ALLENDALE, Mich. — Grand Valley State University (GVSU) will require the COVID-19 vaccine for all students, staff and faculty by Sept. 30.
Exceptions will be made for medical or religious reasons. During move-in week and the first week of classes, there will be free vaccine clinics on campus. More information is available here.
According to Greg Sanial, Chief Financial Officer and director of the GVSU Virus Action Team, about 80% of faculty and staff are vaccinated. 60% of students have had at least one shot. However, there is a data gap, as not all students have indicated their vaccination status on their self assessment.
"We’re doing what we can to make our campus the safest place we can make it for the fall semester," said Sanial.
Individuals who are unvaccinated will be required to be tested weekly.
Face coverings will be required in all indoor spaces beginning Aug. 9.
Sanial said they expect full FDA approval of a vaccine by Labor Day. For those who refuse to get vaccinated, and do not fall under medical or religious exemptions, there will be several steps of escalation.
"But in the end, if they are absolutely refusing to get vaccinated," said Sanial, "we would expect them to seek their education elsewhere or employment elsewhere."
GVSU has more information on their vaccination clinics, mandates and COVID-19 information here.
RELATED VIDEO: VACCINE MANDATE: GVSU administrators vote for mandate, await president's decision
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.