Before Coming to Campus

Students

• Get vaccinated: Any student who intends to be on campus for any period of time must be vaccinated against COVID-19, and proof of vaccination must be submitted to Health Services. As of the spring 2022 term, boosters are also required. 
• Monitor your health: If you are ill, even if you’re vaccinated and/or have mild, cold-like symptoms, stay home and contact Health Services at healthservices@saic.edu or 312.499.4288 for guidance.
• Wear a mask: SAIC will continue to require masks while indoors on campus. Masks must be worn at all times unless you are in a room by yourself with the door closed. 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.
• If you are fully vaccinated, indoor and outdoor activities pose minimal risk, and:
  • With proper mask wearing, physical distancing is not necessary.
  • You may not need to quarantine if you’ve been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.
  • You should continue to practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to reduce the spread of germs.

Faculty and Staff

• Get vaccinated: Any employee who will be on campus for any period of time must be vaccinated. As of the spring 2022 term, boosters are also required. 
• Monitor your health: If you are ill, even if you’re vaccinated and/or have mild, cold-like symptoms, stay home and contact your primary care provider for guidance.
• Wear a mask: SAIC will continue to require masks while indoors on campus. Masks must be worn at all times unless you are in a room by yourself with the door closed. 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.
• Know your role: Make sure you know your department’s staffing plan.
• If you are fully vaccinated, indoor and outdoor activities pose minimal risk, and:
  • With proper mask wearing, physical distancing is not necessary.
  • You may not need to quarantine if you’ve been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.
  • You should continue to practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to reduce the spread of germs 
• Those with an approved exemption may be required to follow additional health and safety protocols. In the event of an outbreak or threatened outbreak, those who are unvaccinated may be temporarily excluded from accessing campus and/or attending off-campus SAIC-sponsored activities. 

Updates to Policies and Processes

During the course of the pandemic, we adapted policies and processes to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 on our campus. Before coming to campus, please understand the most recent updates to our policies and processes. 
 
On-Campus Classes, Events, and Meetings

• SAIC is moving forward with the semester-long exchange program next fall. Summer 2022 study trips will not proceed. 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.
• On-campus events have returned 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. 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. 
• On-campus classes may contain a single non-SAIC guest per class session to participate in critique or lecture. The guest must follow the same masking guidelines as other campus visitors and provide proof of vaccination.
• For meetings and events that are open to the SAIC community and non-SAIC participants:
  • All participants—SAIC and non-SAIC participants—must wear masks.
  • Eating and drinking is not permitted at indoor events. 
• Off-campus SAIC events held in Chicago must follow SAIC’s policy for on-campus events.
• For classes, events, and meetings taking place outdoors (whether open solely to the SAIC community or including non-SAIC participants), there are no face covering rules or food restrictions.

Off-Campus Study Programs and Activities

• SAIC departments have resumed off-campus field trips, off-site courses, and other learning activities.
• Attendance at off-campus indoor venues is limited to 50 percent of room capacity. Specific guidance will be provided by the Dean’s Office.
• Face coverings and social distancing guidelines should follow those of the venue or city, whichever is stricter.
• Public transit may be used for travel to and from off-campus activities.

Domestic and International Travel

• SAIC staff resumed domestic and international business travel as approved by their departments. Faculty may resume domestic and international travel at their discretion.
• International business travel is not approved for locations for which the US State Department has issued either a “reconsider travel” or “do not travel” advisory.
• SAIC community members traveling for business must follow local, state, and federal travel guidelines as they travel and upon their return to Chicago. This includes but is not limited to testing, self-monitoring for symptoms, and quarantine, if required. Please visit the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for details. 

Eating and Drinking in Instructional Spaces
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.