We hope you are all doing well and enjoying summer as we get closer to a sense of normalcy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we prepare for the start of the fall semester, we’d like to make sure that you understand our expectations. Please review the following policies, information, and instructions carefully.

As a reminder, safety protocols are made in compliance with federal and state guidance and are intended to help limit potential outbreaks. We want to emphasize that evidence strongly suggests getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect you and everyone around you. When you get vaccinated, you’re serving our community by doing your part to keep everyone healthy. Learn more and get the facts at cdc.gov. If needed, use Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine location. Remember, COVID-19 vaccinations are free.

If you are fully vaccinated AND documented it through the URI Health Services Patient Portal, thank you! You will:

• Not need to wear a mask
• Not need to physically distance
• Have full access to community services, including fitness centers, dining facilities, the library, and other shared spaces
• Be permitted to participate in all campus activities and events, including athletic contests, concerts and plays.

If you are not vaccinated or have not submitted proof of full vaccination series through the Patient Portal, then you will:

• Need to provide a negative point of origin COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of arrival to campus
• Be required to participate in ongoing bi-weekly surveillance testing for COVID-19
• Need to wear a mask indoors and sometimes outdoors
• Be required to maintain physical distancing indoors and sometimes outdoors
• May be prevented from full participation in some campus activities and events
• Must quarantine for a minimum of 7 days if you are exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19 and obtain a negative COVID test on or after day five
• Must isolate for 10 days if you test positive for COVID-19
• Must have a documented plan to leave campus in the event you need to quarantine, isolate, or if an outbreak occurs within the URI community.  

If you still need to submit your full proof of vaccination:

• Go to uri.medicatconnect.com
• Enter your Patient Portal account with your single sign on credentials (Microsoft Office365 login)
• Select Immunizations
• Enter your COVID-19 vaccination information and hit submit
• Then go to Uploads
• Select Immunization Record(s) from the documents available
• Upload a photo of your vaccination card

If your vaccine requires two doses, you can upload a copy of your vaccination card after each dose. Or you may wait until after your second dose to upload a copy of your full vaccination.

You should provide proof of full vaccination no later than Aug. 16. People are not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or two weeks after a single-dose of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

*If you are arriving to campus early (Athletics, Talent Development, etc.) you need to have your information in 7 days before your planned move-in/participation date or you will not be allowed access your on-campus housing and/or participate in on-campus classes/events.

If you wish to request a vaccination exemption:

• Go to uri.medicatconnect.com
• Enter your Patient Portal account with your SSO credentials (Microsoft Office365 login)
• Print the exemption form you wish to complete, then complete and sign the form
• Select the Upload tab
• From the “Choose Document you are Uploading” menu, select COVID-19 Vaccine Medical OR Religious Exemption Form and upload the form from a saved file or by taking a photo of it.

If you do not provide full proof of vaccination (or request an exemption) before Aug. 16:

• A COVID-19 Vaccine Hold will be placed on your account and you will be unable to access in-person classes, housing, and other on-campus services.
• This hold will be removed 5 to 7 business days after your vaccination is uploaded or exemption form is approved.

If you have questions, please:

• Consult with your health care provider regarding vaccine concerns.
• Contact  Health Services regarding campus protocols or your URI vaccine record.
• If you need a vaccine, URI will be offering 12 vaccination clinics on campus in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health. Please click here to register for a vaccination.