McDaniel College announces vaccine policy for Fall 2021

Dear McDaniel community,

It is with a sense of profound pride and gratitude that we reflect on the last academic year and the many efforts that occurred across campus to keep our community safe. McDaniel showed remarkable success in managing the COVID-19 virus and our community demonstrated its resiliency and care in so many ways.

As we look to the future for next academic year, your safety is at the forefront of our minds even as we make plans to return to what we do best—a residential, in-personal educational experience on our beautiful campus.

With the goal of maintaining the health and safety of all members of our community, we will require proof of COVID vaccination for all undergraduate students for the 2021 semester. All undergraduate students (including commuters) will need to be fully vaccinated by September 1. The full vaccine policy as well as frequently asked questions are available on the Return to the Hill webpage.

Students may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement for medical reasons or due to sincerely held religious beliefs. Any student who is exempt from the vaccine will be required to complete weekly COVID-19 testing. More details about testing will be sent to exempt students in the coming weeks.

Our vaccination policy is an informed decision based on safety. Though we are beginning to see a return to normal, we remember that we are still in the midst of a public health crisis. We know, and science bears out, that the vaccination is the best way to maintain the health and safety of all members of our campus. And it is the only way to return to the campus experience we all love—one where students are able to hang out in each other’s residence hall rooms or study together in a lounge, debate over a meal in Glar or compete on the athletic field. With our new vaccination policy, we will maximize the opportunities for us all to be in community again.

Please review the vaccination policy in its entirety. If you have questions or comments, they may be submitted directly to the Return to the Hill committee via this online form.

-Return to the Hill Committee