COVID Vaccine Updates

COVID-19 Vaccine Update for Students

COVID-19 vaccine updates.

The University will grant short extensions for students who have received their first Moderna or Pfizer vaccine by August 15, 2021 but will not have their second shot by August 15th.  Any student who provides proof of their first vaccine shot by August 15th via the student submission portal will be permitted to report to campus at the start of the Fall 2021 semester.  These students must receive their second vaccine shot by September 15, 2021 and submit proof via the portal.  Any student who fails to provide proof of their second shot by September 15th will be in violation of the COVID-19 Operations Policy and subject to discipline.

Students are reminded of the following:

• All requests for medical or religious exemptions must be submitted via the portal. The applications can be accessed under Exemption Forms on this page.  All submissions must be complete, with all necessary documents, or will be denied. 
• All submissions are due on or before August 15, 2021. 
• If anyone has problems accessing the submission portal, they should email appdev [at] desu.edu. 

COVID-19 COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ (Faculty, Staff & Students)

1. Why should  I get vaccinated?
   The University is committed to the health & safety of its entire community.  The COVID-19 vaccine is a vital tool that we can all use to keep our community safe.  The more fully vaccinated faculty, staff, and students we have reduces the chance of the COVID-19 virus spreading and infecting others.  Additional information about the vaccines currently available and their effectiveness can be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
    
2. Are students required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination?
   Yes, all students must be fully vaccinated before returning to campus for the Fall 2021 semester. In order to be considered “fully vaccinated” students must
    - Obtain any vaccine that is authorized for use in the U.S. (currently Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) and
    - At least two weeks must have passed after being fully vaccinated prior to returning to campus. ​​​​​​

   Full vaccination is required to:
    - attend in-person classes
    - attend in-person events
    - reside in University housing
    

3. When do students have to be vaccinated by and where should proof of vaccinations be sent to?
   Students must be fully vaccinated by August 15, 2021. Upload copies of completed vaccination cards. 
   NOTE: You must use your DSU Student email address to access the Vaccination Verification Form. If you have multiple Office 365 accounts, you may need to use your browser in incognito mode or in-private browsing to complete the form.  
    

4. I’m an employee.  How do I submit my proof of vaccination or exemption forms?  
   Staff and Faculty can submit forms via the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/wk6yPi8dEr. Individuals may be exempt from the vaccine requirement if there is a legitimate medical or religious reason (adult, minor) that prohibits the vaccine.  All exemption forms are subject to approval by the University.
   NOTE: You must use your DSU employee email address to upload exemption forms. If you have multiple Office 365 accounts, you may need to use your browser in incognito mode or in-private browsing to complete the form.
    

5. Are there any exceptions to the vaccine requirement and where should exemption forms be sent to?
   Individuals may be exempt from the vaccine requirement if there is a legitimate medical or religious reason (adult, minor) that prohibits the vaccine.  Also, students who are attending classes fully online with no need to access campus are exempt from the vaccine requirement. Upload copies of completed exemption forms. All exemption forms are subject to approval by the University.
   NOTE: You must use your DSU email address to upload exemption forms. If you have multiple Office 365 accounts, you may need to use your browser in incognito mode or in-private browsing to complete the form.
    
6. If I already had COVID-19, am I still required to be vaccinated?
   Yes.
    
7. If I am fully vaccinated, do I still have to be tested?
   Yes, the University will require vaccinated students to be tested once a week which will enable the Campus Health Services to monitor any impact or spread of the virus on campus.
    
8. Will masks and social distancing still be required on campus?
   State and federal public health officials agree that masks and social distancing are proven methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19; therefore, masks and social distancing will continue to be required under certain circumstances at Delaware State University.  Our COVID-19 Operations Policy will be periodically updated regarding mask mandates.  We encourage members of our campus community to review this policy regularly.
    
9. What happens to students who decline to get vaccinated?
   All requests for exemptions will be reviewed on an individual basis.  Students who do not qualify for an exemption may take classes online. 
    
10. Will the University be hosting any additional vaccination events before the fall semester begins?
    Yes, the University has entered in a new partnership with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and Curative to provide vaccines and testing to not only our campus community but to ALL Delawareans. Curative’s mobile van will administer vaccines and testing every Tuesday and Friday in August from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in DSU’s Lot 14. The Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered.  You can also find a vaccination site near you by going to Vaccines.gov - Search for COVID-19 vaccine locations.

     

If you have problems accessing the submission portal, please email appdev [at] desu.edu.