1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish requirements for students with respect to vaccination and/or testing against COVID-19.
Mount Allison University is committed to protecting the health and safety of all employees and students. Vaccination against COVID-19 protects everyone.
2. POLICY STATEMENT
Subject to the exceptions in this policy, all students accessing campus are required to obtain a complete series of COVID-19 vaccine and provide confirmation of vaccination as of October 1 or undergo regular COVID-19 testing.
If a student is unable to obtain a complete series of COVID-19 vaccination, to the extent feasible, best efforts will be made to facilitate schedule changes or other accommodations if the student is scheduled to receive their COVID-19 vaccine during their scheduled classes.
For students undergoing regular testing: If you obtain a positive COVID-19 test result from a rapid test or a pooled saliva test, you will be required to obtain a PCR COVID-19 test at a COVID-19 Assessment Center operated by the regional health authorities in New Brunswick to confirm the result. Students who test positive on the PCR COVID-19 test will be required to follow all Public Health measures which may include self-isolation.
To ensure that everyone’s health and safety is protected, and subject to the exceptions in this policy, students who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to discipline, non-disciplinary suspension, or other measures set out under the Student Code of Conduct.
The University will, to the extent within its control, ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained, and updated in a timely fashion.\
3. PRIVACY
In administering this policy, the University will only collect information that is reasonably necessary to obtain proof of vaccination or COVID-19 test results and will collect such information only with the consent of the student.
The University will limit disclosure of students’ vaccination status and/or COVID-19 test results and any surrounding medical information only to those who require this information for operational purposes and/or only in accordance with applicable laws.
The University will implement appropriate protocols to guard the sensitivity of this information and will only retain such information for as long as necessary.
4. EXEMPTIONS
In keeping with government guidelines, an exemption and resulting accommodation may be provided to individuals who submit satisfactory medical documentation indicating that they cannot obtain a COVID-19 vaccine and cannot be tested for COVID-19.
An exemption and resulting accommodation may also be provided where an individual demonstrates a sincerely held religious belief or practice causing them to object to the COVID-19 vaccine and COVID-19 testing, or objects to vaccination and/or COVID-19 testing based on another ground protected by applicable human rights legislation.
Any request for an exemption made by an individual shall be submitted in writing and shall include all supporting documentation. Requests for accommodations should be made to Matt Maston, Acting Director, Accessibility and Student Wellness mmaston@mta.ca
Exemptions to this vaccination and testing policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Where an individual’s circumstances satisfy the criteria for an exemption, it will be determined if a reasonable accommodation may be provided without causing undue hardship.
Where an exemption is granted, alternative arrangements may be required to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of COVID-19.
5. OTHER
This policy will remain in force as long as it is necessary to maintain requirements related to vaccinations and testing of students related to COVID-19.
Question about the policy should be directed to the Acting Director of Accessibility and Student Wellness at mmaston@mta.ca