No vaccinations required for WWCC students
By Terry Murry on Friday, June 24th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Beginning with the start of fall quarter, Sept. 19, Walla Walla Community College students can attend in-person classes and seek on-campus services regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status, except where otherwise directed such as the college’s nursing education program.
“This decision was not made lightly,” President Chad Hickox said. “Although cases are still occurring in significant numbers in the communities we serve, infection rates on WWCC campuses are extremely low.”
Numerous factors concerning this change were taken into consideration, and several experts and key stakeholders were conducted. The college’s pandemic-related task force is updating the pandemic response plan with this change while continuing to take steps to protect the health of students, employees, and guests.
The change does not impact employees, as COVID-19 vaccination continues to be a state requirement for employment at all Washington community and technical colleges, per Gov. Jay Inslee’s proclamation. Students, faculty, staff, and guests are asked to take reasonable precautions and be thoughtful about protecting each other from infection – particularly those who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. The college also does not require face coverings though their use is encouraged in groups and public areas.
