COVID-19 vaccinations are now mandatory for students and employees at the San Jose Evergreen Community College District.

The SJECCD Board of Trustees passed a resolution at its Aug. 31 meeting, requiring students to receive a first dose of the vaccine by Sept. 15, and employees to receive a first dose by Oct. 1. Student athletes are required to be fully vaccinated by Sept. 15.

“Recent surges in the delta variant in California compel us to take as many measures as possible to mitigate health risks to our students and employees,” Chancellor Byron Breland wrote in a districtwide email.

SJECCD will hold a virtual meeting Sept. 17 to discuss the vaccine mandate at San Jose City College.

Some students and staff members support the mandate.

“I don’t have a preference; I am already vaccinated,” SJCC student, undeclared major, Vanessa Ruiz said.

SJCC student, Alejandra Soto, undeclared major, also said she does not care if the mandate is required since it will not affect her.

SJCC football player Jordan Perez, civil engineering major, said it makes him feel safer to know other people have the vaccine.

“I feel like they have less of a chance of getting it and less of a chance for me to get it,” Perez said.

SJCC Admissions and Records assistant Shemiran Betelieh said she was already vaccinated, and she feels safer knowing other people have the vaccine.

“I agree with the decision (to require vaccinations),” Betelieh said.

The district administrative team said questions about the mandate should be emailed to [email protected] before the meeting.

The meeting is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 17 via Zoom.

To schedule a vaccination appointment, visit the district website:  https://virtual.sjeccd.edu/covid/.