Brandeis COVID-19 Response Website

Visit Brandeis' COVID-19 Response: What's Now, What's Next website for the most up-to-date information about university health and safety policies.

Student FAQs

What health and safety protocols must I follow before coming to campus?

Please visit the university's Before Coming to Campus page for the most up-to-date information about campus health and safety protocols.

In short, all community members must get an approved COVID-19 vaccine and maintain a green or yellow status on the campus passport on the days you are on campus. (You do not need to have a green or yellow passport if you are not on campus).

To achieve green or yellow passport status, you must:

  1. Complete an online COVID-19 training (once per year)
  2. Sign up for asymptomatic testing (frequency varies)
  3. Pass the Daily Health Assessment in the Campus Passport (every day you are on campus), and
  4. Wear a mask in certain settings.

Are Heller classes being held in person this year?

Yes. All students were asked to attend class in person in Fall 2021, to the extent that state and university rules allow. 

There are some limited exemptions from this requirement. Contact Ravi Lakshmikanthan (kanthan@brandeis.edu), Assistant Dean Academic and Student Services, for COVID-related exemptions and questions related to the fall return to campus. 

For more details about qualifying for exemptions, read Dean Weil's letter to the community on May 18.

Can I attend class online if I feel unwell, or if I am required to quarantine?

Yes. Please do not come to campus if you feel unwell. Students may secure permission from the course instructor to attend one or more class sessions remotely if they are in quarantine or if they feel unwell. These students should contact the faculty member (and TA, if applicable) and develop a plan for participation. Note that students who feel too ill to attend class (even online) are not expected to attend, but should still notify the instructor of their absence. 
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, do not come to campus for testing. Instead, contact the Brandeis Health Center or your health care provider for assistance.

What is Brandeis' vaccine requirement policy?

Brandeis University requires all on-campus faculty, staff, and new and returning students to be fully vaccinated. Limited exemptions to this policy will be granted for medical or religious reasons.

Proof of vaccination should be provided before the start of the fall semester by uploading your completed vaccination card to the Campus Passport.

Please visit the Brandeis FAQs for additional information regarding the Brandeis student vaccination requirement.

What is Brandeis' COVID testing protocol?

What is Brandeis' vaccination rate and test positivity rate?

You can see aggregate data on Brandeis' test positivity rate and community vaccination rates on the Brandeis COVID Dashboard. These data are updated daily.

What do I do if I need to quarantine or isolate?

Any member of the Brandeis community who is notified by the Health Center, Brandeis Case Tracing, Occupational Health and Safety, or a local department of public health that they have come into close contact with someone who has or is suspected of having COVID-19 may be required to quarantine if it is clinically determined that they are at high risk for the illness. Due to the increased transmissability of the Delta variant, this may include vaccinated individuals.

Brandeis information and FAQs about quarantine for on- and off-campus students. 

Who should international students speak to regarding visa questions?

Please contact Executive Director of Global Program Sandra Jones (joness@brandeis.edu) or Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Services Ravi Lakshmikanthan (kanthan@brandeis.edu) for questions and guidance regarding your visa status.

Student Support and Resources

For additional questions, please contact Assistant Dean Ravi Lakshmikanthan (kanthan@brandeis.edu) or Associate Director Marc Kiredjian (mkiredjian@brandeis.edu). Brandeis also offers additional graduate student resources.

Technology Support

Zoom information, including beginner tutorials, FAQs and technical support, are available through the ITS Zoom page. Contact Marc Kiredjian (mkiredjian@brandeis.edu) or Ravi Lakshmikanthan (kanthan@brandeis.edu) if you have any questions or concerns.

Student Financial Support

Heller students experiencing financial strain are strongly encouraged to contact Ravi Lakshmikanthan (kanthan@brandeis.edu) for support.

Heller students are eligible for the Brandeis Student Emergency Fund. These funds can be used food assistance, emergency travel assistance, unreimbursed medical expenses, and more. Contact emergencyfunds@brandeis.edu to apply for funds.

Health and Mental Health Support

Brandeis Health Center

If you feel ill, are concerned about an underlying health condition or have questions about coronavirus, contact the Brandeis University Health Center at 781-736-3677.

Mental Health

The Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) provides care to all students, on or off campus. To reach the BCC, please call its 24/7 answering service at 781-736-3785. 

Other resources include: 

  • iHope Network: Videoconferencing therapy that is covered by many major health insurance companies, including Brandeis health insurance.
  • BetterHelp: Largest online counseling platform worldwide. They provide convenient, discreet and affordable access to a licensed therapist.

Faculty and Staff FAQs

What is Brandeis' vaccine policy for faculty and staff?

All Brandeis faculty and staff must be vaccinated, and must upload their COVID-19 vaccination documentation to the Campus Passport by August 26, unless they receive a medical or religious exemption.

More details available in the June 16 email to the Brandeis community.

What is Brandeis' COVID testing protocol?

Are visitors or guests allowed on campus?

Yes, permitted they follow university guidelines. Brandeis' guest and campus visitor policy is available here. 

When must Heller employees return to work on campus?

Heller anticipates some continued flexibility in permitting remote work, particularly for those whose job responsibilities do not require them to be in-person five days a week. Each team has been asked to develop a plan with their supervisor that balances individual preferences with the need to provide high-quality, in-person services to our community.

You may request an medical accommodation by contacting Brandeis HR (humanresources@brandeis.edu or 781-736-4474). 

What health and safety protocols do I need to follow if I come to campus?

Please visit the university's Before Coming to Campus page for the most up-to-date information about campus health and safety protocols.

In short, all community members must get an approved COVID-19 vaccine and maintain a green or yellow status on the campus passport on the days they are on campus. To achieve green or yellow status, you must:

  1.  Complete an online COVID-19 training (once per year)
  2.  Sign up for asymptomatic testing (frequency varies)
  3. Pass the Daily Health Assessment in the Campus Passport (every day you are on campus), and
  4. Wear a mask in certain settings.

Community Updates