COVID-19 Policy
Purpose
Bradley University’s COVID-19 vaccination policy exists to safeguard the health of our students, faculty, staff and their families, guests to campus, and the community at large.
Scope
Bradley University students, faculty and staff must be either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption from the vaccine. Fully vaccinated is defined by Bradley University, at this time, to be having received a second dose of a two dose COVID-19 vaccine series or a single dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Students enrolled in online or distance education programs and employees working remotely, who will not be 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 may be placed on unpaid leave until their employment status is determined by the university. Failure to comply with the provisions of this policy may lead to discipline, up to and including dismissal from the university or termination of employment.
Procedures
New employees must be fully vaccinated by their first day of work, submit a vaccination completion plan before their first day of work, or have an approved vaccination exemption on file before their first day of work.
Students, faculty, and staff must submit proof of vaccination as outlined in this policy. Individuals who have an approved vaccination exemption must comply with any testing protocols and other protective measures as required by the university or other governing bodies. Individuals seeking an exemption from the vaccine requirement must apply for an appropriate exemption.
Vaccinations
All employees will be paid for time off to receive vaccinations, including boosters, and recovery 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.
Employees and students may submit your vaccination status here. 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 or termination of employment.
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 Vaccine Exemption to begin the process.
Testing
Students, faculty and staff can obtain their own COVID-19 test as they deem necessary. COVID-19 tests for faculty and staff will not be offered on campus. Students exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms may take a COVID-19 test at the Health Center.
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/treatments 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, Aug 9, 2022
