The Southern University System announced spring 2022 COVID-19 vaccine protocols for all students and employees on its five campuses on Friday. All employees and students must comply with the protocols by submitting proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or by submitting a medical or religious exemption request, according to a news release issued by the school. Students can also submit a letter of dissent. “Since the onset of COVID-19, faculty, staff and students have risen to the occasion and followed established protocols,” said President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton in an issued statement. “I cannot thank our campus communities enough for remaining vigilant and adhering to our mitigation efforts. These latest protocols are important as we maintain our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our campus communities and are consistent with other institutions of higher education.” The deadline for students to submit an exemption request for medical or religious reasons, or a letter of dissent is Friday, Dec. 3. The deadline for students to submit proof of a COVID-19 vaccination is Wednesday, Dec. 8. Students who do not comply with these protocols are subject to having their spring 2022 classes dropped. However, they can attempt registration again after they comply before Jan. 7, 2022, according to the school. Students who are exempt or opt-out via dissent will be required to submit negative COVID-19 test results weekly. Individual campuses may change this testing frequency at any time. The deadline for employees to submit proof of vaccination or an exemption request for medical or religious reasons is Wednesday, Dec. 8. Employees who do not comply are subject to disciplinary action, according to a news release issued by the university. Employees who have approved exemptions will be required to submit negative COVID-19 test results monthly. Individual campuses may change this testing frequency at any time. Proof of partial vaccination may be submitted by the aforementioned deadlines. However, proof of full vaccination (first and second shots, accordingly) must be submitted no later than Jan. 7, 2022, to be in compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination protocols. For more information about the spring 2022 COVID-19 vaccine protocols and campus vaccination resources, go to sus.edu/vaccine.