Washington State University announced requirements for students and employees to provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19 for the 2021-2022 academic school year.
A statement from WSU President Kirk Schulz announced the new requirement and exemptions for both students and employees.
All students will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to participate in any on-site or in-person courses. This goes for student activities at the WSU campus. Students, employees and volunteers with approved exemptions may be required to participate in regular COVID-19 testing or other public health measures.
Some programs with an earlier date must submit proof of vaccination or have approved exemptions when the fall semester starts.
Exemptions will be allowed for medical, religious or personal reasons. There will be more information on how to submit proof and the process to request an exemption in the coming months.
Students whose programs are completely online will be automatically exempt from the new requirements.
WSU students living in university-owned housing will need to provide proof of vaccination or an approved exemption by Aug. 6, 2021.
“For students who have been granted exemptions, the university retains the discretion to modify housing assignments as it deems necessary to protect public health and safety,” Schulz stated.
On Nov. 1, students who do not live in university housing or program-specific requirements will be required to have proof of vaccination or an approved exemption.
Students who fail to meet these requirements will be prevented from registering for the spring semester or face other restrictions.
WSU will accept proof of any vaccine authorized for use in the U.S.
“For vaccinations requiring two doses, students and employees must have received both doses of the vaccine to meet the requirement,” Schulz stated. “Proof of vaccination will also be required for anyone with a prior diagnosis of COVID‑19.”
WSU will work with international students and employees who may have received a vaccine not approved in the U.S.
Daniel V. Ramirez can be reached at [email protected] or Twitter @DVR_Tweets