KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Students who are unvaccinated and miss required COVID-19 testing may face fines at Western Michigan University (WMU), according to an announcement Tuesday.
University officials say current vaccination rates stand at the following figures:
- Employees – 88.5%
- Students – 78.6%
- Overall – 80.2%
This is an increase from before the fall term, which was listed as 66.4 percent of employees and 40 percent of students.
Before Tuesday’s announcement, students who were unvaccinated or hadn’t verified their statuses were subject to weekly testing for the virus.
However, not all students were adhering to the testing rule.
“Most students in this protocol have faithfully followed the rules, but there are some who regularly missed tests despite extensive reminders and personal outreach,” officials said. “As a result, we’re establishing a new approach to our compliance strategy.”
This coming spring semester, the following changes will be implemented, according to the announcement:
- Students who miss required testing will no longer go through the Office of Student Conduct process. They will instead be subject to fines beginning with the start of spring semester.
- COVID-19 protocols, including required indoor masking, will remain in place until further notice.
- The required testing operation will move from Fetzer Center to North Kohrman Hall and be operational in its new site beginning Jan. 4.
- Get the shot. It’s not too late to be vaccinated and, when eligible, boosted.
- Upload your proof of vaccination to the Sindecuse patient portal to avoid testing.
This policy becomes active the week of January 10.
“For each test missed up to five, students will be assessed a $50 fine for each missed test,” officials said. “At the sixth missed test and for every missed test thereafter, the fine increases to $100 per occurrence. There is no ceiling to the number of fines that can be assessed. Be aware that if you owe more than $300 on your student account, you will be unable to register for classes.”
In addition, the Office of Student Conduct will no longer be involved with testing noncompliance, but will continue to adjudicate other COVID-19 policy violations under the WMU Student Code, officials wrote.
Meanwhile, officials advise students and staff to continue practicing all mitigation measures, including face coverings, frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, getting a vaccine and cleaning personal spaces.
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