July 29, 2021 Dear MCAD Community, I am looking forward to the start of the Fall 2021 semester and all that it entails. I hope you all have found time this summer to connect with family and friends, recharge, and be inspired. Over the past eighteen months MCAD has prioritized keeping our community safe during these difficult times. With the unfortunate news about the growing number of cases from the COVID-19 Delta Variant, we feel that it is imperative to update our protocols in the best interest of our community. It is essential that everyone follows these protocols so we can safely return to in-person learning and utilize our campus to its fullest. Proof of Vaccination Required As we communicated on May 11, 2021, and in subsequent messages, to avoid any disruption to our in-person programs, we require that all faculty, staff, and students are vaccinated against COVID-19. Students: You must fill out this form by August 1, 2021, in order to attend classes and access campus. Staff and Faculty: You must fill out the attestation form in Paylocity found in Self-Service under ‘Tasks to Complete’ by August 1st. In accordance with U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines, waivers will be accepted for health reasons as approved by a doctor or for religious reasons only. New 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. Upcoming Gatherings As a reminder, we have several upcoming gatherings to share information, answer questions, reunite with friends and colleagues, and meet new MCAD community members. More detailed information to follow, but please mark your calendars for the following. Virtual New Student Orientation, Monday, August 16 throughout the day In-Person New Student Orientation, Saturday and Sunday, August 21 and 22 throughout both days In-Person and Virtual College Assembly for MCAD Staff and Faculty; Monday, August 16 at 1 p.m. Virtual Community Conversation with Sarah Bellamy & Celebration for MCAD Students, Staff, and Faculty; Monday, August 23 at 12 noon Zoom link As we have done in the past months, MCAD’s COVID-19 health protocols go beyond current CDC and MDH guidelines with the fundamental belief that we must do everything we can to safeguard the continued health and wellness of our community. For more information, go to the recently updated COVID-19 information page on our website. I look forward to seeing you on campus very soon. All my best, Sanjit