Frequently Asked Questions

Vaccination

Is UNE requiring all on-campus students and employees to be vaccinated?

Yes, all students and employees, unless granted a medical or religious exemption, are required to be fully vaccinated, which means you have received the primary single or two-dose series of COVID-19 vaccinations.

The University strongly encourages students and employees to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, which means receiving all boosters that you are eligible for.

Please visit the CDC website for more information on vaccines.

How do students report vaccination/booster status to the University?

Students must upload a copy of their vaccine card to the student health portal. We also ask that students report all booster vaccines through the Student Health Portal.

How do employees report vaccination/booster status to the University?

Benefit-eligible employees must enter their vaccination information and upload an image of their vaccination card in PeopleAdmin, the system established by UNE to track vaccine information for employees. Detailed instructions (PDF) are available.

Does the vaccination mandate allow for exemptions?

The University will allow for religious and medical (if approved by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) exemptions to the policy, but vaccination may still be required for specific clinical and academic programs and activities. Therefore, students in health professions programs who are not up to date on vaccinations and boosters may not be able to fulfill their graduation requirements. Vaccination will also be required to participate in certain voluntary activities and programs.

Those who have already received an approved exemption from Student Health Services or Human Resources do not need to reapply.

Please note that these exemptions only apply to COVID-19 vaccines. A Maine law, effective September 1, 2021, eliminates exemptions for students for the vaccines against diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus, which will be required.

How do I request an exemption?

Employees who believe they are eligible for a medical exemption or an exemption based upon a sincerely held religious belief must contact Human Resources at hr-covid19questions@une.edu.

Students who believe they are eligible for a medical exemption or an exemption based upon a sincerely held religious belief must complete this form and return it to UNE Student Health Services. Failure to provide information needed in this process may impact students' ability to register for housing and classes. In order to be consistent with Maine law regarding exemptions to state-mandated COVID-19 vaccinations, UNE allows only licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to complete the medical provider portion of the exemption form.  

Where can I learn more about the COVID-19 vaccination program in Maine?

The Office of the Governor and Maine CDC have provided a comprehensive FAQ on this website.

Other

Are masks required on campus?

Masks are optional on UNE’s campuses, except in health care settings (i.e., Student Health Centers, Oral Health Center, OMM clinic, dental hygiene clinics, athletic training room, etc.), where they continue to be required.

Please note that neck gaiters, bandanas, scarves, and masks with exhalation vents are not allowed to be used as masks in settings where masks are required. Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may also be required for certain clinical, research, or other activities. 

UNE continues to monitor U.S. and Maine CDC guidelines regarding masking, and requirements, therefore, are subject to change. As mask requirements evolve, it is important that at UNE we value a culture that does not shame or discourage people from wearing masks to protect their health and the health of others if they choose to do so.

What do I do if I am a close contact or test positive?

Students and employees who test positive must isolate for five days following their positive test. If you have been exposed and you are fully vaccinated, and you have not tested positive, you are not required to isolate, but you must wear a mask for 10 days when around others. Those who test positive and have symptoms must continue to isolate until symptoms resolve.

Students who test positive must upload their positive test result to the Patient Portal. They must then contact their academic dean and Housing for instructions regarding class/housing. Students with health concerns or questions about their isolation period should contact Student Health. 

Employees who test positive should report their status to their supervisor and can email Human Resources at hr-covid19questions@une.edu with any questions.

Is physical distancing still required on campus?

Social distancing is no longer required on UNE’s campuses (both outdoors and indoors). 

Can students get a COVID-19 test on campus?

Student Health Services is offering a limited amount of on-demand COVID-19 testing for all students. Please contact Student Health Services for more information on the current on-demand testing schedule.

Are visitors allowed on UNE’s campuses?

Yes, visitors are allowed on UNE’s campuses. Masking is optional.

Is UNE open for prospective student tours?
Are students able to study abroad?

All University travel and study abroad programs are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis.