FRESNO, CA (KMJ) Students returning to campus at Fresno State and all other CSU schools this fall will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Cal State University had previously announced plans to require vaccinations, but only after the FDA gave full approval to at least one of the vaccines. All current vaccines are being administered under an “emergency use” authorization.
“The current surge in COVID cases due to the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant is an alarming new factor that we must consider as we look to maintain the health and well-being of students, employees and visitors to our campuses this fall,” CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro said in announcing the mandate. “Receiving a COVID vaccine continues to be the best way to mitigate the spread of the virus. We urge all members of the CSU community to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and announcing this requirement now allows members of the CSU community to receive multiple doses of a vaccine as we head into the beginning of the fall term.”
Last week UC announced that all students and faculty must be vaccinated in order to return to campus this fall.
According to the CSU, the date by which faculty, staff and students will have to formally verify their vaccination status will vary by campus, but all certifications will be required no later than Sept. 30. The policy will allow students and staff to seek “medical and religious exemptions.”
CSU officials also said the system will have “a more expansive offering of virtual courses as compared to before the pandemic,” to accommodate those who do not plan to return to campuses.
