Spring 2022 COVID PLAN

MASKS

  • KCAI will require masks in classrooms, during class sessions, and in studios.
  • Masks are recommended for larger groups, especially in smaller spaces and/or when members of the public are on campus.
  • Masks are encouraged for those who feel more protected wearing a mask.
  • Masks are optional in non-academic settings such as the Barbara Marshall Residence Hall, Wylie Dining, and employee offices.

TRAVEL AND SPRING BREAK

  • As you think about spring break plans, we encourage you to limit your travel and gatherings during spring break. 
  • Studios will be open on campus during spring break.
  • Decisions about college-sponsored summer travel will be made in mid-February. 

CAMPUS VISITORS

  • Visiting artists and events can resume in-person or virtually.  
  • Non-resident KCAI students may visit the residential floors of BMRH and Extended Stay as guests of residents. 
  • Café Nerman will be open to the public as of March 1.  Wylie Dining will remain closed to the public.

ISOLATION/QUARANTINE 

  • For the immediate future, KCAI is following the same isolation and quarantine protocols as fall 2020, per the advice of the Kansas City Health Department which recommends 7-10 days.

VACCINES AND BOOSTERS

  • KCAI has a vaccination, testing, and mask policy for ALL employees, including student employees.
  • Students who are NOT working on campus through the student work-study program are NOT required to be vaccinated but are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated.
  • Additionally, KCAI encourages those who are fully vaccinated to get the recommended booster shot.

If you have questions, email responseteam@kcai.edu.

 

COVID Dashboard

KCAI will track confirmed COVID cases amongst our campus community and report positive cases via the dashboard below. The dashboard will be updated weekly on Friday.

New Weekly COVID Cases

Updated on Friday, May 6

Students

1

Employees

1

BMRH Residents (incl. in student total)

0

 

Cumulative Total for Spring 2022

Students

20

Employees

6

BMRH Residents (incl. in student total)

4

Total COVID Cases For Fall 2021

Students

12

Employees

6

BMRH Residents (included in student total)

6

COVID-19 Campus Policies and Protocols

KCAI is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning, living, and work environment.

While the COVID-19 pandemic presents a threat to the well-being of the KCAl community, we have put protocols in place to mitigate the risk. KCAI follows the guidance of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Kansas City, MO health department, as well as campus information to make decisions regarding health and safety protocols related to COVID-19.

Public health is a social covenant

  • The effectiveness of public health safety is contingent upon the participation of everyone.
  • Being vaccinated, washing hands, wearing a mask and safe distancing, all translate into improved health and safety for all campus community members. 
  • Stay home when you don’t feel well.

KCAI is strongly encouraging every student, faculty, and staff member to get vaccinated prior to coming to campus this Fall.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III, American Rescue Plan

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III), authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), was signed into law on March 11, 2021, and provides $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.

Kansas City Art Institute, on May 23, 2020, signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. A supplemental grant award notification (GAN) was received from the Department on January 19, 2021, that included the HEERF II Funds. Another supplemental GAN was received on May 15, 2021, that included HEERF III funds.

KCAI has been awarded $1,107,828 in student financial aid funding under HEERF III. Following the guidelines set forth by the US Department of Education, these funds will be distributed as emergency financial grants. As designated by the Department of Education, KCAI is required to prioritize grants to students with exceptional financial need, such as those who receive Pell Grants. Students’ financial needs will be determined by the FAFSA; however, students are not required to have completed the FAFSA or be eligible for Title IV funding to receive a grant. KCAI will distribute these funds as widely as possible.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 has also allowed institutions of higher education to make financial aid adjustments for any individual who has experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19, which may include loss of employment, income, or undue financial burden.

FAQS AND HEERF STUDENT AID PUBLIC REPORTING

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF III

HEERF II Archived Information

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) provided funding to colleges and universities for emergency student grants. The purpose of the money is to award emergency financial aid grants to students for specific expenses. Student grants may be used for any component of their cost of attendance, emergency costs that arise due to Coronavirus, etc. with examples including tuition, food, housing, healthcare (including mental health), and childcare.

KCAI has received $420,333 in student financial aid funding. Following the guidelines set forth by the US Department of Education, these funds will be distributed as emergency financial grants. As designated by the Department of Education, KCAI is required to prioritize grants to students with exceptional financial need, such as those who receive Pell Grants; however, we plan to distribute these funds as widely as possible. Students’ financial needs will be determined by the FAFSA.

FAQs and HEERF Student Aid Public Reporting

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF II

HEERF I Archived Information

The federal CARES ACT provided funding to colleges and universities for emergency student grants. The purpose of the money is to award emergency financial aid grants to students for specific expenses that are a direct result of the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

FAQs and HEERF Student Aid Public Reporting

Policies and Procedures

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I

 

Archived Messages about KCAI’s Response to COVID-19

March 26, 2020 Update
March 21, 2020 Update
March 18, 2020 Update