July 14, 2021
Dear Students:
In earlier communications regarding our student COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program, you may have seen references to required pre-arrival testing for students. I want to take a moment and review our University’s expectations for your return this Fall so you can begin appropriately planning.
Every student who will attend on-campus classes or live in University housing for the Fall 2021 semester must either submit an attestation certifying full vaccination against COVID-19 or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before arriving on campus. Proof of that test must be submitted using our COVID-19 Return to Campus form.
Unvaccinated students should take time to review, understand, and follow our University’s pre-arrival testing requirements. Here are the most critical need-to-know points:
- Unvaccinated students must be tested within seven days before arriving on campus.
- Those students must quarantine after testing and before arriving on campus.
- A student’s COVID-19 test result must be submitted to the University electronically using our online form.
- All students who attend on-campus classes or live in University housing must comply. There are only a few exceptions, which are outlined in our protocols.
We have provided a list of frequently asked questions on our website. We also provide the complete protocol, which outlines the University’s requirements in full.
Fully vaccinated students are exempt from our pre-arrival testing requirement. We anticipate some students will choose not to be vaccinated, and others cannot get the vaccine for a variety of reasons. This pre-arrival testing requirement is the most responsible way for us to begin the new academic year together.
We encourage all Ball State students to get vaccinated. We are grateful to those of you who are or will be fully vaccinated when you arrive on campus. To those of you who are not, please consider getting vaccinated or begin planning for your COVID-19 test.
