Faculty Reach Key Vaccination Milestone, Staff Within Striking Distance
Our faculty are leading the way in reaching the 75 percent faculty and staff vaccination rate challenge by July 4 and are currently approaching the 77 percent mark. Staff are close behind with more than 74 percent reporting they are fully vaccinated. Let’s keep up the good work, everyone! All students, faculty and staff are reminded to get vaccinated and register their status as soon as possible.
Already Vaccinated? Register Now
Visit King County for locations in this area that provide vaccinations. For those outside the Seattle area, search vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
Washington State Reopens
Washington state officially reopened June 30. “Because folks listened to science and stayed home to stay healthy, wore masks and got vaccinated, we can now safely fully reopen our state’s economy and cultural centers after 15 long months,” Governor Jay Inslee said. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of how Washingtonians came together, persevered and sacrificed to fight this virus, and now we’re finally in a place that is safe enough to end this chapter.”
The governor’s June 29 release also included the state’s updated guidance on health and safety measures, including requirements for places of employment issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
New State Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education Also Released
Inslee this week issued an amended proclamation for institutions of higher education, which spells out the requirements institutions must meet to deliver in-person instruction this fall while detailing the additional measures that must be taken by institutions that do not have fully vaccinated campuses. SU is in the category of a fully vaccinated campus with all members of our campus community, as previously announced, required to be fully vaccinated prior to the fall academic term unless granted an exemption.
Seattle University continues to base its decisions and policies on the latest public health guidance. Any changes to the university’s policies and practices relating to COVID-19 will be shared with you as soon as the university reviews the updated guidelines and determines what steps will be needed or remain in place to continue protecting our campus community as we return to an in-person learning environment. This will include specific health and safety measures for community members returning to campus who receive an exemption and will be unvaccinated (e.g., testing, masking, distancing).
Looking Ahead…
Watch for an update next week on the process for faculty and staff to request exemptions from the university’s vaccination requirement.
Other Helpful Resources
Fall Opening Updates and Information
Student Support Center
Events for Students