PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — As the University of Maine at Presque Isle prepares for the fall return of its faculty, staff and students to campus, and the effort to keep campus safely open to the public, officials want the public to know the latest health and safety measures.
Based on the University of Maine System’s vaccination requirement plan, students had to begin the process by Aug. 20 to become fully vaccinated, or submit an exemption (UMPI provides for medical, religious, and online-only exemptions) in order to remain eligible to participate in on-campus experiences. This means that students should only plan to participate in on-campus experiences at UMPI and the Houlton Center if they have begun their vaccination process or applied for a medical or religious exemption, and entered their information at the UMS online portal, https://umaineportal.pointnclick.com.
For employees and students, those still completing their vaccination verification or who have exempted status must participate in weekly asymptomatic testing. Others are encouraged to take part in voluntary weekly testing.
As has been UMPI’s general policy since June, campus visitors must be vaccinated or provide proof of a negative test result within the past 72 hours in order to enter campus buildings, both on the UMPI campus and at the Houlton Center. This requirement does not apply to campus visitors using outdoor facilities on campus. Exceptions can be made to this requirement with appropriate approval from campus administration.
In addition, face coverings are required for all guests, employees and students while indoors on campus, except when eating or drinking, alone in a room with a closed door, or in other special circumstances as determined and notified by UMPI leadership. Face coverings are not required while outdoors on university property, though they are strongly recommended outdoors when physical distancing is difficult or in large groups.
These measures are meant to ensure the health and safety of all campus and community members and allow UMPI to remain open to the public throughout the academic year.
