U.R.I. students return to classes for spring semester

KINGSTON, R.I. (WLNE)- Students at the University of Rhode Island returned to the classroom on Monday for the first day of the spring semester.

All students and faculty were required to get their booster shot before returning to campus.

“I want to get an education and I want to play college football, and to make things the easiest possible for me to be able to go get boosted and, you know, do my part as a member of the URI community,” Montaner Fresilli, a junior on U.R.I.’s football team.

David Lavallee, a spokesperson for U.R.I., said that it’s unclear how many people are boosted as of Monday.

However, 10% of people on campus still haven’t been listed as fully vaccinated, according to Lavallee.

Community members have to be tested once per week, and have to leave campus if they test positive.

“If you want to be part of this community, you need to follow the guidance and the mandates that we have in place, so that everybody stays safe, and we can offer a full semester of in-person activities, like we are right now,” said Lavallee.

School officials said that the booster requirement started on Monday, but everyone is being given a month-long grace period before the school takes possible disciplinary action.

The grace period is to allow all community members to send in their proof of vaccination status.