The University of Illinois’s President sent out a systemwide email Monday announcing students at all three campuses will be mandated to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they wish to return to in-person learning for the fall semester.

University of Illinois System President Timothy Killeen explained in the email to all students, faculty and staff that those who aren’t vaccinated will need to follow established exemption protocols.

“Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, students have helped make the University of Illinois System a model for the nation – a model of community, a model of safety and a model of pulling together for the common good,” wrote Killeen. “We look forward to their help in setting the standard again this fall, a semester that will restore most in-person instruction and many of the other traditional rhythms of campus life that COVID interrupted last year” he continued.

NBC Chicago reports “individuals who plan to work or study remotely will be exempt from the vaccination mandate. The University of Illinois will continue to monitor its policies closely and make adjustments based on advances in scientific understanding and guidance from health authorities, the president explained in the email.”

The three campuses include Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. “Th move falls in line with recommendations by the American College Health Association and follows vaccine mandates introduced at other Illinois higher education institutions including DePaul University, Northwestern University and the University of Chicago” reports NBC Chicago.

Click here to read article on the Indiana University lawsuit over vaccination requirements. 

Check here to see if your College or University is requiring vaccines.