University of Michigan, MSU to Require COVID-19 Vaccination
Michigan's two largest universities are requiring students, staff, and faculty be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the upcoming fall semester.
On Friday, July 30, the University of Michigan announced the vaccine mandate applies to all three of their campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint, and to Michigan Medicine, and to those working and learning remotely. The news was shared in an email to the U-M community as the rate of COVID-19 infections increase across the country and the delta variant is has proven to be more infectious.
School officials wrote in the email,
Widespread vaccination is the primary and most effective tool that will bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control and it is the key to a vibrant and engaging academic year.
We’re making this announcement today to allow those who remain unvaccinated the time to begin their vaccination series in the month ahead. While we will provide limited exemptions for medical and religious reasons, it is imperative that all members of our community are protected from this devastating virus.
U-M students, staff, and faculty must submit proof of vaccination by August 30.
Michigan State University also announced on Friday that vaccination would be required for the fall semester.
In a letter to MSU students, faculty, and staff, President Samuel L. Stanley said that members of the MSU community will need to need to provide proof of vaccination by August 31; limited exemptions for medical or religious reasons will be provided.
In addition, all are required to wear masks indoors beginning Aug. 1 in all campus buildings and other MSU facilities in East Lansing and throughout the state. The mask requirement will be in place for at least the first weeks of the fall semester.