COVID-19 Information
Ringling College of Art and Design has followed the CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines to address the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of COVID. As hospitalizations, complications, and severe illness associated with COVID have precipitously declined, the CDC is classifying COVID as any other respiratory illness, such as the Flu and RSV, regarding prevention and treatment. We thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
For more information on the CDC announcement, background information regarding changes to the guidelines, and guidance for treating respiratory illness please see the links below:
CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations
FAQs
Face coverings are currently not required on campus (indoors or outdoors). However, the College supports the wearing of face coverings to individual comfort level and the choice to wear one should be respected and supported.
A COVID-19 vaccination is not required, and vaccine information will not be required or collected. The College strongly recommends that all students and employees be up to date on their COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations.
COVID-19 testing is not required at this time or for the arrival to campus. However, we encourage all individuals to test for COVID-19 if they experience any symptoms.
Students with symptoms can be tested at the Student Health Center and can obtain free at-home COVID-19 testing kits provided by the U.S. government, which can be ordered online.
Students: Students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can be tested at the Student Health Center. Students who test positive for COVID-19 should report their positive test results (if obtained elsewhere) by emailing and will need to follow isolation guidelines:
A student can return to normal activities if their symptoms have been improving and the person is fever free, without use of fever reducing medicine, for 24 hours.
To be excused from activities during this time, a student is required to be evaluated by a medical provider, on or off campus, and provided documentation noting the necessary length of excuse(s) from class and work. If evaluated off campus, documentation can be sent to medical@ringling.edu
Employees: Employees who test positive for COVID-19, or are experiencing a respiratory illness can return to normal activities if their symptoms have been improving and the person is fever free, without use of fever reducing medicine, for 24 hours.
We encourage all members of the Ringling College Community to take these simple precautionary measures to help prevent transmission:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use. If a tissue is not available cough/sneeze unto your elbow, not your hand.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Sanitize work stations and door knobs/sink faucet handles, etc. to help prevent spreading the virus.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, which can spread germs.
- Try to avoid close contact with those who are ill.
- Ill persons should keep away from other individuals as much as possible to prevent infecting others and spreading the virus further.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, please be courteous and wear a face mask around others. Face masks are available at the Health Center.
- Yearly flu and COVID shots are strongly recommended. Students may come to the Health Center to receive a free flu shot.
Based on current CDC guidelines on quarantine and isolation, quarantine is not needed for those who are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines, or if you had a confirmed positive COVID-19 case within the last 90 days.
However, please monitor your health and if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms or have a known exposure, we recommend testing yourself for COVID-19.
If you feel generally like you have a cold or flu, or if you have specific symptoms of COVID-19 (a fever of 100.4 F or greater, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, new GI symptoms, loss of taste or smell, or a runny or stuffy nose not related to allergies), DO NOT GO TO CLASS OR REPORT TO WORK.
For any further questions regarding COVID-19, please contact the appropriate department below:
Students:
Academic Affairs: vpaa@ringling.edu / (941) 359-7537
Admissions: admissions@ringling.edu / (941) 309-0195
Advising and Registration: advising@ringling.edu / (941) 359-6116
International Students: apetteng@ringling.edu / (941) 893-2051
Peterson Counseling Center: counseling@ringling.edu / (941) 893-2855
Student Life: studentlife@ringling.edu / (941) 359-7510
Student Health Center: medical@ringling.edu / (941) 309-4000
Faculty and Staff:
Human Resources: hrmail@ringling.edu / (941) 359-7619
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): (855) 387-3727
Campus Tours
The Office of Admissions hosts student-led campus tours by appointment only. Each tour will begin with an information session with an Admissions Counselor followed by a tour of campus conducted by a student tour guide. Face coverings are currently optional. Tours are available to book Monday-Friday at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm EST.
For any questions or to book a tour, reach out to the Office of Admissions at (941) 309-0195 or via email.
Ringling’s Madeby Gallery is currently open to the public. Please check hours on their website.
Ringling College Galleries and Exhibitions
Ringling College’s on-campus galleries and exhibitions are currently open to the public. Face coverings are currently optional when visiting the Galleries. Exhibitions, hours, and additional information is available on their website
Sarasota Art Museum
Sarasota Art Museum, including the Bistro, Shop, and Museum Grounds, is open to the public. Face coverings are not required at this time. Visit their website for further guidelines and information on planning your visit to the Museum. If you have any questions, contact the Museum at (941) 309-4900.
Ringling College Continuing Studies at The Museum Campus (OLLI/S+DA)
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College and Studio and Digital Arts continue to offer courses through in-person and online delivery. More information about Continuing Studies catalogs and courses can be found online.
Englewood Art Center (EAC)
A division of Ringling College Continuing Studies, the Englewood Art Center (EAC) focuses on education, exhibitions, and events. EAC is currently open to the public and offering courses onsite; face coverings are not required at this time. More information can be found online.
Information on monkeypox and prevention
We are working in collaboration with Sarasota Memorial (our medical services provider) on the status of monkeypox in our community. The Student Health Center, all SMH Urgent Care Centers and Emergency Departments are screening patients for monkeypox if they present with applicable symptoms. We would additionally work with the Health Department for management of a positive individual.
Relative to the vaccine, we are following CDC guidelines at this time. They recommend pre-exposure treatment only to laboratory clinicians working with specimens that might contain the virus. In the case of post-exposure treatment, we would work with the Health Department to facilitate vaccinations. Vaccinations are not currently available for Health Care providers and would have to be requested from the Strategic National Stockpile in consultation with the CDC. At this time, Sarasota County has only had one positive monkeypox case.
At this point, prevention is the best thing that can be done and we will focus on educating the campus community. Important guidance from the CDC is noted below. We will certainly continue to monitor and adjust plans if the disease incidence in our local area increases.
Prevention Steps
Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- If in Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched.
If you are sick with monkeypox:
- Isolate at home
- If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible.
- Report illness to Health Services at: medical@ringling.edu
Ringling College of Art and Design is committed to maintaining the overall health and safety of our campus community. By working together and following recommended CDC guidelines, the Ringling College community has done a remarkable job keeping case numbers low and isolated. We thank you for your continued support and cooperation, and will continue to communicate updates.
FAQs
Face coverings are currently not required on campus (indoors or outdoors). However, the College supports the wearing of face coverings to individual comfort level and the choice to wear one should be respected and supported.
Face coverings may be required in special circumstances, for example when gathering in large groups.
A COVID-19 vaccination is not required, and vaccine information will not be required or collected. The College strongly recommends that all students and employees be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.
COVID-19 testing is not required at this time or for the arrival to campus. However, we encourage all individuals to test for COVID-19 if they experience any symptoms or have been in close contact with a positive case.
Students and employees with symptoms can be tested at the Student Health Center, local testing sites, and can obtain free at-home COVID-19 testing kits provided by the U.S. government, which can be ordered here: https://www.covid.gov/tests
Students: Students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can be tested at the Student Health Center. Students who test positive for COVID-19 should report their positive test results (if obtained elsewhere) by emailing covidtest@ringling.edu and will need to follow isolation guidelines:
- Students who test positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate in the same manner that they would for any communicable illness including COVID-19, the flu, etc.
- For campus residential students, Ringling College will no longer offer dedicated isolation spaces. Students who live within Florida are encouraged to go home if able. Students who are unable to return home should remain in their rooms and have minimal contact with others for the duration of the isolation period.
- Roommates of a student in isolation are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings for five days and get tested if symptomatic on day five.
- Students should stay in communication with Health Services about their symptoms. Housing and Residence Life staff are available to assist should additional needs arise.
Employees: Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should report their positive test results to HR (hrmail@ringling.edu) and will need to follow isolation guidelines:
- Employees who test positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate off-campus for 5 full days (and be fever-free for 24 hours before returning).
- Employees returning to campus after the end of the 5-day isolation period will need to wear a well-fitting face covering for an additional 5 days.
Based on current CDC guidelines on quarantine and isolation, quarantine is not needed for those who are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines, or if you had a confirmed positive COVID-19 case within the last 90 days.
However, please monitor your health and if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms or have a known exposure, we recommend testing yourself for COVID-19.
If you feel generally like you have a cold or flu, or if you have specific symptoms of COVID-19 (a fever of 100.4 F or greater, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, new GI symptoms, loss of taste or smell, or a runny or stuffy nose not related to allergies), DO NOT GO TO CLASS OR REPORT TO WORK.
For any further questions regarding COVID-19, please contact the appropriate department below:
Students:
Academic Affairs: vpaa@ringling.edu / (941) 359-7537
Admissions: admissions@ringling.edu / (941) 309-0195
Advising and Registration: advising@ringling.edu / (941) 359-6116
International Students: apetteng@ringling.edu / (941) 893-2051
Peterson Counseling Center: counseling@ringling.edu / (941) 893-2855
Student Life: studentlife@ringling.edu / (941) 359-7510
Student Health Center: medical@ringling.edu / (941) 309-4000
Faculty and Staff:
Human Resources: hrmail@ringling.edu / (941) 359-7619
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): (855) 387-3727
Campus Tours
The Office of Admissions hosts student-led campus tours by appointment only. Each tour will begin with an information session with an Admissions Counselor followed by a tour of campus conducted by a student tour guide. Face coverings are currently optional. Tours are available to book Monday-Friday at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm EST.
For any questions or to book a tour, reach out to the Office of Admissions at (941) 309-0195 or via email.
Ringling’s Madeby Gallery is currently open to the public. Please check hours on their website.
Ringling College Galleries and Exhibitions
Ringling College’s on-campus galleries and exhibitions are currently open to the public. Face coverings are currently optional when visiting the Galleries. Exhibitions, hours, and additional information is available on their website
Sarasota Art Museum
Sarasota Art Museum, including the Bistro, Shop, and Museum Grounds, is open to the public. Face coverings are not required at this time. Visit their website for further guidelines and information on planning your visit to the Museum. If you have any questions, contact the Museum at (941) 309-4900.
Ringling College Continuing Studies at The Museum Campus (OLLI/S+DA)
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College and Studio and Digital Arts continue to offer courses through in-person and online delivery. More information about Continuing Studies catalogs and courses can be found online.
Englewood Art Center (EAC)
A division of Ringling College Continuing Studies, the Englewood Art Center (EAC) focuses on education, exhibitions, and events. EAC is currently open to the public and offering courses onsite; face coverings are not required at this time. More information can be found online.