As of today, March 12, Maine has one confirmed case of COVID-19 coronavirus. Academy officials are continuing to take guidance and make decisions based on information provided by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Maine CDC.

At this time, we are continuing in-person instruction for all courses on campus in Castine in order to address the academic needs of our undergraduate students.

Please note these important updates as of today:

TRAVEL

• All Academy-sponsored nonessential air travel is prohibited unless an exception is granted by the President
• MMA faculty, staff and students are strongly discouraged from traveling by air to domestic and international destinations; we ask that you take responsibility for your health and the welfare of the MMA community seriously enough to consider cancelling out-of-state travel plans at this time
• If employees travel outside the state, they will be asked to self-isolate and work at home upon their return for 14 days before returning to campus
• If students travel outside the state, they will be asked to self-isolate in housing determined by residential life and health services staff, or at home, for 14 days before returning to campus
• For employees: if your department has upcoming scheduled events that involve reservations or deposits paid, please contact Purchasing and they will help with getting refunds or arranging credits toward a future event.

EVENTS

• Intercollegiate athletic contests are indefinitely suspended
• All non-academic gatherings over 25 persons are suspended indefinitely
• In an abundance of caution, the Regiment has temporarily suspended large events including daily muster formations. Regimental students are working with staff to develop communication practices which allow students to easily pass information and update each other on their status while employing good social distancing practices

TSSOM SUMMER CRUISE

• As of today, March 12, no changes have been made to the TSSOM Cruise schedule
• We are sensitive to the fact that people are concerned regarding potential health risks associated with cruise travel this summer
• Commandant Cashman and his staff are working with MMA’s Health Services department to monitor the situation and will respond to state and federal guidance accordingly
• We will use all available options to ensure that students get the sea time necessary to fulfill requirements for licensing
• Though we are discussing options, we do not have changes to cruise plans as of today and continue to plan for cruise accordingly. Therefore, all cadets scheduled to sail aboard the TSSOM this May should ensure they continue to prepare and meet all course deadlines and pre-requisites, including physicals, and submit the requested documents on time as required

CADET SHIPPING

• There will be a meeting on March 30 regarding commercial/cadet shipping preparation
• As of today, March 12, no changes have been made to MMA’s 2020 Commercial Shipping plans
• We are sensitive to the fact that people are concerned regarding potential health risks associated with travel this summer
• Academy officials will make decisions regarding 2020 cadet shipping based on guidance and information provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shipping companies and the Maritime Administration
• Students enrolled in this course should continue to prepare and meet all course deadlines and pre-requisites, including physicals and all requested documentation”

CPMD – Center for Professional Mariner Development

• CPMD has temporarily postponed on-site training and assessments

COVID-19 TESTING

• The protocols for COVID-19 testing are mandated by the CDC. If students have flu-like symptoms (fever plus cough), they should call health services and, if they meet CDC criteria for testing, they will be tested. Please note: there have been cases of students visiting the health center with respiratory symptoms where the CDC did not recommend testing, but we must continue to follow guidelines and protocols carefully

ASK QUESTIONS

• Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Elizabeth True at elizabeth.true@mma.edu, 207-326-2620 (for students and parents)
• Director of Human Resources, Carrie Margrave at carrie.margrave@mma.edu, 207-326-2665 (for employees)
• Provost, Mark Coté, at mark.cote@mma.edu, 207-326-2485 (for faculty and academic questions)

This situation is evolving rapidly. Please stay informed through mainemaritime.edu and your email.

Thank you.