University reports majority of students vaccinated against COVID-19 for fall semester
Less than 1% of students received vaccine exemptions
JACOB FISHMAN /THE EAGLE
By Sophia Solano | August 30, 2021
Fifty-eight students received coronavirus vaccine exemptions for the fall 2021 semester, according to Chief Communications Officer Matthew Bennett.
Of the students who were granted vaccine exemptions, seven cited medical reasons for choosing not to receive the shots; the rest received exemptions on the grounds of religion, Bennett said in an interview with The Eagle. Over 10,000 students will return to campus fully or partially vaccinated against COVID-19.
According to American University’s most recent data, fewer than 1 percent of students living on or off campus will be unvaccinated at the start of the fall semester. While the exemption review process is ongoing and more students may be approved for exemptions, the deadline to submit an exemption request passed in July.
All students with approved exemptions will self-quarantine for seven days upon arrival at campus if they are coming from outside of the DMV area. They will be tested for COVID-19 twice per week and are required to submit a daily self-screening form, in addition to the mask mandates in place for all students and faculty.
“As part of our community of care, it is our expectation that all members of our community will follow the health and safety measures to protect themselves and each other,” Bennett said.
Violation of these guidelines may result in disciplinary action, including removal from University housing, cancellation of course registration or dismissal from the University.
“We know from data around the country that vaccinated individuals are at low risk of infection, and our additional measures such as masking and testing provide additional safety,” Bennett said.
Medical exemptions were granted to students who submitted a detailed letter from their physician indicating why the COVID-19 vaccination was medically inadvisable. Letters were reviewed by the University’s Medical Direction to determine if the condition met criteria for exemption using CDC recommendations, according to Bennett.
Students seeking religious exemptions were required to email President Sylvia Burwell with a personal letter and a statement from a religious leader of their faith community. Requests were reviewed in accordance with D.C. law.
Compliance with vaccine requirements is managed at a University level, so faculty “should not ask” students about their vaccination status, Bennett said.
For students living on campus, the deadline for submitting proof of full or partial vaccination was Aug. 17. Students living off campus had until Aug. 24. Students who failed to comply will be dropped from all courses, placed on an immediate leave of absence, prohibited from entering campus buildings or facilities and will receive a tuition refund for the fall semester.