May reiterates high expectation everyone is vaccinated.
Dear Faculty and Staff,
As we wind down this historic academic year and prepare to celebrate our second virtual commencement, we continue to work each day to make the return to in-person classes this fall as successful as possible.
This is why I want to reaffirm EWU’s commitment to public health, and to restate that vaccinations are the key to getting to where we need to be for 2021-22. Vaccines are safe, very effective, and the university’s expectation is clear – in order to return to in-person instruction this fall, we need everyone to be fully vaccinated.
A vaccinated campus means everyone can safely take part in classes, events, programming and group activities. Because we are confident our students, faculty and staff are getting their shots, EWU is planning for you to be back in the classroom. We are also planning for in-person new student orientation in the fall, along with campus traditions such as Pass Through the Pillars and Rec-Splosion.
The Eastern community is strong and united, and we want everyone to participate in campus life once again. If you haven’t already, please visit https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov. Get your shot for EWU, and show everyone how Eagles truly take care of one another. If you received a vaccination at the vaccine clinic held at EWU on Monday, May 3, and didn’t receive an email to sign up for your second dose, please contact Health, Wellness & Prevention Services at 509-359-4279.
As you do your part, you can be assured that we are doing ours by continually making decisions based on the latest health information available. This means future state or public health mandates may require us to set new expectations for vaccine compliance. We are also exploring possible options for monitoring and tracking vaccination levels.
Eastern continues to plan for buildings to reopen and staff to return to their campus workplaces by July 1 – the day after Gov. Inslee is aiming to fully reopen the state of Washington’s economy with a goal of having 70% of adults in the state vaccinated. Please note that Showalter Hall will reopen June 1.
In addition, the university is evaluating the CDC’s updated guidance concerning fully vaccinated individuals wearing masks and will make a determination soon on implementation. If you are high-risk and are interested in a COVID-19 alternate work arrangement plan, please review this announcement.
David May
