We are continuing on-campus, in-person classes for the fall 2021 semester.
The health and safety of our Vanderbilt community are our highest priority. Plans for the university were developed in close consultation with experts at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and our School of Nursing as well as national, state and local public health officials. The success of this approach requires a joint effort from every member of our community as we work together as One Vanderbilt.
To keep the Vanderbilt community as safe as possible and help ensure the ability to continue to conduct in-person teaching and learning, all new and returning students will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the 2021–22 academic year. Additionally, the university will require all Vanderbilt University-employed faculty, staff and postdoctoral fellows to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the 2021–22 academic school year.
We know today that the delta variant has fueled a rise in infections in Nashville and beyond and that vaccinated people infected with the variant are, in some cases, able to transmit the virus. To do our part in improving the situation, we are temporarily adjusting on-campus guidance, as outlined below. These protocols are effective beginning Monday, August 16.
- Masks are required indoors on campus, unless noted below. Masks are also required indoors whenever minors are present and at all indoor, off-campus Vanderbilt-hosted events. We will monitor cases and guidance to decide when we may lift this masking protocol.
- Masks are not required for vaccinated individuals in private offices, or in shared workspaces, classrooms or labs where individuals can stay at least six feet apart. Instructors when lecturing do not have to wear a mask if the instructor can maintain at least six feet of physical distancing from all students at all times. Additionally, roommates who are vaccinated are not required to wear masks when together in their residence hall room or suite.
- As of Aug. 2, all visitors are required to wear masks in all indoor spaces on campus.
All Family Weekend visitors—whether vaccinated or unvaccinated—will be required to mask, even while outdoors, during any Vanderbilt-sponsored on-campus or off-campus event.
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