JMU Announces New Safety Guidelines

JMU Community, 

To help ensure the health of our community and following the guidance and directives from the Governor’s Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and American College Health Association, students will be required to provide verification that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to campus for Fall 2021 except as otherwise noted below. This includes undergraduate, graduate and full-time and part-time students who attend in-person classes or participate in in-person studies, research opportunities or any other on-campus activities.   

A survey of national reports indicates that many higher education institutions around the nation will be following the guidance from the American College Health Association, which recognizes that “comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective way for institutions of higher education (IHEs) to return to a safe, robust, on-campus experience for students in fall semester 2021. Therefore, where state law and available resources allow, ACHA recommends COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all on-campus college and university students for fall semester 2021, in accordance with the IHE’s normal exemption practices, including exemptions for medical contraindications. This recommendation applies to all students who live on campus and/or participate in on-campus classes, studies, research, or activities.” 

Students must upload their proof of vaccination or exemption form(s) to MyJMUChart by July 8, 2021. Incoming first year students can provide this information through the Immunization Form. Students can learn more about vaccination requirements in the Stop the Spread FAQs. 

Exceptions will be accommodated for medical conditions, religious beliefs or in cases where individuals agree in writing to the conditions set forth in an assumption-of-risk exemption. All individuals who do not complete vaccination for any reason must complete an Assumption of Risk form, which defines the mitigation strategies that will be required of students who have not been fully vaccinated.   

From the reporting we have received to date, a large majority of staff and faculty have been fully vaccinated, and those who have not are strongly encouraged to do so. The UHC is continuing to collect vaccination data for employees.   

If you have questions or concerns about any of the COVID-19 vaccines, we encourage you to speak with your primary care physician. VaccineFinder is a helpful resource to find your most convenient vaccine location.   

More information about recent vaccine announcements is available on the Stop the Spread FAQs. The university will continue to answer pandemic-related questions sent to covid19@jmu.edu. 

As directives and public health guidance emerge, we will continue to adapt. We know that the vaccine requirement is an important step in creating a vibrant and rich campus environment. 

Sincerely, 

Jonathan Alger
President, James Madison University

Heather Coltman
Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs

Donna Harper
Vice President, Access and Enrollment Management

Charlie King
Senior Vice President, Administration and Finance

Nick Langridge
Vice President, University Advancement

Tim Miller
Vice President, Student Affairs