Schools
RIC, CCRI Join List Of Colleges Requiring COVID-19 Vaccine
Two more colleges in Rhode Island are requiring students to get a COVID-19 vaccine before returning to campus in the fall.
PROVIDENCE, RI — Two more schools joined the ever-growing list of colleges and universities in Rhode Island requiring a COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the fall semester. Both the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College are implementing vaccine requirements.
RIC leadership said the decision to implement the policy was made due to the "overwhelming success shown by the COVID-19 vaccinations to stop the spread of the virus." All students will be required to get vaccinated before the start of the Fall 2021 semester and both faculty and staff are "strongly encouraged" to do so as well.
"We must take the steps necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of the RIC community, and vaccinations are the most effective tool to contain the spread of this virus," the college said in a statement.
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RIC will send more information to students, staff and faculty directly about how and where to get vaccinated. The college is sponsoring a clinic on Tuesday, offering first doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
Read more about RIC's vaccine policy on the college's website.
The Community College of Rhode Island will also require all full- and part-time students to get a COVID-19 vaccine to come back to campus.
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"This policy will help us achieve our goal of reuniting as a community where we can learn together, socialize, play sports, and more," said Sara Enright, the vice president of student affairs. "To attend CCRI and to be fully involved in the many activities that enrich all of us, you must be fully vaccinated."
Students must show proof that they received all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks prior to the start of the fall semester.
Exemptions will be granted for religious or medical reasons. Anyone who does not show proof of vaccination or obtain an exemption will be barred from participating in any activities on campus, CCRI said in a message to students.
More information is available on CCRI's website.
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