UVI Requires Vaccines For All Students And Employees

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The University of the Virgin Islands sent a notice to students, faculty and staff on Friday, June 25 that they will institute mandatory vaccinations for all students and employees.

The Board of Trustees made the decision during their meeting on Saturday, June 19th. David Hall, University President, acknowledged the debate behind the decision and pointed to other universities across the U.S. that are implementing similar policies. "This decision was made based on what the Board felt was in the best interest of the entire UVI Community. This is also a national trend wherein approximately 500 universities and colleges have also embraced mandatory vaccinations in one form or another," he said. "As the only institution of higher education in the Territory, the University’s mission is to make education accessible to Virgin Islanders. Yet it also has a responsibility to create a safe environment for students and employees. The Board is striving through this policy to be respectful of both values."

Students who do not have access to the vaccines will be provide their first shot up on arrival on campus and are required to commit to regular testing until they are fully vaccinated.
The effective dates for compliance with the mandatory vaccination requirement are as follows:

Students: August 9, 2021
Staff: August 1, 2021
Faculty: August 11. 2021

The University has yet to clarify how they will confirm compliance with the new policy. The President promised details in the near future and acknowledged that the University's legal counsel would share the list of recognized exceptions to the policy.

Students and staff who chose not to comply with the vaccine requirement will face consequences. Students will not be allowed to attend in-person classes. Online programs will remain an alternative option, although not all classes will offer a remote-learning option.

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