PSU will require COVID-19 vaccinations for on-campus students, employees

Portland State University officials said Wednesday the school would require on-campus students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 starting in September.

Students will have to verify their vaccination status before starting on-campus classes in the fall term. In a letter to students, faculty and staff, President Stephen Percy said the school’s dense urban campus gives it a “unique responsibility” to guard against the virus’ spread.

“All of us are eager to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us and come together again in person as a campus community,” Percy wrote. “Widespread vaccination is our clearest and best path toward that future.”

Students can claim a “personal, medical or religious exemption” to the vaccine requirement. Details of the requirements for faculty and staff had not been finalized

The school will host a vaccine clinic on campus for students and employees who have not yet received the vaccine.

Portland State’s announcement follows a similar one from Oregon State University, which a day earlier said it would require vaccines for on-campus students, faculty and staff who don’t claim an exemption. Officials at the University of Oregon had not yet announced a decision.

Three major private colleges in Oregon — Lewis & Clark College, University of Portland and Willamette University — announced last month they would require vaccinations for students. They, too, will allow for medical and religious exemptions.