SMC requires vaccination for all students

Aug 16, 2021 7:00:00 AM

Santa Monica College is implementing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all students attending on-ground, in-person classes for fall 2021. This move aims to ensure the safety of the entire campus community for the months to come. Below is the letter from Santa Monica College President/Superintendent Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D. to all students.

 

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Dear SMC Students:

I am truly hopeful that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. This has been an incredibly difficult year, and at Santa Monica College, you have been on our minds. Please take the time to read this important update about a critical milestone in SMC's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The information that follows relates to ways we will move forward at the College to create a safer on-ground experience for students.

New SMC Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Program—with Exemptions for Certain Criteria

At their August 3 meeting last night, the SMC Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the Superintendent/President to implement a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination program that applies to all SMC students attending on-ground classes or accessing services indoors in the Fall 2021 semester. Many local, state, and federal agencies have announced similar vaccine mandates, including major education systems such as the University of California and the California State University.

Students whose classes are fully online will not need to prove vaccination status. Certain drive-through/walk-through services will be available for unvaccinated students at designated outdoor locations approved by the Superintendent/President.

In the next few weeks, those of you who will be attending on-ground classes in Fall 2021 will need to provide proof of vaccination or document that you qualify for a mandatory vaccination exemption.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please monitor your SMC email for further updates and links to forms where you will upload proof of vaccination and provide information to seek exemption or deferral.

Where to Get Free Vaccinations
If you have not already done so, free vaccinations are available throughout Los Angeles County. Free vaccine clinics are also being scheduled at Santa Monica College locations on a rolling basis! Get a free vaccine appointment at SMC and in Los Angeles County.

Seeking Exemption or Deferral
Students seeking vaccination exemption or deferral must first demonstrate that they meet one of the following criteria:

  • vaccine contraindication or precaution, documented by a medical excuse
  • an exemption due to disability
  • temporary deferral during the period of pregnancy
  • religious objection based on a person's sincerely held religious beliefs, practice or observance.

Note that unvaccinated students with approved exemptions or accommodations will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing at least once a week before they may access any SMC campus or facility. More information and details will be provided in the coming days regarding testing; please monitor your SMC email for updates!

Where Can I Go if I Have More Questions?
This frequently asked questions webpage will help answer some of your questions. This page will be updated as additional inquiries are received.

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Santa Monica College is currently working on implementation procedures to track vaccination status and weekly test results. This will be a secure system, designed to protect the privacy of students in accordance with all applicable laws. We will alert you as this system comes online.

Students who are enrolled in online courses (not on-ground) and are not affected by the mandatory vaccination program, we strongly encourage you to get vaccinated voluntarily. According to public health officials at LA County Department of Public Health and the CDC, vaccination is the most effective way available to prevent and mitigate transmission and limit COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in light of the increased risk posed by the Delta variant of COVID-19.

Your health and wellbeing are extremely important to us. I have heard from many students and know that you are ready for the type of more engaging college experience you can only get on-ground.

Please continue to observe safety protocols—wear masks, sanitize frequently, and make choices to reduce the spread of COVID-19. At SMC, we will in earnest strive to keep our community healthy. We will be leading the way together, leading the way safely, and leading the way with empathy.

 

Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President

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