Entire campus to reopen July 1
CHENEY – After a year of virtual/hybrid operations due to coronavirus mandates, Eastern Washington University is opting for a vaccine “expectation rather than a mandate.”
University Interim President David May sent an email May 6 regarding vaccination expectations.
“In the spirit of transparency, we know that the decision to get vaccinated is not one that we can make for you,” May wrote. “There are good reasons, religious, medical, and philosophical, why someone may choose not to be vaccinated.”
Eastern joins University of Idaho, Community Colleges of Spokane and North Idaho College in allowing students to make a personal vaccination decision.
Washington State University, University of Washington, Central Washington University and Western Washington University are all requiring vaccinations. Whitworth and Gonzaga universities have yet to make a decision.
May elaborated that getting vaccinated is a method of taking care of the campus community. He cited that COVID-19 cases are dropping on campus, which is a good sign of collective health.
May said getting vaccinated is a method of taking care of the Eastern community while noting COVID-19 cases are declining on campus.
May cited state and federal analyses that high vaccination rates are the best way to maintain a normal campus.
“This is why EWU is once again asking all of you to take personal responsibility and choose to be vaccinated before coming back to campus,” May said. “Returning to campus in the fall requires that students, faculty and staff do their part to keep campus open.”
According to the state Department of Health, more than 162,000 people have been fully vaccinated in Spokane County, with nearly 200,000 having begun the process.
May indicated vaccination passports are not out of the question.
“Eastern’s leadership team is considering easing some restrictions for students who are vaccinated and there may be areas of campus and some activities where a vaccination requirement is implemented,” May said.
May hosted a virtual meeting May 14 in which he said Eastern cannot not require student or employee vaccinations.
Eastern has required the MMR vaccine for students born after 1956.
There are potential exemptions to that requirement. May referenced those policies and hoped for a similar system for COVID-19 vaccines.
May also said Eastern’s mask policy is being discussed in light of new protocols.
The university was requiring all individuals on campus -- inside or outside -- to wear masks or face coverings. But that is expected to change with new federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.
May sent an additional email to students May 17.
“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,” May wrote. “The shots 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.”
May said students will return to campus in the fall, but virtual and hybrid educational options will be available.
Showalter Hall will reopen June 1, and the full campus will reopen entirely July 1.
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