Updated: January 3, 2022, 1:30 p.m.
Submit your vaccination records today!
All CWU students must submit their proof of vaccination to be eligible to register for winter quarter classes. If you haven't already done so, please submit your records today.
Students can upload their information at medproctor.com — as they have done with other vaccination records (MMR, smallpox, polio, etc.) — or visit one of our on-campus ambassadors with their vaccination card and picture ID. A list of vaccination verification stations is available at cwu.edu/vaccination-verification.
If you have questions about this process, visit the Employee FAQ and Student FAQ pages.
COVID-19 vaccinations required
The safety and well-being of our employees and students are a primary concern of Central Washington University, and we are committed and obligated to provide safe and healthy university environments for employees, students, contractors, and visitors. CWU has chosen to make vaccinations a priority this fall because we believe a fully vaccinated community is the best way to protect our individual and collective health and safety.
In accordance with Proclamation 21.14.1, CWU has chosen to make vaccinations a priority this academic year. We believe a fully vaccinated community is the best way to protect our individual and collective health and safety. Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is required for all employees and students. Medical and/or religious accommodation requests will be considered.
As a state-sponsored institution, CWU is obligated to adhere to these guidelines that are backed by scientific evidence as we pursue the safest path forward for our students, employees, and community members this fall.
It will take all of us working together to ensure students continue to have positive — and safe — in-person campus living and learning experiences this academic year.
Vaccination Requirement FAQs
General
- Why are COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for CWU students, faculty, and staff?
CWU has made obtaining a vaccination an urgent priority because we believe a fully vaccinated community is the best way to protect our individual and collective health and safety.
Additionally, it is only through widespread vaccinations that Central can begin to loosen or remove restrictions that have impacted social and mental well-being, and increase access to a more complete in-person campus living and learning experience for more students.
- Is the CWU vaccination requirement currently in effect?
The deadline to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination was October 18, 2021. Those who still need to complete the process should visit the Vaccination Verification page to complete the process.
- Which vaccines must be received to be compliant with the CWU vaccination policy?
Employees and students may choose any of the three FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson.
- On what legal grounds can the vaccination requirement be imposed?
In response to the emerging COVID-19 threat, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency on February 29, 2020, using his broad emergency authority under RCW 43.06. Under RCW 43.06.220, the governor’s paramount duty is to focus on the health and safety of our communities. Proclamation 21.14 answers his obligation.
- If someone has previously been infected with COVID-19, and can show that they have the antibodies against the virus, are they exempt from the vaccine requirement?
No. There is no exception for those with COVID-19 antibodies; however, employee in this situation may qualify for a medical accommodation if it is not safe yet for them to receive the vaccine. To remain employed and/or enrolled at CWU for winter quarter 2022, you are required to be vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination.
- Where can I learn more about the vaccination requirement and how to provide proof?
CWU maintains two regularly updated FAQ pages for employees and students. If you have questions not answered on those pages, email fall_2021_opening@cwu.edu.
Exemptions and Accommodations
- Does the university allow any exemptions, including accommodations for medical or religious reasons?
Under the CWU policy, all students and employees must show proof of vaccination to be eligible for winter quarter 2022.
CWU policy provides for exemptions based on medical and religious reasons.
- What are the requirements for receiving an accommodation based on medical reasons?
If a CWU student or employee cannot obtain a vaccine because of a disability and they cannot be reasonable accommodated to safely work, CWU may exclude the unvaccinated employee or student from campus. For employees, this does not necessarily mean they will be terminated.
CWU will determine if the employee is entitled to other accommodation, such as remote work. Accommodations are determined through an interactive process that involves the employee, the supervisor and appointing authority, and HR.
- What documentation will CWU require for those seeking medical accommodation?
CWU will follow the standard procedure for addressing requests for medical accommodations. However, the documentation required for a vaccine accommodation will be narrowly tailored to determine if the employee has a medical condition which prevents them from received the vaccine.
- What are the requirements for receiving an accommodation based on religious reasons?
A CWU employee or student who has a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated against COVID-19 may request an accommodation.
For employees, Human Resources will initiate an interactive accommodation process between the employee, supervisor, and appointing authority.
- What documentation will be required for those seeking religious accommodation?
Employees are asked to complete a religious accommodation form. HR will initiate an interactive accommodation process between the employee, supervisor, and appointing authority to ensure the employee and the workplace are as safe as possible.