VP Update April 2
| by Jeff Dayton-Johnson
Dear MIIS Campus Community,
Happy Friday! As has become our routine, we are providing you a weekly update on COVID-19 related policies and information. You can always stay updated on all messages about our plans on our COVID-19 site.
Campus Updates
The COVID vaccine is now widely available. We expect that by the start of the fall semester, all faculty, staff, and students returning to campus will be vaccinated, except those who have a religious or medical exemption. This is to provide the best possible protection for our entire community.
We’d like to remind you that Monterey County remains in the red/substantial tier of California’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” system. The protocols we’ve established and previously announced for using your campus offices and indoor spaces remain unchanged. We will continue to explore ways to allow wider use of campus as local conditions improve.
Fall 2021 Planning Updates
For international students who require visas to come to Monterey in the fall, the I-20 and DS-2019 application process has been launched. Please reach out to International Student and Scholar Services if you have questions or need assistance.
Please know that our return to campus committee regularly monitors local and state guidance with regard to COVID-related policies for higher education institutions. At this time, we are preparing for the likely possibility that fall requirements will include continued masking and physical distancing on campus, including during in-person classes. All decision making is guided by prioritizing the health and safety of our community as we continue our phased-in return to campus activities.
Community Update
The Monterey County Hospitality Association is now sponsoring free COVID testing. One site is within easy walking distance of campus, the Visitors Center by Lake El Estero, which now offers testing Monday - Friday from 10AM - 6PM. The second new site is at the Monterey Airport, 9AM - 6PM daily. These sites are in addition to existing free testing sites at Seaside High School and Monterey Peninsula College. Visit this link for a map of testing sites in Monterey County.
We wish a healthy and happy Easter this weekend to those who are celebrating.
Sincerely,
Jeff Dayton-Johnson
VP of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Institute