Griffith University announces Covid vaccine mandate for staff, students from 2022

A major Queensland university has announced a new Covid-19 vaccine mandate for all students and staff.

The Vice Chancellor of a major Queensland university has warned students they may be unable to finish their degrees unless they get vaccinated against Covid-19.

Griffith University has become the first major higher education institution in the state to announce a Covid-19 vaccine mandate for all students and staff.

From February 18, the university will require all students and staff to be fully vaccinated, or agree to undertake a regime of regular rapid antigen testing “at their own expense”.

In a letter to students, Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans said students who do not provide evidence of their vaccination or an agreement to undertake regular testing would not be allowed to attend campus, work placements or field work.

The policy would not apply to students who were studying online and in some cases, students who declined to be vaccinated may be able to transfer to a fully online course.

But Professor Evans also said for some students, it may not be possible for them to continue with their degree.

“We would prefer not to see this happen and encourage those who are not vaccinated to consider having their first dose before Christmas,” she said.

Griffith University Vice Chancellor Carolyn Evans says the university will implement a Covid-19 vaccine mandate from next year. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

A Griffith University spokesman said for everyone at the university to stay safe, “vaccination is the best way”.

“We understand that some people may not feel that vaccination is right for them so we will ask them to undertake a regime of Covid testing that will ensure everyone is as safe as possible,” he said.

The spokesman went on to say the majority of staff and students supported the new mandate.

He also said should a new state government health order be implemented regarding universities, the option to undertake a regular testing regime as an alternative to being vaccinated would not be possible.

“We will continue to keep them informed as we work though the implementation of this policy and look for wared to 2022 being as safe as it can possible be on our campuses,” he said.

“Having students return to our campuses, including international students, in a Covid normal way is very important for us and we believe this policy is the best way to achieve that.”