FAQs

COVID-19 Vaccine

Who is required to be vaccinated for the 2022-2023 academic year?

(Modified June 15, 2022)

Students: All undergraduate and graduate students taking in-person/face-to-face courses or participating in activities on campus (such as athletics) must provide proof of vaccination and be “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19 or receive an approved medical or religious exemption.

Students must provide proof of the final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or receive an approved exemption prior to attending in-person classes.

Employees: All employees working in-person must provide proof of vaccination and be “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19 or receive an approved medical or religious exemption prior to beginning work.

“Fully Vaccinated” against COVID-19 is defined on campus as receiving the final dose of the primary series of a Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson or other COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization.

Does AIC require a booster shot?

(Modified June 15, 2022)

While booster doses are not required at this time, AIC strongly encourages students and employees to receive booster doses when eligible, consistent with guidance from the CDC.

CLICK HERE to locate a booster location near you.

If you receive a booster dose, please upload a copy of your vaccination card to your patient portal by going to https://aic.medicatconnect.com/, selecting “Upload,” and choosing “COVID Booster Vaccine” from the drop-down.

If you have difficulty signing into the system, please email dexter.health@aic.edu. 

Will AIC be holding any booster clinics on-campus?

Yes. Booster shots are widely available across the U.S. and we encourage individuals to receive their booster as soon as possible. In addition to off-campus booster shot availability, booster clinics will be held on campus and announced via AIC email.

I’m coming to campus for pre-season, do I need to be vaccinated before pre-season begins?

(Added June 15, 2022)

Yes, all students must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine and submit proof of vaccination before returning to campus for any reason.

Are there exemptions to the vaccination requirement for students?

(Modified June 15, 2022) Yes, students can apply for a medical exemption or an exemption due to firmly held religious beliefs.

Medical Exemptions: Students must submit a Request for COVID-19 Vaccine Medical Exemption Form to Health Services from a medical provider indicating the specific medical reason the student is unable to receive any of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines. All medical exemption requests for the Spring 2023 semester must be submitted by Friday, January 6, 2023, to provide enough processing time before the start of the semester.

Religious Exemptions: Students must submit a Student Religious Exemption Request Form to the Dean of Students Office for review. This form must be sent via the student’s AIC email or must be a notarized hard copy sent to 1000 State Street Box 3A, Springfield, MA 01109. This form must indicate the specific theological reason that receiving any of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines is against their firmly held religious beliefs. All religious exemption requests for the Spring 2023 semester must be submitted by Friday, January 6, 2023, to provide enough processing time before the start of the semester.

NOTE: Medical and religious exemption requests should be submitted as soon as possible. If an exemption request is denied, the student will still need to comply with the vaccination requirement and will not be granted an extension.

Are there exemptions to the vaccination requirement for employees?

(Added June 15, 2022) Yes, employees can apply for a medical exemption or an exemption due to firmly held religious beliefs.

Medical Exemptions: Employees must submit the “Reasonable Accommodation Request Form,” located on the Human Resources page of myAIC, along with required documentation, to Human Resources. Required documentation from a medical provider should indicate why the employee is unable to receive any of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

Religious Exemptions: Employees must submit the “Religious Accommodation Request Form,” located on the Human Resources page of myAIC, along with required documentation, to Human Resources. Required documentation must indicate why receiving any of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines is against their firmly held religious beliefs.

Which vaccines are accepted by AIC?

(Modified June 15, 2022) AIC accepts the following authorized vaccines in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health and World Health Organization guidelines: AstraZeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm, Covishield, Covaxin, Novavax, Convidecia/CanSino and Sinovac.

Will I be able to register for classes for Spring 2023 classes without having yet been vaccinated?

(Modified December 14, 2022) Yes, you will be able to register for classes prior to vaccination, but new students will have to upload proof of vaccination (or receive an approved exemption) before attending classes, living in a residence hall, or participating in other college activities this fall. Any student who has not provided proof of vaccination during the 2022-2023 academic year or received an approved exemption by the end of the add/drop period, will be asked to take a leave of absence or will be withdrawn from the College.

Do I have to get vaccinated if all of my courses are fully remote and I will never come to campus?

(Modified June 15, 2022) No, students in programs that are fully online or remote are not required to be vaccinated to attend online or remote courses.

How do I upload my COVID-19 vaccination information to my AIC Health Services medical record?

(Modified June 15, 2022)

    1. Go to https://aic.medicatconnect.com/
    2. Login using your AIC email and password.
    3. Select the large “Upload” button.
    4. From the drop-down list:
      1. Choose “COVID Vaccine Record Card” if you have not received a booster dose.
      2. Choose “COVID Booster Vaccine” if you are uploading a card that includes your booster dose. You can use this option if your card includes your booster dose as well as your primary vaccine dose(s).
    5. Click “select file” and upload the file.

    Note: many cell phones take photos using a “.heic” file format that is not supported. You will need to save it as one of the supported file formats listed on the page. If you have difficulty uploading your vaccination card, please email dexter.health@aic.edu for assistance.

What happens if my second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine isn’t scheduled until after I am supposed to come to campus?

(Added December 14, 2022)
Students cannot come to campus for any reason until they have received their final COVID-19 vaccine dose or until they have received an approved exemption. Additionally, all students must provide proof of their final dose no later than January 31, 2023, or they will be withdrawn for the Spring 2023 semester. Students should not begin a 2-dose vaccine if they will not have sufficient time to complete the 3 or 4 week waiting period between doses prior to their intended arrival to campus.

Due to recommended waiting periods between vaccine doses (if applicable) below are the last dates you can receive the first dose to begin each of the following vaccines in order to come to campus on 1/18/23 for the beginning of classes:

Moderna: December 21, 2022

Pfizer & Novavax: December 28, 2022

Johnson & Johnson: January 18, 2023

Employees should contact Human Resources if they have questions about their arrival to campus for the first time.

Testing and Tracing

What is AIC’s COVID-19 testing policy?

(Added June 15, 2022)

Students: Students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should notify Health Services for evaluation and testing.

Students deemed a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 should wear a mask, monitor for symptoms, and notify Health Services of their exposure. Health Services will provide students with instructions and testing recommendations. COVID-19 testing is available at Health Services by appointment only.

AIC reserves the right to require surveillance testing of students to control the transmission of COVID-19 if an outbreak is suspected or confirmed.

Employees: Employees who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should remain home and get tested for COVID-19 using either an at-home rapid test or a PCR test. If negative on a rapid test, employees can come to work if they feel well enough to do so and should continue to monitor symptoms. Masks are also encouraged. If symptoms continue, employees should continue to test periodically. Employees who test positive for COVID-19 must notify the Director of Human Resources to discuss their anticipated extended absence.

Employees deemed a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 should follow the current quarantine guidelines based on the employee’s vaccination status. Employees deemed a close contact from a work-related exposure may contact Health Services to be tested for COVID-19 on or after the 5th day after exposure.

AIC reserves the right to require surveillance testing of employees to control the transmission of COVID-19 if an outbreak is suspected or confirmed.

Will I have to participate in ongoing surveillance testing?

(Added December 14, 2022)

AIC will test all symptomatic students for COVID-19. AIC does not require ongoing surveillance testing but reserves the right to require surveillance testing of students and/or employees to control the transmission of COVID-19 if an outbreak is suspected or confirmed.

Will I need to quarantine if I’m a contact of someone who tests positive?

(Modified December 14, 2022)

If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, follow the precautions below:

  • Notify Health Services of your exposure at (413) 205-3248.
  • Wear a Mask
    • Begin wearing a well-fitting surgical, KN95, or N95 mask over your nose and mouth for 10 full days.
    • Day 0 is the day of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19.
    • Day 1 is the first full day after your last exposure.
  • Watch for Symptoms
    • Fever, cough, shortness of breath, other COVID-19 symptoms
    • If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately and contact Health Services at (413) 205-3248 to get tested.
  • Get Tested
    • It is recommended that you get tested on or after the 5th day after your last exposure.
    • If you test negative, continue wearing a mask through day 10.
    • If you test positive, isolate immediately, notify Health Services at (413) 205-3248 and follow isolation guidelines.

Will I need to isolate if I test positive for COVID-19 using an at-home rapid antigen test and/or using a PCR lab test?

(Modified December 14, 2022)

If you test positive for COVID-19 on either a rapid antigen or PCR test, you must immediately notify Health Services at (413) 205-3248. You will be required to self-isolate regardless of vaccination status. Students who live on campus will be asked to go home if practical or will be required to isolate in their assigned room and provided further instructions. Below is the updated guidance:

  • Stay home or in your room and isolate except to get food (Grab ‘N’ Go) or medical care for at least 5 full days.
  • Do not attend in-person class, work, events, or activities. It is your responsibility to communicate with your professors, instructors and/or supervisors and keep up with work.
  • You may end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your symptoms are improving.
  • Wear a well-fitting mask, preferably a high quality mask such as a KN95 or N95, around others for 5 additional days.

Health and Wellness

Are masks required on campus?

(Modified August 18, 2022)

Masks are not required on AIC’s campus with the following exceptions:

  • Per Massachusetts Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines, all individuals (regardless of vaccination status) are still required to wear a mask while in the Dexter Health and Counseling facilities and in the Athletic Training facility.
  • All individuals (regardless of vaccination status) should wear a mask if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Students should call Dexter Health Services at (413) 205-3248 for evaluation and testing. Employees should remain home until they receive a negative COVID-19 test from an at-home rapid test or a PCR test.
  • All individuals who were deemed a close contact of someone with COVID-19, must wear a mask for a full 10 days after their last exposure.

Consistent with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 2022, individuals should wear a mask when indoors (and not in their own home) if they have a weakened immune system, or if they are at increased risk for severe disease because of their age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in their household has a weakened immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease.

AIC reserves the right to require masks if there is a significant increase in suspected or confirmed COVID-19 transmission on campus and if local, state, or federal law requires masking.

What do I do if I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?

(Modified June 15, 2022)

Emergency

Call 9-1-1 or Campus Police at (413) 205-3333.

Non-Emergency

Students:Contact Health Services during business hours at (413) 205-3248 and don’t attend in-person classes or activities until cleared to do so by Health Services. It is your responsibility to communicate with your professors, instructors and/or supervisors and keep up with work.

Employees: Stay home, contact your medical provider, and get tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus.

Classes and Academic

Are there any modifications to the academic calendar?

(Added June 15, 2022) The Academic Calendar will follow a schedule similar to years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, including traditional start and end dates as well as regularly scheduled breaks and holidays.

Will the college allow students to stay remote for learning as a reasonable accommodation?

(Added June 15, 2022) Reasonable accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation due to a disability:

Students: Follow THESE INSTRUCTIONS or contact accessibility.services@aic.edu.

Employees: Must submit the “Reasonable Accommodation Request Form,” located on the Human Resources page of myAIC, to Human Resources.

Do I need to be vaccinated prior to attending classes?

(Modified December 14, 2022)

Yes. Students cannot come to campus for any reason until they have received their final COVID-19 vaccine dose or until they have received an approved exemption. Additionally, all new students must provide proof of their final dose no later than January 31, 2023, or they will be withdrawn from the College. New students should not begin a 2-dose vaccine if they will not have sufficient time to complete the 3 or 4 week waiting period between doses prior to their intended arrival to campus.

Due to recommended waiting periods between vaccine doses (if applicable), below are the last dates you can receive the first dose to begin each of the following vaccines in order to come to campus on 1/18/23 for the beginning of classes:

Moderna: December 21, 2022

Pfizer & Novavax: December 28, 2022

Johnson & Johnson: January 18, 2023

Residential Housing and Dining

When can I move into my residence hall?

(Modified June 15, 2022)

New students must provide proof that they have received the final dose of a vaccine (2nd dose of a 2-dose vaccine or only dose of a 1-dose vaccine) or receive an approved medical or religious exemption prior to moving in.

The Office of Residence Life will communicate specific move-in instructions via AIC email.

Will visitors be allowed in the residence halls?

(Modified June 15, 2022)

Yes, resident students will be allowed to have AIC and non-AIC guests in the residence halls consistent with the standard Residence Life visitor policy. All overnight guests must be “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19..

Athletics

Will fans be allowed to attend AIC Athletic home competitions?

(Added June 15, 2022) Yes, fans will be allowed to attend AIC athletic home competitions provided they follow college policies on masking and social distancing, if applicable.

Will I be able to come to campus early for pre-season if I am not fully vaccinated?

(Added June 15, 2022) No, all students must be fully vaccinated prior to coming to campus. If you are an international student and will not have access to a COVID-19 vaccine in time to return to campus, please contact international.advisor@aic.edu for guidance.

Visitation and Events

What are the policies regarding AIC-sponsored events?

(Modified June 15, 2022)

There are currently no restrictions specific to AIC-sponsored events. Mask-wearing is encouraged, but not required during large gatherings. See the “Are Masks Required on Campus” FAQ for more information and exceptions.

What will life on campus be like?

(Added June 15, 2022) AIC plans to provide a close-to-normal on campus experience including full classrooms, visitation in residence halls, and resuming large-scale/high-capacity programming on campus.

Will Counseling Services offer in-person sessions?

(Modified June 15, 2022) Yes, in addition to a high-quality in-person counseling experience, Counseling Services will give students the ability to opt-in to remote sessions as well. To participate in remote sessions, students must be physically located within Massachusetts due to licensing requirements.

Will telecommuting be allowed?

(Reviewed June 15, 2022) Please see the telecommuting policy on the Human Resources Page of myAIC.

What is the visitor policy?

(Modified June 15, 2022)

Visitors are permitted on campus. Visitors  are required to follow current Massachusetts guidelines for masking, social distancing, and travel (if applicable) and should not come to campus if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.

Can employees travel for professional development opportunities?

(Modified June 15, 2022) Yes, while AIC will not have any travel restrictions in place for the 2022-2023 academic year, all students and employees are expected to follow state, federal, and international restrictions in place at the time of travel.

Who do I talk to if I have further questions or concerns?

(Reviewed June 15, 2022) Please email covidquestions@aic.edu.

How do I report a policy violation?

(Reviewed December 14, 2022) If a student is violating COVID-19 policies, please contact a member of the Dean of Students office or email covidquestions@aic.edu. If an employee is violating a COVID-19 policy, please notify their supervisor or contact HR at millie.lopezcook@aic.edu.

Will AIC offer student employment opportunities?

(Modified June 15, 2022) Yes, AIC will offer a full complement of in-person Federal Work Study and non-Federal Work Study student employment opportunities. Students may search for open positions through www.aic.edu/studentjobs .

International Students

What if I am unable to get my travel visa due to COVID-19 restrictions in my area?

(Reviewed June 15, 2022) Please contact international.advisor@aic.edu to discuss your visa process.

I am an international student. What happens if I can’t easily get access to a vaccine where I live, either in the U.S. or abroad? Can I get vaccinated when I arrive at AIC?

(Reviewed June 15, 2022) Students who do not have access to an authorized vaccine in their country of origin should contact international.advisor@aic.edu for approval to come to campus. International Students approved under this exception are required to receive the first dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine prior to attending classes or moving into a residence hall. This may require the student to get vaccinated off campus as we cannot guarantee on-campus vaccine availability.

Students must complete their primary series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine to participate in any other co-curricular or athletic activities and must follow protocols for unvaccinated individuals prior to completion of their vaccination series.

If I am fully or partially vaccinated with a vaccine that is not WHO-approved, what will I need to do when I arrive at AIC?

(Reviewed December 14, 2022) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends you to restart your vaccination schedule in the U.S. at least 28 days after your last dose of a non-authorized vaccine. Students should contact international.advisor@aic.edu for approval to come to campus. International Students approved under this exception are permitted to attend classes and move into a residence hall and are required to receive the first dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine within 72 hours of the 28th day. This may require the student to get vaccinated off campus as we cannot guarantee on-campus vaccine availability.

Students must complete their primary series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine to participate in any other co-curricular or athletic activities and must follow protocols for unvaccinated individuals prior to completion of their vaccination series.

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