Willamette University is dedicated to returning, as much as possible, to a vibrant campus community, including a return to pre-pandemic in-person learning and activities, that are central to Willamette’s mission. At the same time, Willamette is dedicated to the health and safety of the community. The COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are highly effective at preventing COVID-19, as well as at preventing serious illness even in those who do get COVID-19. For this reason, along with federal and regional guidelines, Willamette is requiring all students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend or be employed by Willamette beginning Fall 2021.
POLICY
REQUIREMENT
Proof of full vaccination is required by the date students or employees return to campus for Academic Year 21-22 or as otherwise instructed by the university. Further information will be provided by Student Affairs and Human Resources.
This requirement applies equally to those who have already had COVID-19.
Any vaccine authorized for use in the U.S. 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 will provide information and instructions on this process to the community and make 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 non-medical (e.g., 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 non-medical (e.g. religious) exemption and will be required to provide sufficient information to support the request.
The process for seeking an exemption will be made available on the webpages for Human Resources and Bishop Wellness Center. Exemption requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Employees or students who are not fully vaccinated or have not received an exemption by the deadlines above may not move on 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.
Oregon Health Authority Vaccine Locator
