The Utah System of Higher Education, the governing board over Utah’s public colleges and universities, encouraged all institutions to consider requiring the Covid-19 vaccination at no cost to students.
Many Utah universities, including the University of Utah, Utah State University, Weber State University and Utah Valley University have plans to require a vaccination for in-person classes starting in the spring.
The Board of Higher Education’s letter notes that Utah’s public colleges and universities may require students to receive vaccinations as a condition of enrollment if students are provided the option to opt out for medical, religious or personal reasons.
“As a Utah System of Higher Education institution, we want to do our part to help the state combat increasing rates of infection and hospitalizations,” the statement read. The letter was sent to 16 state supported colleges and universities encouraging the use of vaccination. The letter continued,
“The board views vaccinations as an effective method to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and keep our campuses open. As you evaluate the needs of your campus and region, we encourage you to consider requiring the vaccination, free of charge for your students.”
Local institutions, Southern Utah University and Snow College are still reviewing the recommendations, while Dixie State University provided this statement: “At this time, Dixie State University is not mandating vaccines for students, faculty and staff. DSU is working with our local health department and government officials to monitor and assess the COVID-19 situation in southern Utah on a daily basis.”
DSU is strongly encouraging vaccines and mask usage along with providing free vaccination clinics for all students, faculty and staff. In addition, DSU is hosting educational forums with local medical professionals to provide information and answer questions regarding the vaccine for the entire campus community.
