University of Akron to keep its COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place following review

The University of Akron is keeping its previously announced vaccine mandate in place following a review, but will relax some of the requirements around receiving an exemption. 

A campus announcement Tuesday said the university will continue with plans to require everyone on campus to either be vaccinated by Dec. 13 and provide proof, or to receive an approved exemption. 

"We will streamline the process for requesting an exemption from this vaccination requirement for matters of religious belief or reasons of conscience by removing the requirement that the request be notarized," the announcement said. 

Those who do not provide required documentation of their vaccination status or who request an exemption will be subject to "up-to-twice-weekly testing protocols," the announcement said, "as will others, including some who are fully vaccinated and for whom there is reason to believe such testing is warranted."

That could include someone who is potentially exposed to COVID-19, or if wastewater testing shows high concentrations of the virus prevalent in a residence hall. 

The university also originally told students they would not be able to register for the spring semester without providing proof of vaccination. That is no longer the case, the announcement said.

The university announced on Oct. 7 that a review of the mandate was underway to see if it was still necessary, and to wait and see whether the state legislature would pass a bill banning mandates. That bill fizzled before a vote. 

According to the most recent university data, 70.3% of faculty and staff have reported being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 60.9% of students reported the same. 

Faculty union President Toni Bisconti said the "vast majority" of members supported the mandate. She said the final policy is mostly in line with what was originally announced, which had broad support. 

"For the most part I think this is what we expected," Bisconti said. 

Some feel the testing option makes the requirement to get vaccinated less strong, and wish there were harsher penalties for not doing so. Others, she said, feel that between the testing and indoor mask requirements, it will be enough to keep everyone as safe as possible. 

Contact education reporter Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com, at 330-996-3216 or on Twitter @JenPignolet.