“We must remain vigilant,” Stanley wrote. “Now is not the time to let our guard down. It is clear these measures make a difference in containing spread on campus.”

University will continue the following COVID-19 requirements in the spring semester: 

All students, staff and faculty are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but the University will allow limited exemptions for medical or religious reasons and online-only exemptions for students.

Everyone will be required to wear face coverings indoors, at the start of the semester, in all campus buildings and in MSU facilities in East Lansing and the rest of the state.

In addition, the University announced a few new or updated COVID-19 requirements for the spring semester: 

New students are required to fill out the vaccine verification form before the start of the spring semester.

Students with an online-only exemption for the fall semester will need to re-apply for an exemption for spring semester, to continue learning only online. 

“Remember, students with online-only exemptions cannot come to campus for any reason,” Stanley wrote in the email. “A new exemption application process will be introduced later this semester.”

Employees and students who received a religious or medical exemption do not need to re-apply for an exemption, unless they had a medical exemption with an end date. Individuals with a medical end date or medical deferral must be vaccinated or be approved for a new exemption.

The University’s educational modalities for the spring semester will be largely in-person, but different work locations may exist for some non-student-facing units. 

“More detailed guidance will be issued on this topic,” Stanley wrote. “Please contact your supervisor with any questions.”

Stanley wrote he encourages every eligible person to receive a booster when they can. 

“While the CDC has not changed its definition of ‘fully vaccinated,’ and boosters are not at this time required as part of the MSU vaccine verification process, boosters provide additional protection from COVID-19,” Stanley wrote in the email. 

Stanley added MSU community members can find COVID-19 vaccine or booster opportunities in their area by visiting vaccines.gov.

“I know the past 20 months have been difficult for so many of us, and I realize that we all wish this pandemic was behind us,” Stanley wrote. “But it’s not, and we will continue to make decisions based on our commitment to health and safety. I appreciate the efforts of our students, faculty, staff and others to protect the Spartan community.”