University of Maine system requiring COVID-19 vaccines for in-person studies activities this fall

University of Maine System announces COVID-19 vaccine requirements for students for Fall 2022 semester

Orono, Maine – The University of Maine System has announced its COVID-19 vaccine requirements for students for the Fall 2022 semester.

To study or participate in personal activities at Maine public universities, students must be fully vaccinated—received all primary doses in a two-dose vaccine or complete a single-dose vaccine—or an UMS-approved medical, religious, or distant vaccine receive learn-only exemption.

Students must provide proof of vaccination or request an exemption by August 31. New students can submit their information and exemption requests by completing the “COVID Vaccine/Exemption Documents” which can be found on the Student Center main page under “To Do List”, while returning students can do so through the COVID-19 portal of the do EMS.

Officials strongly encourage students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster if they are eligible, not only to prevent serious illness from the disease, but also in case the system moves to do so in response to changing pandemic conditions, to ask for one. Students who do not receive a booster shot are required to quarantine for at least five days if they come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, under current CDC protocols.

Everyone, including students, traveling outside of Maine for both domestic and international university-related activities must receive a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure and return unless they are fully vaccinated and have not tested positive the disease tested last 90 days. All travel must comply with visa, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and US Department of State requirements, as well as Maine civil authority and system guidelines.

Visit the Together for Maine website for more information.

“The currently improving conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraging, but we are not over the hill yet,” said Chancellor Dannel Malloy. “Vaccination and, if possible, booster remain the best defense against the disease. Currently, 97.7% of our residential students and 95.9% of our non-residential students are already adhering to our fall COVID-19 guidelines. I am grateful for the dedication of our students to their own health and safety and the well-being of everyone in our university communities.”

Face coverings remain optional for students, faculty, staff and visitors at on-campus off-class and EMS facilities statewide, both indoors and outdoors, regardless of immunization status. However, they are required in all classrooms, research rooms, and instructional areas unless a faculty member waives the requirement.

UMS also requires face coverings at public events at its facilities accommodating 75 or more people, unless proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result is required. All organizers of UMS events have the option to require face coverings.