Proof of vaccination or approved exemption required by Aug. 16

In the interest of the health and safety of the URI community and public health more broadly, the University of Rhode Island will require proof of COVID‑19 vaccination prior to the beginning of the 2021–22 academic year for all students. Exemptions will be allowed for medical or religious reasons. The COVID‑19 vaccines are widely available, safe, greatly limit the transmission of the virus, and have been shown to nearly eliminate the chances of death or serious illness related to a COVID‑19 infection. The vaccines are a critical element in protecting public health locally and worldwide.

Vaccine requirements for students

• In order to participate in any on‑site or in‑person courses and activities, students at all URI campuses will be expected to be vaccinated by the start of the fall 2021 semester. Some programs may designate an earlier date for proof of vaccination or an exemption based on when fall semester in‑person activities begin.
• All URI students will need to provide proof of vaccination, or have an approved exemption, by Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. For students who have been granted exemptions, the University retains discretion to modify housing assignments as it deems necessary to protect public health and safety.

Information about how students can submit proof of vaccination is available from Health Services, including what documentation will be accepted as proof of vaccination. The process and form to request a religious or medical exemption will be provided in June 2021.

Vaccinations for employees

URI strongly encourages all employees to get vaccinated.

Acceptable vaccines

URI will accept proof of any vaccine that was authorized for use in the United States at the time of administration. For vaccinations requiring two doses, students must have received both doses of the vaccine to meet the requirement. Proof of vaccination will also be required for anyone with a prior diagnosis of COVID‑19.

URI will work with any international students who have not been vaccinated or may have received a vaccine that is not approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization to ensure they have access to vaccines at URI or a local vaccination center.

The University reserves the right to modify this policy at any time in accordance with changing public health guidance or directives, best practices, and/or University needs.

Additional information about the requirement process will be made available this summer, including how to provide your documentation to the University.