August 30, 2021

September Events at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

We are disappointed to announce that the homecoming events currently scheduled for Sept. 10-11, and Oct 1-2, and Parents Weekend, currently scheduled for Sept. 24-26, are canceled.

Recent monitoring of the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant indicates that Nassau County New York (USMMA is located there), is considered an area with a high transmission rate for that variant. That rate is high enough that additional safety protocols have been implemented at the Academy for indoor activities. Our experience with COVID is that once it is on campus, it is difficult, to control and eradicate, and it is extremely disruptive to the quality of life of our midshipmen.

Visitors from around the country are scheduled to attend each of these events, and while many are vaccinated, the prevalence of breakthrough exposure is too great to accept the risk of welcoming visitors aboard. In addition, likely restrictions on indoor events will undoubtedly affect our ability to provide quality events for our guests.

With that in mind, and out of an abundance of caution for the safety, health and well-being of the Regiment of Midshipmen, the staff and the faculty of the Academy, we have decided to cancel each of these events. Look for more information soon.

To see a video announcement about these events and the new rules for Delano Hall, please review this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/lgSBMbR4wyo

Acta Non Verba