A joint message from Vice Presidents Bryan Garey and Frank Shushok Jr.
![Illustration of group holding vaccine](/content/news_vt_edu/en/articles/2021/06/hr-students-joint-message-062821/_jcr_content/article-image.transform/m-medium/image.jpg)
Dear members of the Virginia Tech community,
We are writing today with a reminder that it will take all of us to have a successful in-person semester this fall.
We are one community, and to protect each other and ourselves, it is essential that we reach as close to a 100 percent vaccination rate as possible. By doing so, we can confidently relax the masking and physical distancing protocols that will allow us to enjoy all that our campuses and facilities have to offer.
Today we launch our vaccine dashboard. With updates on Mondays and Thursdays, we can all track to see how close we are coming as a community to reach that 100 percent vaccination rate. We have made progress, but we have work to do. We are asking you to take the time to upload your vaccination information with us. All information is kept confidential and is shared through the systems we have in place to manage other confidential information.
All students must submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination by Aug. 6 through the Online Student Health Portal. This information is critical for us as we plan for in-class learning as well as full dining and housing experiences. If you are unable to complete the full vaccine dosage by Aug. 6 but still intend to be vaccinated, please email Health@vt.edu to learn about your options. Students can submit their exemption forms through the Online Student Health Portal, fax them to 540-231-6900, mail them to Schiffert Health Center, or drop them off in person. Student frequently asked questions are available on the Ready site.
All employees are encouraged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine by Aug. 15. Additionally, all employees, including full-time and part-time faculty, staff, and wage, are required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination once they are fully vaccinated. This includes employees who are also registered for classes at Virginia Tech. Employees are required to register vaccination information in the COVID-19 Vaccination Status Self-Reporting form after receiving their final dose.
Employees who register their vaccine information will be exempt from required COVID-19 surveillance testing during the 2021-22 academic year. The need and frequency of testing for unvaccinated employees will be determined based on the risk an individual’s position presents to the community. Information about the testing program is forthcoming.
Visit the frequently asked questions page for employees for additional information on reporting your vaccine information. If you have additional questions, contact the HR Service Center at hrservicecenter@vt.edu.
The promise of a fall semester with traditional experiences of in-class learning, attending events on the Drillfield, and jumping in Lane Stadium are within our grasp if each of us do our part. The pandemic has been a long ordeal and COVID-19 has affected us all. If you are eligible to get a vaccine, do it. If you have received it, report your vaccination to either the student portal or employee form. If you have questions, ask.
We cannot wait to see you on campus this fall. Thank you and GO HOKIES!
Frank Shushok Jr.,
Vice President for Student Affairs
Bryan Garey,
Vice President for Human Resources