Willamette University becomes latest to require Covid vaccine for students, employees
Two people walk through Willamette University on May 15. 2020. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Students and employees of Willamette University will have to show proof of full vaccination against Covid before returning to campus in the fall.
The university announced the policy Wednesday, joining Lewis & Clark College in Portland and other institutions across the U.S., including Princeton and Yale. According to a database maintained by the Chronicle of Higher Education, no other Oregon colleges and universities have yet set a vaccination requirement.
The policy applies to all students in both graduate and undergraduate programs, except those whose programs are entirely online. Any vaccine approved for use in the U.S. is acceptable, the university said. Students and employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to vaccination.
Willamette has operated with hybrid classes this year, teaching in-person and keeping campus open for students while allowing those who choose to attend classes online. The vaccination policy is intended to allow “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,” the university said.
-Rachel Alexander
