The University of Windsor announced Friday that it will require all staff, faculty, and students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a Health Canada-approved vaccine beginning this fall.

The measure comes in addition to the robust safety protocols already established for the University’s return to campus plans. At least a first dose of a vaccine will be required by Sept. 1, and a second dose will be required by Oct. 1. Accommodations will be made for vaccination exemptions for medical reasons or under grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

All members of the University of Windsor community returning to campus will be required to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and regular testing protocols will be established for those who are not vaccinated and/or have received accommodations.

“The health and safety of our campus community is our number one priority,” said UWindsor president Robert Gordon. “We have a responsibility to encourage vaccination, not only for the promotion of a healthy campus environment, but as a partner in the Windsor-Essex community supporting broader public health protection.”

The University is joining other postsecondary institutions across the province and the country, who are also taking these steps to ensure their communities are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Wajid Ahmed, medical officer of health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, applauds the move.

“The University’s announcement today is a critical step in our collective fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Ahmed. “We are currently facing a potential fourth wave, and we must all work together to mitigate any further damaging health, social, and economic impacts for our region.”

The University of Windsor continues to prepare for a safe return to campus this fall through the implementation of health and safety measures, including:

• a variety of course delivery modes,
• daily self-assessments,
• mask-wearing, handwashing, physical distancing protocols,
• capacity limits in campus buildings, and more.

The University also recently launched a COVID-19 vaccination awareness campaign in partnership with student leadership to provide vaccine information, resources, and incentives for those to “get the jab and K.O. COVID.”