Publish Date

7.27.21

Dear Students:

As we quickly approach the fall semester, my hope is that you are seeing your university act in many ways to prioritize your safety to the greatest extent possible. Last year, we clearly heard that you want, to the closest extent possible, a traditional college experience at our university — a college experience that is filled with opportunity, experiences and people. You want to be able to have lunch with others in the Student Union, have friends over to your apartment on campus and attend more events and meetings in person.

In order to get the campus life we all want, there are several things we must do. First and foremost, if you’re able to be vaccinated against COVID-19, you should. It’s a bottom-line requirement. The more people who are vaccinated, the more we get our campus life back.

As you are aware, UIS is requiring all on-ground students to receive a COVID-19 vaccination for the Fall 2021 semester unless they have an approved exemption. The deadline to request an exemption was July 15. The deadline to confirm your vaccination status with the university is Aug. 1. Please submit your vaccination information as soon as possible to avoid an administrative withdrawal from any on-ground courses and/or a hold being placed on your housing contract.

  • If you are fully vaccinated, upload your information to the patient portal via the Health Services website immediately and no later than Aug. 1.
  • If you are partially vaccinated now and will be fully vaccinated before the semester begins, upload your partially complete vaccination record by Aug. 1 to indicate this status and upload the completed vaccine record once you receive your final dose.
  • If you will only be partially vaccinated when the semester begins, email uishealthservice@uis.edu for an extension no later than Aug. 1. Refer to Section II (Deadlines) of the policy for full details.
  • If you are still planning to submit an exemption request, email uishealthservice@uis.edu immediately.
  • If you are not planning to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or have not been granted an exemption, reach out to your academic advisor for next steps on how to adjust your class schedule to online or remote courses. If you have a residential contract and are not planning to get the vaccine or an exemption, please reach out to the Department of Residence Life to determine next steps.

Below are some helpful resources as you work toward complying with our vaccination policy.

I hope you are enjoying your summer and preparing for a fun and fulfilling Fall 2021 semester with your fellow Prairie Stars. We can’t wait to see you on campus next month!

United in Safety,

Karen

Karen M. Whitney, PhD
Interim Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield

Questions? Covid19@uis.edu