Vaccination information for Faculty & Staff
Purpose
Bradley University is adopting this policy to safeguard the health of our students, faculty, staff and their families, our visitors, and the community at large from COVID-19.
Scope
Bradley University students, faculty and staff must be either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption from the vaccine.
New employees must be fully vaccinated by their first day of work or submit a negative test result dated no more than three days before their first day of work, with subsequent weekly testing as described below until fully vaccinated.
Students studying remotely and employees working remotely who are not present on campus are not covered by this policy.
Compliance
Students and employees not complying with this policy will not be allowed on campus. Employees will be placed on unpaid leave until their employment status is determined by the university and may include termination of employment. Failure to comply with the provisions of this policy, including violations of requirements for those who have not been vaccinated (i.e., those who receive a medical or religious exemption), may lead to discipline, up to and including dismissal from the university.
Procedures
Students, faculty and staff must submit proof of vaccination as outlined in this policy. Individuals who have an approved vaccination exemption must comply with the testing protocols and other protective measures required by the university or other governing bodies. Individuals seeking an exemption from the vaccine requirement must apply for an appropriate exemption.
Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccinations are free, whether an individual has health insurance or not. While a provider may bill a patient’s health insurance for administering the vaccine, there is usually no out-of-pocket cost to an individual.
All employees will be paid for time off to receive vaccinations, including boosters, and recover from vaccine-related side effects. Employees must work with their managers to schedule necessary time off.
Official documentation of vaccination status must be provided and include the following:
- The type of vaccine administered.
- The date(s) of administration.
- The name of the health care professional or clinic site administering the vaccine.
Learn more about how to submit your vaccination status.
By submitting this information, students and employees certify the documentation is true and correct. Any students or employees who provide false documentation may be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal from the university.
Reasonable Accommodation
Those in need of an exemption from this policy due to a medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief must submit a completed request for an accommodation form to begin the accommodation process. Accommodations will be granted where they do not cause Bradley University undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. Such exemptions are for vaccination only and do not apply to testing protocols.
Testing
Individuals with medical or religious exemptions must present a negative COVID-19 test result each week. Students, faculty and staff are required to submit weekly test results and are responsible for obtaining their own COVID-19 test. These tests will not be offered on campus. Free testing sites are available throughout the Peoria area. If free testing is not available, testing must be done at the patient's expense where permitted by law. The university must approve any reimbursement for testing before the testing occurs.
Testing sites are available within the Peoria area. A test must either have emergency use authorization by the FDA or operate pursuant to the laboratory-developed test requirements by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Home tests do not qualify.
Students and employees who fail to participate in the testing protocols or who have provided false documentation may be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal from the university.
Compliance for Vaccine Exemption Testing for Employees
All COVID-19 health protocols are important and will be monitored. Faculty and staff who fail to submit weekly testing results will be considered non-compliant.
For the purpose of this guidance, noncompliance is further defined as any behavior that fails to
comply with the university’s COVID-19 related health requirements for the workplace (i.e., masking, testing), which, if continued, could undermine the university’s ability to safeguard the health and safety of the university community.
Human Resources will administer and enforce the noncompliance directives. Department managers and supervisors will be asked to work with appropriate HR personnel to address noncompliance.
For continued occurrences of noncompliance, the schedule of disciplinary action below will be followed:
- First occurrence: Employee receives a verbal notice from Human Resources.
- Second occurrence: Employee receives a written notice from Human Resources.
- Third occurrence: Employee receives a final written warning from Human Resources.
- Fourth occurrence: Employee is terminated.
The university reserves the right to bypass steps in this progressive disciplinary
schedule in the event of severe noncompliance, including, but not limited to failure to
complete consecutive required tests. Disciplinary steps will not be repeated; for example, once a verbal notice is made, a written notice will occur if the employee is again out of compliance. Any disciplinary action taken may be reviewed through the relevant grievance/appeal or review procedure for faculty and staff.
Submitting Information Regarding Vaccines, Test Results or Exemptions
To submit vaccination status, a COVID-19 test result, and/or to seek an exemption from the vaccine mandate, please use one of the follow methods:
Students:
Employees:
Non-Retaliation
The university prohibits any form of discipline, reprisal, intimidation or retaliation for reporting a violation of this policy or any other health and safety concern. Employees also have the right to report work-related injuries and illnesses, and the university will not discharge, discriminate or otherwise retaliate against employees for reporting work-related injuries or illnesses or good faith health and safety concerns.
Policy Modification
Governmental and public health guidelines and industry best practices regarding COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines change as new information becomes available, further research is conducted, and additional vaccines are approved and distributed. The university reserves the right to modify this policy at any time and has the sole discretion to adapt to changing circumstances, legal requirements, government and public health guidelines, and business needs, consistent with its commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
Policy Owner
Please direct any questions regarding this policy to Human Resources at buhr@fsmail.bradley.edu or (309) 677-3223.
Effective Date
Sept. 2, 2021; revised Oct. 27, 2021, Dec 10, 2021
