Montclair State To Require Booster Shots For Students, Most Staff

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair State University will be requiring a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for students and most staff, administrators announced Tuesday evening.

“As COVID-19 case numbers rise both on campus and across New Jersey, the university is monitoring the situation closely, and continues to follow state and federal guidelines and consult with our on-campus experts,” MSU administrators stated.

“We will be requiring booster shots, and following the strategies that science has shown work to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19,” administrators added.

The university is offering “a full complement” of in-person instruction and support services for the spring 2022 semester. Students return to campus on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

According to school administrators, more than 93 percent of the total campus population (students, faculty and staff) is vaccinated. Read More: Montclair State Will Require COVID Vaccines From Most Students

Here are the details regarding booster shots, MSU officials said.

• Students are urged to get boosted as soon as possible and no later than March 1. They will be sent details by email.
• All employees must update their COVID-19 vaccination history using Vax Check no later than Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. to indicate if they have received a COVID-19 vaccination booster. This is not required for employees who have previously provided verification via Vax Check that they received a booster.
• Managers and temporary employees must submit proof of obtaining a booster shot no later than Jan. 21.
• AFT Local 1904 members (faculty, instructional/clinical specialists, librarians and professional staff) must submit proof of complete vaccination, or have received approval for an exemption for medical or religious reasons, no later than May 15, 2022.
• AFT Local 6025, CWA, IFPTE, NJLESA, NJSOLA and PBA SLEU members are strongly encouraged to obtain booster shots. The university has advised these bargaining units of the amended policy and, upon request, the university will enter into negotiations on negotiable items regarding the impact of the policy on their members.

OTHER COVID UPDATES AT MSU

During the week ending Dec. 23, there were 159 new cases of COVID-19 on the campus, 157 during the week ending Dec. 30, and 163 in the past week, MSU announced on Jan. 7.

“While case numbers have risen, the symptoms associated with the omicron variant have been shown to be more mild than previous variants, with only one case in the university community leading to hospitalization,” officials said.

That person has since recovered, MSU officials added.

It’s important to note that there are drawbacks to all-remote learning, administrators said:

“The pivot to remote learning at the outset of the pandemic in 2020 also showed us that all-virtual instruction is not an ideal model for the students we serve, creating both educational and mental health challenges for many students and exacerbating equity concerns. To help all students stay on track, achieve their educational goals and reduce the potential trauma of the pandemic, maintaining an in-person learning environment while keeping our community safe is a priority.”

Here are some other reminders/updates from MSU:

• Vaccinations: “Being fully vaccinated – which means having a booster when you become eligible – is one of the best tools we have to control the virus. The Essex County Health Department will give vaccinations and booster shots on campus on February 10. Register here. Or book an appointment at any of the County’s free clinics.”
• Testing: “We have an on-campus testing center, located in Webster Hall, that provides free tests for all students and employees. All residential students will be required to provide a negative PCR test before moving back into the residence halls.”
• Masking: “Masks will continue to be required indoors on campus, as well as outdoors in crowded settings or when participating in outdoor activities that involve close contact with other people.”
• Hawk Check: “All members of the campus community and all visitors are required to complete this daily self-report of symptoms and exposures, which allows our health-care professionals to take quick actions to slow the spread of infection.”
• Staying Home if Sick: “At Montclair, we like to share things – but not germs! We are reminding everyone to stay home whenever you are sick.”

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