NDMU Announces Plans for Winter/Spring Semesters

As we prepare for the spring semester, all eligible* students, faculty, and staff who will be learning, working, or living on the NDMU campus and/or all off-campus sites/locations will be required to get a COVID-19 booster shot by January 31, 2022. Individuals that are 100% remote will remain exempt from the University’s vaccine requirement.

Emerging research indicates that immunity to COVID-19 wanes over time, particularly against the Omicron variant. Boosters shots have been shown to provide significant additional protection. We believe this step will help ensure a successful spring semester. All Winterim courses were already planned to be offered remotely.

Pre-arrival Testing – All residential students and unvaccinated students, faculty and staff engaged in in-person activities are required to submit a negative COVID-19 viral test within 3 days prior to returning to campus. Students should upload their result via Self-Service, and faculty/staff should email it to Human_Resources@ndm.edu.

*Booster Eligibility –

• Pfizer/Moderna – You are eligible for a booster if you got your second shot six months ago or more.
• Johnson & Johnson – You are eligible for a booster if you got your single shot two months ago or more. Individuals who received a J&J vaccine are recommended by the CDC to receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster.

Opportunities to get Boosted – NDMU is planning to host two on-campus clinics to provide booster shots on January 19, 2022 and January 27, 2022. However, we recommend that you to get a booster as soon as possible. State and local health departments, as well as pharmacies, health clinics, and the like, are routinely offering booster shots. Find available sites and appointments in Maryland.

Documentation – Your COVID-19 vaccination card should be submitted via Self-Service. View these instructions (PDF) for information on how to upload your documentation.

Rolling Deadline – Those who are not yet eligible for a booster as of January 31, 2022 will be required to receive a booster as soon as they become eligible. Individuals will have two weeks after they become eligible to get the booster and upload their documentation via Self-Service.

Exceptions – If you have an approved medical or religious exemption from COVID-19 vaccination, it carries over to the booster requirement. You do not need to apply again. Students and faculty that are learning or teaching 100% remotely are exempt from the vaccination and booster requirements. However, if an individual’s status changes, they will be required to be vaccinated. 

We urge everyone to take reasonable precautions to keep yourself and the NDMU community safe: wear a mask, monitor yourself for symptoms and complete the symptom self-check every day you are on campus, get tested as needed, and avoid large gatherings (particularly indoors).

Questions may be directed to COVID_Vaccine@ndm.edu.