Campus Visitor Policy
Keeping our Campus Safe
Spring 2023 Campus COVID & Visitor Policy
POLICY NUMBER: 01092022-9.0
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 9, 2023
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER: Vice President External Affairs
Overview
As CDC, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and County COVID-19 health and safety protocols have adjusted, the following guidelines for campus and visitors are effective January 9, 2023.
This policy is to promote the health and safety of the campus community and visitors. It is important to note that this policy may be modified as the COVID-19 situation and corresponding federal, state and local guidance continues to evolve. Revision notations are located at the end of this document with the date and specific description.
Campus Wide
Masking: Masking on campus is optional, however mandatory weekly testing remains in effect for those faculty/staff/students who have a medical/religious exemption.
Faculty retain the ability to require mask use within the space of their classroom or lab during class. Health Services will continue to require facial coverings in the clinical areas of the Health Center.
Faculty, Staff, Residential Students: Vaccination required, boosters encouraged.
Visitors and Day Students: Vaccination and boosters encouraged.
Access: Entry to the dormitory building is restricted to cadets and designated personnel only. Visitors are not authorized in the dormitory.
CLICK HERE FOR PDF of this CAMPUS COVID & VISITOR POLICY EFFECTIVE January 9, 2023
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What is the timing for vaccination in order to attend 2022 orientation?
In order to attend orientation, you must be up to date on COVID immunization. Up to date means a primary series and a booster dose.
A booster dose can be administered 5 months after the 2nd dose of Moderna or Pfizer and 2 months after the single dose J&J.
Documentation of COVID immunization is part of the medical clearance packet.
What is the timing for vaccination for returning cadets including athletics and cadre?
All incoming cadet candidates and returning cadets, including cadre and athletes, must be up to date with COIVD immunization prior to entering campus.
Up to date status means a primary series and a booster dose.
A booster dose can be administered 5 months after the 2nd dose of Moderna or Pfizer and 2 months after the single dose J&J.
Will waivers be granted to students for religious or medical reasons?
Religious and medical exemption requests will be considered.
What is the process for students seeking a medical or religious vaccination waiver?
- Cadets should contact the MMA Medical Services at: nurse@maritime.edu
- Staff/Faculty should contact Human Resources at: ebenway@maritime.edu
Will unvaccinated students be permitted on campus?
To the extent possible, the Academy will work with unvaccinated students to meet their needs. The Academy requires all students living in campus housing, sailing/working on the KENNEDY, participating in athletics or other on-campus activities, or accessing on-campus facilities to be up to date on COVID immunization before coming to campus. Please contact nurse@maritime.edu for more information.
Students approved for a religious or medical waiver from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement are required to be masked at all times on campus and must adhere to further instructions articulated by Health Services and the Vice President for Student Services.
Will campuses offer opportunities or assist students with getting a vaccine?
If you would like assistance scheduling your vaccination, please visit:
- Mass.gov (helps you find vaccine sites near you)
- Massachusetts Immunizations (helps you find vaccine sites near you)
- CVS
- Walgreens
You may also contact Health Services for assistance in possible vaccine opportunities on campus.
How will the universities enforce the vaccine requirement?
Students must submit copies of their official COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to MMA Medical Services (email nurse@maritime.edu) to attend in-person classes, participate in athletics and other campus activities, and move into residence halls.
Will there be mask requirements for the campus community regardless of vaccination?
Masks may have a limited role on campus in certain circumstances or offices, however, in general masking will not be broadly required across the campus for those up to date on COVID immunization. Campus health and safety protocols will be updated as needed based on campus and community conditions.
Will visitors to residence halls or dormitories be permitted?
No, at this time visitors will not be allowed in the dormitories.
What is the definition of “Up to date on COVID Immunization” or "Fully Vaccinated"?
According to the CDC, people are considered up to date on COVID immunization after:
- Receiving a primary series (2 doses of Moderna/Pfizer or 1 dose of J&J) AND
- A booster dose.
People are considered fully vaccinated:
- 14 days after their second dose in a two-dose series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 14 days after a single-dose vaccine of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
Do students need to be up to date on COVID immunization before coming to campus?
Yes, students do need to be up to date on COVID immunization before arriving on campus for the fall semester, including orientation. Those not in compliance will be unable to move in or take part in in-person learning and other in-person activities.
Will non-matriculating students, dual enrollment/early college students or students auditing classes be required to be up to date on COVID immunization?
All students engaging in on-campus life or activities must be up to date on COVID immunization.
Do students or employees still need to be vaccinated if they have had COVID?
Yes, students and employees need to be up to date on COVID immunization even if they have previously had COVID-19. Those recovering from COVID are eligible to receive vaccination once out of isolation.
Will immunized students still need to be tested weekly?
Likely not. We will evaluate the need for surveillance testing in the fall and adapt the testing protocols according to the data and recommendations by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. It is our expectation that extensive testing in immunized individuals without symptoms will not be necessary.
What will the policy be for international students who do not have access to the vaccine or receive a vaccine not authorized by the FDA or WHO?
Vaccines that were received outside of the United States and have not yet been authorized by the FDA or WHO will be reviewed and accepted following the CDC and state public health guidance. Please contact Health Services at nurse@maritime.edu for further guidance.
If individuals are up to date on immunization and have no symptoms but test positive for COVID, do they have to be isolated?
Yes. In accordance with the CDC and state guidance, all individuals who test positive for the virus, even without symptoms, are treated as active cases, and will need to be isolated immediately and regular contact tracing protocol will occur.
If individuals are up to date on COVID immunization and have a close contact with someone who has COVID, do they still need to quarantine?
No. In accordance with the CDC and state guidance, contacts who are up to date on immunization will monitor for symptoms and are encouraged to seek testing but do not need to quarantine after the exposure.