June 11, 2021

Susquehanna University joined colleges and universities across the country in the College Vaccination Challenge, an initiative from the White House, U.S. Department of Education and the American College Health Association.

The challenge invites institutions to support the Covid-19 vaccination effort by providing vaccine information and access to their campus communities. The initiative is part of a nationwide effort to have 70% of adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4. Employees at Susquehanna have already surpassed that goal with more than 70% reporting that they were fully vaccinated as of the start of June.

Through efforts this past spring, Susquehanna had already made significant strides in the three pledge commitments. The university communicated vaccination messages, provided information and transportation to get students vaccinated and helped make individual appointments for students and employees who requested assistance. In April and May, the university partnered with Selinsgrove to establish and staff an official Pennsylvania vaccination center for the campus community and members of the borough.

“We strongly encourage everyone who can get vaccinated to get their shot,” said David Richard, Susquehanna Covid-19 coordinator and professor of biology. “Vaccines are the key to our ongoing collective recovery from the pandemic and offer long-term protection for everyone’s safety.”  

The university is expected to make a final decision and provide an announcement on June 21 about whether vaccinations will be required in the fall for students.