In preparation for the start of the Fall 2022 semester on Aug. 15, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) announced the opening of its campuses to unvaccinated students and the return of on-campus activities and instruction for the 2022-2023 Academic Year. The revised vaccination policy for students allows unvaccinated students to benefit from in-person classes and campus-based activities while observing new testing protocols to safeguard the University community. Those living on campus, Bachelor of Nursing students and Student-Athletes are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Students are asked to review new vaccination regulations approved this summer by the UVI Board of Trustees.
“In June, the UVI Board of Trustees voted to change the vaccination requirement in favor of mandatory monthly COVID testing for unvaccinated students,” stated UVI President David Hall. “Although we believe vaccination is still the best way of preventing the spread of COVID-19, the new testing protocols are another option now available to our students. I look forward to personally welcoming new and returning students on our campuses very soon.”
To ensure a healthy start of the Fall semester, all registered students, vaccinated or non-vaccinated, will be required to take a COVID-19 test between 48 and 24 hours prior to their arrival on campus. As arrival dates vary among resident and commuter students, all students are urged to refer to the testing schedule posted at https://www.uvi.edu/coronavirus/default.aspx. Testing will be available on both the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas. Home test results will not be accepted, however, students who are tested at off-campus facilities can upload results to the UVI Health & Wellness portal http://uvi.medicatconnect.com. In addition, vaccinated students are required to upload their vaccination cards to the portal. Unvaccinated students must follow the monthly testing schedule posted on the UVI website.
To maintain a safe campus environment, UVI will require everyone to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, gather in small groups and stay home if feeling sick.
“Our students have shown their resilience time and again as we navigate the ups and downs of this pandemic. We look forward to their continued support and are excited about the many opportunities the new academic year will bring, especially as we come together once again in person,” said Dr. Hall.
For more information, visit www.uvi.edu or contact pr@uvi.edu.
