Campus on Sept. 18, 2020. MSU has put up large posters around campus to encourage students and the community to practice social distancing and to wear masks.
An executive order from President Joe Biden will require Michigan State faculty, staff and administrators to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status by Jan. 18, 2022, according to an email sent out by MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. on Monday, Nov. 29.
This order includes academic and support staff, teaching assistants and undergraduate and graduate student employees, regardless of whether they work on federal contracts.
“More details will be shared in the coming weeks,” Stanley wrote. “In the meantime, please locate your COVID-19 vaccination card or records and be prepared to submit these documents.”
Limited vaccine exemptions will be granted. Employees with currently approved vaccine exemptions, pending appeals or those on approved leave will be exempt from providing verification, according to Stanley.
“Employees who fail to provide proof of their vaccination by the Jan. 18 deadline will be referred to the appropriate disciplinary process,” Stanley wrote.
Staff members who are Michigan residents and need another copy of their vaccine record can obtain one by visiting the Michigan Immunization Portal.
If necessary, employees can update their vaccine verification status prior to submitting their required documentation.
MSU spokesperson Dan Olsen said neither the federal government or the university are requiring COVID-19 boosters, at this time, to be considered fully vaccinated.
“(We) do strongly encourage folks as we’re seeing the prevalence now of a new variant out in the world, as well as increases in cases, it’s incredibly important for individuals who can do so to get their booster,” Olsen said.
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