Students and community leaders have successfully pushed the University to take much stronger action on pandemic safety. 

Today, the University announced that anyone coming to campus will need either full vaccination or frequent rapid testing, with due consideration for medical accommodations. Masks will be worn in all public indoor areas where physical distancing is impossible. Students will be expected to stay home when they have relevant symptoms. These and other protective measures are major victories for student and community advocacy. 

“While there’s still a lot of work to be done to keep us safe,” said Talia Dixon, UASU VP Student Life, “we’re proud of the impact that we’ve had on this issue. The University listened to students about something that matters.”

The UASU demanded strong commitments on vaccination, testing, masks, and other necessary measures. Today’s announcement suggests that the University is listening to students, health experts, and the community.

Moving forward, the UASU hopes to see additional support for students in residence, as well as commitments on international student vaccination, wastewater testing, and academic support. Our recent letter to University administration outlines the UASU’s asks in detail.

“We expect to see public messaging to instructors and students about what isolation means for final exams and attendance grades,” said Abner Monteiro, UASU VP Academic. “No student should need to fear losing marks or failing courses if they get sick.”