June 8, 2021

Dear all,
 
As summer unfolds, CIM’s administrative and trustee leadership, like that of countless colleges and arts organizations around the world, is identifying what we know and don’t yet know, in order to determine CIM’s COVID-19 protocols for the fall 2021 semester.
 
Here is what we do know:
 
  1. Almost 450 people responded to CIM’s COVID-19 Vaccination Sentiment Survey for a response rate of about 70%. The results indicate that, among these 450 survey respondents, over 80% are already fully vaccinated. This is great news! Note: This also means we do not know the status of approximately 150 CIM community members.
  2. CWRU has not yet determined what their policy will be regarding required vaccinations. Because CIM students use CWRU Health Services and because CWRU and CIM students share classrooms and other learning environments, CWRU’s policy will definitely impact CIM’s plans.
  3. Regardless of whether COVID-19 vaccination is required or strongly encouraged, there will be medical and other exceptions requiring documentation, such as a request for a reasonable accommodation under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act, or religious or personally held beliefs protected under Title VII.
  4. Some modified learning, teaching and working options will still be available such as masking and limited zero-latency studios, and may very well be required, for community members who are not vaccinated or who are otherwise at higher risk.
 
Here is what we don’t know:
 
  1. We are watching the Ohio Statehouse for possible legislative action that could limit or render illegal requiring COVID-19 vaccinations; some other states have already enacted legislation to this effect.
  2. We don’t know when, or if, the currently available COVID-19 vaccinations will be fully cleared by the FDA, as opposed to their current status under Emergency Use Authorization. Both Pfizer and Moderna have applied for this full clearance.
  3. We will continue to monitor the data regarding the efficacy of the vaccines, especially regarding the likelihood of vaccinated individuals to contract or spread COVID-19.
 
The bottom line for now is this: it is great news that we’re above the 80% threshold for full vaccination among those that responded to the survey; however, if none of the non-respondents are vaccinated, that number would drop to 56%. For those who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, CIM strongly encourages you to be aware of the accommodations that may be required in our learning/teaching/working environments as foreshadowed in #4 above. If you are considering the pursuit of vaccination this summer, we would urge you to make plans as soon as possible. We are also exploring options for a vaccination clinic at the start of the semester to assist anyone who did not have access to the vaccine prior to coming to Cleveland.
 
In the next few weeks, we will share additional information about our plans for the fall semester. Until then, please stay safe, practice hard, and rest well!
 
Sincerely,
 
Dean Tolliver
 
Maddi Tolliver
Interim Dean, Artistic and Facilities Operations