Stonehill is requiring the COVID-19 vaccine

By Elizabeth Ednie

From strongly encouraging to requiring, Stonehill College has changed its decision on the COVID-19 vaccine for staff, faculty, and students.

An email was sent to the Stonehill community on May 19 mandating the vaccine before the 2021-2022 school year begins.

President Father John Denning sent the email, stating that the College is now mandating the vaccine after consulting with medical health officials and observing the practice other colleges have been taking.

“Our goal is to return to our pre-pandemic routines of full classrooms and residence halls, athletic competition, social gatherings and in-person dining options with minimal restrictions,” Denning said.

In the email, Denning mentioned two additional vaccination clinics for individuals in need of an appointment and provided a link to sign up. The clinics will be held on campus at the Sports Complex on May 21 and May 25.

“Please keep in mind that your vaccination not only protects you, but it also protects those around you,” Denning said.

Denning said that the vaccine is the best opportunity to ensure that those on campus will remain healthy and safe to fully focus on the College’s educational mission.

“Although the start of the 2021-2022 academic year is several months away, I am strongly urging everyone in our community to be vaccinated as soon as possible,” Denning said.

Students and employees who are fully vaccinated have been instructed to upload a copy of their vaccine cards through specific online portals. For those who received both doses through the College will not be required to upload their card. Denning provided both links to the respected portals in the email.

According to Denning, the website will be updated later today with more precise details on the steps and measures, as well as information regarding medical and religious exceptions.

Denning said he looks forward to the fall semester and extends his gratitude to the Stonehill community for the ways in which everyone has responded to the pandemic.