2022 Return to Campus FAQ’s

*Please note, this contains updated and relevant information and policies for RMCAD as of August 15, 2022.*

RMCAD is excited to continue to offer on-campus classes to students who are interested in face-to-face learning! RMCAD’s COVID-19 Task Force has developed a plan, supported by specific policies and protocols, to guide our behaviors and prioritize the health, wellness, and safety of our community. With vaccinations being accessible to the public, we encourage you to visit this page to learn where you can get vaccinated. For assistance finding a vaccine, you can also reach out to studentsuccess@rmcad.edu. To answer some common questions that you may have, please thoroughly read the key elements of our return-to-campus plan below.

HEALTH + SAFETY

Will masks / PPE be required on campus?

Following recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Education (CDPHE), RMCAD will transition from its current mask-required policy to a “mask-friendly” policy. Under the new policy, the wearing of masks on campus will be optional for students, staff and visitors effective March 21, 2022.

While mask use is no longer mandated on campus, masks are still recommended by the CDC and CDPHE as a measure to reduce the risk of transmission in school settings. Also, please remember that mask use is still required on public transportation (e.g., the school shuttle) by federal rule.

Our community’s safety is always top priority and we will react accordingly and make potential future adjustments according to the CDC, CDPHE and Jefferson County. Please act in a way that is responsible and respectful to those around you. RMCAD continues to highly recommend and encourage faculty and staff to get vaccinated. You can learn about where you can get vaccinated here

Can I continue to wear a mask while on campus?

Yes, students and staff should feel comfortable wearing a mask while on campus. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends public indoor masking continue for everyone in areas of substantial or high transmission. Also, please remember that mask use is still required on public transportation (e.g., the school shuttle) by federal rule.

Why has RMCAD made the wearing of masks optional?

The decision to transition to a “mask-friendly” environment was made by the RMCAD COVID-19 Task Force, in collaboration with RMCAD’s Executive Administration. It is based on Colorado’s quickly dropping COVID-19 case rate and Colorado’s new public health order (issued on 2/28/22) which lifts the statewide mask mandate for indoor public spaces.

What happens if confirmed cases of COVID-19 begin to increase again in Colorado?

The COVID-19 Task Force will continue to monitor COVID-19 outbreaks in the state and in the RMCAD community. If needed, we will reinstate prior health and safety protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19 on campus.

Do I need to check my temperature when I arrive on campus?

RMCAD does not require temperature checks on campus as of Summer 2022. All temperature scanners have been removed from campus. 

Where can I learn more about receiving the COVID vaccine?

We encourage you to bookmark this page to learn more about where you can find a vaccine. 

What if I am high-risk or live with someone who is high-risk?

If you are a student and high-risk, or live with someone who is high-risk, or may need some flexibility due to childcare or child’s school-related issues, please reach out to your Academic Advisor to explore your options.

Will social distancing still be implemented?

As of June 28, 2021, RMCAD will no longer be enforcing six-foot social distancing parameters throughout campus, in labs, or office spaces. 

As an employee wanting to request an accommodation to work remote, whom should I contact?

Employees wanting to request accommodations should contact Human Resources for more information.

What if I think I might have been exposed to COVID-19?

Students will be required to report any COVID-19 symptoms to the Dean of Students and employees are required to report to the Director of HR, so that we can support them with special accommodations and instructions.

If you have been exposed, please follow CDC guidelines, outlined here

What determines close exposure to someone that has tested positive for COVID?

For COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes).

Will contact-tracing continue on campus when a confirmed COVID-19 case is reported by a student or staff member?

Currently, we are not using contact tracing, as the CDC has updated guidance (as of August 11, 2022).

CLASSES + ADVISING

What learning modalities are available to me?

Students will be able to choose from two learning modalities: on campus and online. On campus learning will be traditional in-person learning. Online will be traditional online classes in which students can have specific deadlines, but don’t have specific meeting days/times. 

Why is RMCAD no longer offering Blended+?

Blended+ was created to accommodate students when we were advised by the CDC to stay home. Since this is not currently the advisement (as of August 12, 2021), we are moving back to solely online or in-person learning.

What if I don’t feel comfortable returning to campus or if I am high-risk for COVID-19?

Not all programs require on-campus lab work.  Online classes are still available so that you don’t have to pause your education. Contact your Academic Advisor or advising@rmcad.edu to discuss moving to an online modality.

How can I meet with my Academic Advisor?

You can schedule an online meeting with your Academic Advisor at any time to discuss concerns regarding your classes. Email advising@rmcad.edu to schedule an appointment. If you are unsure who your advisor is, check out this directory.

CAMPUS SPACES

What sanitization protocols will be in place?

The Facilities team have modified the campus to minimize health and wellness risks to students and staff for the fall return. New sanitization procedures are in place for all campus spaces as well as campus equipment and technology. Ample sanitization stations will also be available, and additional health and safety signage will be posted to guide you.

What are the campus hours?

Campus hours are Monday-Friday 7:30a.m.-10 p.m. MST and Saturday – Sunday 10a.m.-5 p.m. MST.

Will the Spectrum Store or Hugh Thurlow Memorial Library be open?

The Spectrum Store and Hugh Thurlow Memorial Library are open on campus. Both resources also have options for you to engage online. You can visit rmcad.edu/store to shop Spectrum online, and library resources are available through the student portal.

Will campus tours still be available?

Tours will continue at a limited capacity at specific intervals throughout the day to maintain a safe environment for both the campus community and visitors. To schedule a tour, contact Admissions at 800.888.ARTS.

FINANCIAL AID

How will my Financial Aid be impacted?

Your Financial Aid will be awarded based on your enrollment status and FAFSA eligibility. If changes are made to a schedule, it is the students responsibility to reach out to their Financial Aid Advisor to discuss the impact these changes will have on Federal Direct loan, PELL grant, and scholarships. 

How will I be impacted if I am a work study?

Contact Tracy Craven at tcraven@rmcad.edu if you are eligible for a work study position.

RMCAD has a limited number of work study positions, so they are treated as a first come, first served basis. If you are interested, contact Director of Financial Aid Tracy Craven.

How can I meet with my Financial Aid Advisor?

You can reach your advisor by phone or email using the directory below. Financial Aid Advisors are assigned by the first letter of your last name. Below is the alphabetic breakdown:

Future Campus Student Financial Aid Advisors:

A – E: Rachelle Small: rsmall@rmcad.edu (303) 225-8547

F – L : Carrie Slauson : cslauson@rmcad.edu 303-567-7344  

M – R :John Klocek : jklocek@rmcad.edu 303-567-7343

S – Z :Sandi Ruby: sruby@rmcad.edu 303-567-7293

Active Student Campus Financial Aid Advisors:

A-F:  Tiffany Tyrrell, ttyrrell@rmcad.edu  303-567-7272  

G-L : Shannon Alexander, salexander@rmcad.edu 303-225-8611

M-R: Zack Vayda, zvayda@rmcad.edu 303-567-7353

S-Z : Tricia Johnson, pjohnson@rmcad.edu 303-567-7346

Online Student Financial Aid Advisors:

A – G :Tahnee Caudill: tcaudill@rmcad.edu  720-643-4213

H – N :Tracey Jones : tjones@rmcad.edu 720-567-7348

O – Z: Abigail Sheckells: asheckells@rmcad.edu  720-548-5967

STUDENT LIFE

How can I connect with other students?

Follow RMCAD on Instagram

-Join one of the many RMCAD Clubs/Organizations.

-Use the hashtag #RMCAD as you received in your acceptance packet to connect with others attending RMCAD.

-Share with our community and fellow students words of encouragement, uplifting images, or whatever is keeping you creative during this time! Post what you create to Instagram and use the hashtag #RMCAD.

– Be in the know of what’s happening while connecting to your classmates, advisors, and professors by downloading the RMCAD App.

What should I do about housing?

Securing housing is important as in most cases it is first come/first serve. As of now, our off-campus housing partner, Assembly Student Living, is still open and moving people in based on availability. They are still operating as normal and do not plan to make any changes due to COVID at this time. Students will be moving in as normal during their move-in weekend over the summer. 

If students are unable to honor their lease term for any reason at Assembly due to COVID-19, they will need to give Assembly 60 days notice to have their lease terminated. They will not be charged any fees for the termination, however they will not receive a refund on the application fee or admin fee. As far as alternative housing options such as leasing companies, apartment complexes, private owners, etc, please reach out to them directly for questions. To connect with fellow students looking for housing, you can request to join the RMCAD Housing Facebook page

If you need assistance with a rental lease, contact the Director of Student Life Mel Kern at mkern@rmcad.edu.

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