Recast | Requiring Vaccines for Fall Quarter
From: Evergreen President’s Office <president@evergreen.edu>
Date: Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 4:13 PM
| May 6, 2021 Dear Students, Staff and Faculty, The effectiveness of widely available and safe vaccines means we have the ability to come safely together in person this fall. That’s why Evergreen plans to require that students, staff, faculty and contract workers be vaccinated against COVID-19 in advance of fall quarter, which begins September 27, 2021. We know that to protect the health and safety of our community, requiring vaccines against COVID-19 is the best approach. Our goal is to extend the vaccine requirement to all who work or attend classes at Evergreen. The college will consult with the campus community to determine the best means of accomplishing this goal. Members of our community will be able to apply for exemptions to this requirement, based on medical, religious or personal reasons. More information, including how to submit proof of vaccination or request an exemption will be provided in the coming months. Evergreen is working closely with other Washington public colleges to build policies and systems to achieve the goal of campus community vaccinations. We are tracking the latest science and best practices to inform our actions, which are being coordinated with state and local health authorities. With this decision, Evergreen joins Washington State University, Western Washington University, and Central Washington University in requiring that students, staff and faculty be vaccinated before fall quarter. We also understand getting a vaccine can be a complex process, so we are working with campus health-care providers and student leaders to help members in our community overcome barriers to getting vaccinated. Please see our regular Community Ready Monday updates for details. A warm thank you to all in our community who have already contributed their thoughts to our COVID team on this and related issues. On May 24 and in the coming weeks we will offer more opportunities for conversation and questions via forums with staff, students, and faculty. In the meantime, you can send questions to COVID@evergreen.edu. Please stay healthy and get vaccinated soon so we can come together safely this fall. Regards, George George S. Bridges President The Evergreen State College |
