December 14 Employee Memo

Details around testing and booster shots heading into the Spring 2022 semester.

Good afternoon,

As winter recess approaches, we hope you can spend this time in ways that are restful, restorative, and celebratory. 

As part of the College’s continued COVID-19 planning and to build a strong foundation for our spring semester, MICA is requiring PCR COVID testing for all students and employees upon return to campus in January 2022, regardless of vaccination status.

We also strongly encourage all members of our community to receive a booster once you are eligible. Boosters provide an immunity boost and help protect our community. You can also take the Maryland booster eligibility quiz. 

To provide flexibility,  MICA is offering employees two options for testing.

Option 1: PCR Testing at MICA
With option 1, MICA provides the testing on campus and free of charge. Self-administered testing stations will be set up at B-Box and the test must be taken no more than 72 hours after returning to campus.

Option 2: Provide your own PCR Test Result
With this option, employees can get tested on their own using any of the public PCR testing services like those at CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, and through Baltimore City or County.  Most of these services are free and can be scheduled in advance. If you choose this option, tests must be taken no longer than 72 hours ahead of returning to campus and test results must be uploaded into Workday immediately.  

PCR Testing at MICA Details

MICA Testing Instructions:  NOTE: Please do not show up for testing if you have symptoms. If feeling unwell, employees should contact their PCP for guidance/testing. 

  1. On-campus tests will be self-administered PCR tests conducted in a clinic set up in BBOX (1st floor) in the Gateway Building, 1601 W. Mt Royal Avenue. Clinic hours will be sent in January. 
  2. Employees choosing to test on-campus must do so within 72 hours of arrival to campus. 
    1. Prior to arrival at BBOX: If you have never participated in prior on-campus testing, download the MGScanner app to your mobile device (Apple or Android). You will then receive an email with a QR code to individually register yourself in the app. You will use this app to register and submit your test.
    2. Upon arrival at BBOX:
      1. Sign a paper Release of Information form (ROI).
      2. Self-administer the PCR test: review this video on the self-sampling process that will allow you to administer the PCR test successfully.
    3. After your test: You will NOT be contacted if your test is negative. You will be contacted IF you are positive with next steps for contact tracing and quarantine/isolation and care. 

Provide Your Own PCR Test Result Details

  1. The test must be a PCR test. Home tests, rapid tests, or antigen tests are not acceptable.
  2. Tests must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival on campus.
  3. Negative test results must be uploaded into Workday immediately. If you test positive, immediately refer to and follow MICA’s Exposure Policies, Procedures & Protocols. 

PCR testing is available for free or covered by insurance at many of the public testing services like those at CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Baltimore City or County. Currently, appointments at these services are running a week or two in advance so please be sure to plan ahead.

Finally, as a reminder, MICA will continue in Operational Mode 4 for the spring semester with all community members adhering to the College’s Social Agreement. This includes the requirement for indoors masking and eating/drinking only in designated areas. 

Again, please enjoy the break and we look forward to your return in January.

Be well.

* Faculty in Community Education, Professional Practices, Young People’s Studios, High School Studios, and The Art and Design College Accelerator Program (ADCAP) will continue to follow MICA’s On-Campus Visitation Policy requirements, confirming that it has been 2 weeks since they were fully vaccinated with the last dose of a US-based or WHO-approved vaccine OR have or will have tested negative 3-7 days prior to coming on campus.

** Staff and Faculty who are in the Asymptomatic testing program for unvaccinated employees will follow the weekly schedule of testing beginning January 3, 2021. Testing location and process remain unchanged.