STORRS, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—The University of Connecticut is requiring students returning to the Storrs or regional campuses for the fall 2021 semester to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, officials announced Friday.
The Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve the policy on Friday, university officials said.
Per the policy, all students planning to attend classes at any of the university's five campuses, including Storrs, Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury and Avery Point, will need to submit proof of vaccination by July 31.
Medical and non-medical exemptions will be allowed. Students can submit an exemption request by July 15. Those requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, officials said.
According to officials, students who are unable to get fully vaccinated before the start at the fall semester will be offered the vaccine when they return to campus from UConn Student Health and Wellness.
UConn Interim President Dr. Andrew Agwunobi cited prioritizing safety, mitigating a possible surge in the fall and addressing in-person teaching concerns as some of the reasons for implementing the policy when presenting it the Board of Trustees.
Almost 61% of Storrs residential students are partially or fully vaccinated, university officials said.
Additional information can be found on the university's official website.