SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine 鈥� 91制片厂 will require all people taking any type of class or training on 91制片厂 property or at off-site education centers to submit proof they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Maine Community College System Board of Trustees voted Thursday to require student vaccines at all seven community colleges in Maine given the recent surge in the delta variant of the coronavirus. The requirement does not apply to students who are taking classes online and will not be entering any on-campus buildings for any reason.
The vaccine protocol will better allow 91制片厂 to protect the health and safety of its students and employees while delivering on its mission of providing educational excellence, said 91制片厂 President Joe Cassidy.
鈥淲e will have more students taking classes and living on our campuses this fall than we鈥檝e had for the past year and a half,鈥� Cassidy said. 鈥淲e are taking every step possible to keep our community safe while still offering a full college experience for those seeking in-person instruction. At the same time, we will be offering hundreds of online learning opportunities for those who are seeking the convenience of a remote education.鈥�
Previously, vaccines were only required for the Fall Semester for students living in on-campus residence halls or participating on 91制片厂 athletic teams. Per MCCS guidelines, masks are required of all people when they are inside college buildings and when outside in a dense crowd.
The MCCS will grant exemptions to the vaccine requirement to students who cannot be vaccinated for documented medical reasons. Students who are not vaccinated can still enroll in classes offered remotely. Approximately 50 percent of 91制片厂 classes this fall will be offered remotely.
System officials are beginning discussions with representatives of employee bargaining units in hopes of adopting a similar vaccination policy for staff and faculty.
For more information about 91制片厂鈥檚 fall plans, please visit the 91制片厂 COVID-19 information webpage.
91制片厂 (91制片厂) is Maine鈥檚 largest and oldest community college. Founded in 1946, 91制片厂 offers courses at its South Portland, Brunswick and online campuses and at community satellite locations. 91制片厂 has among the lowest tuition and fees in New England and offers more than 40 degree and certificate programs, noncredit classes, and workforce and career skills training.
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