Advisor Resources and FAQs Regarding Student Vaccine and Mask Mandate

Vaccination is the best way to protect the campus community from spread/outbreak in the long term and avoid shutdowns or larger impact measures. If we are to have as normal a fall semester as possible – with in-person classes, athletics, events – we need to try to achieve 100 percent vaccination on campus. The delta variant is far more contagious, especially in those who are unvaccinated, and we are taking the necessary precautions to keep people safe.  While we need to allow exceptions for people with medical or religious objections, there is still an elevated risk with those individuals despite weekly testing, so keeping exceptions limited to those who truly need it assists us in reducing our risk as much as we can right now.

Resources
Many general questions about the vaccine and mask mandate can be found on the fall-2021-plan and vaccine-mandate web pages.

Vaccine/Mask Policy Concerns:

Q: If students are still being admitted, will they still need to have proof of vaccination in place by August 30?
A: Yes, proof of full vaccination must be submitted by Aug. 30 in order to be allowed on campus. Limited extensions of the deadline will be provided on a case-by-case basis if an individual is unable to receive a second dose prior to the deadline. Students should upload what proof they have and they will be contacted by the Campus Health Center.

Q: A student has one vaccine shot, awaiting their second, can they be on campus after August 30?
A: If a student’s vaccine requires two shots they must have received both of them by August 30 to be on campus and participate in on-campus courses or activities. Students should upload what proof they have (even if just one shot) and they will be contacted by the Campus Health Center regarding a possible extension.

Q: If I don't have an exemption and am still not vaccinated, can I be on campus and do weekly testing?
A: No, only those with an approved exemption and who are compliant with weekly testing requirements will be allowed on campus to participate in on-campus activities and courses.

Q: If I have symptoms or am required to get tested weekly, will the Campus Health Center provide this testing for me? Is it free?
A: COVID-19 testing will continue to be offered to anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms.  Campus Health Center staff will require testing for certain individuals on a case-by-case clinical basis.  Testing at CHC is at no cost to the individual.

Q: I lost my proof of vaccine card, how can I get another one?
A:  Michiganders can contact the site where they were vaccinated, such as the local health department or health care provider, and request a new vaccination card.  You can also fill out a form to get a copy of your immunization record from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), an immunization database that documents inoculations given to Michiganders.

Q: I'm an international student, will you accept my vaccination from another country.
A: Some vaccines administered in other countries have been widely studied and will be considered as meeting the mandate.  Currently, these include: AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Cinovac or COVISHield vaccines.  Student who have received other vaccines should upload their documentation for evaluation.

Q: My instructor and/or classmates are not wearing masks or have indicated that they are not vaccinated. What are my options for reporting?
A: Students can file a Covid 19 Noncompliance Report at: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?WayneStateUniv&layout_id=47

 

Fall 21 Registration Concerns:

Q: If I have not provided proof of vaccination, will you drop me from my classes?  Will I owe money?
A: The task of dropping in-person classes and/or switching to online classes is for the student to initiate. They should work with their academic advisor for help or suggestions. Students who are registered for coursework will be held to the Fall 21 Registration Calendar with respect to drop dates and tuition reimbursement deadlines.

Q: I am not planning to get vaccinated; how can I switch to online classes?
A: You can work with your academic advisor and your Degree Works audit to determine remaining requirements and consult the WSU class schedule to review course offerings and registration.

Q: I am not planning to get vaccinated and do not want to take classes online, how do I get my tuition and parking refunded?
A: You will need to drop your courses by the deadline for fall 21 tuition cancellation to receive a tuition refund. Consult the online 21-22 Academic Calendar for dates. You will also need to complete a form to cancel your parking and request a refund. This information can be found on the Parking & Transportation website.

Q: I want to attend online this fall. What if I cannot get into an online class that’s full? Can my F2F instructor provide me an online version?
A: No, the instructor will not be able to provide an online version.  It is important to meet with your advisor to explore all options and to withdraw from any F2F or hybrid courses in which you are unable to participate.

Q: Is it possible an in-person class will switch to an online format?
A: Currently, we do not plan to switch individual in-person classes to an online format.  We offer many formats to accommodate students.

Q: Are hybrid classes an option for me if I am not vaccinated?
A: No. Since hybrid classes require some in-person activities, you will need to be vaccinated.

Q: I will go to a community college, how do I know what classes to take?
A: Students should work with their academic advisor and make use of the Transfer Credit website for help with community college course selection for the Fall 21 term. Students must abide by the health and safety policies of their intended community college and must abide by that school’s admission and registration calendar. The Michigan Uniform Guest Application can be used to gain admission to you intended community college but must be signed by your academic advisor.

Q: If I test positive or get symptoms that prevent me from coming to campus, what accommodations can I expect or ask for with my F2F classes?
A: Students should always work directly with their instructor to make the best arrangements they can to continue in their courses. Depending on the time in the semester, this may also mean working with their advisor to switch to an online section. In addition, students can work with the Student Disability Services for Covid-19 related accommodations.

Q: If a student in my class tests positive, what is the process for contact tracing/quarantining the others in the class?
A: There is a contact tracing protocol followed by the Campus Health Center. Students, faculty and staff who test positive should contact the CHC (313-577-5041) about their case and instruct others to do the same. Faculty and staff who suspect that a student in their class or office has been exposed or is experiencing symptoms should file a Care Report with the Dean of Students Office.
 

Campus Life Concerns:

Q: Are on-campus summer events and Orientation+ still happening?
A: Outdoor events and meetings are allowed and encouraged throughout the summer, and we anticipate that more robust indoor events will be available in the fall. Our annual FestiFall event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 31, offering students the opportunity to meet their fellow Warriors and learn more about more than 500 student and community organizations and learning communities. Virtual event options will also continue. [Source: Fall 21 at Wayne State]

Back to listing

University Advising Center