Maine Maritime Academy > Fall-2022

Fall 2022

Dear Students of MMA:

I hope you have been enjoying fulfilling and fun experiences during the summer. As a former MMA student I remember well the value of summer time away coupled with the excitement of returning. As MMA’s newest President, I have been preparing for the start of the academic year. I cannot overstate how much I look forward to your return and the opportunity to meet each of you.  It is you, the student, who makes us Maine Maritime Academy. So too, a goal of mine is to communicate frequently with you and hear your input.

During the summer, senior MMA leadership and I have assessed potential updates to our COVID-19 policy.  I know that these issues are very important to each student.  I am sensitive to the many factors affecting these decisions and I strive to balance the constraints that we face and the need to carry out our special purpose mission which is critical to our educational goals, our commitments to America’s maritime interests including national security, our quality of life, and our health & safety together. We have engaged in extensive review, discussion, and consideration of information from many sources internally and externally regarding our operations relative to COVID-19.

The evolution of COVID-19 and its impacts have allowed some adjustment to our policy while some aspects need to remain.  For example:

  1. Students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — having completed the primary vaccine series in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or completing a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
  2. However, consistent with all other colleges in Maine, including the Maine Community College System and the University of Maine System, we strongly encourage boosters although boosters are not mandated. The exception to this is all persons who will be training on TSSOM. All TSSOM participants are required to be fully vaccinated having received the course of primary vaccine and their appropriate booster shots. This exception is consistent with the exceptional mission-critical functions performed by professional licensed mariners who dedicate additional commitment by serving at sea and in ports worldwide which promotes the maritime interests of the United States including national security.
  3. Pursuant to CDC protocols, those who choose to not receive the booster must quarantine for at least 5 days if they come in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. All persons testing positive will be required to isolate for a minimum of five days, regardless of vaccination / booster status.

As you return to campus, remember that we are joined together in this MMA Experience which is like no other in the world. I am proud to be among you, proud to be a part of The MMA Experience. Together we will continue to monitor circumstances regarding COVID-19 and our related policy.

Sincerely,
Jerry Paul signatureJerry Paul

HEALTH AND SAFETY

MMA’s public health protocols are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation in Maine continues to evolve. At this time, indoor masking is not required. However, those individuals who are returning from isolation status or have been exposed to a positive case must continue to follow CDC masking guidelines as described below.

Due to the higher transmissibility of the Omicron variant, all students, including those who are fully vaccinated, should have a plan for isolating at home or off-campus. Isolation housing on campus is very limited and reserved for those residential students who are are unable to travel home due to distance.

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.

Updated CDC Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)

Please complete Positive COVID-19 Test Reporting Form

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. This means eating by yourself and wearing a mask around your roommate(s).

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19

  • Regardless of vaccination status, mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.

Maine Maritime Academy COVID-19 Dashboard

Fall Semester Test Results

Updated: 12/9/2022

Total Known Active Cases*
2

Campus Community Vaccination Rates

StudentEmployee
99.7%94.6%

Notes:

For Fall 2022, our primary testing method is the rapid antigen test for symptomatic members of the community. The dashboard will be updated as new data becomes available.

*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.

FALL ACADEMIC CALENDAR

The complete Fall 2022 Academic Calendar can be viewed on the Academic Calendar page.

Calendar Highlights

  • August 29 | Academic Orientation – New Students
  • August 29 | Convocation – All Students
  • August 30 | Undergraduate Classes Begin
  • September 5 | End Add/Drop Period
  • October 10 | Indigenous People’s Day – No Classes
  • November 18 | Thanksgiving Break begins after last class (Residence Hall closes at 5:00 PM)
  • November 27 | Residence Hall opens at 1:00 PM)
  • November 28 | Classes Resume
  • December 9 | Last day of classes
  • December 12-15 | Final Exams
  • December 16 | Final Exam make-up (Residence Hall closes at 5:00 PM)

TRADITIONAL FALL EVENTS

The Fall semester includes many traditions and celebrations, including Ship/Pier Jump, Homecoming, Regimental Induction Ceremony, and more.  While we may have to make some adaptations to each due to COVID-19 case rates and CDC guidance, we plan to hold these events in person this fall.

ATHLETICS

While adhering to the most recent NCAA guidance, the Mariners are planning a regular fall & winter competition schedule, including conference and championship play.

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

VACCINATION POLICY

COVID-19 vaccines remain a powerful tool in fighting the virus in our community. Reducing infection rates facilitates 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 COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students in last fall. This means that all students must be fully vaccinated before participating in classes. All students returning to MMA after a leave of absence and all new students, reporting for the first time to MMA, must show proof of vaccination prior to or on check-in day. As identified in President Paul’s email above, boosters will be required for the annual training cruise aboard the TSSOM.

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, well in advance of enrollment. For more information, please contact Tammy Tyler at 207-326-2295.

Following CDC guidance, we recommend boosters for those who are eligible. Those who received the J & J shot more than two months ago are eligible, as are those who received a Pfizer or Moderna series more than five months ago. MMA will co-sponsor booster clinics with Northern Light Healthcare as needed. You can also sign up for appointments at Walmart or pharmacies, or contact your primary care physician or MMA Health Services for assistance in finding a booster clinic.

Students who are vaccinated and are eligible for a booster but have not received one will be required to quarantine for 5 days if they are identified as a close contact of a positive case.

We will continue to monitor circumstances related to COVID-19 and consider appropriate policies on an ongoing basis.

VISITING

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.

Choose a day and time to schedule a visit, 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 spring.

MMA will not do entry testing this fall. Students are encouraged to test prior to arriving and if positive, isolate at home before returning to campus. Any student who experiences symptoms should test at home or in the MMA Health Center.  Any student who is identified as a close contact of a positive case will be tested in the Health Center based on current CDC guidance.

Indoor masking is not required at this time, with the exception of those who are returning from isolation or have been exposed to a positive case.

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 Deidra Davis, immediately, via email, if you test positive at an off campus testing site or with a test from a drug store. You may want to have a few at-home antigen test kits with you.

The Academy is permitting non-MMA student guests in residential buildings this fall.  All guests must be registered by their host in advance or register at the time they arrive on campus.

Students in the Regiment of Midshipmen will be expected to report to morning muster at 0710 on Tuesday, August 30th, in the Field House.

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.