COVID-19 booster vaccination requirement
Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty,
We are writing today with an important update regarding the College’s ongoing efforts to respond promptly and responsibly to evolving health and safety guidance related to COVID-19, including information about the new Omicron variant and the effectiveness of primary vaccination doses over time. Recently, the CDC issued new guidancerecommending that “everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot” to provide an additional layer of protection against the Omicron variant and to boost the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination, which may decrease over time.
After thorough consideration, Skidmore College has updated our vaccination policies to require that faculty, staff, and students receive COVID-19 booster shots by the start of the spring semester or as soon as they become eligible.
In accordance with the College’s commitment to providing equal opportunities to all individuals without regard to protected status, the College will accommodate individuals’ medical needs and sincerely held religious beliefs, provided the requested accommodation is reasonable and does not create an undue hardship for the College or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others or the individual requesting an exemption from this requirement.
This policy recommendation was presented and approved at today’s Institutional Policy and Planning Committee (IPPC) meeting, which includes staff, faculty, and student representatives.
Policy and next steps
Next week, Human Resources will provide employees with additional details regarding the College’s updated vaccination policy, including instructions for submitting proof of vaccination (booster shots) and links to forms for requesting a medical or religious exemption. Health Services will provide similar information and instructions to students. Please monitor your email for this important communication.
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the health and safety of our entire community continue to be our top priority. The CDC states that COVID-19 boosters are safe and effective, and we are confident that they will be beneficial in allowing us to manage and ensure the in-person learning experiences and community engagement that we are all eager to continue in the spring semester.
We continue to be grateful to all those who have offered their time and expertise this fall in our efforts to mitigate COVID-19 on campus, and to all members of our community who have done their part to help keep one another safe.
Wishing everyone a restful winter break.
Sincerely,
The COVID-19 Logistics Working Group
- Donna Ng (Co-Chair), Vice President for Finance and Administration & Treasurer
- Gail Cummings-Danson (Co-Chair), Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics
- Sarah Delaney Vero, Interim Human Resources Director
- Pat Fehling, Associate Dean of the Faculty and Professor for Health and Human Physiological Sciences Department
- Sara Miga, Director of External Relations and Strategic Communications
- Tim Munro, Director of Campus Safety
- Bruce Murray, Assistant Director of Facilities
- Kelley Patton-Ostrander, Assistant Vice President for Financial Planning & Auxiliary Services
- Ann Marie Przywara, Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Residential Life
- Julia Routbort, Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Health and Wellness
- Angela Valden, Strategic Communications Editor