Message from Chancellor – COVID Policy for Employees

Message from Vermont State Colleges Chancellor, Sophie Zdatny

All:

It is a new year but, unfortunately, we have not yet left the challenges of managing COVID-19 behind.  We know that many of you have questions as to the Vermont State College’s plans with respect to a vaccine mandate for employees.  Developing a policy has been extremely challenging as we navigate the ever-evolving medical guidance and monitor the legal travails of the federal vaccine mandates.

It is our intent to adopt a “vaccine or test” policy.  This will require all employees (including part-time and student employees) to provide proof of vaccination (including booster shots when eligible) by the end of January.  Employees who are not fully vaccinated will be required to provide proof of a weekly negative COVID test.  All employees, whether fully vaccinated or not, will be expected to follow the current face mask rules in effect at each VSC institution.

The “vaccine or test” policy would NOT apply to those employees who work exclusively remotely and whose job duties do not require them to come physically to any VSC campus, academic center, or work site where other employees and students are present.

Employees who are currently working remotely, rather than in the office, due to the pandemic but could be asked to return to their offices as our needs evolve would be covered by this policy.

The VSC does not intend to provide weekly testing to those employees who are not fully vaccinated and boosted. Free testing can be scheduled ahead of time through the State’s website at https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing/where-get-tested.

The VSC is exploring its capacity to provide testing to employees (whether vaccinated or not) who are required to isolate following a positive COVID test or to quarantine following a close contact with someone who has tested positive to enable them to test out, in accordance with current state and federal guidance.

Employees will be required to upload their proof of vaccination status and the weekly testing results for those who are not fully vaccinated using the UKG portal starting at the end of January.

More information, including the official start date, will be shared as it becomes available, including instructions on what documentation must be uploaded and how to upload it.

We want everyone to be safe and healthy.  Vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself, your family, and community from the serious effects of the virus.  Therefore, we strongly encourage all employees to get fully vaccinated and to receive the booster shot when eligible.

With best wishes for a happy and healthy 2022,

– Sophie