COVID-19 Vaccine Required for Students for Fall 2021 Term

Dear DU community members,

Over the past few months, we have shared many updates on our efforts, with the partnership of National Jewish Health, to vaccinate the DU community as well as provide vaccinations to underserved communities in the Denver region. We are incredibly proud of these efforts and of the many volunteers that have made it possible. Just last week we celebrated surpassing 20,000 vaccinations on our campus!

We have made vaccination an urgent priority because we believe a fully vaccinated community is the best way to protect ourselves and each other. In addition, through widespread vaccination, DU can confidently loosen or remove restrictions that have impacted social and mental well-being. Community members can feel safer and more comfortable as we make an on-campus, vibrant return to “normal” in the fall term. To realize this goal—and in accordance with the guidance of health care experts—the University of Denver will require all undergraduate and graduate students living, learning or working on campus to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to campus for the fall 2021 term. Proof of vaccination or exemption will be required before the start of fall term; we will provide more details on this process soon. We are also considering whether to require the vaccine for all faculty and staff and that decision will be shared as soon as possible.

Happily, we are well on our way to a vaccinated in-person community, with nearly 80% of campus faculty and staff already voluntarily reporting that they are at least partially vaccinated. Currently we are offering vaccination events on campus, prioritizing DU’s student population, and we will continue to offer vaccinations through spring term.  We expect that by June we will have extended vaccination invitations to all of our students. Immediately prior to the start of the fall term, there will be additional vaccination opportunities on campus for incoming students. Of course, students, faculty and staff may obtain their COVID-19 vaccinations through their own healthcare provider or other provider if they prefer.

The University understands not everyone may be in a position to be vaccinated against COVID-19 at this time. Please consult with your healthcare provider for guidance. DU will consider requests for applicable exemptions for medical, religious and personal reasons. More information will be provided on how to file for an exemption no later than this summer.

Widespread vaccination will allow us to turn the page on this challenging moment in history, protect the health and safety of the community, and gather together, safely, once again. Thank you for your participation in this noble and exciting effort.

You may find answers to your questions online; we will update our FAQs regularly. 

If you have additional questions please contact Sarah Watamura, DU’s COVID Coordinator, covidcoordinator@du.edu.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Haefner,
Chancellor