Dear Albertus Magnus College Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I have written to you many times over the course of the past 16 months as we’ve all faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dating back to March 2020 when we faced so many unknowns, to the current moment where signs suggest we are emerging from the pandemic’s most significant impact, as members of the Albertus Magnus College community we’ve persevered and adapted as necessary. We’ve monitored guidelines and guidance from the CDC, WHO, and State of Connecticut, always prioritizing in our decision-making the safety, health, and well-being of our community members. In the academic year that recently concluded, we conducted nearly 9,000 COVID-19 tests, with an on-campus positivity rate of less than 1%, a testament to your commitment and care. Time and again I’ve admired and been inspired by our dedicated faculty and staff who sacrificed and stepped up to assure we were able to deliver an Albertus education despite the pandemic’s obstacles. Time and again I’ve observed our students in never giving up, adhering to new rules and regulations, and looking out for each other’s needs. Today, with continued gratitude and admiration, I write to you with a next important update.

Colleges and universities around the country have been considering decisions regarding vaccination policies, with various policies communicated based on each institution’s circumstances. As we continue preparing for the fall 2021 semester, I am pleased to share with you that at Albertus, based on input from the COVID-19 Workgroup and the latest federal and state guidance and science, we will require the COVID-19 vaccine of all students, faculty, and staff who will be on campus this fall. Acknowledging that some of you will have questions or concerns about receiving the vaccine, the College will make resources available and will work through those concerns with you. To help facilitate vaccine availability for those Albertus community members needing access, we also will host weekly vaccine clinics on campus throughout the summer. These clinics are free to you and will offer both the Pfizer two-shot vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine. Vaccination exemptions will be permitted in accordance with and following the protocols set by the State of Connecticut.

To be clear, the COVID-19 Workgroup, the Vice Presidents, and I took with seriousness and concern the question of a required vaccination. To date, the overwhelming scientific evidence supports the efficacy and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines as the single best option to fight the spread of the virus. In addition, as a community with a shared commitment to our Dominican mission-centric values and to the care, concern, and respect for every human being, and in alignment with the shared sacrifices made by students, faculty, and staff throughout the pandemic, a required COVID-19 vaccination policy emerged as the right thing to do. Today, as we have for more than a year, we move forward together. Each of us has a role to play. Each of us makes a difference. Each of us matters.

We will continue to keep you informed throughout the summer as we prepare for the fall semester; the COVID-19 page on the website will provide the most current and detailed information. In the meantime, please know you remain in my thoughts and prayers, and I cannot wait to be with you, in person, in the new academic year.

With gratitude,

Marc M. Camille, Ed.D.