Reminder: Non-Compliance with Vaccination Requirements
Good afternoon,
It is so good to see so many of you back on campus and starting your classes this week! We hope your semester is off to a great start!
This is a reminder regarding important COVID vaccination requirements for students attending on-campus classes this fall. On August 23, the College sent a communication to all students to make them aware of the FDA approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and the initiation of a vaccination mandate for all on-campus students with a corresponding 35-day grace period for compliance. This mandate is in accordance with State University of New York policy.
All on-campus students, except for those who have been approved for exemptions, must complete a COVID vaccine series by the end of that 35-day period. This period will end on Monday, September 27, 2021. The vaccine series consists of two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine series, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson series. Students must provide proof they completed a COVID vaccine series to the Dean of Students (deanofstudents@herkimer.edu; Fax: 315-866-1808) by the end of the day, Monday, September 27.
Non-compliance with this vaccination requirement can have serious academic and financial consequences for on-campus students who were not approved for an exemption.
As was stated in the August 23 communication to All Students:
“Upon expiration of the 35-day grace period, any student who has not shown that they have completed a full vaccine series or been granted an exemption will…be unenrolled.”
Students who are unenrolled for still being non-compliant after September 27 will not only lose the chance to complete their classes and earn their credits; they will be responsible for up to 75% of total charges (housing, tuition, fees). Financial aid awards will be prorated based upon the student's last date of attendance which could leave the student owing the college money. Students who paid out of pocket will only be refunded the amount left over after covering their prorated charges.
Therefore, any on-campus students who have determined that they will not be vaccinated in compliance with the College’s vaccination requirement should consider withdrawing from classes on their own at their earliest opportunity to minimize their financial responsibilities and academic implications. More information on that process and a link to the appropriate withdrawal form may be accessed at: https://www.herkimer.edu/admissions/cost-and-financial-aid/effects-of-withdrawal/
Students may also obtain more information by contacting either the Dean of Students Office (deanofstudents@herkimer.edu; 315-866-0300 x8276), or the Student Accounts Office (alfordam@herkimer.edu; 315-866-0300 x8317).
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Cathleen C. McColgin, Ph.D.
President
