Frequenty Asked Questions

What is Bentley in the Bahamas? The Bentley in the Bahamas trip serves as Bentley University's commencement week activities for graduating seniors each May.

When does the trip take place? The Bentley in the Bahamas trip takes place every year between the conclusion of finals and Commencement. The trip officially kicks off late on a Saturday night with a pre-departure meeting on campus, with travel taking place early Sunday morning through late Thursday night. There will be additional senior activities and events on-campus in the days before and after the trip.

When will I hear about the trip? Rising seniors will receive trip information via email starting in the summer months going into their final year at Bentley. Emails will come from GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu and are sent to the "Fourth Year" DL (distribution list).

What if I am not receiving emails? Seniors who are not receiving emails about the Bentley in the Bahamas trip may not be listed as a "fourth year" in Workday and are therefore not part of the "Fourth Year" DL (distribution list). Seniors who have not received any Bahamas information should reach out to GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu at the start of their senior year to make sure they are added to all future Bahamas emails and communications. Students are also encouraged to reach out to the Registrar's Office to have their class year corrected on Workday to ensure that they receive all other important senior-related communication throughout the year.

How many seniors attend the trip each year? For past trips, we have traveled with anywhere from 400 to 620 seniors. For the previous ten trips, we have accommodated every eligible senior who wanted to participate and intend to do so again this year.

Where can I look for the most updated information and trip details? Seniors are strongly encouraged to check their Bentley email throughout the year to ensure they do not miss any important information related to the trip. During the spring semester, trip participants will receive regular newsletters with additional information, deadlines, and suggestions for the trip. Follow @Bentley_Bahamas on Instagram for more updates!

Who can I talk to if I have specific questions or concerns about the trip? For any questions about the trip, don't hesitate to email GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu. Bentley staff members from the Division of Student Affairs will monitor the email and will reply to any questions.

Who is eligible to participate in the trip? All Bentley undergraduate students who are graduating in May in their fourth year are eligible to purchase a trip package. All trip participants must be 21+ at the time of the trip departure and have valid travel documents to travel to the Bahamas. Registered seniors will sign a waiver and complete all payments as part of participation in the trip.

Are graduating graduate students able to attend? This trip is only open to graduating undergraduate students. Based on specific circumstances, a student may be able to attend the trip at the close of their undergraduate career if they are a graduate student in their final semester. Students in this situation should complete the Senior Event Registration to ensure they are eligible and approved to attend the trip.

If I graduate one semester early in December, am I able to attend with the rest of my class in May? Yes, December graduates who finish their time at Bentley in December before the trip will be permitted to attend the trip. Seniors who graduate early in December are required to complete the Senior Event Registration in order to be approved to attend all senior-only events, including the Bentley in the Bahamas trip. Once approved, participants not enrolled as a Bentley student at the time of the trip, due to graduating early, will be required to sign the trip waiver and pay a $200 refundable deposit as terms of participation. This fee will be treated as a security deposit and ensures accountability and policy compliance throughout the trip. Failure to comply will result in a loss of the refundable deposit. The fee will be refunded following the trip pending no policy violations or damages. Students who graduated in December but are enrolled in a Bentley graduate program during the spring semester will be able to attend the trip in May at no additional cost.

If I am graduating late, can I attend the trip? Yes, in most cases a student graduating later than initially intended will be permitted to attend the trip. However, based on specific circumstances and the timing of degree completion, there may be limitations on which year this would be permitted. Students who are planning to graduate later than intended are required to complete the Senior Event Registration in order to be approved to attend all senior-only events, including the Bentley in the Bahamas trip. If approved, it is important to note that you can participate in the trip one time only.

If I am graduating one full year early, can I attend with the class year ahead of me? Yes, in most cases a student graduating a full year early will be permitted to attend with the class year ahead of them. Students who graduate a full year early are required to complete the Senior Event Registration in order to be approved to attend all senior-only events, including the Bentley in the Bahamas trip. If approved, it is important to note that you must be 21+ at the time of the trip departure and can participate in the trip one time only.

If I am graduating one full year early, can I attend with my original class year? In some cases where a student graduated one full year early but remains an enrolled Bentley graduate student for the full next academic year, they may be permitted to attend with their original class year. Students who graduate a full year early are required to complete the Senior Event Registration in order to be approved to attend all senior-only events, including the Bentley in the Bahamas trip. If approved, it is important to note that you can participate in the trip one time only. In most cases, a student who graduates a full year early and does not return to attend graduate school at Bentley will not be permitted to attend the trip the following year with their original class.

Can a student attend the trip more than one time during their time as a student? No, it is important to note that a Bentley student can participate in the trip one time only.

Will I be able to attend the trip if I have any holds on my account? Students with financial or academic holds that have not been resolved by the trip departure date will not be permitted to attend.

What should I do if I'm having issues with registration or payments due to my status in Workday or CampusGroups? For any issues with the CampusGroups registration related to your class year or senior status, make sure to complete the Senior Event Registration. This will prompt our staff to verify your status as a graduating senior and ensure your account access is updated. If you see the message: "Sorry, this event is open to specific members only. You will not be able to register for this event." make sure to complete the Senior Event Registration and email GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu with any specific questions.

When do seniors register for the trip? Registration will be open August through early October each year. Rising seniors should look for an email from GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu during the summer months before their senior year begins.

Is there any benefit to registering as soon as registration opens or waiting until the deadline? For the previous ten trips, we have accommodated every eligible senior who wanted to participate and intend to do so again this year. As long as an eligible senior registers by the deadline we will ensure that they are able to attend the trip with their class. In some years when we have filled all seats on the chartered flights, we have acquired additional seats on a commercial flight. In those cases, it is possible that we would select flight assignments in order of registration. The commercial flight is traditionally on a similar time frame to the charter flights and has not traditionally impacted the total trip time or experience.

How much does the trip cost? The cost may vary from year to year and will account for inflation and any price increases in our contracted services and agreements. The cost will be communicated during the summer months before a student's senior year begins. The cost of the trip is subsidized by the Student Activity Fee each year. The all-inclusive cost for the 2024 trip is $1,700.

Can I get a discount if I pay for my own flight or choose not to participate in certain activities? No, students must purchase the entire package to participate in the official Bentley in the Bahamas trip events and activities.

If I'm not attending the trip with Bentley, can I still fly down on my own and attend the events? Students must purchase the entire package to participate in the official Bentley in the Bahamas trip events and activities. Students who do not purchase the package and decide to fly down to the Bahamas will not be able to stay in the same room as trip participants or take part in meals, club nights, or activities.

What is included in the cost of the trip? The trip package and cost includes: Housing on campus for residential students; non-resident housing is available upon request, One non-transferable ticket to the Commencement Ball, An all-you-can-eat BBQ on campus prior to departure on Saturday, Roundtrip airfare from Boston to Nassau, Bahamas, Four nights at the Atlantis Resort and Casino on Paradise Island, Bahamas, All transportation including airport transfers and buses to and from events in the Bahamas, A brunch buffet upon arrival at the Atlantis, A daily lunch voucher valid at various resort eateries, Three dinners while in the Bahamas, Four nights of admission to activities and club nights reserved for trip participants only, Short term international health insurance while in the Bahamas, and All departure taxes, including VAT, relating to international travel.

How can I request a payment plan or financial assistance? Seniors who require a payment plan or financial assistance should complete the trip registration and initial $50 deposit by the communicated registration deadline. During the registration process, seniors requiring financial assistance should select the "Financial Assistance" payment option and will need to submit the Financial Assistance Request by the registration deadline to indicate their request and provide additional details. A staff member will follow up to provide assistance and discuss available options. For any students wishing to attend the trip, but experiencing potential obstacles (i.e. financial, family, etc.), you are encouraged to email GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu before the registration deadline to discuss your particular situation to see if we are able to accommodate.

What if I missed the registration deadline? Once the initial registration deadline passes, the total number of participants will be finalized for the trip. Interested seniors who miss the deadline are encouraged to submit the Bentley in the Bahamas Waitlist 2024 form to add themselves to the Waitlist. For more information about the Waitlist, see the Cancellations and Waitlist section of the FAQs.

Where can I make payments? All payments towards the trip will be made on the CampusGroups Event Page.

When are payments due? Payment deadlines vary based on the payment option you choose during the initial trip registration. Visit the CampusGroups Event Page to see if you are able to determine your next payment deadline. If you are still unsure, email GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu to check.

What happens if I miss a payment deadline? If you miss a payment deadline, you will be in jeopardy of being removed from the trip and your spot will be offered to someone on the Waitlist. We will make an effort to remind trip participants of upcoming payment deadlines and send a follow-up email after a missed payment, but it is the responsibility of each person to keep track of their upcoming payment deadlines. If we are unable to contact you following a missed payment, you will receive an email confirming your removal from the trip.

What should I do if I think I might be late on an upcoming payment deadline? We understand that life happens and you may have trouble making a payment by the deadlines outlined. If that's the case, please email us at GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu before the payment deadline occurs in order to keep your spot secured on the trip. We will also ask for an update on when you will be able to complete the payment.

What should I do if I have missed a payment deadline? If you realize you have already missed a payment deadline, please email us at GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu as soon as possible. Depending on how delayed the payment is and whether we have already unsuccessfully tried to get in touch with you, we may have removed you from the trip and offered your spot to someone on the Waitlist. If this is the case, we will encourage you to submit the Bentley in the Bahamas Waitlist 2024 form to add yourself to the Waitlist so we can contact you if a spot becomes available.

How can I request a payment plan or financial assistance? Seniors who require a payment plan or financial assistance should complete the trip registration and initial $50 deposit by the communicated registration deadline. During the registration process, seniors requiring financial assistance should select the "Financial Assistance" payment option and will need to submit the Financial Assistance Request by the registration deadline to indicate their request and provide additional details. A staff member will follow up to provide assistance and discuss available options. For any students wishing to attend the trip, but experiencing potential obstacles (i.e. financial, family, etc.), you are encouraged to email GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu before the registration deadline to discuss your particular situation to see if we are able to accommodate.

Other than the cost of the trip, are there additional payments or fees? For students who graduate early and are no longer enrolled as a Bentley student at the time of the trip, there will be an additional refundable deposit amount of $200 to participate in the trip. This fee will be treated as a security deposit and will be refunded following the trip pending no policy violations or damages. Additionally, trip participants can choose to upgrade to a double occupancy room at the Atlantis for an additional cost of $250 per person. There are no other payments or fees associated with the trip aside from the cost of items such as activities, excursions, or non-provided meals during the trip.

If I change my mind and no longer want to attend the trip, can I cancel and get a refund? Unfortunately, all payments past the close of the registration deadline are non-refundable.

Why are payments non-refundable? Once our registration deadline closes, we begin finalizing travel plans with our vendors using the total number of registered seniors. We need to submit final numbers for things such as flights, hotel rooms, meals, and bus transportation well in advance of our trip dates. Changes to this number after a certain date will result in still being responsible for the full dollar amount stated in our contracted agreement which prevents us from being able to provide a refund.

Is there any way that I can receive a refund if I cancel? Once we have finalized our total number of trip participants, the only way we can issue a refund is if we are able to successfully fill your spot on the trip. In that case we would be happy to provide a refund. Refunds can be requested by submitting the Bahamas Refund Request and a staff member will be able to provide you with a decision. In many cases, a refund might not be available at the initial time of cancellation but may become available in the future if we are able to fill the spot with someone from the Waitlist. If this is the case, our team will keep the request on file to see if a refund becomes possible.

What is the Waitlist? Once the final trip roster has been confirmed we will begin building a Waitlist for any additional students who are interested in attending the trip.

How do I join the Waitlist? To join the Waitlist, submit the Bentley in the Bahamas Waitlist 2024 form to add yourself to the Waitlist. Students are added to the Waitlist in the order that form submissions are completed.

How do I know what number I am on the Waitlist? Waitlist spots will be offered in the order in which a senior originally submitted the form to add themselves to the Waitlist. You are welcome to email GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu to request what number on the Waitlist you are currently listed at. It's helpful to note that we typically see the most movement within the Waitlist in the final month before the trip due to situations where trip participants have scheduling conflicts or personal obligations that arise.

What should I expect if I'm added to the Waitlist? In past years we have been able to accommodate most students (if not all) off the Waitlist each year. If you are offered a spot off the Waitlist, you will receive an email with next steps and you will be given a short window of time to reply, complete your trip registration, and submit any other required trip information. As the trip dates get closer, students on the Waitlist should be prepared to complete payments and submit passport information as soon as possible. Roommate preferences may be limited depending on how close the departure date is. We typically see the most movement within the Waitlist in the final month before the trip in the event that trip participants have scheduling conflicts or personal obligations that arise. In some cases, we have been able to offer a student a spot from the Waitlist less than 48 hours before the trip departure, so it is important to be checking email and be ready to complete any necessary action items if this is the case.

What do I need to know about traveling to the Bahamas if I am an international student? During the initial registration process students will be asked to provide their country of citizenship or residency. This information will allow us to best assist you with any necessary visas or documentation. Our planning team typically includes a staff member from the Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS) department to ensure we are able to adequately support our international students throughout the planning and execution of the trip.

Do I need any additional visas or documentation to travel to the Bahamas? Depending on a student's country of residency, some students may be required to obtain additional visas or documentation in order to travel to the Bahamas. Our team will be able to provide you with additional documentation and proof of travel during the spring semester in order to receive any necessary travel visas by the trip dates.

If I have questions related to traveling to the Bahamas as an international student, who can I reach out to? If you have specific questions or concerns, we recommend that you send an email to both GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu and GA_CISS@bentley.edu so that our staff are able to best assist you and answer any questions you have.

If I will be a spring sport athlete at Bentley during my senior year, can I still attend the trip? All spring athletes interested in attending the trip should complete the initial registration and $50 deposit by the communicated registration deadline. As part of the registration, spring athletes will be asked what team they are on. This information keeps our planning team aware of any possible changes to trip attendance in the event that spring competition prevents a team from attending the trip.

What happens if my team has a game or competition during the trip dates? Each year we work closely with Athletics to identify a list of all senior spring athletes attending the trip. We will closely monitor spring competition as we get close to the trip dates. If it is determined that spring competition or playoffs will prevent a team from traveling on the trip, we will provide a refund. This is only applicable to spring competition for Bentley Athletic teams. If you cancel your participation on the trip for any reason beyond Bentley-specific athletic commitment, payments will not be refunded.

Will my status as a spring athlete affect my travel or trip participation? Depending on registration numbers, we may need to position spring athletes on a commercial flight to the Bahamas in order to guarantee refund of airfare if it becomes necessary. This will be communicated to athletes directly if we need to make that change. The commercial flight is traditionally on a similar time frame to the charter flights and has not traditionally impacted the total trip time or experience.

Check back soon for more FAQs!

Do I need a passport to participate in the Bentley in the Bahamas trip? Yes, all trip participants must have valid travel documents to travel to the Bahamas. US citizens will need a valid US passport. International students should contact the Center for International Students and Scholars (GA_CISS@bentley.edu) to ensure that the necessary travel documents are obtained. Passports must be valid through the return date, and we strongly encourage that passports be valid (not expired) for six months following the trip dates to ensure there is no chance of complication during travel.

Can I use a passport card for travel? No, all trip participants must have a valid passport book. The Bahamas does not accept US passport cards for entry into the country.

Do I need additional documents or visas to travel to the Bahamas? US citizens do not need any additional documentation or visas beyond a valid US passport. Depending on the requirements of individual countries for travel to the Bahamas, international students may need to obtain additional documentation or visas. The Center for International Students and Scholars (GA_CISS@bentley.edu) will be able to provide more information to individual students and we will be able to provide documentation needed in order to apply for required visas.

Where can I get a US passport? For more information about applying for a US passport, visit the Department of State website.

How long does it take to get a US passport application processed? As of December 18, 2023, the processing times were listed as 6-8 weeks for routine processing and 2-3 weeks for expedited processing. Mailing times are not included in those processing times. For more information about US passport processing timelines, visit the Department of State website.

When will my passport information be due? Passport information is typically collected following Spring Break and due in early to mid-April. This information is required to submit to the airline for flight assignments.

What if I’m still waiting for my passport to arrive when the deadline occurs? If you are still waiting on your passport to arrive when the deadline to submit your information occurs, please inform our staff that you are waiting on your passport and provide an estimated timeline when you anticipate you will be able to submit your information. Please keep in mind that we are required to submit this information to the airline prior to departure and a student will not be able to travel if their passport doesn’t arrive by the trip departure.

What should I do if my passport isn’t going to arrive in time for the trip? Trip participants who are concerned with receiving their passport by the trip departure date are encouraged to visit the Department of State website where they outline details and next steps for urgent passport processing (travel within the next 2-3 weeks). Within 14 days of international travel, you may be able to make an appointment at the Boston Passport Agency that is specific to “urgent travel to a foreign country”. If you need proof of travel in order to help expedite the passport process, you can email GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu to request this documentation.

If I don’t have a valid passport, can I still attend the trip? Unfortunately, if a student does not have a valid passport at the time of trip departure, they will be unable to travel. Bentley does not have the ability to make any exceptions to this rule as it is a requirement for entry by the Bahamas government. You must have your passport book physically in your hand in order to board the flight to the Bahamas. Photos of a passport cannot be accepted.

Check back soon for more FAQs!

Check back soon for more FAQs!

Check back soon for more FAQs!

Will parents or guardians receive information about the trip? Parents and guardians will not necessarily receive information about the trip. We encourage family members to discuss the trip with their senior and ask them to share any details that would be helpful for family to know. Our Frequently Asked Questions can also serve as a helpful resource to family members interested in learning more about the trip.

Will I be informed if there is an emergency during the trip? Each student is required to provide the name and contact information for an emergency contact member in advance of the trip. Emergency contacts may be notified in the event of illness, injury, or significant behavioral concerns.

What if my senior experiences an emergency during the trip? Bentley staff will carry a "Bahamas Duty Phone" around the clock and can be reached 24/7. Trip participants will be able to utilize the phone number in case of emergency or any other urgent or concerning situation. Every senior traveling to the Bahamas will be provided this cell phone number several times in several different delivery methods to ensure they have access should an urgent situation arise.

What if my senior has an allergy, a medical concern, or requires an accessibility accommodation? This information will be requested during trip registration and we will follow up with anyone who discloses these details to ensure we are able to accommodate any needs shared with us. Our staff have a longstanding partnership with the Atlantis team and our travel agent in Nassau and we are confident we can provide a comfortable and safe travel experience for our seniors.

Will my senior have access to health insurance while traveling? The cost of the trip includes a health insurance policy and coverage for each trip participant during travel. Seniors will be automatically enrolled prior to the departure date and will receive an email with all policy information as well as how to file a claim in the unlikely case that they need to utilize it. Seniors can request an example of a past policy and coverage in advance of the trip if needed by emailing GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu.

Do Bentley staff members travel with the students? Yes, each year approximately twenty full-time Bentley staff members from the Division of Student Affairs travel to the Bahamas alongside the senior class to ensure the success and safety of the trip. Staff are not intended to be "chaperones" on the trip since our seniors are traveling as adults and expected to be responsible for themselves and their friends while in the Bahamas. Staff serve as a resource to students throughout the trip and are prepared to help students navigate any situation that arises.

Who can I talk to if I have specific questions or concerns about the trip? For any questions about the trip, don't hesitate to email GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu. Bentley staff members from the Division of Student Affairs will monitor the email and will reply to any questions.

Where can I find all information about the Bentley in the Bahamas trip?

• View 2024 Trip Information and Emails
• Go to the 2024 Trip CampusGroups Event Page
• Email GA_Bahamas@bentley.edu
• Follow @Bentley_Bahamas on Instagram