COVID-19 Vaccination Protocols

For Employees

This section states the University of Maine System’s COVID-19 vaccination protocols for employees in the 2022-2023 academic year and outlines permissible exemptions. These requirements may be revised as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, as public health best practices change or emerge, and based on current federal and state laws and are subject to union negotiations.

Being fully-vaccinated and providing that information to the University currently exempts asymptomatic employees from COVID-19 testing requirements. 

This may change in the future to provide an exemption only for employees who are fully vaccinated and current with their boosters.   

Booster shots are strongly encouraged for all employees as a way to prevent severe COVID-19 cases or illness.     

Employee Compliance:

• Employees are required to verify their ongoing compliance with the UMS COVID-19 protocols through the UMS COVID-19 portal.
• The University of Maine System will engage in active outreach to employees who have not submitted their vaccination information or submitted an exemption.
• Employee compliance violations will be addressed by HR, management, or other appropriate university personnel. Repeated and willful disregard for UMS public safety protocols—including routine testing for COVID-19 if an employee is not vaccinated—after clear notice to the employee, may result in discipline.

Public safety protocols, in addition to those listed above, may be implemented by the University at any time, as appropriate to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, public health best practices, civil authority and law.

To upload proof of your vaccination doses, including boosters, please refer to the UMS COVID-19 Portal (External Site)

For Students

This section describes the University of Maine System’s Fall 2022 semester COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students. These requirements may be revised as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, as public health best practices change or emerge, and based on current federal and state laws.

University students who plan to participate in any on-campus or University sponsored experience must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined below in this guidance, or obtain a University System-approved exemption.  Booster shots are strongly encouraged for all students as a way to prevent severe cases of COVID-19.     

Student Compliance: 

Students are required to submit proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations or request an exemption by August 31, 2022. 

New Students – Complete your ‘COVID Vaccine/Exemption Docs’ found in the Student Center main page under ‘To Do List’.  For assistance or questions, please contact your academic advisor. 

Returning Students – To upload proof of your vaccination series or submit an exemption request, please refer to the UMS COVID-19 Portal (External Site).

Students participating in any on-campus or University sponsored in-person experience will be required to verify their ongoing compliance with the UMS COVID-19 vaccination protocols through the designated University platform; UMS COVID-19 Portal (External Site)

Students who are not fully vaccinated or do not have an approved exemption will not be allowed to continue to participate in on-campus experiences, may have registration holds placed on their accounts until they are in compliance, and may be administratively withdrawn from their in-person classes at the end of any applicable add/drop period (in such cases, students would be financially responsible for all expenses prior to withdrawal).

Student Conduct Code violations should be addressed consistent with the current Code. In general, refusal to engage in COVID-19 vaccination protocols, or other requirements may be resolved through a transition to remote learning and absence from campus without the need to resort to the Code. However, certain extenuating circumstances may require a case-by-case approach. The Office of General Counsel and each campus’ Office of Student Affairs are available to assist with such case-by-case review. Anyone who is concerned about a violation of the pandemic protocol requirements may report that concern by calling 207-581-2681 or emailing umaine.alerts@maine.edu.

IMPORTANT:

• All employees and students are strongly encouraged to upload all COVID-19 vaccination doses, including boosters, in case the University shifts to requiring boosters in response to the evolving pandemic. 
• Student participation in certain programs may require COVID-19 boosters.  Program leaders will communicate these requirements to students. 
• Individuals will be required to quarantine for at least 5 days IF: 
  • They are deemed a close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, AND they are not current with their COVID-19 vaccinations AND boosters.
• Employees in a higher risk category, or with severe illness or underlying health conditions or other applicable circumstances that may impact their ability to comply with COVID-19 requirements may contact the University of Maine System Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator at: 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754; 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System); or adacoordinator@maine.edu.
• Students in a higher risk category, or with severe illness or underlying health conditions or other applicable circumstances who may need disability accommodations in connection with this protocol should contact the disability or accessibility services office on their campus.

WHERE CAN I GET A COVID-19 VACCINE OR BOOSTER?  

You can locate vaccine sites near you in a variety of ways: 

1. Access Vaccines.Gov.  You will need your 5-digit zip code to search. 
2. Text your zip code to 438829.  
3. Call 1-800-232-0233
4. Look up sites in Maine – Maine Vaccine Site Search
5. Contact your healthcare provider
6. Each University of the University of Maine System also has, is or will be offering vaccination or booster clinics or otherwise facilitating access to the vaccines and boosters. Please check with UMPI’s Health Center at 207-768-9586 for specific information.

DEFINITIONS: 

1. Fully Vaccinated:  This is defined as completing the primary vaccine series doses in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or completing a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
2. Medical Exemption: Fill out the downloadable UMS form provided in the UMS COVID-19 Portal (External Site), including a signature from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant that, in the provider’s professional judgment, immunization may be medically inadvisable.
3. Religious Exemption: Fill out the downloadable UMS form provided in the UMS COVID-19 Portal (External Site), including a physical signature from the student, or guardian if the student is a minor, that the student’s sincerely held religious beliefs are contrary to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
4. Remote Learning Only Exemption: Fill out the downloadable UMS form provided in the UMS COVID-19 Portal (External Site), including a physical signature from the student or guardian, indicating that the student will only enroll in remote learning courses that involve no participation in an on-campus experience at any University location. Because not all courses are available in an online modality, students who choose this option understand, agree and accept that this may limit their educational options and that, depending on degree program or course of study, it may not be possible to complete a course of study through remote learning only.  This form must be completed with each applicable semester.

For Visitors

This section provides information regarding the University of Maine System’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements for visitors during the 2022-2023 academic year. These requirements may be revised as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, as public health best practices change or emerge, and based on current federal and state laws.

University System campuses, in general, are open to campus visitors, though visitors should not come to campus if they are currently subject to quarantine or isolation per CDC guidelines. Events or activities for which visitors (i.e. the general public) would come to campus may require evidence of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for admittance. Anyone attending indoor University System events of more than 250 people must provide proof of vaccination or an acceptable negative test to enter.

When a negative test is required, evidence that it will be accepted includes a negative PCR test or a rapid antigen sampled within 72 hours of the event or gathering. Legitimate, legible, original test results and physical or electronic copies will be accepted. 

Face Coverings

In general, face coverings are optional and welcomed across the University of Maine System, indoors and outdoors for all persons regardless of vaccination status.  There are many important exceptions, including in classrooms, when face coverings will or may continue to be required.  Those exceptions and many other details of this update are described below.

Note: The U.S. CDC recommends wearing face coverings in indoor public settings in areas where there is substantial transmission of COVID-19. To see which counties in Maine face coverings are recommended, consult this map from U.S. CDC.

Face coverings continue to be welcomed when individuals choose to wear them as a matter of personal choice. There may be certain exceptions related to security-sensitive circumstances or other matters when face coverings must be removed but, in general, the wearing of face coverings may not be prohibited.

Exceptions to the optional face covering protocol:

• Face coverings continue to be required in all classrooms, research spaces and instructional circumstances unless the requirement is waived by the relevant faculty member.
• Face coverings continue to be required when a person or persons are visiting an individual office space unless the primary occupant of the space or host of the meeting waives the requirement.
• Face coverings continue to be required when recommended by the U.S. CDC in connection with exposure to or during recovery from a confirmed positive case of COVID-19.  
• Face coverings may continue to be required at any indoor university event open to the public (i.e., events open to individuals beyond students, staff and faculty) as follows:
  • For indoor events of more than 75 persons, face coverings are required unless proof of vaccination or a negative test is required as a condition of entrance, in which case face coverings can be optional as determined by the organizing authority. (Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test already is required at indoor University events of more than 250 persons, meaning face coverings can be optional at such events as determined by the organizing authority.)
  • For indoor events of 75 or fewer persons, face coverings are optional.
• Face coverings may continue to be required by organizers of specific events or activities indoors or outdoors as determined by the organizing authority. Individuals should be prepared to wear a face covering if requested to do so.
• Face coverings continue to be required in spaces where health care is provided unless the circumstances are such that the relevant health care authority which occupies and controls the space waives the requirement.

• Face coverings continue to be required in any circumstance necessary to meet the requirements of a civil authority or other relevant regulatory body with jurisdiction over the University or the activity (for example, transportation circumstances when face coverings may be required by federal or civil authorities).

• These requirements may be revised as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, as public health best practices change or emerge, and based on current federal and state laws.
• When or if face coverings are required to be worn as described above, they are to be of the type recommended by public health officials such as the U.S. or Maine CDC. Regardless of material or style they are to cover the nose, mouth and chin and be well-secured without gaps or openings. For more information about styles and types of face coverings which meet the University of Maine System’s (UMS) requirement (and those which do not), please reference the UMS Face Mask Information webpage (External Site).
• In general, current public health guidance (External Site)  supports the use of devices such as a KN95 in addition to, or in place of, a face covering or a surgical face covering alone or in combination with a face covering. These practices are welcome at the university in accordance with public health guidance.

• The University’s minimum requirement if or when a face covering is required remains a multi-layer appropriate material face covering as described on the UMS Face Mask Information webpage (External Site).

Students in a higher risk category, or with severe illness or underlying health conditions or other applicable circumstances who may need disability accommodations in connection with this protocol should contact the disability or accessibility services office on their campus.

Employees in a higher risk category, or with severe illness or underlying health conditions or other applicable circumstances who may need disability accommodations in connection with this protocol should contact the University of Maine System Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator at:

Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator
Address: 101 North Stevens Hall
University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754
Phone: 207-581-1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)
Email: adacoordinator@maine.edu

The University’s face covering requirements are subject as applicable to the UMS employee progressive discipline policy, the UMS Student Code of Conduct (Board of Trustee Policy 501) and the respective associated disciplinary practices and provisions. These procedures also apply to anyone submitting false or fraudulent vaccination verification information.

Unless specifically authorized by the University to do so, students and employees, including faculty, may not conduct student conduct code or employee disciplinary policy-related face covering enforcement activities. Any member of a UMS university community concerned about a violation of the face covering requirements may report that concern by calling 207- 581-2681 or by selecting your campus using this online reporting tool (External Site).

The University asks everyone to aim for not mere technical compliance with the face covering requirement if confronted with one, but rather to meet the spirit and intention of the face covering requirement when wearing your own face covering.

Note that this and all University guidance on COVID-19 is subject to change in accordance with the evolving circumstances of COVID-19.

Additional Face Covering Guidance for UMPI Spaces

Gentile / Campus Center Groups:

Groups over 75 people will be required to provide proof of vaccinations/testing or wear masks. Under 75 person groups have no face covering requirements in addition to the guidelines noted above.

Gentile’s member policy: 

Masking / Proof of Vaccination/ Testing is not required for individuals who hold a membership to Gentile.

CIL:

Face coverings are optional in public areas of the CIL.  However, policies in regards to masking in classroom environments apply, and masks may be required within individual offices or office spaces may be required. Similar to classrooms, masking inside the building is required unless that requirement is waived by the building manager or staff overseeing specific areas of the building.

Testing

Fall Testing: Starting August 29, 2022, the University will no longer conduct weekly PCR (Asymptomatic Testing).  Symptomatic testing will be available to all Students, Faculty and Staff located at the Health Center in the Emerson Annex.  There is no cost for the Rapid Test and, when arriving for testing, visitors are asked to please don a mask.

Arrival Testing For Residential Students: All residential students must get tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of their arrival.  They will be required to show proof of the negative test at the check-in desk (antigen or PCR test is acceptable).  If positive, it will be much more pleasant to postpone move-in until fully recovered.  It will also prevent exposure to  roommates, neighbors, and other UMPI community members.

At the time of arrival, all residents will be given a rapid antigen test before they receive the keys to their room.  These rapid antigen tests will be administered in the lobby of their assigned residence hall (Emerson or Merriman). If positive, students will need to return home or isolate on campus (see isolation guidance below).

Tests will be required regardless of vaccination status.

For Students – Quarantine, isolation, and support services

Quarantine and isolation remain important safety protocols.  For a current summary of quarantine and isolation requirements, please refer to the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Protocols (External Site).  

The University strongly encourages students to receive all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses when eligible to prevent severity of the disease and to minimize quarantine periods if applicable.  

Quarantine: Quarantine applies to persons who have been or may have been exposed to COVID-19, following the CDC’s definition of a ‘close contact’. Quarantine time frames vary depending on an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination status or history of having COVID-19 in the past 90 days.  

Isolation: Isolation applies to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. In general, this means to stay home, out of work or school and away from all others at all times, including members of your own household.

To determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19, please refer to the CDC’s ‘Quarantine and Isolation Calculator’ found  on the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Protocols (External Site).

The University is continuing to offer COVID-19 symptomatic testing at no charge as one of the many continuing protocols intended to keep the University community and broader community as safe as possible. The University is a highly vaccinated community with strong protocols that have helped make the university community safer throughout this pandemic.

Students need to be prepared independently: to know and to follow public health guidance as it applies to their own situation; to alert their own close contacts in the event the University cannot or does not do so; and, to have a plan ready in advance to quarantine or isolate in non-university locations, as many already do, if the University is unable to accommodate their need.

Residential Student Isolation/Quarantine Guidance

Isolation for Positive COVID-19 test:

• A student testing positive for COVID-19, who is a current resident on-campus, will be required to isolate for 5 days. If the student has a single room, they will be permitted to isolate in that space.  If the student has a roommate they may be moved to a temporary isolation room.
• On the 5th day following the positive test:
  • If the student tests negative they are permitted to resume normal activities.
  • If the student tests positive they will be allowed to resume normal activities as long as they wear a mask when in the presence of others for an additional 5 days.
• We follow CDC Guidelines for Isolation, including the Quarantine and Isolation Calculator: COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation | CDC

Quarantine for close contacts:

• A student who is fully vaccinated, has received booster shots, and has uploaded their information to the UMS site will not be required to quarantine if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• A student who is non-compliant with vaccinations, or has not received a booster will be required to quarantine for 5 days if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. 
  • They will be permitted to stay in their own room during this period, but must mask in the presence of others. 
  • They will be allowed to participate in virtual activities or classes, but may not participate in any live activities or classes until the 5 day period has passed and concluded with a negative test result.