Dear Campus Community,
As previously announced, we intend to welcome everyone back to have an in-person experience on our campus for fall 2021, as long as conditions permit us to do so safely. With this as our goal, we must do everything in our power to protect the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities.
We, therefore, write to you today with several important COVID-19 vaccine updates.
Mandatory vaccinations for fall 2021 semester
University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman and the Board of Regents today announced that all eligible students, faculty, and staff who will be on USM campuses this fall, including UMD, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. We will, of course, comply with all federal and state laws in granting appropriate exemptions for medical or religious reasons. Additional details will be released in the coming weeks and months.
This mandate is based on the recommendation of a USM workgroup convened by Chancellor Perman this semester—one that includes university-based experts in public health, infectious disease, and emergency management. It was based on advice from the USM presidents—all 12 System presidents—and their cabinets. It was also based on consultation with the University System’s shared governance councils representing students, faculty, and staff.
Safeway on-campus vaccine appointments now open to family members
Earlier this week we announced that Safeway Pharmacy will be providing vaccinations to UMD students, faculty and staff from Monday, April 26 through Wednesday, April 28 at Riggs Alumni Center. We are now writing to inform you that family members of UMD students, faculty and staff may also sign up for appointments at the Safeway Pharmacy clinic. If you have a family member interested in receiving the vaccine on campus next week, please have them make an appointment as soon as possible.
“University Days” now open at mass vaccination sites in Maryland
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has worked closely with the Maryland Department of Health to identify “University Days” at various mass vaccination sites throughout Maryland. The Greenbelt Metro Station, less than five miles from campus, will open as a mass vaccination site from Friday, April 23 to Tuesday, April 27, 2021, as designated University Days. This means that campus community members, including students, faculty, and staff, can directly access vaccination appointments. Details on how to make an appointment are available here.
The “University Days” opportunity is only open to campus community members. Students, faculty, and staff will be expected to show their university ID at their scheduled appointment time. Additionally, incoming and new students are welcome to take advantage of this opportunity. In lieu of a university ID, they can provide either an acceptance letter or a copy of their fall registration. MHEC hopes that this will help expand vaccination efforts to students, faculty, and staff at Maryland colleges and universities. Please note that the Greenbelt site is particularly suited for those seeking a second dose of Pfizer in the local area, should you have been vaccinated outside of our campus vaccine clinic.
As a reminder, if these opportunities do not work, there are many other options available to you to get a vaccine.
Commitment to our community
We want to extend our sincere appreciation to our students, faculty and staff who remain committed to each other by doing everything possible to create a safe campus environment, including following the 4 Maryland guidelines and getting vaccinated. If you have additional questions, please email healthconcerns@umd.edu.
Sincerely,
Darryll J. Pines
President, University of Maryland
He/Him/His
Spyridon S. Marinopoulos
Spyridon S. Marinopoulos, MD, MBA, FACP
Director, University Health Center
Chief Medical Officer, University of Maryland
He/Him/His