Dear UMPI Community,
A reminder to all new and returning students that UMPI, as is every institution within the University of Maine System, has implemented a vaccination requirement plan. As a result, students planning on participating in any on-campus experiences must verify their completed vaccinated status or begin the process to become fully vaccinated by August 20. This includes both Presque Isle and the Houlton Center.
As of today, August 12th, those who are fully vaccinated and verify their vaccination status on the secure UMS Portal do not have to wear face coverings, participate in arrival testing, or take part in weekly asymptomatic testing.
UMPI provides for medical, religious, and online-only (meaning the student will not physically come to either Presque Isle or the Houlton Center) exemptions. A link to these exemptions can be found here. We will continue to make every effort to accommodate each individual’s needs throughout this process.
A medical exemption will require a written statement from a licensed physician, a nurse practitioner, or a physician’s assistant that immunization may be medically inadvisable. Students 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 Mary Kate Barbosa, Director of Student Support Services (207-768-9613), for further assistance.
If you have any questions about distance education courses, or need assistance with potential changes to your schedule in this regard, please contact your professional advisor (207-768-9419) as soon as possible.
We recognize that these are important decisions for each individual, so we encourage you to talk to your advisor or a member of UMPI’s student support team, along with your medical provider, if you have any questions or concerns. For more detailed information on vaccination requirements and testing, you can contact Fred Thomas, Director of Safety and Security (207-768-9580).
A reminder, too, that UMPI continues its “Vax Up!” campaign throughout August. For those who verify their status, we will give away one free class (3 credit) per week before the semester starts, a $25 voucher each day for food, books, or gasoline, and a grand prize on August 31 of $250 credited to your UMPI account.
Our thanks to everyone for your continuing dedication to ensuring our best opportunity for everyone’s safe return this fall semester.
Ray
