Why is WSU mandating a COVID vaccine to live on campus this fall? 

While recent survey results regarding the number of students who are already vaccinated are surprisingly good, we are mindful of the particular risks of congregate living; therefore, students living in university housing for the 2023-24 academic year. This step is supported by survey results from current housing residents who overwhelmingly support a targeted mandate. This targeted mandate which is similar to those implemented by several Michigan universities will help protect those who live in close proximity to each other in on-campus suites and apartments. It will also help us prevent the spread of the virus on our campus while allowing students to interact and engage face to face a vital part of the college experience.

How do I prove I have been vaccinated?

Uploading your proof of vaccination is one of the pre-arrival checklist items that is required prioir to move-in. Please check your WSU email and follow all the instructions to complete all the required tasks including uploading your proof of vaccination.  Acceptable documentation is the vaccination record card you received when you got your immunization.

Who sees the vaccination information I upload, and who has access to it?

Information you upload as proof of vaccination is considered Protected Health Information (PHI) and will only be reviewed by professional staff in the Campus Health Committee (CHC).  Housing and residential life will be informed by the CHC when your documentation is reviewed and complete. The specific vaccination information you provide will become part of your health record at the CHC.

If I am unable to be vaccinated, how can I still be eligible to live on campus?

The university recognizes that there are legitimate religious objections to vaccinations and that there are a small number of people who have a pre-existing medical condition where they are unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Uploading your exemption is one of the pre-arrival checklist items that is in your move-in email you will receive from the housing office.

If I am unable to be vaccinated, will I have to complete additional requirements/testing?

Yes.  If as a campus resident you claim a religious or medical exemption from the vaccination mandate, you will be required to participate in weekly COVID testing through the Campus Health Center.

Do I have to be fully vaccinated before arriving on campus on my move-in date?  Will vaccines be available at move-in if I am unable to receive a vaccination before arriving to campus? 

Completing your vaccination and uploading your proof of vaccination before arrival is strongly recommended to ensure a smooth move-in day for you and others.  If you arrive on campus without providing your proof of vaccination you will not be permitted to move in without first visiting the Campus Health Center to get a vaccination or request an exemption. If you are not yet vaccinated, you can schedule an appointment at the Campus Health Center which now offers a choice of the Pfizer, Moderna, or single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines or find another convenient location. 

I submitted my proof of vaccination in the Summer Vaccine Incentive raffle. Do I have to submit the information again?

Yes.  The information you uploaded for the raffle will be destroyed after the drawings for prizes are complete.  The information you upload to satisfy the housing vaccine mandate will become part of your confidential record at the Campus Health Center.

If I do not want to be vaccinated, can I cancel my housing application?

All requests to cancel a housing license agreement (HLA) must be made following the process outlined in your HLA.  Desiring not to participate in the vaccination mandate will not be considered an "automatic" cancellation, and review by the Cancellation Appeals Committee will need to be pursued on a case-by-case basis.

Will I know if my roommate is unvaccinated?

Because we are implementing this mandate, we anticipate that all but a very small number of housing residents will be vaccinated, and it would be a very unusual occurrence to have an unvaccinated roommate.  Nonetheless, we strongly encourage roommates to discuss COVID as it may guide how you will live together in your shared private spaces.  Individuals are not required to reveal their vaccination status being vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself regardless of your roommates' vaccination status.

Will my guests who visit me or stay overnight also be required to be vaccinated?

Campus housing guests will be required to complete and show the results of the Guest Campus Daily Screener as part of the guest sign-in process at the front desk of all housing buildings.  Guests will not be required to show proof of vaccination since they are not long-term residents of the housing community.

I have a spouse/dependent/parent that lives with me, are they also required to be vaccinated?

Any person listed on a housing license agreement will be required to follow the housing vaccine mandate, including dependents and family members.  Individual questions should be directed to your building's Community Director or to the central housing office in the Student Center.

If I live on campus will I be required to receive a booster shot at some point?

At this point, there are no national recommendations regarding booster doses of the vaccine.   As additional studies are completed and as new variants emerge, this may or may not change.   You will be notified of any change by the Campus Health Committee. 

Will I still be required to complete the daily screener if I submit my vaccination documentation?

Yes.  All students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus are required to complete the Campus  Daily Screener and show the results if requested.  As a resident of housing, you will be required to show your Daily Screener results each time you enter a housing building.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes.  The 3 vaccines being used in the U.S. are safe and highly effective.  More information about the COVID-19 vaccines can be found here.

 

The latest information about Wayne State's COVID-19 response is available online at wayne.edu/coronavirus.