Community College of Rhode Island to require COVID vaccine for fall

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) announced Wednesday that all on-campus students will be required to have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the start of the fall semester.

The requirement applies to all full- and part-time students who plan to attend in-person.

In a letter to students and families, CCRI Vice President of Student Affairs, Sara Enright, said the college will accept medical and religious exemptions. Those students will be able to participate in in-person classes and activities, but will need to “follow strict adherence to health and safety guidelines such as participation in bi-weekly mandatory surveillance testing, masking, and physical distancing. Most importantly, those who receive exemptions will be required to quarantine or isolate should they become exposed to or test positive for COVID-19.”

Students must file for an exemption.

“Failure to be vaccinated or have an approved exemption will result in your inability to participate in face-to-face classes, in-person activities, and campus events,” Enright wrote.

Students must provide proof of vaccination before September 1.