Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff:
Earlier this week, we shared that the Biden Administration issued an executive order requiring that federal contractors mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for employees (subject to medical or religious exemptions), including a provision requiring that federal contractors review and document proof of vaccine status for all employees. Syracuse University is considered a federal contractor and must comply with these requirements by Jan. 18, 2022.
However, on Tuesday a federal district court issued an injunction that temporarily halts enforcement of the mandate, including provisions requiring verification of vaccine status for employees. The final disposition will be settled in the courts.
That said, given the uncertainty associated with timeline and ultimate outcome of the pending legal challenge, Syracuse University will maintain plans announced in Monday’s campus message to review and document proof of vaccine status for all existing and newly hired faculty and staff. Syracuse University will also maintain the requirement that all members of our community must be vaccinated as a condition of accessing any Syracuse University campus location or facility (subject to medical or religious exemptions), and that a booster vaccination is required prior to the start of the spring semester, or as soon as an individual becomes eligible thereafter.
As we have learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a vaccinated campus community, combined with regular testing, surveillance and masking is the most effective strategy to mitigate infection, reduce transmission and ensure a safe return to campus in the spring.
If you haven’t already done so, please review the public health message that was shared with our community on Monday, Dec. 6. That message details important information and additional steps we are taking to support a safe, healthy and productive spring semester.
Sincerely,
J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation
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