COVID-19 vaccinations to be required of all CU faculty, staff, students

University of Colorado leadership on Wednesday announced COVID-19 vaccinations will be required of all students, faculty and staff before the start of the fall 2021 semester.

President Mark Kennedy and the four campus chancellors made the announcement in a joint statement, which said the decision was made after consulting state and local health departments, the Governor’s Office and the Colorado Department of Higher Education, as well as CU scientists, medical experts and COVID advisory committees and task forces on the campuses.

As with established vaccination policies, exemptions may be sought.

“We believe the science around COVID vaccines is clear and compelling,” the statement reads. “This decision is good for public health, not only because it will lower rates of infection on our campuses, but also in the communities they call home. It will also allow students, faculty and staff to benefit from the on-campus experience that is critical to academic success and personal growth.”

Several other institutions of higher education across the state joined CU in making the same announcement on Wednesday.

The four CU campuses and system administration will provide more detail specific to their communities soon. An FAQ page will be updated as more information becomes available.

“We appreciate all you have done to persevere through the challenges of the pandemic,” the president and chancellors said. “Today’s decision will bring us one step closer to ensuring we continue to deliver a quality CU experience for all.”