Northern Michigan University is participating in the national COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge. The White House and U.S. Department of Education have invited colleges and universities to join efforts to end the pandemic by getting their campus communities vaccinated. There is a particular emphasis on young Americans represented in the traditional-age student population, who lag behind older generations in getting their shots, stated the challenge website.
Higher education institutions that sign up for the challenge pledge to take three key actions. The first is engaging every student, faculty and staff member to ensure they understand they are eligible for a vaccine and have the resources to find one. Universities will also identify champions for vaccine efforts across campus and implement a plan to get as many community members vaccinated as possible. Finally, they will help to deliver vaccine access for all through on-site clinics.
“This is an additional way for Northern to demonstrate its already established commitment to getting as many students, faculty and staff vaccinated so that we can return to normal operations this fall,” said NMU President Fritz Erickson. “We have already taken steps to encourage and monitor participation by inviting students and employees to upload their proof of vaccination to The Bridge app to receive a campus dining credit. Many of our protocol decisions will be tied to knowing if we have a high or low vaccination rate.”
Students and employees who upload their vaccine information by July 1 receive a $100 credit for on-campus eateries. Those who upload the documentation between July 2 and Aug. 1 will receive a $50 credit.
According to a White House press release, the administration will provide resources such as training sessions, toolkits and educational materials to assist participating colleges and universities. More than 200 colleges in 43 states have already taken the pledge and committed to the COVID-19 College Challenge. For more information, visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/COVIDCollegeChallenge/.