COVID-19 Policy for Willamette Campuses
Last update: June 24, 2022- Vaccinations
The COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are effective at protecting people—especially those who are boosted—from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying. As with other diseases, you are protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccines. For this reason, Willamette University is requiring that all incoming and returning students be up to date with their COVID vaccine, which is defined as having a full vaccine series of an FDA or WHO-approved vaccine in addition to one booster shot. Currently approved exemptions for documented medical or religious reasons will be honored.
POLICY
REQUIREMENT
Proof of full vaccination (full series of an FDA or WHO-approved vaccine in addition to one booster shot) is required by August 1, 2022, or as otherwise instructed by the university. Further information will be provided to students by Student Affairs and to faculty and staff by Human Resources.
This vaccination requirement applies to all students attending Willamette, including full-time and part-time students, undergraduates and graduate students, domestic and international, and residential and non-residential students and those in both degree and non-degree granting programs. This requirement does not apply to programs that are fully online or for which physical presence on campus is not necessary.
This requirement applies equally to those who have already had COVID-19. Any FDA or WHO approved vaccine is acceptable. The full number of doses of the relevant vaccine must be completed at least two weeks before arriving on campus.
Employees will provide the maker of the vaccine they received and the dates of their vaccination through Workday. Students will provide the maker of the vaccine they received and the dates of their vaccination through the secure student portal at Bishop Wellness Center. Student Affairs and Human Resources has provided information and instructions on this process to the community and made it available on their webpages. Employees should record the time spent receiving the vaccine during work hours as work time and should notify their supervisors.
EXEMPTIONS
Students and employees may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons, including for reasons provided in Oregon and federal law, per the following process:
- Students and employees who are not able to be vaccinated for a medical reason may seek a medical exemption. The process to request a medical exemption will require the student or employee to provide supporting documentation from a health care provider.
- Students and employees may seek a religious exemption and will be required to provide sufficient information to support the request.
The process for seeking an exemption for faculty and staff is available on the Human Resources website. Students requesting a medical or religious exemption can email health-info@willamette.edu or contact Bishop Wellness Center at 503-370-6062 for more information. Exemption requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Employees or students who are not compliant with this policy through either vaccination or an approved exemption may not move to campus or attend class or campus activities, and may be subject to registration holds, disciplinary actions, or other requirements or restrictions to support community health.
This vaccination requirement applies to all students attending Willamette, including full-time and part-time students, undergraduates and graduate students, domestic and international, and residential and non-residential students and those in both degree and non-degree granting programs. This requirement does not apply to programs that are fully online or for which physical presence on campus is not necessary.
The university will work with students who may have received a vaccine not approved for use in the United States to assure compliance with this policy, as necessary. International or other students abroad who have received a vaccine not approved for use in the United States should contact Bishop Wellness for consultation before taking any action to attempt to comply with this policy.
To find locations to receive a vaccine/booster, please visit the Oregon Health Authority's Vaccine Locator below.
- Boosters
Willamette University is requiring that all eligible faculty, staff, and students receive a COVID booster shot which is available for everyone ages 5 years and older who has completed their COVID-19 vaccine primary series at least five months ago.
Anyone who received a WHO approved vaccine with questions about which booster is appropriate should consult with their medical provider for guidance.
Willamette University requires that all students, faculty, and staff submit proof of booster vaccine status. Those who previously received an exemption under Willamette's vaccination policy do not need to apply for another one for the booster, and will be considered in compliance with the policy.
To find locations to receive a booster shot, please visit the Oregon Health Authority's Vaccine Locator below.
- COVID Testing
We encourage everyone to have a supply of at-home rapid tests on hand to use as needed. You can order your free testing kits from the federal government. Additionally, for those who are insured, your health insurance company will reimburse you for eight (8) at-home tests per month for each person on your plan. Learn more about insurance reimbursement.
Bishop Wellness Center offers COVID testing to students sick with symptoms of COVID or those who are known close contacts. PCR tests will be billed to the student's insurance directly by outside labs. There may be a charge for rapid tests, depending on availability.
- Isolation & Quarantine Guidelines
CDC guidance states that people identified as close contacts who are up to date with their vaccinations and remain symptom free do not generally need to quarantine. People up to date with their vaccines can generally continue to attend classes and work. However, people who are not up to date with their vaccinations are at higher risk and need to quarantine for five days. Anyone meeting the definition of close contact, vaccinated or not, should be tested five days after exposure.
