?

Yes, in partnership with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, the College will offer periodic vaccination events on campus.

  

Will the College screen me for COVID-19?

While the College will not screen you for COVID-19, you may consider taking the Centers for Disease Control symptom checker if you feel ill. Please do not come to campus if you feel ill; consult your healthcare professional for additional assistance.

 

Is my office clean?

The College has taken great care to ensure a safe environment. Among its work, the College has conducted - and will continue to conduct - cleaning and sanitization of restrooms, common areas, high-touch areas, equipment and shared surfaces at least once daily. The College has also taken significant steps to improve ventilation by bringing in fresh air via rooftop HVAC units and installing MERV-rated air filters.

   

How will the College make sure the reopening plan is followed?

The College has appointed a reopening coordinator, Dr. Larry Hlavenka, who will monitor real-time compliance of the plan. This individual will also have the authority to make adjustments and subsequently update the plan in order to deliver best practices for the institution. The coordinator will also establish mechanisms for students to make inquiries, suggestions and comments.

Community

Is campus open?

Yes, as of July 6, 2021, all locations are open for classes, activities and the use of facilities/resources.

 

What on-campus services and resources are available?

As of July 6, 2021, all of them! This includes the Sidney Silverman Library, the Cerullo Learning Assistance Center, food services, the bookstore and every on-campus resource that was available before the pandemic began.

  

Are face masks required on campus?

In light of revised federal, state and county guidance, the College has moved to a mask-optional environment.

 

Will the College screen me for COVID-19?

While the College will not screen you for COVID-19, you may consider taking the Centers for Disease Control symptom checker if you feel ill. Please do not come to campus if you feel ill; consult your healthcare professional for additional assistance.

 

Are the facilities clean?

The College has taken great care to ensure a safe environment. Among its work, the College has conducted - and will continue to conduct - cleaning and sanitization of restrooms, common areas, high-touch areas, equipment and shared surfaces at least once daily. The College has also taken significant steps to improve ventilation by bringing in fresh air via rooftop HVAC units and installing MERV-rated air filters.