WSU latest to require on-campus students to be vaccinated for COVID-19
Apr 28, 2021, 12:51 PM | Updated: 2:01 pm
Fans cheer for their team prior to the game between New Mexico State and the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
(Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
Following the news that PLU is requiring students to be vaccinated from COVID-19, Washington State University (WSU) has added themselves to the growing list on Wednesday.
In a letter from WSU president Kirk Schulz, he noted WSU has “an obligation to serve the public good” by promoting the health and safety of the communities they serve.
System wide, WSU will require a COVID-19 vaccination for all students for the 2021-2022 academic year.
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WSU students whose programs are fully online and whose presence on campus is not necessary are exempt from this requirement.
All students who have on-campus classes or activities will be expected to be fully vaccinated by the start of the fall semester or earlier, unless they have been exempted.
Additionally, all students living in university-owned housing will need to provide proof of full vaccination by Aug. 6, 2021.
By Nov. 1, 2021, students that are not living in university housing will be required to have documented proof of a vaccination or an approved exemption.
Students that do not meet these requirements will not be allowed to register for spring semester courses and possibly face other restriction.
Just like PLU, exemptions will be allowed for medical, religious or personal reasons. Exempt students will still be required to participate in regular COVID-19 testing.
WSU intends to expand the vaccine requirement to all employees and volunteers, with the same exemptions allowed.
Seattle University also issued similar guidance in mid-April, requiring vaccinations for all undergraduate and graduate students returning to campus in the fall.
