MCAD is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all members of the community. Faculty, staff, and students are MCAD’s most important priority. The collective goal is to enable everyone to work, learn, and live in the safest place possible. The threat from COVID-19 is not over, and it continues to affect everyone in different ways. Read MCAD'S COVID-19 Preparedness Plan 3 Total cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at MCAD for the 2021/22 Academic Year Last updated: September 15, 2021, at 3:42 p.m. 1 Total number currently in isolation/quarantine at MCAD due to positive test results 2 Total cumulative number of those who have recovered from COVID-19 virus during the 2021/22 Academic Year Vaccination Policy for Fall 2021 As we look forward to the Fall 2021 semester, we continue to place safety at the forefront of our priorities. With this in mind we will require, with limited exceptions, all students, faculty, and staff who will work or study on campus to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 1, 2021. Along with all MCAD employees, students will be required to show proof of vaccination in order to live in campus housing and access the academic buildings. This decision aligns with our current vaccination policy which incorporates our new COVID vaccine requirements. Students enrolling at MCAD for the first time must submit proof of immunization. Minnesota statute 135A.14 requires all college students to show proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria. This information is required to be submitted only at the time of the initial registration of a student; it does not have to be updated each year. A student may waive the immunization requirements due to medical or conscientious exemption. However, students who do not provide proof of immunization may not enroll. Effective fall 2021, all students accessing campus facilities and/or living in campus housing will be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Exemptions due to medical or religion may be submitted for review as well as the threat and/or risk to other community members based on the following guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): the duration of the risk; the nature and severity of the potential harm; the likelihood that the potential harm will occur; and the imminence of the potential harm. A form is available on my.MCAD.edu for students to submit their vaccination information and upload the vaccination card. Exceptions for health or religious reasons will need to be approved. Mask Policy Starting August 16, 2021, we will require that all students, faculty, staff, and visitors wear masks indoors for at least the first six weeks of the semester. This mandate is subject to change and includes all individuals regardless of vaccination status.