Elmhurst University requiring COVID-19 vaccination for Fall 2021

COVID-19 vaccinations are going to be mandatory for all Elmhurst University students, staff, and faculty returning to campus for the 2021-22 academic year according to President Troy VanAken’s campus-wide email on June 3. 

“This requirement applies to both undergraduate and graduate students who are planning to attend in-person classes and other University programs and activities on campus,” said VanAken in his email.

The announcement comes two months before the academic term commences, urging members of the campus community to be fully vaccinated by Aug. 10. 

The decision to enforce vaccinations comes after prolonged discussion and research on the vaccination and CDC guidelines, according to a follow-up email sent out by the COVID-19 taskforce. 

“This decision was taken seriously, debated at various levels of the University, and ultimately reached after much research and consideration,” stated the COVID-19 taskforce email. “It was based on the recommendations of the COVID-19 Task Force and supported by the Academic Working Group, Faculty Council, Student Government Association Executive Board and Staff Council.”

Vaccinated individuals are being asked to submit proof of vaccination to the school through Etrieve, which is accessible through the MyElmhurst portal. For proof, students and faculty need to upload a photo of their vaccination card. 

The university recognizes not everybody will be able to get vaccinated due to medical or religious reasons. In VanAken’s email, he mentions the university will consider exemptions for students on a case by case basis. 

Unvaccinated students will need to continue mask-wearing and endure regular  COVID-19 testing at their own cost along with potential additional restrictions with the goal of returning to normal “as much as possible.”