Monday marks deadline for all Pitt students, staff to show proof of COVID-19 vaccine

PITTSBURGH — Pitt students, faculty and staff have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive an approved exemption by Monday. Students who don’t, won’t be able to enroll in classes next semester or live in the dorms. Faculty and staff who don’t, could lose their jobs.

University officials announced the mandate last month, saying that while a huge vaccination push in the fall resulted in a 93% COVID-19 vaccination rate, the approach isn’t a long-term solution.

So far, Channel 11 has learned about 250 students, 740 faculty and 2,250 staff members who have not disclosed their vaccination status could be affected by this mandate.

“That’s not right but it’s for everybody’s safety at the same time,” said Shana Davis, a university employee.

She was surprised to learn that faculty and staff could be fired for not complying with the policy.

“I feel like people should have the choice whether they want it or not but if the school is enforcing it, hopefully they just get it,” said first-year student Haley Schmidt.

University officials said this is only an interim policy and that there will be a committee convened soon to examine a more permanent solution.

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