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U of G to require full vaccination for students staying in residence

Does not apply to students living in family housing residences or students living off campus
2021-01-21 University of Guelph Supplied
University of Guelph.

The University of Guelph will require students living in its Guelph campus residences in 2021-22 to be fully vaccinated against COVID.

Other universities are also making the same requirement.

"This decision reflects discussions involving university leaders, public health officials, scientists and others. Requiring students living in residence to be fully vaccinated was recommended by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health  as well as by other public health units in the region and province," said a notice posted on the U of G web site Thursday.

“Our goal is to provide students with a welcoming and enjoyable campus living and learning experience while ensuring safe interactions,” said U of G president Charlotte Yates.

“The university has been unequivocal in its support of vaccination as crucial to helping ensure public health and safety and to ending the global COVID-19 pandemic,” Yates said.

Reducing the transmission of COVID-19 in university residences is especially important because students live in close quarters and interact with others through shared residential facilities and in-person programming, the U of G said.

“Mandatory vaccinations will allow our students living in university residences to take advantage of the many in-person academic courses and extracurricular activities we plan to offer this fall semester,” Yates said.

All students planning to live on campus must be fully vaccinated within 30 days of checking into residence.

Students are encouraged to obtain both COVID-19 doses before coming to the Guelph campus and are asked to arrange for their second COVID-19 shot at least 14 days before moving into residence.

Students who arrive on campus after having received only one dose must arrange for a second dose as soon as possible after their arrival. Students who are not vaccinated must receive a first dose within seven days of arrival in residence and must arrange to receive a second dose within 30 days of their move-in date.

The university will facilitate access to vaccines, including providing on-campus access via its Student Health Centre.

Accommodations will be provided for students with medical exemptions and for grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code, provided that an exemption form is submitted.

Students will receive further details via email on how to provide confirmation or how to request an exemption. International students will receive an additional email with instructions and information specifically for them.

Mandatory vaccination measures do not apply to U of G’s two family housing residences, which are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act. Students living off campus, faculty, staff and campus visitors are also exempt.


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