Maine Maritime Academy > Fall 2021

Fall 2021

Dear Mariners,

With summer break now fully underway, I hope you are enjoying your time wherever you are! Here at Maine Maritime Academy, we are settling into another beautiful season in Castine, but our faculty and staff are busy preparing for your arrival this fall.

As you begin to do the same, I invite you to explore the following information thoroughly. Below, you will find important notes about the Fall 2021 Academic Calendar, and updates to our health and safety guidelines. We will be adding new information regularly, so please check back often.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. I look forward to seeing you on campus for a safe and successful semester together soon.

Thank you,

President William J. Brennan
July 2021

HEALTH AND SAFETY

MMA’s public health protocols are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation in Maine continues to evolve. As of August 26, all individuals at MMA are required to wear a mask while indoors. Exceptions to this requirement include when you are alone in your workspace or eating or drinking during a meal.

Please note that decisions relating to MMA’s health and safety protocols are dependent on caseloads in the state and are developed in consultation with Maine CDC and our partners at Northern Light Health. Masking requirements are subject to change and may evolve rapidly over time.

Maine Maritime Academy COVID-19 Dashboard

Updated: 12/13/21 (final)

(Spring semester dashboard updated first week of January 2022)

2021 Fall Semester Test Results

Total ResultsNegative ResultsPositive resultsPositivity RateTotal Known Active Cases*
1403138221.0150

Campus Community Vaccination Rates

StudentEmployee
99.7%94.6%

Notes:

For Fall 2021, our primary testing method is the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR test, which detects virus RNA (versus antibodies). The above shows cumulative COVID-19 PCR testing results for this semester. Test results are available approximately 48 hours after testing is conducted; this dashboard will be updated as new data becomes available. The positivity rate is the percentage of total tests that are positive.

Maine Maritime Academy’s COVID-19 dashboard provides information regarding testing performed on campus through MMA Health Services and in collaboration with The Jackson Laboratory and Northern Light Healthcare only.

*Total Known Active Cases count, incorporating additional positive test results reported to MMA that have been confirmed by Maine CDC. For comprehensive regional data, please visit please visit the Maine CDC’s coronavirus dashboard.

COVID-19 VACCINES

COVID-19 vaccines remain our most powerful tool in fighting the virus in our community. Keeping infection rates under control at MMA is our only chance at having the kind of semester we’re all hoping for – one where we can be together, honor beloved traditions in person, take advantage of MMA’s unique hands-on learning opportunities, and enjoy a bright and vibrant campus community.

Maine Maritime Academy announced a vaccine requirement for students this fall. This means that all students must receive their first shot by October 15th, and your second shot (if you choose the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine) by November 15th at the latest. Please show your proof of vaccination to Health Services to confirm you have met this requirement.

Consistent with Maine state law regarding other required vaccinations, medical exemptions, provided by a treating physician, must be presented to, and evaluated by, MMA’s Health Services. For more information, please contact Tammy Tyler at 207-326-2295.

Maine Maritime Academy has announced a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students this fall. This means that all students must have received their first Covid vaccine by October 15, 2021 and their final shot by November 15, 2021.

Individuals who have not shown proof of vaccination will be required to participate in ongoing surveillance testing until they complete the vaccination process.

Consistent with Maine state law regarding other required vaccinations, medical exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine, provided by a treating physician, must be presented to, and evaluated by, MMA’s Health Services. Those who are granted an exemption will be required to always wear a mask when indoors; they will also participate in regular surveillance testing.

If you are not comfortable with the vaccine requirement at MMA you may defer your admission, take a leave of absence, or resign from MMA. Should you choose to remain enrolled and by October 15, 2021, have not received at least your first vaccination shot, you will be administratively disenrolled. Please note that refunds will not be available to students who are disenrolled by the Academy due to the vaccine requirement. If you would like to discuss your options, please contact Dr. Elizabeth True at elizabeth.true@mma.edu or at 207-326-2659.

Thank you for taking the important step to keep our community safe this fall! At this time, individuals who have shown proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will not participate in surveillance testing.

We are keeping a close eye on COVID-19 case rates in the state and will adjust our health and safety protocols accordingly throughout the fall semester.

MMA will co-host a Community Vaccine Clinic in collaboration with Northern Light Health on August 27. Only the Pfizer vaccine will be available.

To schedule your appointment, contact Casey Littlefield at casey.littlefield@mma.edu.

A second clinic will be held on September 17 to accommodate the second dose of Pfizer vaccines.

Only Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have received emergency authorization from the FDA for booster shots; the authorization is only for those who are immunocompromised. Employees in this category: please speak with your primary care provider (PCP) about when and how to get the booster shot. Students, please speak with MMA Health Services or your PCP.

We will work with Northern Light Health to provide booster clinics on campus once additional information and guidance becomes available.

As of August 26, all individuals at MMA are required to wear a mask while indoors. Exceptions to this requirement include when you are alone in your workspace or eating or drinking during a meal.

Please note that decisions relating to MMA’s health and safety protocols are dependent on caseloads in the state and are developed in consultation with Maine CDC and our partners at Northern Light Health. Masking requirements are subject to change and may evolve rapidly over time.

If you receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving your single-shot dose.

If you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving your second dose.

Consistent with Maine state law regarding other required vaccinations, medical exemptions, provided by a treating physician, must be presented to, and evaluated by, MMA’s Health Services. For more information, please contact Tammy Tyler at 207-326-2295. Those who are granted an exemption will be required to always wear a mask when indoors; they will also participate in regular surveillance testing.

Athletes with medical exemptions will be required to mask indoors and outdoors during both practice and competition.

Medical Exemption Form

If you have questions about the vaccines, their safety, or their efficacy, we urge you to consult with your primary care provider immediately. If you would like to speak with someone on campus, please contact our Health Services office.

If you received your vaccination in Maine, MMA’s Health Services staff can look up your vaccination record in the state database. If you received it in another state, please contact the provider of the vaccine clinic where you received your vaccine for confirmation. If you need assistance with this, please contact Health Services at mmahealth@mma.edu.

As a reminder, the COVID-19 vaccination card is a federal document. Tampering with or falsifying a card may result in criminal charges.

SURVEILLANCE TESTING

We will continue to conduct surveillance testing throughout the upcoming semester. All persons who have not provided proof of vaccination will participate in surveillance testing on an ongoing basis.

If cases of the Delta variant and breakthrough cases rise significantly, we may need to do surveillance testing of vaccinated community members. We are keeping a close eye on case rates in the state and will adjust our health and safety protocols accordingly throughout the fall semester.

ACADEMICS

The Fall 2021 Academic Calendar will operate on a regular 14-week schedule.

  • Students participating in Cruise-B will leave campus at the end of Week 12 and complete the remainder of the semester at sea; final exams will be ‘take-home’ and completed aboard TSSOM
  • Students remaining on campus during the cruise period will have Thanksgiving Break and return to campus for the final week of classes and a week of final exams

The complete Fall 2021 Academic Calendar can be viewed on the Academic Calendar page.

This fall, 94% of our classes will take place in person; the rest will be delivered asynchronously.

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Students are happiest and most successful when they are engaged and involved in student life. With that in mind, we are planning for an increased ability to safely host traditional group activities this fall.

Our Campus Activities Board and Res Life staff are excited to offer dynamic, interactive programming to MMA students this semester.

ATHLETICS

While adhering to the most recent NCAA guidance, the Mariners are planning a full return to a regular competition schedule, including conference play and championship contention.

For more information about our teams and the upcoming season, please visit the Mariner Athletics website.

VISITING MMA

If you are interested in an education at Maine Maritime Academy, we encourage you to visit Castine, meet an admissions counselor, and tour our beautiful seaside campus! We are pleased to offer campus visits through our Admissions office.

If you would like to schedule a visit, please choose a day and time here or contact our Admissions team at 207-326-2207 or admissions@mma.edu.

FAQ

With the start of the semester fast approaching, we understand that you may have many questions about what to expect and how to prepare for life in Castine. Please review the following information carefully and reach out as needed. We are dedicated to your health, safety, and success this fall.

We would be pleased to welcome you to Castine and encourage you to meet with one of our admissions counselors and tour our beautiful seaside campus!

If you would like to schedule a visit, please contact our Admissions team at 207-326-2207 or admissions@mma.edu.

As of August 26, all individuals at MMA are required to wear a mask while indoors. Exceptions to this requirement include when you are alone in your workspace or eating or drinking during a meal.

Please note that decisions relating to MMA’s health and safety protocols are dependent on caseloads in the state and are developed in consultation with Maine CDC and our partners at Northern Light Health. Masking requirements are subject to change and may evolve rapidly over time.

If you are on campus during the week, please visit Health Services to discuss your symptoms. Health Services may determine that your symptoms warrant a rapid test, and if so, they will perform that test at that time. If you are away from campus or if it is the weekend, please visit a local urgent care facility or pick up a rapid test at a local drug store. Please contact the Elizabeth True or Deidra Davis, immediately, via email if you test positive at an off campus testing site or with a test from a drug store.

No, MMA will not keep a copy of your card on file. Instead, you will be asked to show it to Health Services staff when you arrive on campus for check-in; they will review it and then update your record in our system to confirm you are vaccinated.

Please do not email a copy of your card prior to your arrival or once you are here!

However, we recommend that you make at least two copies of your vaccination card for your files. We recommend you keep one with your driver’s license, etc., and keep the original in a safe, protected place.

Consistent with Maine state law regarding other required vaccinations, medical exemptions, provided by a treating physician, must be presented to, and evaluated by, MMA’s Health Services. For more information, please contact Tammy Tyler at 207-326-2295. Those who are granted an exemption will be required to always wear a mask when indoors; they will also participate in regular surveillance testing.

Athletes with medical exemptions will be required to mask indoors and outdoors during both practice and competition.

Medical Exemption Form

Only Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have received emergency authorization from the FDA for booster shots; the authorization is only for those who are immunocompromised. Employees in this category: please speak with your primary care provider (PCP) about when and how to get the booster shot. Students, please speak with MMA Health Services or your PCP.

We will work with Northern Light Health to provide booster clinics on campus once additional information and guidance becomes available.

As of August 26, all individuals at MMA are required to wear a mask while indoors. Exceptions to this requirement include when you are alone in your workspace or eating or drinking during a meal.

Please note that decisions relating to MMA’s health and safety protocols are dependent on caseloads in the state and are developed in consultation with Maine CDC and our partners at Northern Light Health. Masking requirements are subject to change and may evolve rapidly over time.

While adhering to the most recent NCAA guidance, the Mariners are planning a full return to a regular competition schedule, including conference play and championship contention.

For more information about our teams and the upcoming season, please visit the Mariner Athletics website.

We are looking forward to your arrival on campus and our faculty and staff are ready to answer any additional questions that you may have! Please note that email is the preferred mode of communication at this time.

If you have general questions or do not know which department to contact, please reach out to Casey Littlefield at casey.littlefield@mma.edu or 207-326-2620.

General COVID-19 Response Updates