MEMPHIS, Tenn. — UPDATE 12/2/2021 - The University of Memphis said it compliance with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate has been suspended for now.
In a release to students, faculty, and staff, the University said Wednesday it was "advised that state exemption regarding federal compliance with the vaccine mandate (Executive Order 14042) has been suspended until further notice."
Though the vaccine mandate compliance is suspended until further notice, the school warned that could change if the order is reinstated in the future.
The university said "all employees are encouraged to continue to use HR’s secure upload site to submit evidence of vaccination, voluntarily. Human Resources will also continue to review and process medical and religious exemption requests at hrbp@memphis.edu."
They continue to encourage employees to get vaccinated, and vaccinations are being offered on campus.
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11/16/2021 - The University of Memphis said Tuesday it has received confirmation a COVID-19 vaccine mandate issued by President Biden WILL apply to the college.
According to a memo to student employees, faculty, and staff issued November 16, 2021, the school is required to provide proof of vaccinations for all of its employees, including part-time and full-time faculty and staff, adjunct faculty, temporary employees, graduate assistants, and student employees. It also includes offsite workers.
The U of M said exemptions are permitted for "those who have an approved medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs."
To comply with the mandate, the final vaccination must be administered by January 4, 2022.
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10/21/2021 - In a memo to employees, the University of Memphis said that all faculty, staff and student employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by December 8th to comply with President Biden's Executive Order 14042. The memo stated that the university is "evaluating the executive order to determine the applicability to campus."
The timeline for vaccination was spelled out for employees. To be fully vaccinated by the deadline, employees have to get their first dose of Moderna's vaccine by next Wednesday, October 27, their first dose of Pfizer's vaccine by Nov. 2 or their single dose of Johnson and Johnson's vaccine by Nov. 27.
If lawmakers nullify it in general session next week, the order for the University could change.
Employees can receive two hours of paid leave to get vaccinated and vaccines will be offered on campus.
The memo went on to address the strong reaction some employees might have to the order saying, "Please know that we realize this is a delicate situation with various strong, personal beliefs attached. Your patience and understanding are appreciated as the University moves through the process of addressing this latest federal mandate."