Vaccination Rate Progress & Lowest Positivity Testing Rate of Semester
Posted October 1, 2021
October 1, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
While we are forging ahead with great academic successes and student involvement, doing so amid today’s COVID-influenced climate is certainly not without its challenges or sacrifice. You are all persevering through unique and difficult circumstances both personally and professionally. We see you. We know none of this is easy. We thank you for your dedication to your work, studies, and importantly, the health and safety of yourselves and our campus community.
Remember the importance of self-care. Services are available for individuals who seek extra support via SIUE Counseling Services.
Vaccinations, Testing, Boosters
To date, the vaccination rate of our entire campus community, including faculty, staff and students on the Alton, East St. Louis and Edwardsville campuses, is 78%. And, this week's testing results marked our lowest positivity rate of the semester at 0.21%. That percentage of fully vaccinated individuals combined with our mandatory weekly testing protocol has allowed the University to maintain its operations and provide a safe and healthy environment in which we can all teach, learn and prosper. Our vaccination percentage, along with SIUE testing data, is updated weekly on the COVID Dashboard at siue.edu/coronavirus.
Ample opportunities exist for individuals to become vaccinated. We strongly encourage you take advantage of one of those opportunities, if you have not done so already. During our on-campus vaccination clinic held Thursday, Sept. 30, 60 individuals received either their first or second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Individuals may find a nearby appointment at vaccines.gov. Recommendations for booster shots can be found here: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/third-dose-faq.
Non-Compliance
While the vast majority of our campus community members are in compliance with our COVID-19 policies, a small percentage of individuals are non-compliant. Human Resources and the Dean of Students continue to follow our non-compliance protocols for those individuals. Failure to comply with the weekly testing requirement results in disciplinary action. The health and safety of our campus community remain top priority.
We are in this together. Thank you for all you do.
Stay strong and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Randy Pembrook, Chancellor
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Jessica Harris, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
