Dear Monarch Community:
We look forward to the return to an in-person learning experience this fall, when the majority of ODU classes will be taught face-to-face (in addition to offering online and hybrid modes). Because we want our faculty, staff and students to have the best campus experience possible, we are announcing several important COVID-19 updates:
- Old Dominion University, along with many other public universities around the nation, has updated its student immunization requirements to include COVID-19. Students will be required to be fully vaccinated before arriving on campus this fall and confirm proof of vaccination by August 1, unless claiming an exemption. Exemptions will be accommodated for medical reasons and religious beliefs. All students who do not submit proof of vaccination for any reason must complete the Assumption of Risk Form. Students who take only online courses and never come to an ODU campus or location will not be required to have the COVID-19 vaccine.
- International students with limited access to COVID vaccines may email COVIDCARES@odu.edu to request an extension and to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated at Old Dominion.
- Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated by August 1 for COVID-19 to prevent disease. Faculty and staff who choose not to be vaccinated should understand the risk they are assuming.
- Faculty, staff and students are asked to upload proof of vaccination by August 1.
- Faculty, staff and students who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks or distance physically while on campus. However, they may continue to wear a mask if they wish to do so. Masks are still required when entering Student Health Services or any COVID-19 screening or testing facility.
- Unvaccinated faculty, staff and students may be subject to testing.
- Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear masks on campus when they cannot maintain physical distancing guidelines, as required by the commonwealth.
- Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, should complete the COVID-19 Exposure Self-Report form online.
- Visitors to any ODU campus or location, including minors and contractors, are required to follow State Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 mandates.
- The Daily COVID-19 Check-In will be paused for summer.
We are following guidance from the American College Health Association, public health experts and other public institutions around the U.S., with the expectation that one or more vaccines will receive full FDA approval in the coming months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already reported that COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective, and they are readily available for people 12 years of age and older.
We will continue to observe the latest public health guidelines and best practices from the Virginia Department of Health and CDC.
University officials will continue consulting with medical experts who know this virus and its variants best; relying on science and the latest public health data to inform our decisions; and communicating regularly with the campus. A communication to students with more details will soon follow.
For answers to frequently asked questions, visit the University's COVID-19 FAQ. We appreciate everything you have done to #ReignResponsibly to keep our community healthy and safe and look forward to seeing you this fall.
Sincerely,
Austin Agho, Ph.D., Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Greg DuBois, Vice President for Administration & Finance
September Sanderlin, Vice President for Human Resources
Don Stansberry, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Engagement & Enrollment Services
