UWM reaches 70% vaccination rate goal, pushes for more

UW-Milwaukee has reached the 70% goal set forth in UW System’s “70 for 70” campaign, making its vaccinated students eligible to win $7,000 scholarships.

That number will only rise as more students get vaccinated and report it to UWM.

UWM is the third UW System campus to reach the 70% goal, along with UW-La Crosse and UW-Eau Claire. (UW-Madison also reported high vaccination rates but is not part of the 70 for 70 campaign.)

UWM Chancellor Mark Mone said vaccinations are key to keeping the UWM community safe and having the best college experience possible.

“We’re thrilled that more than 70% of our students have gotten fully vaccinated,” Mone said. “As we know, this pandemic has taken us all on a long road, and we need to keep going. We are going to push our vaccination rates even higher in the coming weeks.

“I commend our students for the strength and resiliency they have shown during the last year and a half. And I am especially proud of the responsible actions our students have taken to decrease COVID-19 cases and keep our campuses safe, open and vibrant.”

In the 70 for 70 program, UW System students who are enrolled for Fall 2021 and report their COVID-19 vaccination via their UW campus portal by Oct. 15 are entered into a drawing to receive a $7,000 scholarship if their campus reaches a 70% vaccination rate. Since UWM has now reached the 70% mark, UWM students who enter vaccination data will be eligible for the $7,000 scholarships. The program does not include fully online students.

UWM has been encouraging students to get vaccinated with the “It’s Worth a Shot” campaign, with ongoing messaging and incentives. Students who report being vaccinated are eligible to win prizes including 10 laptops, Brewers tickets, Summerfest tickets, gift cards and other prizes. Drawings for these prizes will continue into October.

Students can get vaccinated in the community or on campus at clinics operated with the Milwaukee Health Department, or by making an appointment at the Norris Health Center. Students who do not get vaccinated must get tested every week for COVID-19.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.