Aug. 27, 2021 – Friday COVID Update

EOU Community – 

This week’s Friday COVID Update includes information about employee updates to their vaccination status and updates on EOU’s face covering policy in relation to the Governor’s recent announcement of an outdoor mask mandate.

Employees – there are two important dates to take note of:

• September 15:  deadline for selecting your vaccination option in Mountie Hub.  
• October 22:  deadline for submitting proof of vaccination. 

To effectively plan for the fall term among the increasing incidence of the Delta COVID variant, EOU is requiring all employees to complete their vaccination selection by Sept. 15. Employees need to inform the university of their intentions to provide proof of vaccination or request a vaccination exemption. Students are being required to return their COVID Immunization Verification form by Sept. 10. 

Please note that with the full FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine on Aug. 23, EOU’s vaccination requirement is now in effect. The requirement states that all students and employees who work, learn or engage on EOU’s main campus must show proof of being vaccinated or have an approved vaccination exemption request on file. This requirement does not apply to campus visitors or fully remote students and employees. It does apply to all EOU Head Start locations. Find more Frequently Asked Questions about vaccinations at eou.edu/coronavirus. 

Employees: How to submit proof of vaccination or request a vaccination exemption

1. Log into your Mountie Hub, and click Employee Services.
2. Click the “COVID-19 Vaccination Option” tab.
3. Select one of the five options.  Read the instructions. 
4. As needed, upload proof of vaccination or medical documentation.
5. Click “Submit” when finished.

Contact Human Resources with any questions at hr-group@eou.edu.

Students: How to submit proof of vaccination or request an exemption

1. Download the COVID-19 Immunization Verification Form.
2. Complete the appropriate sections in the fillable PDF, or print and complete a paper copy. 
3. Send the completed form and any necessary documents (copy of vaccination card or doctor’s note) to the Student Health Center at shc@eou.edu. You can mail a paper copy to Student Health Center One University Blvd. La Grande, OR 97850. 
4. Contact the Student Health Center with any questions at shc@eou.edu.

Outdoor face coverings

EOU has revised its outdoor face covering policy to reflect recent changes at the state level. Effective immediately, the University now requires all persons to use face coverings in enclosed public and common areas, as well as in outdoor areas where physical distancing is not easily maintained. This rule applies regardless of a person’s vaccination status. 

To view the revised policy, please visit the Pandemic Face Covering Policy.

Free COVID-19 vaccination clinics in La Grande

• The current surge has resulted in record high daily case numbers and hospitalizations across the state, affecting the number of ICU beds available for all serious illnesses—particularly in our rural region. 
• EOU strongly encourages employees, students and partners to get vaccinated. Visit chdinc.org to learn more about free drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics in La Grande.          

As always—if you’re experiencing any symptoms of illness, do not come to campus. Report to your supervisor immediately. If you have questions about sick leave, contact HR at hr-group@eou.edu.

Basic behaviors like hand-washing and completing the Daily Self-Check before arriving on campus remain key to mitigating the spread of disease. Visit eou.edu/coronavirus for FAQs regarding the vaccination requirement.

Thank you, 

Executive Leadership Team