A prestigious university has become the first in the United Kingdom to prohibit students from living on campus if they have not been immunized against Covid-19.
Hartpury University and College have warned that it will be a “mandatory requirement” for students living in halls of residence to prove they have had at least one vaccination dose against Covid-19. Unvaccinated students will also be barred from participating in sports and social activities beginning in September.
“The vaccine protects you, protects others, and will allow us all to lead a ‘new normal life, including the best possible Hartpury experience.
“To benefit from the most effective Covid-19 protection, it is a mandatory requirement that all eligible students in onsite residential accommodation participate in the Covid-19 vaccination program and receive both doses of the vaccine when they become available.
“This also applies to students who wish to join/continue with Hartpury’s sports activities outside of timetabled academic sessions, and those who wish to use Hartpury’s livery.”
The vaccination policy has resulted in some complaints from parents and students.
Vaccinations are already required at some American universities. Quinnipiac University in Connecticut warned students that they would be denied Wi-Fi access if they did not provide proof of vaccination. They also said students will be fined weekly for failing to provide their vaccine documentation, for a maximum of $2,275 (£1,670) for the semester, according to CNN.
“The Government currently has no plans to require the use of the NHS COVID Pass for access to learning in higher education, but universities are autonomous and able to determine their arrangements to keep students and staff as safe as possible,” a Department of Education spokesperson said. We urge all students to take advantage of the offer of both vaccine doses.”
A Hartpury University and Hartpury College spokesperson said: “To benefit from the most effective protection against Covid-19, we require eligible students who wish to live in our campus residential accommodation to have the Covid-19 vaccinations when these are made available to their age category.
Students who are not intending to engage with the vaccination program will still be able to attend all of their in-person teachings on campus, but will not be able to reside in Hartpury onsite accommodation (unless they are exempt due to medical reasons).
“We have taken this decision to protect our student, staff, and wider communities, and offer all of our university and college students the best possible experience in this forthcoming academic year. The Students’ Union is in full support of our vaccination requirements for students who wish to live on campus. Feedback on our stance from parents and students, and a record number of applicants, has been overwhelmingly positive.”
