UMF COVID Guidance — Fall 2022

Updated September 6, 2022  5:00pm

Fall 2022 General Campus Information

The University of Maine at Farmington has enjoyed a robust Fall Semester of instruction, courses, research and campus activities.

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Access to campus and UMF facilities for visitors

While the University of Maine at Farmington, in general is OPEN, all buildings except the UMF Fitness & Recreation Center will be locked at 7pm and accessible by student and employee passcard only.

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entry may be required for group events.

Note: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve rapidly, and this guidance is subject to change at any time. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to check the University of Maine System’s Together for Maine website routinely for updates. Employees, students and visitors are encouraged to check the relevant sections of the website for information particular to them. Student guidance can be found on the site’s For Students page; Employee guidance can be found on the site’s For Employees page.

Face coverings

Also, in general, face coverings are not required but are optional across the University of Maine System, indoors and outdoors, for all persons – students, staff, faculty and visitors – regardless of vaccination status. However, face coverings are required in classrooms unless the faculty member says they are not.

There are important exceptions when face coverings are or may still be required. Additional information pertaining to these exceptions are detailed further in this guidance and in other sections of this website. Visitors are asked always to have and to be prepared to wear an appropriate face covering if required or requested when at UMF.

Quarantine or Isolate when necessary

Visitors, including contractors to the University, are expected to follow CDC guidance generally or their own specific safety plan if applicable and in place with the University. This means visitors should not come to campus if they are currently subject to quarantine or isolation per CDC Guidelines

Proof of vaccination or negative test requirements

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.

Vaccinations and tests for visitors and group events

Anyone attending indoor UMF events of more than 250 people may be asked to provide proof of vaccination or an acceptable negative test to enter.

The University permits this same requirement at smaller events as well. To the extent practicable, activity or venue-specific requirements will generally be posted with event notices and promotional materials. Visitors, including those who are not eligible by age to receive a vaccination and those asserting a religious objection or medical contraindication to vaccination, will be allowed to present a negative COVID-19 test instead of proof of vaccination.

Visitors with questions or concerns should check in advance with the facility, event or activity organizers regarding any specific protocols for the facility, event or activity of interest. This requirement applies to all persons at applicable gatherings including students, staff, employees and visitors. Bona fide University classes for which people are in person for the purpose of an academic course are exempt from the event proof of vaccination or negative test requirement as students and employees are subject to a dedicated regimen of proof and testing.

When a negative test is required, evidence that will be accepted includes a negative PCR test or rapid antigen sampled within 72 hours of the event or gathering. Legitimate, legible, original test results and physical or electronic copies will be accepted. For students and employees, the University electronic clearance tool may be used in place of other documentation.

Legitimate, legible, original vaccination cards and physical or electronic copies will be accepted. Individuals may also be asked for identification. For students and employees, the University System electronic clearance tool available via the COVID-19 portal will be accepted in place of other documentation.

The proof of vaccination is required to be for a vaccine approved by the FDA or WHO.

The University System, at its sole discretion, may permit individuals who are not age-eligible for vaccination (currently those younger than 6 months old effective June 17, 2022) entrance to gatherings.

Because of the wide variety of spaces, events, and gatherings at the University of Maine at Farmington, this requirement may require special adjustment in some additional cases, but the intended outcome will remain that all those present for indoor events of more than 250 persons must present evidence of a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test to gain entrance to that space, activity or gathering.

Attempted or actual entry to events for which this requirement is applicable by individuals who do not meet these requirements or presenting fraudulent information in an attempt to gain entry, may result in action by the University of Maine System, for instance prohibiting such individuals from further University gatherings, or other appropriate action.

Testing

UMF will not be conducting asymptomatic testing this year. Prepare your own isolation & quarantine plan that will work for you.

Students: The University of Maine System will provide symptomatic testing for COVID-19 for its in-person students during Fall 2022 (participation in any on-campus experience constitutes being ‘in-person’). This is different from previous System protocols, where the UMaine System provided asymptomatic testing.

See more information for Students in the section below.

In-person Employees: Employees who are symptomatic should get tested by either contacting their own healthcare provider, taking an at-home rapid antigen test, or finding a convenient State of Maine Testing Location. The UMaine System may require asymptomatic screening testing during the semester in response to any significant evolution of the pandemic or higher risk activities.

See more information for Employees in the section below.

General group size limits

There are currently no System-wide limits on group size within the University of Maine System or at UMF.

Individual campuses may adopt limits for particular circumstances in consultation with their pandemic response, emergency operations and other campus leadership. These limits may also include limiting the pre-arrival time of attendees at larger events to the time which is necessary to obtain access to the event but not so early as to permit pre-event or parking lot gatherings. The University of Maine System does have protocols for face coverings based on group gathering sizes:

• For indoor events of more than 75 persons, face coverings may be 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.
• For indoor events of 75 or fewer persons, face coverings are not required — they are optional.
• Bona fide University classes for which people are in person for the purpose of an academic course are exempt from this event-style proof of vaccination or negative test requirement as students and employees are subject to a separate, dedicated regimen of proof and testing. Students and employees should refer to the sections of this website specific to them for information about student and employee vaccination requirements.

In-person instructional group size limits

There are currently no limits regarding in-person class sizes at the University of Maine at Farmington.

UMF may adopt limits for particular circumstances in consultation with their pandemic response, emergency operations and other campus leadership.

Physical distancing

There are currently no physical distancing requirements at the University of Maine at Farmington.

UMF may adopt such requirements for particular circumstances in consultation with their pandemic response, emergency operations and other campus leadership.

Community spaces and facilities such as Mantor Library, Fitness & Recreation Center, University Store, Emery Community Arts Center, etc.

These spaces in general are open and operating as usual — no passcard entry required.

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entry may be required for group events.

Note: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve rapidly, and this guidance is subject to change at any time. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to check the University of Maine System’s Together for Maine website routinely for updates. Employees, students and visitors are encouraged to check the relevant sections of the website for information particular to them. Student guidance can be found on the site’s For Students page; Employee guidance can be found on the site’s For Employees page.

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Information for Students

These requirements may be revised as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves or as public health best practices change or emerge, and are based on current federal and state laws.

For additional information see American College Health Association (ACHA), whose guidance indicates that institutions of higher education should require COVID-19 vaccinations and recommend boosters. The CDC recommends that institutions of higher education should promote vaccinations and develop processes/policies to make getting vaccinated easier.

Fall 2022 COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

University of Maine at Farmington students who plan to participate in any on-campus or University System-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.

How to Submit Proof of Vaccination or Request an Exemption:

Students for Fall 2022 were 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 on Mainestreet in your To Do List. For assistance or questions, please contact your academic advisor.
• Returning Students: If applicable, complete your ‘COVID Vaccine / Exemption Docs’ found in the Student Center main page under ‘To Do List’.
• To Submit an Exemption Request: Go to the UMaine System COVID-19 Portal PointNClick site acessible using your Univiesity login info

Important:

• We recommend that students receive COVID-19 booster doses
• All students are strongly encouraged to upload all COVID-19 vaccination doses, including boosters, in case the University System 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:

• Students are deemed a Close Contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19  and
• Students are not current with their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters

Reference: CDC Quarantine Guidelines

COVID Testing, Isolation and Quarantine

Testing: We will not be conducting asymptomatic testing on campus this year.

The University of Maine System will provide symptomatic testing for COVID-19 for in-person students during Fall 2022 (participation in any on-campus experience constitutes being ‘in-person’). This is different from our previous COVID protocols, where the UMaine System provided asymptomatic testing.

Isolation and Quarantine: Prepare a plan that works for you.

• If you ever experience COVID-19 symptoms, you will be able to get a COVID-19 test at the UMF Student Health Clinic. Contact them at umf.healthclinic@maine.edu to schedule a test.
• If you test Positive for COVID-19 with a test you get yourself off campus or at the Student Health clinic, you’ll need to conduct your own contact tracing, and let your close contacts know you have tested positive.
• There are an extremely limited number of isolation or quarantine spaces on campus reserved for emergencies
• If you test Positive or are unvaccinated and a close contact, please plan to find your own space to isolate or quarantine where you can safely stay during the required duration per CDC guidelines.

All students moving into the residence halls must submit a Negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival.

Any test will work: PCR, rapid antigen, home test, etc.

• Submit your Negative test result here
• Any student seeking to check into their residence hall without having submitted a result before arrival will be given an antigen test.
• If your antigen test result is Positive, you will not be allowed to move into your room and must find off-campus housing for the duration of your isolation period.
• Also, we have a limited number of these antigen tests, so if we run out, you will be responsible for obtaining a COVID test off campus and providing the Negative result before you can check in / move into your residence hall.

For these reasons and more we strongly urge you to take your test and submit results before you come to campus.

• Students who do NOT live in the residence halls are NOT required to submit a test result before returning to campus.
• There may be exceptions for student-athletes due to conference and league requirements. Please check with your coach or UMF Athletics for team requirements.

Access to campus and UMF facilities

While the University of Maine at Farmington, in general is OPEN, all buildings except the UMF Fitness & Recreation Center will be locked at 7pm and accessible by student and employee passcard only.

Face coverings

Also, in general, face coverings are not required but are optional across the University of Maine System, indoors and outdoors, for all persons – students, staff, faculty and visitors – regardless of vaccination status. However, face coverings are required in classrooms unless the faculty member says they are not.

There are important exceptions when face coverings are or may still be required. Additional information pertaining to these exceptions are detailed further in this guidance and in other sections of this website. Visitors are asked always to have and to be prepared to wear an appropriate face covering if required or requested when at UMF.

Frequently Asked Questions

We will add to this as we receive questions. If you have a question and you don’t see the answer on this page, please let us know: umf.safereturn@maine.edu

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Definitions

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.

Medical Exemption

Fill out the downloadable UMaine System form provided in the UMS COVID-19 PointNClick portal acessible using your Univiesity login info.

• The UMaine System COVID-19 PointNClick portal site acessible using your Univiesity login info, including a signature from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant that, in the provider’s professional judgment, immunization may be medically inadvisable.

Religious Exemption

Fill out the downloadable UMaine System form provided in the COVID-19 PointNClick portal 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.

Remote Learning-Only Exemption

Fill out the downloadable UMaine System form provided in the UMS COVID-19 PointNClick portal 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 online, students who choose this option understand, agree and accept that this may limit their educational options and that, depending on the 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.

Compliance

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 PointNClick portal site.

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 (if remote classes are available) 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

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 Campus Disability Services Provider Office on their campus.

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COVID Testing, Isolation and Quarantine

We will not be conducting asymptomatic testing on campus this year. Prepare an isolation & quarantine plan that will work for you.

• If you ever experience COVID-19 symptoms, you will be able to get a COVID-19 test at the UMF Student Health Clinic. Contact them at umf.healthclinic@maine.edu to schedule a test.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 with a test you get yourself off campus or at the Student Health Clinic, you’ll need to conduct your own contact tracing, and let your close contacts know you have tested positive.
• There are an extremely limited number of isolation or quarantine spaces on campus reserved for emergencies, so if you test positive or are unvaccinated and a close contact, please plan to find your own space to isolate or quarantine where you can safely stay during the required duration per CDC guidelines.

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UMF Employees

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have tested Positive with an at-home test, or have been exposed to a Positive case and are not “up to date” with your vaccinations, please consult your own healthcare provider and UMF HR for guidance.

“Up To Date” means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines. Boosters are encouraged but not required.

UMF employees should seek COVID-19 Guidance via the University of Maine System’s Together For Maine website and use their For Employees section.

Access to campus and UMF facilities

While the University of Maine at Farmington, in general is OPEN, all buildings except the UMF Fitness & Recreation Center will be locked at 7pm and accessible by student and employee passcard only.

Also, in general, face coverings are not required but are optional across the University of Maine System, indoors and outdoors, for all persons – students, staff, faculty and visitors – regardless of vaccination status. However, face coverings are required in classrooms unless the faculty member says they are not.

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Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at: umf.safereturn@maine.edu

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UMF Required Coronavirus Federal Reports UMaine System Together for Maine site

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The University consistently seeks to take steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections (or any other spread of disease) in accordance with applicable law, regulation, and guidance provided by health authorities. These efforts may include policies and safeguards implemented by the University such as symptom checks, social distancing, use of facial coverings, and isolating and quarantining when required. Despite these efforts, the University cannot categorically guarantee that any person entering University campuses or facilities will not contract COVID-19 or any other communicable disease and any such person must assess and accept the risks of illness or injury for themselves.