July 26, 2021
Dear Gonzaga Student,
Gonzaga's number one priority for the Fall 2021 academic year is to do everything possible to support the health and welfare of our community while delivering an exceptional educational experience. Unfortunately, this virus will be with us for some time to come as evidenced by recent increases in cases among unvaccinated individuals due to the delta variant. At Gonzaga, this will require ongoing consideration of necessary health protocols, as well as approaches such as continued COVID-19 testing for signs, symptoms, and exposure as well as within special populations. Most importantly, we continue to believe that COVID-19 vaccination is the very best strategy to keep us all safe and healthy. We know that vaccination is a sensitive subject, and we want you to know that we are here for you with resources and support if needed.
In reviewing our COVID-19 vaccination portal information, we have identified that you have not yet completed your vaccine documentation. The deadline to submit your COVID-19 vaccine documentation is August 6.
We hope that you will choose to submit your documentation through the COVID-19 vaccination portal as soon as possible to ensure your safe return to campus this fall. However, if you do not inform us that you have started your vaccination (or exemption) process, we will place your enrollment on hold after the August 6 deadline. (note: online graduate students that are participating in fall immersion programs exclusively online do not need to submit their status). This means that, until the hold is released, you will not be able to register for or drop classes, attend classes, or access facilities on campus.
Please consider the following courses of action if you wish to attend Gonzaga in the fall:
- If you have not yet started the vaccination process but wish to do so before the start of the fall semester so that you can attend Gonzaga, please start the vaccination process as soon as possible. Once you receive your first shot, please visit the COVID-19 vaccination portal and document that you have started the process. Once you do this, we will not put your account on hold. Here is where you can find vaccination locations near you.
- If you have started but not yet completed the vaccination process, please visit the COVID-19 vaccination portal to indicate that you have started the process. If you do this (or have already done so), your account will not be put on hold. Please return to the portal as soon as you have completed the full course of a vaccination to provide documentation for verification. You will receive a confirmation email within 5 business days after you document your full vaccination.
- If you are seeking medical or religious exemption from COVID-19 vaccination, visit the COVID-19 vaccination portal to learn more about the exemption process. Once you submit your exemption signed by your healthcare provider, you will be notified through secure messaging if your exemption is verified by Gonzaga. If you seek exemption, you must complete the exemption process in the portal to avoid your enrollment being placed on hold. Individuals who have an approved exemption will be required to comply with all state guidelines for COVID-19 mitigation, including the wearing of masks and physical distancing on campus.
The cornerstone of Gonzaga is its community, and it takes all of us doing our part to create as safe of a campus environment as possible, informed by our commitment to the common good. Please do your part and document your vaccination or exemption by August 6. If you have any questions, please contact the COVID-19 Hotline at (509) 313-7070.
Thank you.
Kent Porterfield, Ed.D.
Vice Provost - Student Affairs