WSU to require COVID-19 vaccination proof this fall

All campuses of Washington State University, including WSU Vancouver, will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for students, employees and volunteers engaging in activities on a WSU location and worksite for the 2021-22 academic year.

In an announcement Wednesday, the school said exemptions will be allowed for medical, religious or personal reasons.

“As the state’s land-grant university, WSU has an obligation to serve the public good and promote the health and safety of the communities it serves,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz in a statement.

“The COVID-19 vaccine, now widely available, has been shown to nearly eliminate the chances of death or serious illness related to a COVID-19 infection and is a critical element in protecting public health locally and worldwide,” he said.

Information on how students and staff can submit proof of vaccination and how to request an exception will be made in the coming months, the school said.
It added students taking classes fully online are automatically exempt from a vaccination requirement.

But in order to participate in any in-person courses or activities, students at all WSU locations are expected to be vaccinated by the start of fall semester, which begins Aug. 23.

Students attending WSU Pullman living in university-owned housing must provide proof of vaccination or have an approved exemption by Aug. 6. WSU Vancouver does not have on-campus housing.