General FAQ
Who needs to see my vaccine card?
Who needs to see my vaccine card?A copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card should be submitted electronically as follows:
Employees:
Please submit proof of vaccination to Human Resources completedvaccs@uvi.edu.
Students St. Croix Campus:
Please submit proof of vaccination to studentvaccardaas@uvi.edu
Students St. Thomas Campus:
Please submit proof of vaccination to studentvaccardoek@uvi.edu
Do I need to wear my mask if I'm vaccinated?
Yes, until further notice, all students and employees are required to wear masks when entering the University's facilities.
Suppose I am vaccinated and come in contact with a COVID positive person, do I need to quarantine?
The University will continue to follow the requirements of Virgin Islands Department and/or the Centers for Disease Control with respect to assisting positive individuals and quarantining.
Who do I need to inform if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
Following the COVID-19 protocol, anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should contact the Campus Nurse on the respective campus for guidance and further instructions.
What the campus protocols for visitors?
Visitors, vaccinated and unvaccinated, to the campus will have to adhere to the University's COVID-19 protocol of wearing masks and social distancing upon entering and while in the University's facilities.
Where can I find a list of vaccination exemptions?
A document titled Guide to Exemption Requests has been posted on the University's website and contains the list of vaccination exemptions as well as the forms for exemption requests.
What are the requirements for exemption based on medical conditions?
To request an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination for medical reasons, please complete and sign Section 1 of the Medical Exemption Request form, have Section 2 completed by your medical provider and submit the completed form to the HR Department if you're an employee or to the Campus Nurse of your respective campus if you're a student. Please find appropriate contact details in Question 2 above.
What are the requirements for exemption based on religious beliefs?
To request an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination for religious reasons, please complete and sign Part 1 of the Religious Exemption Request form and submit it to the HR Department if you're an employee or to the Dean of Students of your respective campus if you're a student. Please find appropriate contact details in Question 2 above.
What is the process for seeking an exemption?
The process for seeking exemptions can be found in the document titled "Guide to Exemption Requests" on the University's website.
What are the medical/religious exemptions?
Information regarding vaccination exemptions can be found in the document titled Guide to Exemption Requests on the University's website.
Why did UVI wait so long to make this decision and inform us at the last minute?
As you may be aware, the Board of Trustees met on Saturday, June 19th, and one of the major decisions it had to make related to our COVID-19 requirements. After much discussion and debate, and in consultation with the Virgin Islands Department of Health, the Board of Trustees voted on Saturday to institute mandatory vaccinations for all students and employees. This decision was made based on what the Board felt was in the best interest of the entire UVI Community. Immediately thereafter the University's Administration conducted its due diligence before disseminating the notice to the University community on June 25th.
Will UVI close buildings or campus if someone tests positive for the COVID-19 virus?
The University will follow its established protocol of temporarily closing and sanitizing areas where known COVID-19 positive persons may have touched or been in contact with.
Do I need to get the vaccine to visit campus?
Vaccinations are required for all students and employees of the University attending classes and working on the campuses, respectively. Visitors, vaccinated and unvaccinated, to the campus will have to adhere to the University's COVID-19 protocol of wearing masks and social distancing upon entering and while in the University's facilities.
What if I get sick from the vaccine, who will pay for my medical bills?
If a student or employee gets sick from the vaccine, they should consult with the vaccination provider for further assistance.
Who do I call to let them know of my exemption to the vaccine?
If a student or employee has determined that they should be exempted from taking the vaccination, they are required to complete the appropriate exemption request form and follow the instructions found in the "Guide to Exemption Requests" document which can be found on the University's website as follows:
Exemption Guide:
https://www.uvi.edu/coronavirus/uvi_guide_exemption_requests_updated_july_7_2021.pdf
Exemption Forms:
What responsibility do I have for the health and well-being of my fellow students, staff, and faculty?
The purpose of the mandatory vaccination requirements is to ensure, through the efficacy of the vaccination, that we are providing a safe environment for learning and working for students and employees, respectively. Though there are numerous ways for individuals to protect themselves from the virus, the best scientific evidence demonstrates that the various vaccines are the best protection for individuals and communities.
Student FAQ
If I move to the online degree programs, will it impact my financial aid?
Students who desire to officially transfer to UVI Online may apply to do so in one of the existing UVI Online degree programs. Financial aid programs available for UVI Online degree programs include Federal Pell Grants, and Federal Student Loan programs.
- Associate of Arts, Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts, Accounting
- Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts, Management
- Master of Arts, Leadership
- Master of Business Administration
Students may be able to remain enrolled in their existing St. Thomas or St. Croix campus degree programs but register to take courses in the UVI Online modality. The University and its Academic Leadership are currently reviewing what courses will be available to students Online. Additionally, the current Fall 2021 course schedule on www.uvi.edu should be reviewed as many classes and course sections are already listed as being delivered Online, Virtual, Zoom or Hybrid.
What online courses are available?
The University and its Academic Leadership are currently reviewing what courses will be available to students in UVI Online. As this information is confirmed it will be made available on the University website at the links provided below. Updated information will also be shared via UVI Messaging.
Will classes still have 6 ft. social distancing?
The University will continue to follow the mask-wearing and social distancing requirements of Virgin Islands Department and/or the Centers for Disease Control.
Do professors have to make sure that I am able to take classes even if I don't take the vaccine?
UVI will be offering some courses in a Virtual / Zoom / Hybrid / Online format, but resources do not exist to offer all courses both in person and online. In concert with faculty members, Academic Leadership and the University, as courses are updated on the Fall 2021 course schedule to reflect a virtual instruction modality, the information will be made available on the University website.
What classes can I take without coming to campus?
The current Fall 2021 course schedule on www.uvi.edu should be reviewed as many classes and course sections are already listed as being delivered Online, Virtual, Zoom or Hybrid.
How will the University place students in the Residence Halls?
With the University's plan to return primarily to in-person instruction in Fall 2021, and with mandatory vaccination requirements in place, UVI Student Housing will provide double occupancy and limited single rooms. A few rooms will be offline and set aside for isolation and quarantine in the event of a positive COVID-19 case.
Employee FAQ
Can I continue to work from home without the vaccine?
If an employee has determined that they should be exempted from taking the vaccination, they are required to complete the appropriate exemption request form and follow the instructions found in the "Guide to Exemption Requests" document which can be found as follows:
Exemption Guide:
https://www.uvi.edu/coronavirus/uvi_guide_exemption_requests_updated_july_7_2021.pdf
Exemption Forms:
https://www.uvi.edu/coronavirus/uvi_exemption_forms_medical_disability_exemption_religious_exemption_requests.pdf
Employees desirous of requesting accommodations should so indicate on the appropriate
form and the request would be reviewed by the Human Resources Department in consultation
with the employee's supervisor as appropriate.
Can I take a leave of absence until I think the vaccine is safe?
Leaves of absence will be granted in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section IX: Leaves of Absence of the University's HR Policy Manual.
What are the employee consequences for non-compliance?
Employees not in compliance with the mandate of the Mandatory Vaccination Requirements would be found in violation of the University's HR Employee Policy Manual and subject to the provisions of Section V. of the policy unless accommodations are granted and approved through the Exemption Request process.
What does "adversely affected" on my employment mean?
Employees not in compliance with the mandate of the Mandatory Vaccination Requirements would be found in violation of the University's HR Policy Manual and subject to the provisions of Section V. of the policy unless accommodations are granted and approved through the Exemption Request process.
What if I have a job where I cannot telecommute, and I do not want the vaccine, will I lose my job?
Employees not in compliance with the Mandatory Vaccination Requirements and who are not granted accommodations by the University's Administration, will pose a threat to the health and safety of their fellow employees and will be subject to the provisions of Section V. of the HR Policy Manual.