The San Jose City College vaccine mandate requires all students and employees to be vaccinated and show proof of vaccination by Nov. 1.<\/p>\n
This mandate was instituted on Aug. 31, but there are \u00a0exceptions for medical and religious reasons.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents will not be administratively withdrawn from classes this semester as we complete verification of vaccination documentation and exemption requests,” SJCC President Rowena Tomaneng wrote in a letter. “Students who submit falsified information may face discipline up to and including expulsion under the Student Code of Conduct.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students have mixed opinions about this mandate.<\/p>\n
Duneshka Elias, 21, global studies major, said she thinks the mandate is the right thing to do.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis pandemic is something I really have to take seriously because many people have died and it\u2019s also affecting young people now,\u201d Elias said. \u201cEveryone has to take responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
While many students agree with the mandate, it does pose a conflict for others as they try to navigate personal beliefs and reservations while remaining committed to their obligations as a student.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t believe it is the right thing to do,\u201d said student athlete Anthony Fernandez, 18, business major. \u201cThey should at least have another option where you could get tested weekly.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are no disciplinary actions for students who have not received their vaccination or submitted the proof, but they will have a hold placed on their educational records beginning Nov, 1, according to the SJCC website.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pandemic isn\u2019t over yet, so it\u2019s better to just be safe rather than sorry. There are a lot of people who have younger siblings at home or just older people such as grandparents who really have to stay safe,\u201d said Adilene Banuelos, 18, kinesiology major.<\/p>\n
There is no exception for online only students. This mandate includes all students of SJCC and Evergreen Valley College.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to really start reintegrating students back onto campus and start redoing club charterships and events; however, we are doing it in a way to keep everyone safe,\u201d said Robert Andrade, a student trustee.<\/p>\n
SJCC has taken a number of steps to protect its campus from an outbreak of the virus. Wellness kiosks have been placed at the entrance of each building and throughout the campus. The kiosks, which provide sanitizer and face masks, are available to all.<\/p>\n
The SJCC Student Health Services website also provides resources for those looking to get vaccinated or anyone hoping to learn more about the COVID-19 virus.<\/p>\n