Stockton University To Require Faculty To Get COVID-19 Vaccine

GALLOWAY, NJ — Faculty at Stockton University will be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before Sept. 1, President Harvey Kesselman said Thursday.

“A vaccinated campus is critical for a vibrant, safe, and healthy learning environment and workplace,” Kesselman said in a statement. “This is one of the most important steps we all can take to protect ourselves and each other. It is, as I said in May, the responsible thing to do.”

The university and the Stockton Federation of Teachers union have entered into an agreement to establish the terms and conditions of the mandate, according to Kessleman.

In May, the university announced that students enrolled in the fall 2021 semester must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they had a medical or religious exemption. Students must submit vaccination data to the university by Aug. 1.

Stockton University is now among several colleges in New Jersey that are requiring both students and staff to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The list also includes Princeton University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Seton Hall University, Stevens Institute of Technology and Saint Peter's University. Read more: New Jersey Colleges Requiring COVID-19 Vaccine: See The List

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The university’s vaccine mandate for faculty comes as the state is recommending the use of masks in indoor settings for both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents due to the delta variant spurring a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases across the country. Read more: NJ Updates Mask Guidance After CDC Announcement

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