NEW YORK (WBEN) — Some private colleges across New York State are requiring students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus in the fall, but SUNY says it currently has no plans for a mandate.
While college campuses can be a breeding ground for COVID-19 infections, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras says there is currently no requirement for students to be vaccinated to return to class.
However, he notes that things can change depending on the state’s progress.
“By the early summer months, if we feel like not enough people are being vaccinated, we will consider a mandatory vaccine process,” Malatras said.
The SUNY chancellor also notes that there might be a different standard for students who live on campus.
“If you're living in a dormitory, we want you to be vaccinated. Especially, if you're going to be among your peers,” he said.
Vaccine passports also could be needed for certain on-campus activities.
Over the last year, several colleges and universities were forced to close for in-person learning due to COVID-19 outbreaks, including Marist College and SUNY Oneonta.
Because of this, some schools – such as Rutgers University and Cornell – are now requiring that all students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to returning for in-person learning.
On Friday, Fordham University became the latest to mandate the vaccine requirement. The school is also strongly recommending all faculty and staff be fully vaccinated, as well.
New York University, Hofstra University and Montclair State University are strongly encouraging vaccinations but are not requiring them.