April 21, 2022
COVID-19 Updates
Dear SAIC Community,
In light of recent changes to federal and local mask mandates, we want to reiterate that SAIC will continue to require masks while inside campus buildings at least through the close of the spring semester. As we’ve done throughout the pandemic, we consulted with the School’s public health expert Dr. Terri Rebmann, reviewed federal and state public health guidance, and took into account the unique studio environment of our art and design classes to inform our campus protocols.
Additionally, we spoke to Dr. Rebmann about public transportation guidance, and she continues to recommend that individuals wear well-fitted surgical masks or respirators (N95s and KN95s) in indoor public transportation settings, noting that the best protection is offered by respirators. Such masks provide good protection to the wearer, even when one is surrounded by maskless passengers.
Below you’ll find updates on the BA.2 subvariant, reporting a positive COVID-19 test or symptoms, and information on contact tracing. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to mitigate the risk on our campus. If you have any questions about these protocols, please contact us at saicinfo@saic.edu
Sincerely,
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Tom Buechele
Vice President for Campus Operations
John Pack
Executive Director of Campus Security
Update on BA.2
As the BA.2 Omicron subvariant is now the dominant strain across the US, we continue to closely monitor the latest COVID-19 data in Chicago and on campus with Dr. Rebmann. While BA.2 is more contagious than previous variants, the cases are not more severe, and vaccination continues to provide good protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
Consistent with trends in Chicago and across the US, SAIC is seeing an increase in community members testing positive for the virus. We’ve reviewed our campus data with Dr. Rebmann and due, in part, to the effectiveness of our masking and vaccination policies, we are not seeing evidence of classroom or on-campus transmission.
Report a Positive Test or COVID-19 Symptoms
Please continue to report a positive COVID-19 test or COVID-like symptoms to SAIC's Case Management Team. Take the following steps:
- If you test positive for COVID-19, are a close contact of someone who has tested positive, or show signs or symptoms––even if they are mild, cold-like symptoms and you are fully vaccinated––please email SAIC’s Case Management Team at saic.covid.report@saic.edu.
- If you live on campus, do not leave your living space. If you live off campus, do not come to campus. If you begin to experience symptoms while on campus, leave campus and return to your living space.
- Do not return to campus until you are given approval to do so.
- Even if you have mild symptoms, it is important that you notify the Contact Tracing Team and get tested so as to decrease the chances of infecting others. Bear in mind that many BA.2 infections lead to only mild symptoms.
Contact Tracing
SAIC continues to trace all cases and report our data to the Chicago Department of Public Health. The contact tracing process begins when someone emails saic.covid.report@saic.edu and completes the survey provided in the automatic response.
- During contact tracing interviews, individuals will be asked about who they sat next to and/or interacted with in classes or at events. Close contacts will receive an email with information on testing and other details.
- If the individual who tests positive for COVID-19 cannot identify who they sat next to or interacted with at either an event or in a class/studio, the entire class or attendee list (if it exists) will receive a notification of potential exposure. This email will tell the recipients that they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. To protect the privacy of the individual reporting, neither the event nor the class will be specified; only the date of the potential exposure will be provided.
- The email will include a window of time during which the recipient is encouraged to get tested, based on when the potential exposure may have taken place. If you receive a notification of potential exposure, it does not mean that you were by definition a close contact of an infected person.
- Unmasked close contacts are required to be tested. Masked close contacts have a very low risk of disease transmission and are encouraged to be tested, but testing is not required. Close contacts continue to be able to test on campus for free, and contact tracers will provide needed guidance.
March 28, 2022
Policy Updates
Dear SAIC Community,
As always, we are closely monitoring the latest COVID-19 data in Chicago and on campus with public health expert Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC. Stemming from a recent review of our protocols, we want to share updates to policies put in place during the pandemic.
The following will be effective beginning Friday, April 1:
Visitors, Overnight Guests, and Masks in Residence Halls
Students living in the residence halls will be allowed to check in overnight guests and visitors. Residents must have verbal permission from their roommate(s) before a visitor or overnight guest is allowed in their room.
Masks are still required in all public spaces in the residence halls (lobby, hallways, lounges, etc.). Masking is optional in individual rooms. Residents must have verbal permission from their roommate(s) before a visitor or overnight guest is allowed to be in the room without masks. Residence Life will send additional information to students living in the residence halls regarding these changes.
Food and Beverages
Food and beverages will be allowed at on-campus events for SAIC community members. While masks remain required on campus, attendees may remove their masks briefly to eat or drink, replacing them as soon as possible. Food and beverages may not be served at on-campus events with non-SAIC participants. Off-campus SAIC events held in Chicago must follow SAIC’s policy for on-campus events.
Alum Access to Campus
Alums will have access to campus buildings during normal business hours and will no longer need to be signed in as guests.
Masks Continue to Be Required on Campus
As we have previously shared, although city and state mask mandates have lifted, masks are required on campus for all community members and visitors. We will continue to consult with Dr. Rebmann on this issue and inform the community of any changes to this policy.
We will continue to review guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities, and we will update you with any adjustments to our protocols. As case rates change, on campus and in the city, we may reimpose these or other preventive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus. You can always review the Make Together site for the most up-to-date information. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at saicinfo@saic.edu.
Sincerely,
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Tom Buechele
Vice President for Campus Operations
John Pack
Executive Director of Campus Security
March 2, 2022
Thanks and Keep Up the Good Work
Dear SAIC Community,
You, the staff, faculty, and students of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, have done an extraordinary job working together to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 on campus. Since the pandemic began nearly two years ago, you’ve found new ways to work, teach, and learn. You’ve remained connected and supportive of one another. You’ve adhered to an evolving series of health guidance, including the booster requirement, which has been completed by more that 95 percent, and counting, of you who are eligible.
While the health crisis isn't over, we want to take a moment to thank you all for your steadfast commitment to your safety and that of your colleagues and peers at SAIC. Simultaneously, you’ve maintained a thriving home for artists, designers, and scholars. Your dedication is remarkable. Thanks to your effort, we’ve minimized transmission while continuing to be a School where works of beauty and insight are created and knowledge is shared.
Now, because falling rates of infection in the city make COVID-19 even less likely at SAIC, we're able to reduce some restrictions, like the recently announced updates to the visitor policy as well as gallery and film center admission and eating and drinking, where permitted, in instructional spaces. Meanwhile, some policies remain, like masks, which are still required for everyone on campus. As always, we’ll continue to consult with public health expert Dr. Terri Rebmann and review guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities, keeping you abreast of any adjustments in protocol.
Moreover, we know that we’ll continue to fulfill SAIC’s mission, even as health protocols change. We are so grateful for your ongoing care and commitment.
Thank you,
Elissa Tenny
President
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
February 25, 2022
Campus Events and Mask Requirements
Dear SAIC Community,
We continue to closely follow the latest COVID-19 data in Chicago and at the School with public health expert Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, and review how these changes could impact our campus. As a result of recent changes, we have a few updates to existing policies we want to share, effective immediately, as well as a reminder about our mask requirements given recent changes to state and city policies.
SAIC Galleries
SAIC Galleries will return to its pre-pandemic capacity limitations––no limit to the number of non-SAIC community members allowed––and visits will no longer require reservations. Visitors to SAIC Galleries will continue to be required to show either proof of vaccination or negative test results from a COVID-19 test professionally administered within the last 72 hours.
Gene Siskel Film Center
Beginning March 1, the Gene Siskel Film Center (GSFC) will return to its pre-pandemic capacity limitations. Visitors to GSFC will be required to show proof of vaccination. Negative test results in lieu of proof of vaccination will not be accepted.
On-Campus Events
On-campus events will return to their pre-pandemic capacity limitations; however, as we previously shared in our updated visitor policy, students and employees are limited to three visitors at any one time. Visitors to campus buildings must show proof of vaccination (unlike visitors to SAIC Galleries, they will not have the option to present a negative test).
Food and Beverages
Food and beverages may once again be consumed in instructional space, where permitted. When not eating or drinking, masks must be worn that cover one’s nose and mouth.
Masks Continue to be Required on Campus
As many of you may know, this week Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that Chicago will follow the state’s lead and lift its mask mandate on February 28. Following the guidance of Dr. Terri Rebmann, who is taking into consideration the long duration of our studio courses; the close proximity in which many of our students, faculty, and staff work in shops and studios; and the transmissibility of the Omicron virus, we will continue to require masks on campus for all community members and visitors.
We will continue to review guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities, and we will update you with any adjustments to our protocols. You can always review the Make Together site for the most up-to-date information. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at saicinfo@saic.edu.
Sincerely,
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Tom Buechele
Vice President for Campus Operations
John Pack
Executive Director of Campus Security
February 18, 2022
Update to SAIC's Visitor Policy
Dear SAIC Community,
We’re writing to let you know of modifications made to the School’s visitor policy. After reviewing COVID-19 case rates in Chicago and on campus with our public health expert Dr. Terri Rebmann, and factoring in our mask and vaccination policies, we have instituted the following changes:
Effective immediately:
- Students, faculty, and staff may sign in up to three visitors at one time in all academic buildings. Students and employees must escort their visitor(s) at all times.
- Students living in the residence halls may sign in up to three visitors at one time in the residence halls. Residents must escort their visitor(s) at all times.
Please note, when on campus, visitors must:
- Show proof of being fully vaccinated and a valid government-issued photo ID upon entering an academic building or residence hall
- Follow all School and residence hall rules, including wearing a mask at all times
- Leave residence halls when quiet hours begin
- Leave academic buildings when they close for the day
At this time, we continue to prohibit food and beverages in classrooms and at on-campus events. We will continue to review our practices and policies weekly and will update you of any changes. Thank you for your diligence in taking care of yourself and one another.
Sincerely,
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Tom Buechele
Vice President for Campus Operations
John Pack
Executive Director of Campus Security
February 10, 2022
SAIC's Mask Requirement Continues
Dear SAIC Community,
With COVID-19 infection rates throughout Illinois declining, yesterday, Governor Pritzker announced that he intends to lift the state’s indoor mask mandate by February 28. Even when the mandate is lifted, Pritzker stated that the masking requirement for K–12 schools and institutions of higher education will remain in place. Although state and city numbers are encouraging, COVID-19 still poses significant risks. We continue to work with public health expert Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, who advises that one of the most effective things we can do to reduce the risk of infection to ourselves and our community is to wear masks. Given the long duration of our studio courses; the close proximity in which many of our students, faculty, and staff work in shops and studios; and the transmissibility of the Omicron virus, Dr. Rebmann believes that our mask requirement should remain in place. With that in mind, we will continue to require masks on campus for all community members and visitors.
For now, our current visitor policy and ban on eating and drinking in instructional spaces will also remain in place. These policies are reconsidered each week and we promise to immediately update the community of any changes.
Additionally, we want to remind you that if you test positive for COVID-19, are a close contact of someone who has tested positive, or show signs or symptoms––even if they are mild, cold-like symptoms and you are fully vaccinated––please email SAIC’s Case Management Team at saic.covid.report@saic.edu.
We will continue to review guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities, and we will update you with any adjustments to our protocols. You can always review the Make Together site for the most up-to-date information.
Thank you for your continuing efforts to mitigate risk on our campus. If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact us at saicinfo@saic.edu.
Sincerely,
Tom Buechele
Vice President for Campus Operations
January 21, 2022
Updated Guidance for Spring Semester
Dear SAIC Community,
Throughout the pandemic, you’ve worked diligently to mitigate the impact of the virus at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago by following the latest health guidance. We appreciate everyone’s cooperative efforts and hope you feel the mutual care we all create that’s prevented classroom transmission. So that we all know what to expect during the spring semester, below please find the latest guidance and resources on the following topics:
- Dr. Terri Rebmann: COVID-19 Omicron Update
- Booster Requirement
- Testing and Reporting
- Quarantine and Isolation
- Masking
- Study Abroad Guidance for Residence Hall Students
- Eating and Drinking in Instructional Spaces
- Visitor Policy
- Travel
- City of Chicago’s COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
- Obtaining a Free COVID-19 Rapid Test
Thank you for your continued care of yourselves and one another. While the community vigilance required to create a safer campus can be wearying, it is critical that we continue to support one another through these precautions, particularly given the Omicron variant’s high transmissibility. Further timely Make Together updates will follow as health guidance evolves. In the meantime, please reach out to saicinfo@saic.edu with any questions.
Sincerely,
Elissa Tenny
President
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. Terri Rebmann: Omicron Update
Public health expert Dr. Terri Rebmann continues to meet with School representatives at least twice a week to review current day-to-day operations (with a particular focus on instruction) in light of new scientific research, campus data on infections and close contacts, city positivity rates, and hospital capacity. Dr. Rebmann recorded the following video to share the latest research on Omicron and to provide reassurance to the community that we have the appropriate safety measures in place to continue with in-person teaching this spring.
COVID-19 Booster Requirement
As announced on December 22, all vaccinated students, faculty, and staff, including Central Administration, who are eligible will be required to receive COVID-19 boosters before returning to campus for the spring semester, which begins January 27. Students, faculty, staff, and Central Administration employees must submit proof of having received a booster shot. As proof, we will accept a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 record card, documentation of booster from a health care provider, or state immunization records. Here you’ll find more details regarding eligibility and instructions for submitting your proof of booster.
The City of Chicago notes that there is an ample supply of booster shots across the city. To find a local provider, click here. Please note that many vaccine providers are now requiring an appointment.
Testing and Reporting
All unvaccinated students and employees must be tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus after Winter Break to further slow the transmission of the virus. Students, faculty, and staff who need to submit a test have received a separate email with more information.
If you test positive for COVID-19, are a close contact of someone who has tested positive, or show signs or symptoms––even if they are mild, cold-like symptoms and you are fully vaccinated––please email SAIC’s Case Management Team at saic.covid.report@saic.edu.
Faculty should refer to the Spring Teaching Guide for guidance regarding student absences and familiarize themselves with the faculty absence and substitution policy.
Quarantine and Isolation
The CDC recently updated guidance for quarantine and isolation. We’ve reviewed this guidance with Dr. Rebmann, and if you test positive, are a close contact of someone who has tested positive, or have symptoms of COVID-19, please contact the Case Management Team at saic.covid.report@saic.edu. We will work with you to determine quarantine and isolation protocols.
Generally, if you are a close contact and are six or more months beyond your second vaccination, but have not yet received your booster, you will be required to quarantine for five days. To avoid quarantine, you must have had your booster prior to the close contact. This is another good reason for getting your booster as soon as you are eligible.
Study Abroad and Semester Long Exchange Programs
SAIC is aiming to resume the Study Abroad programs in the summer and the semester-long exchange program next fall. We will share more details on these programs in mid-February, and information will be posted on the Study Abroad webpage. We will continue to review guidance related to COVID-19 protocols and consult with professionals in our planned destinations, and we will communicate any necessary adjustments, including cancellations, with program participants.
Residence Hall Students
Students may move into the residence halls prior to the January 27 booster deadline, even if they have yet to submit proof of having received their booster. However, students eligible for a booster are expected to become compliant immediately after their arrival. Only students who have submitted proof of being "fully vaccinated"—meaning that they are two weeks past their final shot in either a one- or two-shot series—or who have received a medical or religious exemption, may move into the residence halls. First-time international students arriving from abroad who are unable to receive a World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccine but are fully vaccinated with a non-WHO approved vaccine will be able to move in and test while they are getting their WHO-approved vaccines.
Masking Guidance
SAIC continues to require masks on campus. For the best protection, ensure that your face covering or mask fits closely against your face and covers your nose and mouth. If you’re wearing a cloth face covering, it should have at least two layers of fabric. Dr. Rebmann advises that a tight-fitting cloth face covering consisting of two or more layers of fabric provides adequate protection from COVID-19 in classroom settings. Masks are available at the security desk in each academic building if you forget yours.
No Eating or Drinking in Instructional Spaces
Given that the Omicron variant is highly transmissible, and in light of high positivity rates in the city of Chicago, Dr. Rebmann has advised that we prohibit eating and drinking in instructional spaces (classrooms, shops, and labs). This will ensure that when students and employees are working in close quarters that they are wearing a face covering at all times, further decreasing the likelihood of classroom transmission on campus. The ban on eating and drinking will be reassessed each week this spring. Should positivity rates drop sufficiently, we hope to remove the ban later in the spring semester.
Updated Visitor Policy
SAIC’s visitor policy, which is reassessed regularly, was updated to include the following changes:
- All campus visitors must present proof of being fully vaccinated to enter campus (two weeks beyond the completion of their one- or two-shot series).
- No food or beverages may be consumed at campus events; attendees must remain masked at all times.
- Students may not have visitors on campus (including in the residence halls), aside from moving in/out of the residence halls.
- All faculty and staff (excluding student employees) are limited to one visitor per day.
Traveling to Chicago
Every US state, as well as four territories, are included on Chicago’s travel advisory. Unvaccinated travelers should be tested for COVID-19 before and after travel from any state on the advisory list and should quarantine upon arrival in Chicago. For domestic travel, the quarantine and testing recommendations do not apply to fully vaccinated travelers. For international travel, the CDC and Chicago Department of Public Health now require that all travelers, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, get a negative COVID-19 viral test no more than one day before travel into the US.
City of Chicago Vaccine Requirement
The City of Chicago announced that proof of vaccination is now required in dining, entertainment, and fitness facilities. Click here for details.
Free COVID-19 Tests Available
At-home rapid COVID-19 tests are now available at no charge through the United States Postal Service. You can order up to four test kits, which are expected to ship later this month, at covidtests.gov.
January 18, 2022
Reminder: Instructions on Uploading Proof of a Booster
Dear SAIC Community,
All vaccinated students, faculty, and staff, including Central Administration, who are eligible will be required to receive COVID-19 boosters by January 27. See below for details and instructions for submitting proof of your booster.
If you haven’t done so already, we strongly encourage you to get your booster shot immediately. Getting the booster shot will reduce your chances of contracting COVID-19 and can significantly diminish the effects of the virus should you become infected.
If you test positive for COVID-19, are a close contact of someone who has tested positive, or show signs or symptoms––even if they are mild, cold-like symptoms and you are fully vaccinated––please email SAIC’s Case Management Team immediately at saic.covid.report@saic.edu. It’s vital that we accurately track community infections and conduct all needed contact tracing.
Sincerely,
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Felice Dublon
Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs
Antoinette Murril
Acting Chief Human Resources Officer
Booster Eligibility
You are eligible to receive a booster shot if any of the following apply:
- Two months or more have passed since you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine
- Five months or more have passed since you received the second dose in a two-dose series of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
- Five months or more have passed since you received the second dose in a two-dose series of the Moderna vaccine
- Six months or more have passed since you received all of the recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccination approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) but not the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Six months or more have passed since you received the second dose of any mix and match series of a COVID-19 vaccination approved by either the WHO or FDA
If you recently tested positive for COVID-19, you are eligible to receive the booster 10 days after your symptoms began or you tested positive. You must submit proof of receiving a booster within seven days of when you are eligible.
Information for Students
Submitting Proof of Booster
Submit proof of receiving your booster to the Health Services Patient Portal by January 27. Click here for details. Please submit both the date and type of booster and upload an image of your vaccination card or other proof.
If you are not yet eligible based on the criteria outlined above, you should get the booster and submit your proof via the Health Services Patient Portal within seven days of when you become eligible.
Exemptions for Students
Those who received an approved vaccine exemption for the fall semester are automatically exempt from this spring’s booster dose requirement.
Questions
For questions on this requirement, please reach out to SAIC’s Health Services at healthservices@saic.edu.
Information for Faculty, School Staff, and Central Administration Staff
Submitting Proof of Booster
A COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot is required for all eligible employees, including faculty, who intend to be on the museum or School campus for any period of time unless granted a medical or religious exemption. Employees must submit both an attestation of their booster status and proof of having received a booster by January 27.
To submit attestation:
- Log in to Self-Service
- Click on Employee Self-Service
- Click on COVID Vaccination Attestation
To submit proof of booster:
- This week, you will receive the link to submit your proof via an email from Human Resources with the subject, “One or more tasks are pending your action.”
- When you receive this email, click on the link and take the following steps (or refer to these instructions):
- Scan or take a photo of your proof of COVID-19 vaccination documentation and save it as an image file or PDF on your computer or mobile device. Proof can include a CDC COVID-19 record card, documentation of booster from a health care provider, or state immunization records.
- In the email, click the blue “Complete Tasks” button.
- Locate your saved proof of vaccination documentation and upload it by dragging the document into the “Upload Files” section or click “Browse Files,” then “Upload.”
- Wait for your document to complete uploading. This could take several minutes. The icon will change to “Uploading” and will be grayed out until the upload is complete.
- Click “Submit for Review.” Once submitted, the icon will change to read “Task Submitted.”
If you are vaccinated but not yet eligible for your booster, you are considered compliant. Upon your eligibility date, you’ll receive an email from Human Resources to upload your proof. If you are vaccinated but not yet boosted, and you are eligible for your booster, you will need to be tested weekly until you provide proof of your booster.
Exemptions for Faculty and Staff
If you already have an approved exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine, you do not need to do anything further. If you are fully vaccinated but want to request an exemption from the booster shot requirement, you will have the option to submit your request when you attest your booster status. If you received an approved exemption, you will need to participate in weekly testing.
Questions
For questions about this requirement, please contact Human Resources at ask_hr@saic.edu. SAIC staff and faculty who have technical questions or issues may contact crithd@saic.edu and Central Administration staff may reach out to itsupport@artic.edu.
January 14, 2022
Reminder: Get Your Booster Shot
Dear SAIC Community,
As you head into the weekend, we want to remind you of the importance of getting your COVID-19 booster shot and reporting any potential exposure to our Case Management Team.
Booster Requirement for Students, Faculty, and Staff
On December 22, we announced that all vaccinated students, faculty, and staff, including Central Administration, who are eligible will be required to receive a COVID-19 booster before returning to campus for the spring semester, which begins January 27. Details on how to submit your proof of booster shot will be shared early next week. In the meantime, if you are eligible for a booster, we recommend that you make an appointment as soon as possible.
Notify Case Management If You Test Positive or Have Been Exposed
If you test positive for COVID-19, are a close contact of someone who has tested positive, or show signs or symptoms––even if they are mild, cold-like symptoms and you are fully vaccinated––please email SAIC’s Case Management Team immediately at saic.covid.report@saic.edu. It’s vital that we accurately track community infections and conduct all needed contact tracing.
Sincerely,
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Tom Buechele
Vice President for Campus Operations
John Pack
Executive Director of Campus Security
January 11, 2022
Preparing for the Spring Semester
Dear Staff,
We understand the anxiety that many staff and faculty feel at the prospect of returning to campus as the COVID-19 variant Omicron continues to dominate the headlines. The pandemic has posed a series of evolving challenges that have made the past two years a difficult time for everyone at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), and we recognize the particular hurdles that our educators and staff have had to surmount. To address concerns, below please find additional information that we hope will be reassuring and provide you with a clearer picture of how we expect the spring semester to proceed.
COVID-19 Boosters Required for SAIC Community
As shared on December 22, in order to slow the transmission of the virus, all vaccinated students, faculty, and staff, including Central Administration, who are eligible will be required to receive COVID-19 boosters before returning to campus for the spring semester, which begins January 27. If you are eligible for a booster and have yet to schedule yours, please do so as soon as possible. We will share more details with you on how to submit your booster proof in the coming days.
Ongoing Monitoring
Public health expert Dr. Terri Rebmann continues to meet with School representatives at least twice a week, including with the vice president for campus operations, executive director of campus security, director of health services, and the provost. The group systematically reviews current day-to-day operations (with a particular focus on instruction) in light of new scientific research, campus data on infections and close contacts, city positivity rates, and hospital capacity. The group always discusses the need to alter our protocols in response to the evolving threat the virus poses, and every proposal for a new or one-time event is discussed in detail with Dr. Rebmann before deciding if it is safe to stage. She has done a remarkable job of helping all of us keep the campus safe, and we remain confident in following her informed counsel.
Spring Semester Preparations
On January 4, Dr. Rebmann held an informational session for all faculty members teaching in person during the winter term and Instructional Resources and Facilities Management employees who work in shops supporting students in January and winter classes. The session allowed Dr. Rebmann to review the latest research on Omicron and to take questions from the attendees.
Later this month, Dr. Rebmann will record an informational video to prepare the entire community for the return to classrooms, studios, and shops in the spring. We aim to release the video a week before the start of classes to ensure that it contains reference to the latest research while giving community members time to plan their reentries to campus. If you have questions that you’d like Dr. Rebmann to address, please send them now to saicinfo@saic.edu. We’ll deliver all submitted questions to her to consider as she prepares her presentation.
Spring Semester Will Begin As Planned
You’ve doubtlessly read of colleges and universities that have elected to begin spring teaching online before shifting to an in-person semester. The institutions that chose to begin online are overwhelmingly those whose spring semesters were slated to begin early in January. These colleges, which are in the minority, made the change to ensure that their faculty and students would be remote at the height of the Omicron wave. These schools will return to in-person instruction at roughly the same date that our spring semester will start on January 27, during a period when Dr. Rebmann, and most other epidemiologists, believe that the Omicron wave will be in retreat.
Every week, we ask Dr. Rebmann if it remains safe for us to begin our in-person classes on time in the spring. Given our booster requirement, weekly testing policy for those with medical or religious exemptions, masking policy, vaccination requirement for visitors, and a more restrictive visitor policy, Dr. Rebmann confirms that we have created a very safe environment. She notes that there is no evidence of classroom transmission at SAIC (and scant evidence of it at other higher educational institutions that require face coverings and vaccinations). Should safety conditions necessitate any changes to our spring offerings, we promise to notify the campus community immediately. But, in the absence of a science-based reason to switch online, we expect to move forward with in-person classes to respect the choices made by our students to benefit from in-person learning in our classrooms, studios, and shops this spring.
It is our expectation that spring courses will run as originally scheduled. Students have selected the courses and modalities that best meet their needs, and it is important that we honor their selections.
We know that Omicron presents new physical and emotional challenges to our community, which makes us even more grateful for your dedication to our mission. We wish all of you the best for a successful start to the spring semester.
Sincerely,
Elissa Tenny
President
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
January 3, 2022
Update to SAIC's Visitor Policy
Dear SAIC Community,
Following up on our email to you on December 22, we’re writing to let you know of modifications made to the School’s visitor policy. Given the growing body of evidence that the Omicron variant is more transmissible than past variants, effective immediately, we’ve instituted the following changes:
- All campus visitors must present proof of being fully vaccinated to enter campus (two weeks beyond the completion of their one- or two-shot series).
- No food or beverages may be consumed at campus events; attendees must remain masked at all times.
- Students may not have visitors on campus (including in the residence halls), aside from moving in/out of the residence halls.
- All faculty and staff (excluding student employees) are limited to one visitor per day.
As a reminder, please review the December 22 email for information on the COVID-19 booster requirement, testing requirement for unvaccinated community members, and the City of Chicago’s public health order.
Please continue to wear a face mask and stay home if you feel ill. Thank you for your diligence in taking care of yourself and one another.
Sincerely,
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Tom Buechele
Vice President for Campus Operations
John Pack
Executive Director of Campus Security
December 22, 2021
Update on Winter and Spring Terms
Dear SAIC Community,
We know many of you have been closely following updates on the Omicron variant, which now accounts for the majority of new COVID-19 cases across the country. We are closely monitoring the situation and consulting with public health expert Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC several times weekly on the impact of variants, positivity rates, latest scientific studies, and any needed changes to School operations. Below you will find an update on our requirements and expectations for the winter and spring terms.
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COVID-19 boosters will be required beginning in the spring term. In order to slow the transmission of the virus, all vaccinated students, faculty, and staff, including Central Administration, who are eligible will be required to receive COVID-19 boosters before returning to campus for the spring semester, which begins January 27.
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Individuals who received their Pfizer or Moderna vaccination series six months or more ago or those who received their Johnson and Johnson vaccination two months or more ago are considered eligible for a booster. Individuals returning to campus who are not currently eligible will be required to get a booster within seven days of eligibility. If you have not received a booster, we encourage you to get one as soon as possible.
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Following the CDC’s clinical preference for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna) given their efficacy against new variants, we recommend you secure an mRNA booster. However, the receipt of any FDA-authorized or WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine would be acceptable as a booster dose.
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Medical and religious exemptions will continue to be honored.
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More details are forthcoming regarding how to submit your proof of vaccination booster.
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Winter interim classes will begin as scheduled on January 3. Given the much lower density on our campus during winter term and our vaccination and masking policies, Dr. Rebmann recommends we continue to hold in-person classes as planned.
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There are no current changes planned for spring semester. Dr. Rebmann believes we can move forward with our planned mix of in-person and online courses as a result of our campus’s vaccination rate and new booster requirement. If conditions or the scientific consensus changes, and we need to implement modifications to the semester, we will inform you immediately. As previously shared, all unvaccinated students and employees must be tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus after Winter Break and will continue to undergo weekly testing to further help keep our community safe.
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We will update our visitor policy to further reduce campus density. In the weeks to come, we will revise our visitor policy to further lessen the chances of on-campus transmission.
Please continue to wear a face covering, as they continue to provide significant protection. Be sure to stay home if you feel ill. Early data suggests that the Omicron variant may be associated with milder symptoms, so it’s essential to stay home if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms in order to help reduce transmission. Here is a list of local testing options. If you are symptomatic, students should contact SAIC Health Services at healthservices@saic.edu or 312.499.4288 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care provider.
Additionally, please note that the City of Chicago recently issued a Public Health Order. Beginning January 3, 2022, you’ll need to provide proof of vaccination to enter Chicago restaurants, gyms, bars, and other indoor public venues where food and beverages are served.
As always, thank you for all that you do to take care of yourself and one another. We wish you a happy and restful Winter Break, and we encourage you to exercise caution when attending gatherings and traveling. We will continue to keep you updated on any new developments and their impact on School operations.
Sincerely,
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Tom Buechele
Vice President for Campus Operations
John Pack
Executive Director of Campus Security
December 17, 2021
Reminders for Winter Break
Dear SAIC Community,
Thank you for your diligent efforts this fall to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Though the pandemic is not behind us, with an adherence to masks and vaccination rates upwards of 98 percent for students, faculty, and staff on campus, we’ve continued to do our part to prioritize the health of our community and those around us.
With the emergence of COVID-19 variants, such as Omicron, we must be steadfast in abiding by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s practices and policies to help stay safe. As we begin Winter Break, we want to share several important reminders:
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All unvaccinated students and employees must be tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus after Winter Break to further help keep our community safe. Students who need to submit a test have received a separate email with more information. More information will be shared with faculty and staff.
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We recommend talking to your healthcare provider about receiving a COVID-19 booster shot. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized booster shots of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines for everyone 16 and older and Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccines for everyone 18 and older. You can find additional details on the CDC's site. We also recommend getting your flu shot, if you haven’t already.
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If you plan to travel for the holidays, please review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for travel and holidays. Please note, all international travelers (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) must get a negative COVID-19 viral test no more than one day before travel into the United States.
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Continue to check Chicago’s travel advisory. Currently, unvaccinated individuals returning from a high-risk state must complete a viral test three to five days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days. Please check the website frequently for the city’s most up-to-date travel requirements.
We hope you have a wonderful Winter Break and look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Sincerely,
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Tom Buechele
Vice President for Campus Operations
John Pack
Executive Director of Campus Security
November 19, 2021
Vaccination Requirements, Housing Updates, and Flu Vaccines
Dear Students,
As we look ahead to the end of the fall term, we wanted to share some updates about vaccination requirements. Many of you will be joining us on campus for the first time this winter and spring, and we want to be sure you’re aware of the timeline for submitting your COVID-19 vaccination status, as it will continue to be required for all community members.
Vaccination Requirements for Winter and Spring Semesters
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Winter Interim: Students who are not already compliant and are taking a winter interim class must submit proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by December 1. Students who are not fully vaccinated or who do not have an approved religious/medical exemption will not be allowed access to campus nor be able to attend in-person classes. Students who do not submit proof or receive a medical/religious exemption will have their in-person classes dropped and will not have access to campus as of the first day of classes on January 3. This will not impact student registration or participation in online classes.
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Spring Semester: All students who have not already done so must submit proof of being fully vaccinated by January 1. Students who are not fully vaccinated or who do not have an approved religious/medical exemption will not be allowed access to campus or be able to attend in-person classes. Students who do not submit proof or receive a medical/religious exemption will have their in-person classes dropped and will not have access to campus as of the first day of classes on January 27. This will not impact student registration or participation in online classes.
Click here for more information on how to submit.
Residence Hall Requirements
Students planning to live on campus will not be able to move in unless they are fully vaccinated or have an approved religious/medical exemption. However, for those students who are coming from abroad and are unable to receive a World Health Organization (WHO)–approved vaccine but are fully vaccinated with a non-WHO approved vaccine will be able to move in and test while they are getting their WHO-approved vaccines.
Flu Vaccine Shots
Though we’re all understandably focused on COVID-19 prevention, it’s still flu season, and we recommend all community members receive a flu shot to stay healthy. This December, Health Services will be offering free flu shots to students. To get a flu shot, please visit the Student Leadership Suite in the LeRoy Neiman Center during the following windows:
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Monday, December 6: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
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Wednesday, December 8: 8:00–11:00 a.m.
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Thursday, December 9: 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Students can also schedule an appointment for flu shots by calling Health Services at 312.499.4288 or via the Health Services Patient Portal by clicking on the APPTS page.
If you have any questions about these requirements or updates, please contact us at saicinfo@saic.edu.
Sincerely,
Debbie Martin
Dean of Student Life
October 15, 2021
Campus Mask Requirement Continues
Dear SAIC Community,
With COVID-19 infection rates in Chicago declining and a high vaccination rate among our campus community, we have continued to see low case numbers on our campus. Although these numbers are encouraging, the Delta variant still poses risks, and with flu season now in full swing, it remains critically important that you wear a mask and do not come to campus if you are ill. We continue to work with public health expert Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, who advises that even if you have mild symptoms, it’s essential that you stay home and get tested as soon as possible for COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated and/or do not have a known exposure. Because vaccinated individuals who become infected often have mild symptoms, they can unknowingly infect members of our community if they choose to come to campus.
This month, a community member with mild symptoms came to School. The individual subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, and our contact tracers identified dozens of close contacts. This compelled all close contacts to engage in COVID-19 testing and forced an unvaccinated close contact to go into quarantine. The incident was upsetting to all involved and put significant strain on our dedicated Wellness Center staff. Please stay home when you feel unwell.
Below are some reminders about each of these campus requirements.
If you are ill, stay home.
If you're vaccinated, your symptoms may be very mild, so it’s essential to stay home if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms—congestion, sore throat, or a fever. If this is the case, please get tested as soon as possible. Here is a list of local testing options. If you are symptomatic, students should contact SAIC Health Services at healthservices@saic.edu or 312.499.4288 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care provider.
Wear a mask.
Illinois is still under a state-wide mask mandate. Masks must be worn indoors at all times on campus, unless you are in a room by yourself with the door closed. A face mask must fully cover your nose and mouth. It may only be removed inside our classrooms when actively drinking, and then only for as brief a time period as possible. As Dr. Rebmann noted in her research, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, universal masking can limit the spread of COVID-19 on college campuses.
Please continue to be diligent to protect your health and the health of our community members. Thank you for all that you do to mitigate risk on our campus. As always, if you have any questions about these requirements, please contact us at saicinfo@saic.edu.
Sincerely,
Tom Buechele
Vice President for Campus Operations
September 29, 2021
You Must Submit to Weekly COVID-19 Testing
Dear SAIC Student,
Governor JB Pritzker announced a mandate requiring that all students and employees at higher education institutions be vaccinated. This mandate allows for medical and religious exemptions; however, the law requires that all unvaccinated students and employees––even those with exemptions––submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test at least once per week.
If you are not fully vaccinated and have not received a medical or religious exemption, you will lose access to campus beginning this Friday, October 1.
If you are not fully vaccinated and you have received a medical or religious exemption, you must submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. Your first test must be taken no later than Wednesday, October 6.
We are pleased to announce that the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has partnered with SNT Biotech and Medstar Laboratory to conduct COVID-19 testing on campus for students who are not fully vaccinated and have received a medical or religious exemption. The test is PCR and is self-administered. If you are unvaccinated, you must test on campus each week.
Testing Location
MacLean Center
112 South Michigan Avenue, room 501
Testing Dates and Times
Testing is available every week during the following dates/times:
- Mondays: 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. CT
- Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT
- Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT
Testing Procedure
- Arrive at the MacLean Center, 112 South Michigan Avenue, room 501 during one of the testing times listed above.
- Swipe your ARTICard upon entering room 501, and complete a form which asks for your health insurance information and approval for SAIC to receive your test results.
- SNT Biotech staff will show you how to self-administer the nasal swab to complete your test, and once you complete your test on campus, you will be considered compliant with this weekly requirement.
Test Results
Medstar Laboratory will email you with your test results each week, typically between 24 to 48 hours after taking your test. SAIC will also receive your results through a secure portal. If you test positive, you must self-isolate and immediately notify SAIC Health Services at healthservices@saic.edu.
To protect the health and safety of our community, if you do not test by 3:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday of each week, you will not have access to campus starting on Thursday morning. You may regain access to campus after you test the following week. It will likely take one to two business days from when you test for you to receive access back to campus. For example, if you do not take your test by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the following timeline will be in effect:
- Beginning Thursday, 12:01 a.m. CT: You lose access to campus until you test again the following week.
- Monday, 9:00 a.m.: You will be allowed access to the MacLean Center to take your COVID-19 test. You will be given access only to the MacLean Center and only to take the test. You must leave the building after you take the test.
- By Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.: Your campus access will be restored.
If you provide proof of being fully vaccinated, you will no longer be required to submit weekly PCR tests.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. As always, if you have any questions, please contact us at saicinfo@saic.edu.
Sincerely,
Martin Berger
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Felice Dublon
Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs
