Mandatory vaccinations for students in residence

A message from Dr. David Malloy, King's Principal:

Over our journey through the pandemic, we have stated and demonstrated that the health and safety of our community is our top priority. Alongside an exemplary set of health and safety protocols that align with government and public health regulations, King’s has maintained academic integrity and kept our community spirit as vibrant as possible. Thank you all for your respect and care of each other and this place.

I am increasingly encouraged that the resumption of in-person course delivery on campus this fall will be a reality. We are ready for a more complete on-campus experience inside and outside the classroom this fall. We are anticipating and planning for mask wearing by everyone on campus, access to the Western University testing and vaccination centre as well as being able to quickly adjust our plans should public health guidelines change.

As I communicated with you last week, the roll out of vaccinations to more and more younger age groups is a positive sign that we will soon be able to gather again. I urge all of you to do your best to access vaccines and to encourage others to do so as well.

On the topic of vaccinations, King’s is taking a new step to further the safety of our residence community that shares communal living space on campus. Along with the wider Western community including Western University, Brescia and Huron university colleges, we will require students living in King’s residence to have received at least a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Middlesex-London Health Unit has indicated this is a vital part of preventing outbreaks within a residence setting.

Students living in residence will be asked to be vaccinated before their arrival – and those who cannot access a vaccine will have 14 days following their move-in date to our residence to be vaccinated. There will be a vaccination clinic on the Western campus. Those who, for medical or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code, cannot be vaccinated may request an accommodation. Students planning to live in residence will receive more details directly from our Residence and Campus Life Office.

We continue to work closely with public health officials to monitor developments related to COVID-19 and to ensure our residence practices are in keeping with the evolving pandemic protocols. We will keep students and their families informed about changes throughout the summer.  

As well, we are continuing to support our international students in their efforts to safely travel and quarantine in Canada, as required by immigration regulations.

As always, take care of yourself, each other and be assured we are planning to re-open this place as soon as possible.