Luther College achieves a 70% vaccination rate for the fall semester

Luther College is proud to announce that 71% of students, staff and faculty members scheduled to be on campus this upcoming fall have voluntarily submitted proof of COVID-19 vaccination. As long as no COVID-19 Indicators are activated when the fall semester begins, face masks and physical distancing on campus will not be required, including in classrooms and residence halls.

            "We are very excited to achieve this 70% milestone for the fall and are equally proud of our students, faculty and staff for protecting themselves and our community members, some of whom are not able to receive the vaccine due to a variety of reasons," said President Jenifer K. Ward. "Thanks to the availability of safe and effective vaccines, our planning based upon science and data, and the response of the campus community, we are ready to once again live and learn in community without requirements for face masks and physical distancing."

            All Luther students, faculty and staff who will be on campus this summer and/or fall were asked to voluntarily submit their proof of COVID-19 vaccination in an effort to achieve this status of Level 0 Blue: Normal operations. The college incentivized participation by providing on-campus vaccination clinics during the spring semester, allowing staff to use work time for travel to receive vaccinations, and providing small stipends for employees and a free textbook drawing for students.

            Students will begin arriving back on campus on Aug. 28 with fall semester classes beginning on Sept. 1.

            In consideration of the new CDC guidance on face masks, the COVID Response Team (CRT) will continue to keep a close eye on environmental conditions, such as the local level of COVID transmission and the spread of more contagious variants, that may require the college to implement additional protective measures. The CRT is also considering additional safety protocols for participants in music ensembles and athletic teams because those activities involve higher degrees of close contact and aerosol production.

            Luther College is home to more than 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.