Thanks to all of you, the COVID-19 safety measures we have put place are showing signs they are working. Our infection rates continue to be lower than the surrounding community and are among the lowest for urban universities in the country.

The science tells us that the absolute best tool we have for staying safe and staying together on campus is for all of us to be vaccinated. Last month we launched an effort to help us achieve that goal.

Our “Knowledge is Contagious” campaign provides information on vaccine safety and effectiveness, and where to get the vaccine. The campaign also includes stories from our peers who have chosen to get vaccinated.

We also launched financial incentives –  providing $100 to students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated and weekly drawings of $2,500 for those who are already vaccinated.

A reminder: COVID-19 vaccines are available on campus for all members of our CSU community on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Health & Wellness Services in Room 205 at the Center for Innovation in Medical Professions (2112 Euclid Avenue).

Our vaccination drive, coupled with mask wearing and random testing have proven to be effective. The number of vaccinations given weekly at health and wellness services has more than doubled since incentives began, compliance with the indoor mask requirement has been outstanding, and student participation in the testing program has been strong. Thank you all!

Our three-pronged approach – vaccine education (and subsequent increased vaccination rates), mask wearing and testing – has served us well, and we will “stay the course” for the foreseeable future. We continue to believe that this is the best approach for CSU.  

To help measure progress and benchmark where we are as a community, we launched a study this week to examine students’ experiences with COVID-19 and the vaccine. If you are selected for the random survey, please take the time to complete it. The information you share will help shape our response and strategy moving forward. You will also receive a gift certificate that you can use in the CSU bookstore!

As we’ve done over the course of the pandemic, we will adjust our strategies as the situation warrants. While things are going well, it’s important that we not let our guard down. Please keep wearing your mask indoors, participate in the testing program, get vaccinated and get a vaccine booster when you are eligible.

It’s up to all of us to keep our community safe. Thank you for doing your part.