The University is committed to an inclusive policy-making process. This quarterly communication highlights new or significantly revised administrative policies recently posted for the campus community to offer feedback.
COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 has changed most aspects of our lives, including interactions with others, how and where we perform our work, and what safety measures we take for ourselves and our families. A new policy is now available to address one way in which we, as University community members, are able to share in the goal of reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection within and beyond the University community, in a manner that is consistent with public health guidelines and complies with evolving state and federal requirements.
The COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocols policy specifies that vaccinations are required for covered individuals (faculty, staff, graduate student workers, undergraduate student workers, adjuncts, professionals in training, residents, and fellows), unless they have been approved for a medical or religious exemption. All covered individuals will be provided with instructions on how to certify their vaccination status and submit their documentation.
For covered individuals who wish to request an exemption from the vaccination requirement for either a medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance, there are two new forms available as well as guidance for requesting the exemptions. Those requests will be reviewed and handled through the Office of Human Resources (OHR).
This policy will be in effect immediately to align with state and federal requirements. OHR will complete the remaining standard steps used for new administrative policies including completing consultation, requesting a review through the two formal committees (Policy Advisory Committee and President’s Policy Committee), and holding a public 30-day review period. The feedback received through these remaining steps will help improve clarity and completeness. The 30-day review period will be announced through the Brief in the near future.