FAQs

Michigan State University is requiring students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with limited medical and religious exemptions. Additionally, all individuals are required to wear a mask indoors on any MSU property.

These decisions were made after careful consideration of the scientific data on the delta variant, which is driving the rising number of COVID-19 cases (and in some areas hospitalizations) across the state and country. The latest CDC data show the variant is more infectious and, in some cases, can be transmitted by vaccinated individuals. Our goal with this requirement is simple: Protect students, faculty and staff, as well as our surrounding communities. Health and safety remain our top priority, and this is the best path to the fall we all seek – living and learning on campus.

Below are answers to questions about these new requirements as well as general FAQs.

COVID-19 vaccine mandate

• How do I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
  All members of the MSU community, including students, faculty, staff, patients, retirees and their families, can receive a COVID-19 vaccine through the MSU Health Care Pharmacy. You can also find a COVID-19 vaccine near you by visiting vaccines.gov.
• What is considered fully vaccinated? What about booster shots?

  In general, people are considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

  At this time, while COVID-19 vaccine boosters are expected to be available to the general population soon, the MSU Health Care Pharmacy is currently only providing first and second doses of Pfizer vaccine to members of the MSU community. For those with severely weakened immune systems who have been approved for boosters, please check vaccine availability using vaccines.gov.

• Why did MSU institute a vaccine mandate?

  In July, as MSU medical experts monitored the increased spread of the Delta variant, new studies demonstrated both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals can transmit the disease to those who cannot currently be vaccinated, including children less than 12 years old and immunocompromised individuals. Many employees have children or loved ones at home who would be put at risk if the virus entered their home. As a result of the aggressive Delta variant spread, many public health experts suggested greater than 90% vaccination would be necessary to protect any community. Also in late July, the Centers for Disease Controls warned the Delta variant was much more contagious, with a longer transmission period, than the original virus. Another factor in MSU’s decision was new data revealing the Delta variant can create breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals. 

• How will I provide proof that I have been vaccinated?

  Students, faculty and staff are being asked to provide the dates of vaccination and the manufacturer of the vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, etc.). All MSU faculty, staff and students must be fully vaccinated (or received at least one dose of a two-dose series) and filled out the required COVID-19 vaccine information using the Vaccine Form. Though individuals will not be asked to upload a copy of a vaccine card or other verification on that form at this time, MSU reserves the right to require further verification or documentation if needed.

• I received an email telling me I was noncompliant with the mandate, but I already filled it out. Who do I contact?
  If you feel you have received a compliance message in error, please log in to the vaccine verification form to ensure everything was properly filled out. If you still believe there was an error, send an email to togetherwewill@msu.edu with an explanation.
• Can I change my form if I make an error or need to add my second dose?

  Yes, the vaccine form will allow you to make edits multiple times and will recognize your most recent response.

• Can those under the age of 18 receive the COVID-19 vaccine at MSU?
  Minors (those under the age of 18) must receive permission from a parent or guardian. A medical consent form can be obtained by whoever is providing the vaccine. For those obtaining a vaccine at the MSU Health Care Pharmacy, minors should bring a signed consent form with them. An example can be found here.
• How do I request an exemption from the vaccine mandate?

  In the interest of the health and safety of the entire MSU community, exemptions to the vaccine requirement will be limited. Individuals with an approved exemption will be required to participate in the Early Detection Program and follow the face covering directive. The exemptions are:

  • Religious exemptions: Persons requesting an exemption due to a sincerely held religious belief that precludes them from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine may submit a request for a religious exemption. A religious exemption is not the same as a philosophical, moral or conscientious exemption.
  • Medical exemptions: Persons requesting an exemption due to a medical condition that precludes them from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine may submit a request for a medical exemption. Documentation from a medical provider is required.
  • Online only courses (students only): Students requesting this exemption must attest they are taking only online courses for the fall 2021 semester and will not physically be present on campus or in any MSU owned or governed property for any reason, including attending or participating in courses, services, programs, recreational or sporting events or other activities of any kind.

  More information on exemptions can be found here.

• Who will have access to the verification and exemption information submitted by students, faculty and staff?
  The information will be kept secure and reviewed only by MSU leadership and public health professionals. Personally identifiable information will not be shared with the public, faculty, classmates or supervisors.
• What are the consequences for not complying with the vaccine or mask requirement?

  Students not complying with the vaccination mandate are not allowed on campus. Violation of this rule will result in disciplinary action. Non-compliance with the mask requirement while in residence halls or disruption in the classroom will result in the initiation of disciplinary action, which could lead to removal from the university.

  Employees who violate the vaccine or mask requirements may be subject to discipline, including termination from the university.
• If I qualify for a medical or religious exemption, will I be required to participate in the Early Detection Program?

  Yes. All unvaccinated students, faculty and staff with an approved exemption will be required to participate in the Early Detection Program.

• I have had COVID-19 in the past and have laboratory evidence of antibodies. Do I need to be vaccinated?
  Even those who contracted COVID-19 previously are required to receive a vaccine, which provides additional protection.
• Will MSU recognize international vaccines?

  For the vaccine mandate, MSU will accept all FDA-authorized and WHO-approved vaccines. Students, faculty and staff who received a non-WHO-approved or non-FDA-authorized vaccine should consult with their doctor about getting another vaccine.

• If I received my first dose somewhere other than campus), can I receive my second dose on campus?

  Yes, but individuals will need to provide proof and type of their first dose when they arrive for their second vaccination. If you need assistance scheduling a vaccine once you arrive at MSU, please contact the MSU Healthcare Pharmacy, Ingham County Health Department, or use this vaccine guide from the state of Michigan.

• Will guests and volunteers at the Spartan Stadium, MSU Pavilion, museums, or other public venues on campus need to be vaccinated?

  Everyone is required to be masked indoors, but there is no vaccine mandate for guests or volunteers.

• Do people with adjunct appointments only (such as unpaid or volunteer appointments; clinical faculty) need to be vaccinated?
  No. Volunteers and unpaid/no-pay appointees are not subject to the vaccine mandate. But such persons must comply with the Face Covering Directive while on property owned or governed by MSU or while participating in MSU-sponsored events or activities. Further, such persons must comply with the applicable rules established by the affiliate while at the affiliate’s site, including MIOSHA emergency rules issued on June 20, 2021, that apply to healthcare employers.
• Can outside entities hosting events at MSU require masks or ask about vaccination status?
  If an event is held on property owned or governed by MSU, masks must be worn while indoors, regardless of affiliation with the university. Those hosting events on MSU property should not ask attendees about their vaccination status.  
• How can MSU legally mandate a vaccine?

  There is legal precedent for institutions to require vaccines. This was confirmed on Aug. 2 by the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision involving Indiana University’s vaccine mandate. In the state of Michigan, limited exemptions to vaccine mandates are provided for religious and medical reasons.

• Why should I get a vaccine if the delta variant breaks through with the current vaccines?

  The current vaccines remain highly effective in preventing hospitalizations, severe disease and death from the delta variant of COVID-19.

• Will emeriti working in MSU buildings on campus need to be vaccinated? Are they considered faculty and academic staff under the vaccine mandate?

  While vaccines are strongly encouraged for any visitor who comes to campus regularly, emeriti faculty are not considered employees. They will be required to be masked, but there is no vaccine mandate for guests.

• Will there be an app or some other technology that people will show as they enter buildings to prove that they have been vaccinated or that they have an exemption and accommodations?

  No. You should assume that anyone on campus has been vaccinated or has an appropriately approved medical or religious exemption.

• Who will need to determine whether faculty, staff and students in offices are vaccinated? Who will that fall to?

  There will be an attestation process, and every student and faculty member will be required to attest to being vaccinated unless they have received a religious or medical exemption through the appropriate process. 

• What happens if it is learned – through some established process or accidentally – that an employee or student has attested to being vaccinated when in fact the person was not actually vaccinated?

  Individuals can report, anonymously, to the MSU Misconduct Hotline (800-763-0764). They will need to provide the date, time and location involved.

• Can students have visitors who are unvaccinated?
  Visitors to campus, unless they are a student, faculty or staff member, are not required to be vaccinated. But they must wear a mask indoors at all times.

Vaccine exemptions

• How do I apply for a medical exemption?

  Medical exemption requests (Complete all three steps; should only be submitted AFTER filling out the vaccine verification form):

  1. Complete the Medical Exemption form, including signing the form,  
  2. Have your health care provider fully complete their section of the form, including signing it, and
  3. Email the completed form to: medicalexemption@msu.edu.

  Religious and student online exemption requests (Complete both steps):

  1. Complete the Religious Exemption form or the Student Online Exemption form, including signing the form, and
  2. Email the completed form to:

  Religious Exemptions: religiousexemption@msu.edu

  Online Student Exemptions: onlinestudentexemption@msu.edu

• If I applied for an exemption do I still need to fill out the attestation form?

  Yes, you must fill out the form indicating that you plan to apply for an exemption.

• How do I attach the form to the email?
  Taking a picture with a phone or scanning the form and attaching it to the email are both acceptable ways to send the information.
• What is the turnaround time for getting a response?
  Every effort will be made to process exemption requests as promptly as possible. If approved, you will need to participate in the Early Detection Program. Those with decisions still pending also are required to participate in the EDP program.
• Is there be an appeal process if denied?
  Faculty, students, and staff who applied for, but were denied, an exemption from the mandatory vaccine requirement may appeal the denial determination by following the appeal process.
• Who is on the exemption review committee?
  The exemption review committee consists of multi-disciplinary professionals. The committee will consult with relevant MSU personnel as needed. The decision of the review committee is a university decision.
• Where do my form and documentation go?

  The form is submitted to the review committee via the applicable mailbox:

  Medical Exemptions: medicalexemption@msu.edu

  Religious Exemptions: religiousexemption@msu.edu

  Online Student Exemptions: onlinestudentexemption@msu.edu

  The exemption request will be reviewed and then approved or denied by the committee.  In some cases, there may be a need to communicate regarding incomplete forms or seek additional documentation prior to an approval or denial. 

• Is the information I submit in my exemption request confidential?
  Yes, the information will be kept as confidential as possible, shared only on a need-to-know basis.
• Can I apply for both a religious and medical exemption?
  Yes.
• I would prefer to send the form to a mail-in address, rather than attaching it to an email. Can I do that?
  Yes.  If you prefer to mail the form, it can be sent to: 
  
  MSU, c/o: Vaccine Exemption Review Committee
  426 Auditorium Rd.
  East Lansing, MI 48824
• I received my vaccine in another country and the vaccine was not FDA-authorized or WHO-approved. My doctor says that getting another vaccine at this point may not be safe. What should I do?
  Apply for a medical exemption (deferral).

Face coverings

• Do students need to wear masks in their residence hall rooms?

  No, students within their own residence hall rooms with only roommates present do not need to wear a face covering. Students and staff are required to wear masks when traveling to other locations within residence halls, dining areas, study areas or other gathering places.

• Do visitors to rooms in the residence halls need to wear a mask?
  Yes, anyone visiting a room in the residence hall needs to wear a mask.
• Do employees need to wear masks in MSU vehicles?
  Yes, unless they are alone.
• How about wearing masks in the dining halls?

  Students may remove their masks while eating or drinking in the residence halls but need to wear their mask while walking around the dining hall, getting food or staying for longer periods to study or talk to fellow Spartans.

• How do students and employees get access to personal accommodations, such as clear face coverings?
  All accommodations can be requested via the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.
• Do I need to wear a mask to ride the CATA bus?
  In accordance with federal law, individuals riding in or operating a CATA vehicle, or entering a CATA facility MUST wear a face mask at all times. Refusing to wear a mask is a violation of federal law, which can lead to penalties under the law, as well as ride denial.
• Do I need to wear a mask while working out on campus?
  If you are indoors working out, such as at an IM facility, you need to wear a mask. If outdoors, you do not.
• Are family members or significant others required to wear a mask in my dorm room with me?
  All visitors to a dorm room must wear a mask.
• What are the rules for masks at Spartan Stadium and other athletic venues?
  In accordance with university health directives, the following COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place for fans attending football games in Spartan Stadium:

  • All individuals are required to wear masks indoors in all Michigan State campus buildings. With this policy in place, face coverings must be worn by everyone in attendance when in an indoor area of Spartan Stadium, unless actively eating or drinking.
  • The indoor face covering requirement includes, but is not limited to, the concourse of Spartan Stadium, restrooms, elevators, indoor suite and club areas and the press box.
  • Face coverings will not be required but are encouraged in the outdoor seating bowl of Spartan Stadium.
  • For the safety of guests and staff, working staff will be required to wear a mask in all indoor areas of Spartan Stadium.

  
  Learn more on the Michigan State Athletics website.

Students

• Can a student remain enrolled at MSU without being vaccinated if they take only online courses?

  Yes, so long as that student is not coming to campus for any reason during the fall 2021 semester.

• Can I choose to be unvaccinated and just participate in the Early Detection Program?

  No, all students coming to property owned or governed by MSU are required to be vaccinated unless they qualify for one of the limited exemptions for medical or religious reasons.

• If a student is not comfortable attending their in-person classes until they are fully vaccinated, what should they do?

  Students are expected to attend in-person classes upon arriving at MSU.

• What if a student enrolled in an in-person course requests to be remote/online because of their circumstances (e.g., health, international)?

  A student with an appropriately approved medical or religious exemption will be allowed to attend in-person classes or have appropriate accommodations made if available. A student who declines vaccinations and does not have an approved exemption, will not be allowed to attend in-person courses.

  Course modalities are determined by the instructor in consultation with their departments. Students who want or need to take all of their classes online must choose classes that are offered as online courses. Faculty are not obligated or expected to change course modalities to suit individual student’s needs or preferences.   

• What happens if a faculty member/instructor becomes ill?

  When an instructor becomes ill, the unit and college will provide coverage for the class instruction and student learning. Our priority is always two-fold – to provide the highest quality instruction and learning experience for the students and to maintain support for any employee to regain their health to be able to return to work when they are healthy and able to resume their responsibilities.

• Is MSU providing space for quarantining/isolating students, or do they need to have their own action plan?

  All students living in the residence halls or on-campus apartments will be required to isolate if they test positive for COVID-19. Students with approved vaccine exemptions also will need to quarantine if identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive. Separate isolation and quarantine space are being provided by the university. Students living in the residence halls or on-campus apartments who have been vaccinated will not need to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.  If a student who has been vaccinated does test positive for COVID-19, they will receive isolation space.

  The university does not have the capacity to provide isolation/quarantine space for off-campus students. 

• Do students need to inform a faculty member, academic adviser, or residence hall adviser of their vaccination status?

  No. Students will be required to provide the dates of their vaccination dose(s), type of vaccination and location of vaccination site using an online link that will be shared soon. The university reserves the right to request further verification/documentation. Students do not need to provide proof of vaccination to instructors, advisers or supervisors.

• Can students still participate in in-person activities and classes if they are not fully vaccinated but are participating in the Early Detection Program?

  Only if they have received an authorized exemption. Students who have not received an exemption must either receive the vaccine or they cannot take part in any in-person activities and classes.

• If I have friends visiting me in my residence hall room or apartment, or have family helping me move onto campus, do they need to be vaccinated?

  Guests coming to campus are not required to have received the vaccine; but they do need to wear masks when they are indoors in any building on campus.

• Can I receive a full tuition refund if I withdraw from the university?
  Yes. Please send an email the Office of the Registrar at roreview@msu.edu and put “Cancel my Fall 2021 classes” in the subject line. In the body of the email, please include your name and number.
• Can I receive a full refund if I cancel my housing contract at this time?

  Current students need to request a Contract Release in their My Housing account at liveon.msu.edu. 

  Incoming students, who are required to live on campus for their first four semesters at MSU, need to complete a Housing Exception form on the Student Life website.  If approved, students will receive a refund for their room and board.

  Contracts canceled before move-in will be refunded in full; contracts canceled after move-in will have a prorated refund.

• Will there be restrictions on how many people can be in a dorm room?
  Yes; only three guests are allowed at one time, and all visitors to a dorm room must wear a mask.
• Are visitors allowed to stay the night in the residence halls?
  Yes.
• What happens to financial aid for students who do not comply with the vaccine mandate or receive an approved exemption?

  Non-compliant students who received financial aid and are unenrolled from classes will have their financial aid cancelled which may generate a bill that must paid. Please visit MSU Refund & Repayment Policy for more information.

   

Faculty and staff

• Do employees need to inform their supervisor of their vaccination status?

  No. Employees are required to provide the dates of their vaccination dose(s) and type of vaccination using the vaccine verification form. The university reserves the right to request or seek further verification/documentation. Employees do not need to provide proof of vaccination to supervisors.

• Can I choose to be unvaccinated and just participate in the Early Detection Program?

  No, all employees coming to property owned or governed by MSU are required to be vaccinated unless they qualify for one of the limited exemptions for medical or religious reasons.

• Can an employee remain employed at MSU without being vaccinated if they are working remotely?

  Even employees who have previously arranged with their supervisor to work fully remotely during the fall semester must be vaccinated or apply for a medical or religious exemption. 

• Should units who are still working remotely continue to do so with cases on the rise? What is the updated return-to-campus plan?

  When to return to campus for employees is a decision made by unit leaders based on their operations and the need to support the university as it returns to a more typical fall semester. When employees come back to campus, they must wear face coverings and need to be vaccinated, with limited exemptions.

• I am represented by a labor organization. What role does that play in connection with this policy?

  The university is engaging with its unions and will be having discussions with those unions who have asked to meet. We are hopeful any concerns can be addressed in a mutually agreeable manner given the importance of a safe and healthy university community.

• Will all courses need to have a remote/Zoom option to accommodate unvaccinated students?

  No. It is the student’s responsibility to find appropriate online courses if they chose to remain unvaccinated.

• What are the expectations for instructors when determining whether to accommodate requests for remote learning from students who are concerned about COVID?

  Course modalities are determined by the instructors in consultation with their departments. Students who want or need to take all of their classes online must choose classes that are offered as online courses. Faculty are not obligated or expected to change course modalities to suit individual student’s needs or preferences. Instructors and their departments should work together to help students who are impacted by the pandemic, but a student’s unwillingness to be vaccinated outside of accepted medical or religious reasons is not a basis for an instructor to offer online options for students to take a class.

• Will faculty be informed about positive cases in their classrooms?
  Not necessarily. At the beginning of the semester, the Office of the Provost worked with MSU’s COVID-19 Triage Team to notify instructors when someone in their classroom tested positive for COVID-19. These messages were not formal notification of confirmed close contact, as public health officials do not recognize informal contact as rising to the level of the confirmed close contact that calls for notification. The notices were important as instructors adjusted to repopulated classrooms prior to the launch of the university dashboard.

  With MSU’s high vaccination rate, mask mandate, contact tracing and improvements in air filtering, the Office of the Provost will no longer send notifications to instructors who are informal contacts. MSU’s COVID-19 Triage Team or the Ingham County Health Department will continue to notify anyone who meets the criteria for being a confirmed close contact. 

• How do I respond if a student refuses to wear a mask?

  A student who refuses to wear a mask even after being asked is considered a disruptive student and should be asked to leave the classroom. The conduct process for a student who disrupts the class by refusing to wear a mask is the same process that is used for any other disruptive student. 

• Will we need to have a mask on while teaching?
  Yes.
• Will face shields substitute for a mask?
  No.
• Will faculty be informed about the vaccination status of everyone in their class (vaccinated or have an appropriate exemption)?

  No, the expectation is that everyone will be vaccinated or have an appropriately approved medical or religious exemption. Students should not be asked about their vaccine status by instructors, supervisors, staff or other students.

• Does the campus mask requirement apply to individuals when they are alone in private offices?

  The new mandate does not differ from the prior mandate and employees who are working alone or in private offices can remove their masks. 

• Do contractors and vendors need to be vaccinated to work on campus?

  The vaccine requirement does not apply to contractors or vendors, but they must wear a mask when visiting campus or MSU property while the mask order is in effect.

General

• What do I do if I am feeling ill or test positive for COVID-19?

  Any member of our community exhibiting signs of COVID-19 should seek immediate medical attention. If you are feeling ill or have tested positive for COVID-19, you should self-isolate and avoid close contact with all others. You also should contact MSU's COVID-19 hotline at 855-958-2678 and stay in touch with your health care provider. More information on what to do if you feel sick can be found on the CDC website.

  Students are asked to not come to class if they are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19. It is incumbent on these students, as well as those self-isolating and quarantining, to reach out to their instructors to make accommodations so that they can continue their coursework during periods of illness, required self-isolation or quarantine.

  Faculty are asked to be especially empathetic to those who are unable to attend class for a time and to recognize the mental health challenges that students and colleagues may be experiencing. For those instructors who themselves may fall ill, the unit and college will provide coverage for the class instruction and student learning.

• How do I get tested for COVID-19?

  Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should immediately isolate and obtain a test.

  • Students experiencing significant symptoms (such as high fever, persistent cough or shortness of breath) can request a medical appointment at Olin Health Center. A Student Health Services provider will administer a COVID-19 test as medically necessary. Asymptomatic students or students with mild symptoms (like congestion or loss of taste or smell) should use the Early Detection Program for a test. Results are typically returned within 24–36 hours.
  • Employees experiencing significant symptoms should contact their primary care provider. Asymptomatic employees or employees with mild symptoms also can use the Early Detection Program.

  Members of the MSU community can get tested at the Sparrow Laboratories clinic in Frandor at the former Sears Auto Center. Test results are typically available within 24 hours. In addition, many urgent care centers and pharmacies in the East Lansing area offer testing as well. The state of Michigan also runs a test location finder.

• Will we practice physical distancing?

  The campus is not returning to previous physical distancing requirements and limitations. 

• Who must isolate or quarantine?

  The following rules apply if you test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed to someone who is positive:

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, even if you do not have symptoms, you must isolate yourself and avoid any contact with others. Please contact MSU's COVID-19 Triage Hotline at 855-958-2678 to report and assist in contact tracing efforts. For employees, that means not coming to work. For on-campus students, isolation space will be provided to you. Off-campus students should remain in a specific room and use a separate bathroom, if available. Visit the CDC website for more information.
  • If you are unvaccinated and a close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should quarantine and stay home for 14 days after your last exposure. Again, for employees, that means staying home. For on-campus students, quarantine space will be provided to you. Off-campus students should remain in a specific room and use a separate bathroom if available while under quarantine. If you are a close contact and are vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine but should self-monitor for any symptoms.
• Is MSU tracking the amount of cases on campus and the percentage of people vaccinated?
  Yes, MSU has updated its COVID-19 dashboard, which can be found at msu.edu/together-we-will/testing-reporting/.
• How are buildings being prepared as more faculty, staff and students return to campus?

  IPF has worked diligently to prepare campus workspaces and buildings as more faculty, staff and students return. Find out more about air circulation, cleaning protocols and other services here. 

• What is the COVID-19 Early Detection Program?

  The COVID-19 Early Detection Program is a key part of MSU's health and safety strategy. While participation in the program is no longer mandatory, leadership reserves the right to restart the program if case counts rise in the community.

• Who must participate in the Early Detection Program for Fall 2021?

  Beginning Sept. 1, students or employees with approved medical or religious exemptions must participate in EDP. The same must also participate while waiting for a decision on an exemption.

  Note: some medical students are also mandatory due to clinical site requirements. Those students will receive specifics directly from their college point of contact.

• I’m not near campus, but I need to participate in EDP. What should I do?

  Students: Online-only students with an approved exemption do not need to participate in EDP. Students attending remote locations such as Grand Rapids or Flint can participate there (new outdoor drop boxes are in the process of being installed).

  Employees: Faculty and staff who do not live or work near the East Lansing campus will be directed to an off-site EDP location, or if not available, other local arrangements will be made.