June 3 – COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Fall 2021

EOU Community,

Before we close out the school year, I am providing an update on Eastern Oregon University’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement for Fall 2021. We deliberated this decision at length, evaluated science and public health recommendations, and surveyed the EOU community to identify the best path to restoring a healthy, highly engaged on-campus community for those who work and learn on our campus.

Based on the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of several vaccines for emergency use and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Oregon Health Authority, we are strongly encouraging all students, employees and partner programs to receive one of the vaccines. Vaccines are available for anyone over the age of 12 and are widely accessible throughout Oregon and the U.S.

When the FDA fully approves one or more of the COVID-19 vaccines, EOU will require vaccination for all students and employees who work, learn and engage with the main campus. There will be accommodations for medical and non-medical exemptions.

I know this issue is not without debate and conflict. Great deliberation and study led us to this decision. Ultimately, as with every decision related to the pandemic, we are focused on protecting the safety and health of the EOU community, and returning to a highly engaged, in-person, on-campus experience that upholds our mission and shared values. Our commitment continues to be providing all students with the greatest educational opportunities possible in preparation for success after graduation.

Please find additional information, a list of frequently asked questions, and ongoing updates at eou.edu/coronavirus. We will update this website and share information throughout the summer.

Together we can protect the health and wellness of our community and return this fall to the highly engaged, interactive campus environment we all cherish.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Insko