Tech encourages proof of vaccine, tests ahead of move-in
With campus movein at Louisiana Tech University slated for this weekend, Tech President Les Guice is “strongly encouraging” incoming students to provide proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 test before arriving.
“I am hopeful this year will be more ‘normal’ for our campus community, but it will take all of us working together to ensure that happens,” Guice said via an online campus update Tuesday.
Though some out-of town students affected by Hurricane Ida have already moved back into campus housing, regular move-in times begin Friday.
Tech and the rest of the University of Louisiana System recently announced that the COVID-19 vaccine has been added to the list of required immunizations on campus, but that requirement — with exemptions — won’t be enforced until the next registration period, meaning winter quarter for Tech.
Even so, Guice said Tuesday that “as an additional safety precaution” he hopes students returning to campus will provide one of the following documents:
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Proof of positive COVID-19 test within the last 90 days
• Proof of negative COVID-19 test within the last five days before check-in
Once students, faculty and staff are back on campus, safety requirements of consistent mask-wearing when indoors, frequent handwashing and staying home when sick will reportedly be enforced via discipline through the Student Code of Conduct and personnel action.
“We must not become lax in working to ensure we follow these measures,” Guice said.
Through a partnership with the Louisiana National Guard, Tech will offer free COVID-19 testing at the Ropp Center starting next week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Labor Day.
A vaccination clinic will also be offered at the same location soon. It was originally scheduled to start Tuesday, but the National Guard was called out to assist in Hurricane Ida relief efforts.
Both the testing and vaccines will be offered to students, faculty, staff and the area residents.
Tech continues to encourage students to get the vaccine through both in-house and statewide incentive programs.
