Changes to vaccination requirements and dates

Earlier today, it was announced on  and in an  that the deadline to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a request for exemption has been changed.

Students must provide proof that they have initiated or completed the vaccination process or must request an exemption by Sept. 10. Employees must also submit a vaccine declaration or request an exemption by Aug. 23. The change is in response to the ever-changing circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the spread of the Delta variant rising and with particularly high rates of spread in Benton and Franklin counties, taking steps now to mitigate the spread is prudent.

Processes for campus community members

Students must either submit proof of initiation or completion of a COVID-19 vaccination or request an exemption through the .

Employees are required to declare their vaccination status or request an exemption via . More information is available on .

Students, faculty and staff who work in healthcare or clinical settings in Washington state are subject to . These individuals are not permitted to request a personal/philosophical exemption.

Face coverings

Individuals who do not provide proof of vaccination must wear a face mask when inside a WSU facility. Fully vaccinated Cougs are also encouraged to wear a face mask while indoors when the status of those around them is unknown.

After FDA approval of COVID-19 vaccine, personal exemptions no longer an option

As also indicated in WSU Insider, after any of the three currently approved vaccines receive full FDA approval, personal exemptions will no longer be an option. Exemptions for religious and medical reasons, however, will be allowed. Students will have 45 days following the approval date to provide proof of vaccination (or initiation of the vaccination) or file for a medical or religious exemption. Upon FDA approval, the updated process for filing a new medical or religious exemption will be provided.

COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective

COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective at preventing severe disease, and breakthrough infections for COVID-19 vaccinated individuals remain uncommon. Local data indicates that more than 90% of new COVID-19 infections are among unvaccinated people. We encourage you to talk to your health care provider about your best options.

On-campus COVID-19 vaccine clinics beginning Aug. 18

Every Wednesday through end of September
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mobile medical unit in the Floyd Building parking lot
Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber will offer $50 gift cards to first 50 people who get vaccinated

As we have all learned amid this pandemic, things are fluid. We continue to thank you for your patience and understanding. We have an incredible ���سԹ� Coug community.

Fall 2021 to include additional in-person learning

By Maegan Murray, ���سԹ�

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities has extended its admissions and scholarship application priority deadlines for fall 2021 after announcing it will offer additional in-person learning experiences this fall.

“After announcing our plans to offer increased face-to-face options this fall at ���سԹ�, we recognize this news could change how students think about their college plans,” said Jana Kay Lunstad, ���سԹ� director of enrollment and campus registrar. “We want to give families additional time to weigh their options in order to ensure the best fit for their student. ���سԹ� has affordable degree programs that lead to fulfilling careers and financial stability.”

The new ���سԹ� admissions and scholarship application deadlines are as follow:

• Freshman complete admissions application – March 15
• Scholarship application – March 15
• Transfer admissions application – July 15

The deadline for the (FAFSA) and the (WASFA) has also been extended to Feb. 15.

In order to be eligible for academic awards and scholarships, prospective students must submit both their admissions and scholarship applications by the deadlines.

The original deadline for both admissions and scholarship applications was Jan. 31.

Qualify for academic awards – funds applied toward tuition

Students who apply to ���سԹ� by the admissions priority deadline may qualify for academic, or “merit-based,” awards, which are essentially free funds that are applied toward  tuition costs. These awards are allocated to students based on GPA and other admissions criteria. To see the full list of criteria, visit .

Safety first for return to in-person learning

���سԹ� Chancellor Sandra Haynes said safety will be of highest importance in regard to a return to in-person learning for fall 2021.

“Safety is our top priority,” Haynes said. “Expanded production and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, combined with proper safety measures that adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations, make our forward progress in offering additional in-person learning experiences possible. We will also continue to provide accommodations for faculty, staff, and students who need to work or learn remotely.”

Apply to ���سԹ�

To apply to ���سԹ�, visit .

To complete the ���سԹ� scholarship application, visit tricities.wsu.edu/finaid/scholarships.

Admissions counselors are taking virtual appointments with students and parents. To schedule an appointment, visit .

���سԹ� offers 20 undergraduate and 33 graduate degrees in a range of fields. For more information about the degree programs offered, visit tricities.wsu.edu/degree-offerings.

 

Media contacts:

Jana Kay Lunstad, ���سԹ� director of enrollment and campus registrar, janakay.lunstad@wsu.edu

Maegan Murray, ���سԹ� director of marketing and communication, 619-403-3617, maegan_murray@wsu.edu