Dear Students,

Please take the time to read this important update about a critical milestone in College of the Redwoods’ response to COVID-19. The information that follows will help us improve safety for on-ground students.

I know that this pandemic has been incredibly difficult for you and your families. I want you to know that you have been on our minds. The faculty, staff, and administration at CR remain steadfast in our determination to provide you with a safe learning environment.

At their August 21^st meeting, the CR Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution authorizing President Flamer to implement a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination program that applies to all CR students by Spring 2022.  Many local, state, and federal agencies have announced similar vaccine mandates, including major education institutions and systems across the nation, such as the University of California and the California State University.

To curtail the spread of the virus and protect the long-term health of staff, faculty, students and local community, students will have to verify that they have been fully vaccinated by October 30, 2021 in order to register for face-to-face or hybrid classes in the Spring 2022 term. We will begin placing holds on the accounts of students who have not provided proof of vaccination beginning November 1, 2021. These holds will prevent registration for in-person or hybrid courses in the Spring 2022 term. Registration in online courses will still be permitted. Students who provide proof of vaccination after November 1^st will have their hold removed after the proof of vaccination has been reviewed and approved.

We strongly encourage you to get vaccinated voluntarily, regardless of whether you plan to take in-person or online classes in Spring 2022. According to public health officials and the CDC, vaccination is the most effective way available to prevent and mitigate transmission and limit COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in light of the increased risk posed by the Delta variant of COVID-19.

Please continue to observe safety protocols—wear facemasks, sanitize frequently, and make choices to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Here is what students need to do in response to this new policy:

I am already vaccinated. What do I need to do?

1. If you have not already done so, download the CR mobile app and upload your proof of vaccination. You can also go the Eureka Campus and provide proof of your vaccination at the Public Safety window located on the first floor of the SS/AD building. Students in Del Norte, who are unable to access the CR mobile app, can provide proof of vaccination by showing their vaccine card to the onsite Health Screeners in the main hallway.  Or, if you have already provided proof of your vaccination, confirm your vaccination record was accepted by viewing your Campus Pass in the CR mobile app.
   • Students who provide proof of vaccination after November 1^st will be allowed to register for in-person classes after the proof of vaccination has been reviewed and approved.

I am not vaccinated, but plan to get vaccinated. What do I need to do?

1. Please visit a local vaccination clinic or pharmacy that is administering vaccines as soon as possible. You want to be sure you give yourself enough time to receive both shots (if receiving a two dose vaccine) prior to November 1^st.
2. Download the CR mobile app and upload your proof of vaccination. You can also go the Eureka campus and provide proof of your vaccination at the Public Safety window located on the first floor of the SS/AD building. Students in Del Norte and Klamath-Trinity, who are unable to access the CR mobile app, can provide proof of vaccination by showing their vaccine card to the onsite Health Screeners in the main hallway.
   • Students who provide proof of vaccination after November 1^st will be allowed to register for in-person classes after the proof of vaccination has been reviewed and approved.

I believe I should be exempted from the mandatory vaccination policy. What do I need to do?

1. Exceptions to this mandated vaccination policy may be granted due to personal, strongly held religious beliefs, or medical direction given by a doctor or physician.
2. To request an exemption, please complete the request for exemption form found here: Covid-19 Resources for Fall 2021 (redwoods.edu)
   1. For those seeking an exemption based on a personal, strongly held religious belief, it is recommended that you include a letter from a religious leader that documents how receiving the vaccine would conflict with such belief.
   2. For those seeking an exemption based on medical direction, you are required to provide documentation that clearly indicates that your doctor or physician has directed you to not get vaccinated.
3. Submit the completed form and any accompanying documentation to cr-covid-19@redwoods.edu
4. If additional information is needed, the college will contact you via phone to further discuss your request.
5. A decision on your exemption request will be sent to your CR student email address.
   1. Unvaccinated students with approved exemptions or accommodations will be required to wear a mask and undergo COVID-19 testing at least weekly before they may access any College of the Redwoods campus, site, or facility.
   2. Students who provide proof of vaccination after November 1^st will be allowed to register for in-person classes after the proof of vaccination has been reviewed and approved.
6. Students who are too young to receive the vaccination, and those who are currently COVID positive, should contact cr-covid-19@redwoods.edu for additional information.

I will not be applying for an exemption, and I may not be getting the vaccination. What do I need to do?

1. You will not be able to register in any in-person and hybrid classes. You will also be excluded from accessing services and supports in-person. Furthermore, you will not be able to physically access any District building, classroom, library, gymnasium, facility, or other indoor setting.
2. Please ensure that you have appropriate access to a computer or laptop and a stable internet connection to support your online learning and support services needs.
3. Students in this group are also highly encouraged to participate in campus forums on vaccine safety and efficacy and to have a discussion with their doctor or physician.
   1. A vaccine forum will be held via Zoom on September 28^th at 11am, Vaccine Forum link

I am a high school student who is attending CR courses. What do I need to do?

1. Any high school students, including Academy of the Redwoods students, who are attending CR classes in-person must be vaccinated or have an approved exemption. 
2. High school students enrolled in CR courses on their local high school campus should follow local high school rules about vaccinations.

Humboldt County will host a mobile vaccination clinic on the Eureka Campus on the following days:

• Thursday, October 7^th
• Thursday, November 4^th
• Thursday, December 2^nd

Additional information about CR’s COVID-19 response can be found at: Student_covidquickfacts_081921.7.pdf (redwoods.edu). Questions about this policy can be directed to cr-covid-19@redwoods.edu.