Nipissing University says all students, faculty, staff and others coming to campus this fall will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The post-secondary school says those individuals will need to attest to their vaccination status.
Information on the process and specific date the requirement comes into effect have yet to be detailed.
“This decision was made with the support of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Nipissing University’s Executive Committee of the Board of Governors, and following consultation with stakeholder groups across the institution,” reads a statement on the University’s website. “Nipissing joins a growing number of post-secondary institutions across the province requiring vaccines in light of the ongoing risks of COVID-19, the Delta variant and other variants of concern.”
Students who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or under grounds protected by the Human Rights Code are advised to contact Student Accessibility Services while faculty and staff seeking accommodation have been given a contact as well.
The university says unvaccinated individuals must commit to regular testing and receive a negative result before coming to campus.
“Ontario Public Health informs us that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 as our community members return to campus life this fall,” says Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Thank you to all members of the Nipissing community for your continued support and individual efforts towards making our community as safe as possible.”
Students living in residence, those participating in varsity athletics and club sports, as well as students conducting face-to-face research with human subjects will be required to provide proof of their vaccination status.
Nipissing, Canadore College and the Health Unit have also scheduled a series of six vaccination clinics at the Education Centre later this month and in early September.
The university says existing public health measures like physical distancing and the use of face coverings will continue to be required in common spaces, in all buildings on campus, and includes washrooms, elevators and hallways.
However, Nipissing also says classrooms are no longer subject to physical distancing limitations.
Earlier this month Canadore College announced mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students in residence.