The University of Michigan will require COVID-19 vaccinations for students who live on its Ann Arbor campus this fall.
President Mark Schlissel said Friday that shots won't be mandated for faculty, staff and others students "at this time," but he strongly encouraged everyone to be vaccinated.
Officials say the requirement will allow residence halls to operate safely at near-normal capacity. Approximately 12,100 undergraduate and graduate students live on-campus in Ann Arbor.
"This is not a mandate to be vaccinated, but rather a choice to live in communal living and therefore make the choice to get vaccinated," said U of M vice president for student life Martino Harmon.
The university is operating a number of ongoing vaccination clinics where all can get free vaccinations on or near its Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses.
In the weeks ahead, the university will start to excuse vaccinated students from mandatory coronavirus testing. Those who are vaccinated will not have to self-quarantine after an exposure to a close contact as long as they don't have symptoms.
According to a press release from the university, "Students must provide proof of their vaccination or an approved exemption by July 15 to be permitted to move into their assigned room. Michigan Housing will share additional details directly with students in the coming weeks."
U of M-Dearborn will also implement mandatory vaccination or weekly testing for any students, faculty, and staff who are on-campus for any reason.
U of M is the second university in the state to require COVID-19 vaccination for students. Oakland University will also require on-campus students be vaccinated this fall.
