As we prepare for Spring 2022 registration for courses, the default course modality will be face to face instruction for all courses, except designated online programs, and courses with explicit modality authorization from department chairs and deans. This Fall, our community of students, faculty and staff have made significant strides in assuring the health and safety of the entire community. As an update regarding COVID-19 vaccination status of students, 100 percent of students living in on campus housing have provided evidence of being fully vaccinated, and nearly 99 percent of all registered students. In summary, over 11,800 students have provided evidence of vaccination, have an approved exemption or are taking courses online.

The vaccine mandate was implemented for faculty and staff following the requirement for students and the deadline for employees to complete a COVID-19 vaccine regimen and be fully vaccinated was October 1, 2021. The deadline for all employees to upload proof of vaccination in Workday was Friday, October 8, 2021. To date, nearly 1,900 employees have uploaded vaccination documentation into Workday. We are accounting for employees who are on leave, have approved accommodations or are teleworking. We will be communicating directly with those employees to assure compliance.

Additionally, the most recent weekly testing data at the University indicated a positivity rate of 0.53 percent, compared to a rate of 2.9 percent in the District of Columbia. If we continue to maintain a low positivity, this will allow a decrease in the frequency of testing from weekly to monthly for all vaccinated individuals. Individuals with exemptions will continue to be tested on a weekly basis. Masks and face coverings will continue to be required indoors and in groups settings outdoors until further notice.

Assuring that all eligible members of our community are vaccinated and complying with the public health protocols is the surest way to protect the health of the Howard University community and provide as safe an environment as possible. The COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated a significant decrease in the risk of transmission of COVID-19, considerably reduced the likelihood of hospitalization if someone is infected and significantly decreased the risk of death secondary to COVID-19 by over 90 percent.

The University continues to provide free COVID-19 vaccinations at the Howard University Hospital Vaccination Clinic located in the lobby of the Howard University Hospital building between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. No appointments are necessary.

Your health and safety remain our priority, and we will continue to do all we can to provide a safe environment for everyone.