The following message about preparing for the Fall 2021 term was sent to Drexel students:
Summary:
- All undergraduate and graduate students taking part in any face-to-face classes, participating in any team sports, extracurricular or other program activities on campus, accessing any facilities on campus, or working in Drexel facilities must have received a final vaccine dose two weeks prior to their arrival on campus in the fall.
- Medical and religious exemption requests will be considered.
- Upload proof of your vaccine status through the Health Checker app.
- Drexel continues to offer counseling resources to help with the return to campus.
Dear Drexel Student,
As we look forward to returning to full on-campus learning in the fall, we want to provide you with some additional guidance concerning vaccination against COVID-19. As you know, students who will be on campus or in Drexel student housing in the fall must either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have been granted a medical or religious exemption.
Following one of the hardest years in our lifetime, safe and effective vaccination has created a path to return to normalcy at our University and throughout our region. We announced on April 19 that vaccination will be required for our students next academic year. Since that time, thousands of Drexel students and employees have already been fully vaccinated, taking advantage of the many clinics held on campus or the increased availability of vaccine at countless area locations. This communication conveys further guidance concerning the COVID-19 immunization requirement for Drexel students.
Who Must Be Vaccinated?
All undergraduate and graduate students taking part in any face-to-face classes, participating in any team sports, extracurricular or other program activities on campus, accessing any facilities on campus, or working in Drexel facilities, will be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This applies to both full- and part-time students who spend time on campus, whether they live or work on campus or off campus. Students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions and the College of Medicine must also be vaccinated for clinical placements as must students planning for university-related domestic or international travel. Students are expected to be fully vaccinated before arriving on campus which means at least 14 days have passed since your final dose of vaccine.
International Students
If you received your vaccine in another country, see our vaccination FAQs for information about whether Drexel will accept your vaccine.
If you are an international student who arrives partially vaccinated or is unable to obtain your vaccine prior to the start of the 2021–2022 academic year, Drexel health experts will assess your situation and provide you with vaccine as needed, following CDC guidelines. Students receiving vaccine at the start of the term may be required to quarantine for up to seven days and receive two negative COVID-19 tests prior to starting in-person classes/activities until considered fully vaccinated. Until fully vaccinated, you will participate in the mandatory weekly COVID testing program, and possibly be subject to other requirements at Drexel, such as masking and distancing, for your health and safety. Further detailed information will be shared with international students under a separate mailing.
COVID-19 Immunization Compliance Deadlines
Graduate and semester students beginning classes in August 2021 have a compliance deadline of July 1, 2021. Undergraduate and graduate quarter students beginning classes in September 2021 have a compliance deadline of August 1, 2021.
Unless you are granted an exemption, failure to comply with vaccination may result in restriction from campus facilities including Drexel University campus housing and further disciplinary actions that could include dismissal from the University.
Providing Proof of Vaccination
To access campus in the fall and be exempt from weekly testing, quarantine on arrival, and additional safety measures at Drexel, it’s crucial that you provide proof of vaccination. To do so, you should upload your information along with a picture of your vaccine card to the Drexel Health Checker. If you have yet to download the app, now is the time. Always use your Drexel email to register in the App in the format of abc12@Drexel.edu, and avoid using any other email addresses.
After completing your daily check-in, click “More” in the bottom right corner. Select “Vaccine Records.” Choose the vaccine type from the drop-down menu, enter the date of your dose and lot number, and then upload a photo of your record. Click “Save.” If you receive a two-dose vaccine, you will need to record your first dose before you can add your final dose. The dates you enter must match the dates on the vaccine card. This will help us help you best in the event any health care issues arise.
Vaccine Exemptions
The COVID vaccines authorized by the U.S. FDA have been shown to be highly effective in preventing hospitalizations, death, and the spread of the virus. For more information, please visit the CDC website. To maintain a safe campus environment and full learning experience, Drexel will not grant exemptions from vaccine requirements based on personal preference. However, we recognize that some people have medical or religious reasons why they cannot get vaccinated or may not be physically on campus for the fall term. Drexel will allow COVID-19 vaccine exemption based on clearly documented medical or religious grounds or based on the attestation that a student will not be on campus during the fall term. Only authorized Drexel personnel will know that you have been granted an exemption unless you volunteer this information to others. To apply for a vaccine exemption, CLICK HERE and follow the instructions provided.
Exemption requests shall be reviewed on an ongoing basis and may take at least two weeks to process. Should you be granted exemption to COVID-19 immunization, you will be enrolled in a mandatory weekly COVID-19 screening program and be required to follow additional guidance for your protection which will be provided at the time exemption is granted.
Mind Your Mental Health
After more than a year of stress and change, the transition back to “normal” campus life can bring its own challenges. Remember that Drexel offers counseling services for students as well as other mental health resources to help before and after you return to campus. To schedule an appointment, email counsel@drexel.edu or call 215.895.1415 (after-hours emergency line: 215.416.3337). For a comprehensive list of resources, visit the Office of Counseling and Health Services website.
For more information concerning COVID-19 immunization, please visit the Drexel Health Insurance and Immunizations website.
Thank you for everything you are doing to make our campus community safe and to look after your health and wellbeing.
Sincerely,
Janet Cruz, MD
Medical Director, Drexel Student Health
Marla J. Gold, MD
Chief Wellness Officer