FDU Requires Vaccination Before Returning to Campus This Fall

By Naniyah McClain

Student Lifestyle Editor

Following the footsteps of Rutgers University, FDU has made the decision to require vaccinations before returning back to campus.

On Apr. 15, President Christopher Capuano released the president’s update via email to the students, staff and faculty members of FDU stating that the key to get back to the sense of normalcy on campus involves vaccinations. Students of the Metro and Florham campuses are required to be fully vaccinated (2 weeks after the final injection of the vaccine) before the fall semester. Faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated as well.

There are exemptions for medical and religious purposes, with warranted reasons. However, the majority of students, faculty and staff are expected to be vaccinated by the fall semester in order to reach a point where space restrictions, residence halls and other areas can be more lenient.

“I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of getting vaccinated. This represents the essential step needed to substantially reduce the risk of infection on our campuses,” Capuano said. “Moreover, doing so will enable us to return to the in-person experiences in the fall that we all wish to have, and will provide a level of confidence that we are taking all steps necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community,” according to nj.com

While registering for courses, students must upload a copy of their vaccination card to Medicat, the university’s health information portal.

FDU is currently working with Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, and the Atlantic Health System in Morristown, to facilitate vaccinations for students, staff and faculty members.

As of 11:30 a.m. on Apr. 15 there have been 5,738,371 COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in New Jersey. According to officials, 2,334,968 people across New Jersey are fully vaccinated, nj.com continues.

With the vaccination requirement in effect, FDU is planning to conduct the majority of classes and events in-person, restore double occupancy in dorms, remove visitation restrictions, allow students to have access to kitchens and common areas, increase dining capacities and allow athletic teams to play in the fall, leading back to the sense of normalcy on campus, according to the president’s update.

COVID-19 Numbers

From yesterday to today, there was an increase of 3,918 new cases in New Jersey, with 365 cases from Bergen county.