Valparaiso University to Lift Face Covering Requirement in Fall for Vaccinated Students, Employees

May 19, 2021 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University announced it plans to lift its generally required mask or face covering use for fully vaccinated students and employees effective Aug. 6, 2021.

The University previously announced it would require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students and employees, except those with a qualifying exemption.

The decision to lift the face covering requirement in the fall follows updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which announced last week that individuals who are vaccinated may begin to stop wearing face coverings and resume pre-pandemic activity.

“This marks an important milestone in our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of our return to normalcy,” said José D. Padilla, J.D., president. “As more students, faculty and staff receive their vaccinations, we will be able to not only shed our face coverings, but to resume the Valpo traditions our campus and community know and love, like cheering on our Valpo Athletics teams, enjoying arts performances and socializing with friends.”

The American College Health Association (ACHA) recommends COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all on-campus college and university students for fall semester 2021. Valparaiso University made an early, proactive decision to require campus constituents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to protect the health and safety of University students, faculty, staff and the community. A vaccinated campus is the safest and most effective way to accomplish the University’s objective of providing in-person learning for fall 2021.