The University of Minnesota has announced that it will require all students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 once the shot is FDA approved.
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“While we share excitement and optimism for an incredible in-person, on-campus fall semester, we must also remain vigilant in our ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” Joan Gabel, the University’s president, said in a letter.
The letter stated that the University shares the same concern as students over the recent Delta variant spike and increase in positive cases.
“Your health and wellness remain our top priority, as is ensuring that we are together this fall,” Gabel wrote. “As a result, and pending shared governance consultations and Board of Regents approval, we are elevating our Get the Vax plan to Get the Vax 2.0.”
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At the moment, the Covid-19 vaccine is not required for students. Still, once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves it, it will be added to the list of immunizations already required for students, with appropriate exemptions.
“With the comfort associated with FDA approval, we will join a growing list of public colleges and universities across the country that are taking a similar approach, including, but not limited to, Michigan State University, Purdue University, the University of Florida, and many of the nation’s leading private colleges, including many in Minnesota,” Gabel wrote.
Gabel went on to say that this will allow for a “chance to have normal campus activity this fall and uninterrupted in-person, on-campus instruction.”
The University has not yet released details on timing, specifics, and consequences as they are still being developed. However, Gabel said the plan would be shared with faculty, staff, and students once complete.
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The letter also said that masks are still required for all indoor university spaces. But, the mandate will be regularly reviewed by the school as transmission data and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Minnesota Department of Health, and its own public health experts, update recommended guidance.
The school also shared that a timing and grace period for the vaccine requirement, reporting vaccination, and consequences for non-compliance are forthcoming. But those who get the vaccine now can apply for a $100 incentive offered through the State of Minnesota.
The letter shared that the school expects faculty and staff to confirm they are fully vaccinated and will get tested if they experience symptoms or are exposed to a positive case.
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For those not vaccinated, the school expects them to test regularly, based on means not yet determined, and if they have been exposed or experience symptoms.
“We have engaged the expertise and counsel of our campus communities, relied on state and federal guidance, analyzed public health data, science, and accompanying trends, and adjusted to make “graceful pivots” as new information and circumstances dictate,” the letter said.
The school will plan on hosting a virtual town hall meeting on Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. Before the meeting, Gabel encouraged faculty, staff, and students to submit questions via their University Login.
“I look forward to seeing you on August 18, and sincerely hope that you are finding some time to rest and re-invigorate and please,” Gabel said. “Get the Vax!”