See Walden’s Safety and Social Responsibility document (printable version) for complete health safety information, protocols, policies, and acknowledgments required for attendance.
Vaccination and Testing Requirements1
Consistent with the CDC and WHO’s guidance, to prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, Walden University Academic Residencies requires that all students attending face-to-face academic residency events on or after January 31, 2022 be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or agree to undergo COVID-19 testing, in accordance with Walden University’s policies and procedures, in order to attend face-to-face residency events.
A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after having all doses of a vaccine (2 doses for Pfizer, Oxford-AstraZeneca and Moderna; 1 dose for Johnson & Johnson).
Any student who is not fully vaccinated (“Unvaccinated Students”) is required to undergo COVID-19 testing (Molecular PCR test, NAAT tests, or Antigen tests), in accordance with Walden University policies and procedures, and obtain proof of a negative test result2 to attend residency events. Unvaccinated Students include, but are not limited to, the following groups of students: (i) those who have not uploaded proof of vaccination as explained in the Proof of Vaccination section below, (ii) those who have uploaded their records and are awaiting review and approval, (iii) those who have an accommodation or exemption request pending, or (iv) those who have received an approved exemption or accommodation from the vaccination requirement.
Students who test positive during an event or within 7 days of an event culmination must comply with local and state contact tracing guidelines as outlined by local health authorities.
Unvaccinated Students attending residency events may be subject to compliance reviews of the testing requirement conducted by Walden University. As part of this review, students will be required to upload proof of their negative test results, as directed by Walden University. Unvaccinated Students failing to comply with the compliance protocol face disciplinary sanctions up to and including University expulsion.
Students will not be able to participate in nor enter the residency event space for these in-person events until all requirements are met.
Vaccination and Testing Requirements Policy Compliance
By January 28, 2022, students are required to meet the COVID-19 vaccination requirement and submit proof of vaccination, as explained in the Proof of Vaccination section below, or affirm compliance with the testing requirement, via CastleBranch.
Any student who, by January 28, 2022, fails to meet the above requirements will not be able to participate in the face-to-face residency event and will be withdrawn from the residency event. This may result in a reduction in enrolled hours and/or delays in academic progress and result in registering for another event at your own expense. Please note that a reduction in enrolled hours may affect financial aid eligibility and/or awards.
Vaccine Administration
You are responsible for scheduling and obtaining all recommended doses of an FDA or WHO approved or EUA-approved COVID-19 vaccine. In the event you are unable to obtain the vaccine due to your physical location or health/religious reasons, you will need to follow the Accommodation and Exemption Request Process outlined below. If you are unable to or elect not to be vaccinated, you must agree to undergo COVID-19 testing, as directed by Walden University Academic Residencies office, and affirm your agreement via CastleBranch.
Proof of Vaccination or Testing
Where permitted by local law (exceptions noted in attached chart), you must provide proof of vaccination from the vaccine administrator or a CDC-issued vaccination card including the vaccination place, date(s), and name via CastleBranch by January 28, 2022. Do not include any medical or genetic information with your proof of vaccination. Adtalem and Walden University will keep your vaccination information confidential, consistent with applicable laws.
In locations where proof of vaccination cannot be mandated or disclosure is not permitted, you may volunteer to provide written proof of vaccination as prescribed above. If you choose not to volunteer such written proof, you will be considered an Unvaccinated Student and required to adhere to the testing requirement as outlined above. Students in these locations must record their selection in CastleBranch.
Accommodation and Exemption Requests
Disability Accommodation
In accordance with Walden University’s disability accommodation policy, Walden University provides reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to qualified individuals with disabilities that enable them to participate in their educational program. Reasonable accommodation may include appropriate adjustment or modifications of policies, including this policy.
If you believe you need an accommodation regarding this policy because of a disability, you are responsible for requesting a reasonable accommodation from the institution or program’s disability services provider. The Office of Student Disability Services can be reached at [email protected] to begin the request process. Please note that documentation will be required as part of the process.
Religious Accommodation
Adtalem Global Education and its institutions provide reasonable accommodations to students with sincerely held religious beliefs, observances or practices that conflict with getting vaccinated or receiving the type of vaccine currently available.
If you believe you need an accommodation regarding this policy because of your sincerely held religious belief, you are responsible for requesting a reasonable accommodation from the Office of Equity and Access at [email protected].
Exemption for Access Reasons
Exemptions for students who are unable to access the vaccine or testing may be available on a case-by- case basis. Students requesting an exemption are required to provide supporting documentation outlining why their circumstances prevent them from obtaining a vaccine. For exemption requests not related to health conditions or religious reasons, students are required to upload a personal statement explaining their lack of access to the Office of Equity and Access at [email protected].
Adtalem and its institutions may request additional documentation supporting the need for an accommodation or request for any other exemption. Adtalem and its institutions will maintain confidentiality with any medical information obtained in connection with your request for a reasonable accommodation or other exemption. However, we ask that you not provide any genetic information when responding to a request for additional information or providing proof of vaccination in compliance with this policy.
Determinations
Adtalem and its institutions make determinations about requested accommodations and exemptions on a case-by-case basis considering various factors and based on an individualized assessment in each situation. Adtalem and its institutions strive to make these determinations expeditiously and in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner and will inform you after we make a determination. Access Exemption determinations are final, conclusive, and binding.
Masks Policy
Consistent with the CDC and WHO’s guidance, to prevent the infection and spread of COVID- 19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, Walden University Academic Residencies office requires that all students attending face-to-face academic residency events wear a face mask throughout the event (except while eating, drinking, or taking oral medications for brief periods), in the Walden event space, i.e., small group meeting space with peers and faculty and in offices with Walden staff; even though I am fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test, unless I meet the criteria for exemptions.
Permitted Masks
- Disposable surgical or medical masks
- Cloth masks with tightly woven fabric (2 or 3 ply masks are recommended)
- Valve-free respirator masks (N95 or KN95)
- Fabric masks with a clear plastic window
- Gaiters with two layers (single layer gaiters should be doubled over)
- Plastic face shields or goggles may be worn in addition to a mask but are not approved mask replacements
Masks Not Permitted
- Any mask with an exhaust valve
- Masks with slits, punctures, or holes
- Bandanas, scarves, ski masks, and balaclavas
- Novel and battery-operated masks that do not meet the specifications of the permitted masks listed above
Mask Policy Compliance
All students participating in face-to-face academic residency events must comply with all applicable federal, state, local laws, hotel / event venue policies and the Walden University Academic Residencies event requirements. Any student failing to meet the above requirements will not be able to participate in the face-to-face residency event and will be withdrawn from the residency event (and any subsequent residency connected course). This may result in a reduction in enrolled hours and/or delays in academic progress and result in registering for another event at my own expense. Please note that a reduction in enrolled hours may affect financial aid eligibility and/or awards.
Mask Accommodation Requests
If you believe you need an accommodation regarding this policy because of a disability, you are responsible for requesting a reasonable accommodation from the institution or program’s disability services provider. The Office of Student Disability Services can be reached at [email protected] to begin the request process. Please note that documentation will be required as part of the process.
Social Distancing Policy
Consistent with the CDC and WHO’s guidance, to prevent the infection and spread of COVID- 19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, Walden University Academic Residencies office requires that all students attending face-to-face academic residency events participate in social distancing (6 feet apart) in small group meeting space with peers and faculty and in offices with WU staff throughout the event, even though I am fully vaccinated, unless I meet the criteria for exemptions.
Social Distancing Policy Compliance
All students participating in face-to-face academic residency events must comply with all applicable federal, state, local laws, hotel / event venue policies and the Walden University Academic Residencies event requirements. Any student failing to meet the above requirements will not be able to participate in the face-to-face residency event and will be withdrawn from the residency event (and any subsequent residency connected course). This may result in a reduction in enrolled hours and/or delays in academic progress and result in registering for another event at my own expense. Please note that a reduction in enrolled hours may affect financial aid eligibility and/or awards.
Hand Sanitizing Policy
Consistent with the CDC and WHO’s guidance, to prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, Walden University Academic Residencies office encourages that all students hand sanitize and use rubber gloves when accessing common areas i.e., break areas, small group meeting space, and when utilizing shared material e.g., test kits or audio-visual equipment while attending face-to-face academic residency events.
Hand Sanitizing Policy Compliance
All students participating in face-to-face academic residency events must comply with all applicable federal, state, local laws, hotel / event venue policies and the Walden University Academic Residencies event requirements. Any student failing to meet the above requirements will not be able to participate in the face-to-face residency event and will be withdrawn from the residency event (and any subsequent residency connected course). This may result in a reduction in enrolled hours and/or delays in academic progress and result in registering for another event at my own expense. Please note that a reduction in enrolled hours may affect financial aid eligibility and/or awards.
Temperature Checks Policy
Walden University Academic Residencies office requires that all students attending face-to-face academic residency events participate in daily touch free temperature checks.
Temperature Checks Policy Compliance
All students participating in face-to-face academic residency events must comply with all applicable federal, state, local laws, hotel / event venue policies and the Walden University Academic Residencies event requirements. Any student failing to meet the above requirements will not be able to participate in the face-to-face residency event and will be withdrawn from the residency event (and any subsequent residency connected course). This may result in a reduction in enrolled hours and/or delays in academic progress and result in registering for another event at my own expense. Please note that a reduction in enrolled hours may affect financial aid eligibility and/or awards.
Use of CastleBranch Policy
Walden University Academic Residencies office requires that all students attending face-to-face academic residency events use CastleBranch app to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results.
Use of CastleBranch Policy Compliance
All students participating in face-to-face academic residency events must comply with all applicable federal, state, local laws, hotel / event venue policies and the Walden University Academic Residencies event requirements. Any student failing to meet the above requirements will not be able to participate in the face-to-face residency event and will be withdrawn from the residency event (and any subsequent residency connected course). This may result in a reduction in enrolled hours and/or delays in academic progress and result in registering for another event at my own expense. Please note that a reduction in enrolled hours may affect financial aid eligibility and/or awards.
