BGSU to require COVID-19 vaccine for students, faculty and staff

BOWLING GREEN – Bowling Green State University announced Thursday that they will join several other Ohio universities in requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for both students, faculty and staff.

BGSU students, faculty and staff must submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination by November 29. Students who do not submit proof of vaccination may not be allowed to enroll in face-to-face classes in the spring or live in an on-campus residence hall next semester. Faculty and staff who do not submit proof of vaccination may be subject to discipline.

“At the onset of this global pandemic, communities across the globe moved quickly to react to COVID-19. We did not know much about this virus then, about its impact, how it was spreading so rapidly or the effect it would have on our healthcare infrastructure, but here at Bowling Green State University, we made a commitment to following the preponderance of science to protect the public health and to continue to provide a high-quality education for our students. We have tried to remain flexible and adaptable,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers, Ph.D. said in a video.

BGSU students, faculty and staff will be able to submit an exemption from getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Exemptions must be submitted by November 1. The university says that “exemptions must either be medical, religious or reasons of personal conscience, and will be reviewed and approved by our Division of Health and Wellness.”

The college announced earlier this week that all athletes and coaches would be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine.