What types of policies do US universities have in place this fall for coronavirus vaccines and quarantine periods? Read on to see how Shorelight universities are preparing – and how international students can plan in advance.
General Information for Students
Shorelight is the place to go for pursuing your higher education dreams in the US and we will support you with everything from visas to vaccines. All international students are welcome to travel and begin study across all of Shorelight partnership universities and those who don’t yet have a vaccine will be supported in getting one upon arrival.
All travelers to the United States, regardless of being vaccinated or not, are required to take a COVID test (test negative) prior to traveling
Our Shorelight Student Health Insurance covers COVID testing, treatment and vaccination - no out-of-pocket costs for the student
All students will have access to the COVID vaccination as soon as they enter the US, either via Campus COVID clinics or local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Students who have had a COVID vaccine already but that isn’t on the university approved list, will need to have another approved COVID vaccine upon arrival (detailed guidance can be provided by university staff)
Students should expect to be required to provide negative COVID tests throughout the quarantine process (if there is one in place) as well as periodically throughout the semester.
If a campus requires vaccines, a negative COVID test will not be sufficient to waive quarantine and/or vaccination requirements.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Approved Vaccinations = Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer
World Health Organization (WHO) Approved Vaccinations = Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sinopharm BBIBP, Sinovac-CoronaVac, Covishield
Information is valid as of August 17, 2021. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the respective campus microsite. All information is subject to change.
Adelphi University
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
Yes
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
Local pharmacy/vaccination site/Adelphi University will provide a COVID-19 vaccine free of charge to unvaccinated students. Unvaccinated students must first self-quarantine off-campus for seven days.
Vaccines Accepted
WHO-approved
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Paper or digital vaccination record
Quarantine Required
Yes. Unvaccinated students must self-quarantine off campus for seven days after arrival in the United States and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result after their quarantine period and within 72 hours of move-in. Note that the cost of quarantine lodging is not part of program cost and students should plan accordingly.
Quarantine in Campus Housing
No. To sign up to quarantine at the hotel provided by the University, please contact Ling Chen directly at ling.chen@adelphi-international.org. Please note that students who wish to stay in a room provided by the university must be able to arrive between August 23-26. There are a limited number of beds; reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
Unvaccinated students are encouraged to arrive early to complete the self-quarantine process before orientation starts. If they are not able to and will still be under quarantine when classes start, students will be able to join classes virtually.
More Information
American University and American Collegiate DC
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
Yes. Students are expected to arrive fully vaccinated. If not possible, students can move in, but must begin vaccination process upon arrival.
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
WHO-approved
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Paper or digital vaccination record
Quarantine Required
Seven days of quarantine for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated students
Quarantine in Campus Housing
Yes
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
Students who are in the vaccination process can attend classes wearing masks while they await their second dose. It is important students come fully vaccinated to ensure they are able to fully participate in classes. Orientation will be held entirely online.
More Information
American Collegiate LA
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
Yes. Students are expected to arrive fully vaccinated. If not possible, students can move in but must begin vaccination process upon arrival.
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
Yes. Students are encouraged to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at LAX upon arrival.
Vaccines Accepted
WHO-approved
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
TBD. However, vaccination record does not need to be fully translated - only need to see student name, vaccine name, and date(s) received.
Quarantine Required
Students who are not vaccinated (WHO-accepted) will need to quarantine for seven to 10 days and will be supported in obtaining the vaccine.
Quarantine in Campus Housing
Yes
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
Some classes will be held virtually. Students must be fully vaccinated to attend any in-person classes.
More Information
Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
No
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
Vaccination not required
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Vaccination not required
Quarantine Required
Yes, all international students must quarantine for seven days, regardless of vaccination status
Quarantine in Campus Housing
Yes
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
No, students must arrive early enough to quarantine before classes begin
More Information
Cleveland State University
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
Students living on campus must be vaccinated; off-campus not required
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
WHO-approved
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Paper or digital vaccination record or note from physician
Quarantine Required
All unvaccinated students (regardless of on vs. off campus housing) must quarantine for 14 days and begin vaccination process. Unvaccinated students must arrive by August 13 to be able to start and complete their quarantine before the start of classes
Quarantine in Campus Housing
Yes
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
No, all unvaccinated students must arrive by August 13 to quarantine before classes begin
More Information
Florida International University
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
TBD
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
Local pharmacy/vaccination site
Vaccines Accepted
TBD
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
TBD
Quarantine Required
Quarantine requirements have been lifted unless student has been in close contact with a confirmed case. Students must provide proof of negative COVID test taken within seven days prior to arrival in order to move into housing.
Quarantine in Campus Housing
In a designated building on campus or with friends/family off campus
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
Yes
More Information
Gonzaga University
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
Yes. Students are expected to arrive fully vaccinated. If not possible, students must begin vaccination and quarantine process upon arrival.
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
WHO-approved
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Paper or digital vaccination record
Quarantine Required
Students who are not vaccinated (WHO accepted) will need to quarantine for seven to 10 days and will be supported in obtaining the vaccine. Partially vaccinated students will need to quarantine upon arrival, and wear masks and socially distance until they are fully vaccinated. (Students can finish their vaccination on campus or through a nearby clinic.)
Quarantine in Campus Housing
No, students who selected on-campus housing will need to quarantine in an off-campus hotel - this will be arranged by Gonzaga Global Student Services. Students will not need to cover the cost of the hotel. Meals will be provided and will be covered by student meal plan packages.
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
Unvaccinated students must arrive early enough to quarantine before classes begin. Vaccinated students will not need to quarantine.
More Information
Louisiana State University
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
No, but students who are unvaccinated will need a negative COVID test within five days of arrival
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
TBD
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Vaccination not required, but paper or digital vaccination record will be accepted in lieu of a negative COVID test not required
Quarantine Required
No
Quarantine in Campus Housing
No quarantine required
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
No quarantine required
More Information
University of Central Florida
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
No
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
Vaccination not required
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Vaccination not required
Quarantine Required
No, quarantine requirements have been lifted
Quarantine in Campus Housing
No quarantine required
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
No quarantine required
More Information
University of Dayton
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
No
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
Vaccination not required
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Vaccination not required
Quarantine Required
Students who are not vaccinated (FDA and WHO accepted) will need to quarantine for seven days
Quarantine in Campus Housing
In a designated building on campus or with friends/family off campus
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
TBD
More Information
University of Illinois Chicago
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
Yes. Students are expected to arrive fully vaccinated. If not possible, students must begin vaccination and quarantine process upon arrival. Students can move in, but must be fully vaccinated prior to attending classes in person.
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
WHO-approved
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Paper or digital vaccination record
Quarantine Required
TBD
Quarantine in Campus Housing
Yes - Students can quarantine in their dorm room on campus or in a designated quarantine building on campus
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
Yes
More Information
University of Kansas
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
No
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
Vaccination not required
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Vaccination not required
Quarantine Required
Students who are not vaccinated (FDA- and WHO-accepted) are encouraged to follow
Quarantine in Campus Housing
No quarantine required
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
No quarantine required
More Information
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
Yes. Students are expected to arrive fully vaccinated. If not possible, students can move in, but must begin vaccination process upon arrival.
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
WHO-approved
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
TBD
Quarantine Required
No quarantining will be expected as all students will need to be vaccinated
Quarantine in Campus Housing
No quarantine required
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
No quarantine required
More Information
University of Massachusetts Boston
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
Yes. Students are expected to arrive fully vaccinated. If not possible, students can move in, but must begin vaccination process upon arrival.
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
Local pharmacy/vaccination site
Vaccines Accepted
WHO-approved
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Paper or digital vaccination record must be uploaded to the
Quarantine Required
No quarantine required
Quarantine in Campus Housing
No quarantine required
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
No quarantine required. Partially vaccinated students can also attend class in person. Conditions for attending classes include receiving a dose of an FDA-approved vaccine prior to attending class and surveillance testing until fully vaccinated status is acquired. Please contact University Health Services prior to your arrival to make arrangements to receive a second dose.
More Information
University of Mississippi
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
No
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination site
Vaccines Accepted
Vaccination not required
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Vaccination not required
Quarantine Required
Those who are not vaccinated must quarantine for seven days
Quarantine in Campus Housing
Yes
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
TBD
More Information
University of the Pacific
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
Yes. Students are expected to arrive fully vaccinated. If not possible, students can move in, but must begin vaccination process upon arrival.
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
WHO-approved
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Paper or digital vaccine record
Quarantine Required
Students who are not vaccinated (WHO-accepted) will need to quarantine for seven days and will be supported in obtaining the vaccine.
Quarantine in Campus Housing
In a designated building on campus or with friends/family off campus. Free housing is available for any international student arriving between July 17 - August 15 who is partially vaccinated or unvaccinated. Meal plan is required. Those who arrive for the regular move-in date, August 15, and are partially vaccinated will be required to test three to five days post-arrival and move into quarantine housing on campus (no additional charge).
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
Participation in orientation and classes during quarantine to be confirmed.
More Information
University of South Carolina
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
No. All students will need to provide negative COVID results collected within five to seven days or less prior to moving into the dorms. Students who are partially vaccinated will need to start over when they arrive in the US (no earlier than 28 days past their last shot).
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
On-campus COVID clinic or other local pharmacies/vaccination sites
Vaccines Accepted
Vaccination not required
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Vaccination not required
Quarantine Required
No, quarantine requirements have been lifted. Students are encouraged to take WHO- or CDC-approved vaccines. Unvaccinated students will be required to follow a social distancing policy for seven days after arrival (unvaccinated students can participate in required activities and go out for food, but must remain masked and should isolate as much as possible other than the aforementioned activities).
Quarantine in Campus Housing
No quarantine required
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
No quarantine required
More Information
University of Utah
University COVID News
State Public Health Site
Vaccine Required for Enrollment
No
Where to Get the Vaccine on Arrival
Local pharmacy/vaccination site
Vaccines Accepted
Vaccination not required
Proof of COVID Vaccine Required
Vaccination not required
Quarantine Required
No, quarantine requirements have been lifted
Quarantine in Campus Housing
No quarantine required
Virtual Class Start During Quarantine
No quarantine required
More Information
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