Weekly VP Update October 8
Dear MIIS Community,
As a reminder, detailed information on COVID-19 policies in place for the fall semester can be found on the Return-to-Campus webpage and the Vaccine webpage.
Lanyards with ID Card are Required on Campus: Some campus community members have grown lax in wearing their lanyards and IDs on campus. It’s critical that Campus Security be able to identify community members to ensure the health and safety of our community. With 100% of the Institute community vaccine-compliant, we are focused on keeping everyone safe by limiting exposure to others that cannot be confirmed as vaccinated. Wearing the lanyard makes it easy for Campus Security and Institute administration to identify who belongs on campus and who does not. Those not wearing lanyards may be asked to leave campus by Campus Security. Please take this small step to keep our community safe and ensure we can continue to hold in-person classes this semester.
No Visitor Policy: As an additional safety measure, visitors are currently not allowed on campus. Exceptions can be requested and will be reviewed individually for approval. For authorization and visitor exceptions, email Barbara Burke at blburke@middlebury.edu at least 24 hours in advance. This includes guest speakers and anyone who is not currently an Institute faculty, staff, or student. Vaccine verification for any visitors will be required.
COVID-19 Testing Site Opened Close to Campus: A COVID-19 testing site is now open at the Portola Hotel & Spa at 2 Portola Plaza in downtown Monterey, within easy walking distance of the Institute. In collaboration with Virus Geeks, free PCR tests are available for community members Tuesday through Saturday from 7 am - 4 pm. Results of the PCR tests take 1 to 2 days. Additionally, you can obtain free rapid antigen tests at the Farmer’s Market Tuesdays from 4 - 6 pm. Results of the rapid test take approximately 30 minutes. No appointments necessary for either location.
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Now Available for Those Eligible: The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster is now widely available at pharmacies and other locations where the vaccine is normally available. MIIS faculty and staff are eligible in the “increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting” category. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.
Fall Break October 16-19: We’d like to remind you that the Institute’s fall break is October 16 - 19. No classes will be held these days. We hope you enjoy a long weekend to relax and recharge.
Students, Need a Quiet Space with WiFi for Online Learning? Several small offices in the McCone building are now available for individual students who might need a stable WiFi connection for remote learning. Use of the offices will be monitored by Campus Security and the following protocols will be in place. Sign-up will be required via the sign-up sheet. Reservations are available Monday – Friday between 8AM – 10PM and must be made no later than the day before. If a classroom or other venue is needed, a Room Reservation Request is required.
Updates Will Be Bi-weekly: I hope that you find these COVID (but not only COVID)-related Friday messages useful. Please let me know if you have comments or feedback on our communications. And take note that these campus update messages will appear bi-weekly. The next update is scheduled for October 22.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sincerely,
Jeff Dayton-Johnson
VP of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Institute