Johnson And Wales Latest RI College To Require COVID-19 Vaccine

PROVIDENCE, RI — Johnson and Wales is the latest higher education institution in Rhode Island to require a COVID-19 vaccine to come back to campus in the fall.

The campus announced the new policy Tuesday, saying the decision was made "after careful consultation with government and public health officials."

All students will be required to be fully vaccinated — meaning they are at least two weeks past their last required dose — before coming back to campus in the fall, the university said in the announcement. The university asked students to upload their vaccine record online. No other medical information will be requested beyond proof of vaccination.

Students have the option to request an exemption for a medical, religious or other reason. Request forms can be submitted online.

The vaccination requirement will only apply to students who will be on campus. Online-only students will only need to show proof of vaccination if they plan to come to campus for any reason, including to use the fitness facilities, dining, library and more.

University officials expect a "return to full operations in the fall," offering both in-person and hybrid classes. Eligible students will be allowed to take part in study abroad programs. All summer classes will be conducted fully online.

Johnson and Wales is one of several college and universities in Rhode Island to require COVID-19 vaccinations for the fall semester. Both Brown University and Roger Williams University announced similar policies earlier this year.

Read more about the university's pandemic response on JWU's COVID-19 website.