COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
SMCC is offering a mix of in-person and online learning opportunities with a variety of safety protocols.
Our top priorities are to:
- Protect the health and safety of our employees and students
- Deliver on our mission of providing educational excellence
- And provide support services to our students to ensure their success
These FAQs attempt to answer your questions in more detail.
Q: Can I still take Spring 2023 classes?
A: Yes. While it’s too late to take regular Spring Semester classes that have already started, you can take Late Start classes. For more information, please visit our Late Start Classes page.
Q: Can I return to a Spring Semester 2023 class I withdrew from due to COVID vaccination status?
A: No. Unfortunately, we are several weeks into the new semester. SMCC encourages anyone who wishes to take classes now to visit the Late Start Classes page for a complete list of available courses.
Q: Is SMCC open for in-person instruction?
A: Yes! SMCC will offer in-person instruction in hundreds of classes, with safety protocols in place. There will also be hundreds of classes available online.
Q: Do I have to be vaccinated to attend classes?
A: No. SMCC and the MCCS strongly encourage all learners to receive COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. SMCC still has other immunization requirements in place. Please visit our Immunization Information Page for more details.
Q: How do I submit my vaccination information?
A: While students are no longer required to provide COVID vaccination information, SMCC still has other immunization requirements in place. Please visit our Immunization Information Page for more details.
Q: Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: For a list of vaccination sites, visit the State of Maine COVID-19 Response website.
Q: Do I have to wear a mask?
A: Masks are optional on SMCC property except for individuals who are recovering from COVID or who are close contacts of individuals with COVID, in line with the current guidance from the CDC. The mask policy will be updated as circumstances warrant.
Q: What protocols do I need to follow when I come to campus?
A: The following people should NOT come to campus: Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last five days.
Q: What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
A: Stay home.
Visit the CDC Symptom Checker webpage to determine next steps.
Q: Do I need a negative test to leave isolation and return to in-person activities on campus?
A: No.
Q: What do I do if I have symptoms?
A: Stay home and test. Follow the instructions in the “if I test positive” instructions if you test positive.
Q: Are there any requirements for entering buildings?
A: There are no special requirements for entering buildings on campus.
Q: What is a close contact?
A:A close contact is someone who has been within 6 feet of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes in a 24-hour period. The 24-hour period needs to have occurred in the 48 hours before the COVID-19-positive person became symptomatic or, in the event that s/he is asymptomatic, tested positive. A close contact is also anyone who is taking care of a household member who has tested positive, or who has been sneezed or coughed upon by a person who has tested positive.
Q: If I am a close contact, do I need to quarantine?
A: No. You should mask for ten days and test on day five. The date of your last date of exposure is day zero.
Q: How are close contacts notified?
A: If you test positive for COVID-19, you should notify anyone you believe to be a close contact. The Maine CDC and SMCC are no longer contact tracing as the nature of the spread of the Omicron variants makes that process obsolete (it spreads faster than we can reach all the contacts).
Q: How do I apply for admission to SMCC?
A: Applying for admission is free and easy. Simply visit our Steps to Apply webpage to apply online or download an application. You can visit the Admissions Office in-person, or contact the office at admissions@smccME.edu or 207-741-5800, ext. 1.
Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: To apply for financial aid, students first need to fill out a FAFSA online by visiting the Federal Student Aid webpage. If students need to submit additional documentation to SMCC, the Financial Aid Office now uses a service that allows you to send documents securely. Simply take a clear picture of the document on your phone and upload it to the website. To access the website, log in to My Maine Guide, select My Money and click on “Upload Financial Aid Documents” in the Things to Know section.You can visit the Financial Aid Office in-person during normal business hours, or contact the office at finaid@smccME.edu or 207-741-5518.
Q: How do I pay my bills?
A: SMCC offers payment plans and accepts checks and credit/debit cards (MasterCard, Visa and Discover) for payment. Our Student Accounts Office is open during normal business hours for in-person visits, or students can pay online, through the mail or by telephone. The Student Accounts Office can be contacted at studentaccounts@smcc ME.edu or 207-741-5530.
Q: Will you continue to offer Workforce Training and Career Skills classes?
A: SMCC continues to offer short-term and customized workforce training to those who are looking to gain job skills that lead to employment. SMCC also continues to offer a selection of Career Skills courses, primarily for people interested in beginning new careers or enhancing their current professional skill sets.
Q: Will residence halls be open?
Q: Will dining services be available?
Q: Will the bookstore be open?
Q: How are services, typically available on campus, being offered?
The Admissions and Advising offices, and the Learning Commons, are located in the Campus Center. Financial Aid and Student Accounts offices are located in the Captain’s House, a red-brick building located at the corner of Fort Road and McKernan Center Drive just a short walk from the Campus Center.
Q: Will there be sports?
A: Yes.
Q: Will the Student Senate, club meetings and other activities be held?
A: Student Life will continue to offer a full slate of virtual and in-person activities for student engagement. These include Student Senate and student club meetings, Open Mic sessions, leadership programs, outdoor events and more.
Q: Where can I get updates and information about COVID-19?
If you have a question that is not answered here, visit the Maine CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions.
In addition, 211 Maine is an option for Mainers to get answers to questions about COVID-19 at any time. This service is available by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org.