An Oct. 1 email from the President’s Office, sent to all Wofford students, bore, amongst the congratulations of the college’s high vaccination rate against COVID-19 and reassurances of the vaccine’s efficacy, the announcement that in a month’s time all students were to have either submitted proof of receiving the vaccine or a “legitimate religious or medical waiver.”
Nov. 1 has come and gone, so what does this mean for Wofford students – the vaccinated, exempted and anyone in between?
Shortly before the deadline at the turn of the month, Student Body President Dylan Goshorn stated that the college was actively communicating with all students whose statuses were not already resolved, but added that the college was not dropping the proverbial hammer on those who were partially vaccinated and working towards completing the process, or were otherwise keeping the college updated on their status.
As of Nov. 8, Lisa Lefebvre, director of employee wellness and medical services, confirmed that the Wellness Center had approved 109 waivers. Lefebvre stated on Nov. 2 that three students were academically withdrawn from their interim courses as penalty for failure to communicate with college administration, although as of Nov. 8 only two students had not complied with the mandate in some way.
Vice President and Dean of Students Roberta Hurley stated on Nov. 2 that nearly 94% of the Wofford community was fully vaccinated, a statement backed by data published by the college on the “coronavirus” section of their website. As of Nov. 8, 93% of the student population and 98.5% of employees were listed as fully vaccinated, totaling 94.2% of the Wofford “community.”
Hurley and Lefebvre further stated that fourteen, later updated to ten, students were in the process of getting vaccinated, and that Human Resources was dealing with employees who had not uploaded proof of vaccination or filed and received approval for medical or religious exemptions, and that such employees were no longer on campus.
“They may exhaust all leave while they take the necessary steps to comply with college policy,” Hurley said.
“The Wellness Center communicated with all the students who did not submit proof of vaccination or approved waivers prior to the Nov. 1 deadline,” Hurley said, echoing Goshorn’s statements from a few days prior.
“Students who missed the Nov. 1 deadline have been withdrawn from their interim courses and have holds on their accounts. While this hold is in place, students will not be able to register for spring semester classes. They will, however, be able to complete the fall semester.
Weekly emails with a reminder to get tested are sent to people who are not vaccinated. Testing is also available for anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms,” said Hurley.
Hurley and President Nayef Samhat both stated that the the college will continue to consult public health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while developing the campus’ COVID-19 protocols, but declined to comment further on the status of the school’s planned mask policy going into the interim and spring semesters.
