Better Together - Fall 2021 Plan

KCAI is planning to return to in-person instruction for both liberal arts and studio classes for the Fall 2021 semester.

Safety protocols, including masks and social distancing, may still be observed and will align with the recommendations put forth by the Kansas City Missouri Health Department. In preparation for the fall semester, liberal arts classes will be scheduled in our largest classroom spaces and some occupancies may be reduced, depending on the recommendations we receive from the health department just prior to the start of the semester on August 23, 2021. Studio instruction will continue to be in-person, and the configuration of the studio spaces will be assessed to determine if staggered studio work times outside of class times will be necessary to ensure safe distancing.

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

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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.

Mask requirements for vaccinated individuals will be determined by mid-August.

 

Campus Protocols

Community Health Guidelines

Campus Protocols

Community Health Guidelines

KCAI is following the Kansas City, MO health department and CDC guidelines to implement protocols that are specific for those who are vaccinated vs unvaccinated.

Vaccinated Unvaccinated
Masks required on campus inside and outside at all times TBD* YES
14 day quarantine period prior to arriving to campus or after international travel NO YES
Social distance whenever possible and avoid crowds NO YES
Stay home if ill and report symptoms YES YES
Quarantine if exposed to a confirmed or suspected positive case NO YES
Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 YES YES

*KCAI’s mask policy for vaccinated individuals will be determined closer to the start of the Fall semester.

Academic Calendar

When do classes begin?

Academic Calendar

When do classes begin?

The first day of class for the Fall 2021 semester will begin on  August 23. KCAI plans to have in-person instruction this Fall for both studio and liberal arts classes.

Academic Calendar and Holiday Breaks

At this time, there have been no changes to the 2021-2022 academic calendar, including college breaks. Should there be any changes to the calendar and/or necessary protocols implemented related to college breaks, students, faculty, staff, and parents/family members will be notified.

On-Campus Dining

Wylie Dining and Café Nerman

On-Campus Dining

Wylie Dining and Café Nerman

Wylie Dining and Café Nerman are open for all students, faculty, and staff, and will be open to the public during limited, non-peak hours. Regular service and seating will be available in both Wylie Dining and Café Nerman during meal times.

Wylie Dining and Café Nerman will be open on the following days/times for students, faculty, and staff:

Wylie Dining Meal Schedule

Monday – Friday  Saturday and Sunday
Breakfast: 7:15-9 AM Brunch: 11 AM-1 PM
Lunch: 11 AM-1 PM Dinner: 5-6:30 PM
Dinner: 5-6:30 PM

Café Nerman Hours

Monday – Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
7:30 AM-8 PM 7:30 AM-6 PM 9 AM-2 PM Closed

Wylie Dining and Café Nerman will be open to the public during limited off-peak hours. These hours will be posted when determined.

On-Campus Housing

Barbara Marshall Residence Hall

On-Campus Housing

Barbara Marshall Residence Hall

The Sherman Family Student Union

  • Located on the first floor of the BMRH, the Union will be open for students, faculty, and staff. This includes the fitness center, vending area, game room, lounge, community kitchen and conference room.

Resident Life 

  • It is recommended that Unvaccinated students only socialize with their roommate and suitemates. Socializing with others should take place outside or in communal areas where six feet of distancing is possible and masks must be worn at all times.

Isolation Room

  • We have an isolation room designated for symptomatic or confirmed positive students. Roommates of these students will be asked to follow the directives of the Covid Management Team as needed, based on each unique situation. Students in isolation or quarantine should continue with their classes remotely during this time, as they are able. Review the KCAI Absence Policy

Non-residenent Guests

  • Non-residence guest policies will be determined mid-August.

Visitor Policy

Visiting Campus

Visitor Policy

Visiting Campus

  • Visitors to campus are welcome. Visitors will be asked to self-monitor symptoms and wellness and should not come to campus if feeling ill.
  • Visitors will be asked to wear masks and social distance if unvaccinated.
  • The non-resident guest policy for the Barbara Marshall Residence Hall will be determined in mid-August.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Are vaccines required?

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Are vaccines required?

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

Find a free COVID-19 vaccine site

Vaccinated students who upload their completed vaccination card will receive a $50 credit to the KCAI Art Supply Store, made possible by the federal relief package.

  • To receive your credit, sign into MyKCAI then click here to upload your vaccination card.
  • Art Store credit is valid September 7–December 10, 2021.
  • This credit is for students who arrive to campus vaccinated or become vaccinated prior to Dec. 10.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)

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

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

Policies and Procedures and HEERF Student Aid Public Reporting

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