Stevens Tech in Hoboken announced on Thursday, April 22nd that it will be making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for students and staff starting with the upcoming fall semester — with exemptions are available for those who qualify.
President Nariman Farvardin shared a message on the Stevens’ website to all students on Thursday.
Please read this important message from President Farvardin for information about the fall semester. https://t.co/ExpCxj3Tb9 pic.twitter.com/3fINz7oMt6
— Stevens Institute of Technology (@FollowStevens) April 22, 2021
“Over recent weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet with many faculty, staff, and student leaders and groups to discuss our plans for the Fall 2021 semester and our university’s position on requiring COVID-19 vaccinations. Two themes have emerged from these conversations.
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First, there is eagerness and great enthusiasm for a return to the activities that characterize a “normal” academic year—in-person undergraduate and graduate classes; on-campus research; and participation in many of the intellectual, cultural, and social events and activities that we have missed during the last 13 months. Second, there is a significant consensus that requiring the COVID-19 vaccination for our campus community is an essential component of our plan for a safe and healthy return for the 2021-22 academic year.
This input from colleagues and students, along with expanded eligibility for and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, has informed our decision to plan for a full on-campus academic year starting with the Fall 2021 semester, using the Summer 2021 as a transition period. Consistent with this plan, Stevens will require all members of our campus community to be fully vaccinated as soon as possible and before returning to campus in the fall.”
Requirements for On-Campus Students + Staff
All students and full-time and part-time employees, including but not limited to faculty, full-time staff, adjuncts, and part-time staff whose program of study or work assignment requires them to be on-campus, must be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized or granted emergency use authorization {EUA} by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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The president also shared that international students who are vaccinated in their home country should consult their healthcare provider and monitor the Student Health Services website for updates about requirements for entering the United States. Students whose programs are fully online and do not require an on-campus presence are exempt from this requirement.
According to the release, “limited exemptions will also be considered for medical and religious reasons, and the process for requesting an exemption will be communicated by the Division of Human Resources {for employees} and by Student Health Services {for students)}and included in FAQs to be posted on the Stevens COVID-19 website. Records of vaccination, which will be kept strictly confidential, should be submitted via Workday and Workday Student according to these instructions.”
As of April 19th, all New Jersey residents over the age of 16 are eligible to be vaccinated.
In the weeks to come, the school will provide more details about the vaccine requirement, including how and when students can submit their proof.
