Policy 2111 — Faculty and Staff COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Policy

Policy section:
Section 2000 – Health, Safety, & Security
Policy number:
2111
Subject:
COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Policy
Group:
Faculty and Staff
Approved By:
The President
Approved date:
September 14, 2021
Effective date:
September 14, 2021
Administered by:
Vice-President, Finance and Administration

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish requirements for employees with respect to vaccination and/or testing against COVID-19.

Mount Allison University is committed to protecting the health and safety of all employees and students. Occupational health and safety legislation imposes legal obligations on everyone in the workplace. Vaccination against COVID-19 protects everyone.

2. POLICY STATEMENT

Subject to the exceptions in this policy, all employees accessing campus are required to obtain two COVID-19 vaccinations, with two weeks having passed since the last dose, and to provide confirmation of vaccination as of October 1 or undergo regular COVID-19 testing.

Best efforts will be made to facilitate schedule changes for employees who need to receive their COVID-19 vaccination or take a COVID-19 test during normal work hours.

If an employee obtains a positive COVID-19 test result, the employee will be required to obtain a PCR COVID-19 test at a COVID-19 Assessment Center operated by the regional   health authorities in New Brunswick to confirm the result. Employees who test positive on the PCR COVID-19 test will be required to follow all Public Health measures which may include self-isolation.

To ensure that everyone’s health and safety is protected, and subject to the exceptions in this policy, employees who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to discipline, non- disciplinary suspension, unpaid leave of absence, or other measures in accordance with any Collective Agreement, as applicable.

The University will, to the extent within its control, ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained, and updated in a timely fashion.

3. PRIVACY

In administering this policy, the University will only collect information that is reasonably necessary to obtain proof of vaccination or COVID-19 test results and will collect such information only with the consent of the employee.

The University will limit disclosure of employees’ vaccination status and/or COVID-19 test results and any surrounding medical information only to those who require this information for operational purposes and/or only in accordance with applicable laws.

The University will implement appropriate protocols to guard the sensitivity of this information and will only retain such information for as long as necessary.

4. EXEMPTIONS

In keeping with government guidelines, an exemption and resulting accommodation may be provided to individuals who submit satisfactory medical documentation indicating that they cannot obtain a COVID-19 vaccine and cannot be tested for COVID-19.

An exemption and resulting accommodation may also be provided where an individual demonstrates a sincerely held religious belief or practice causing them to object to the COVID-19 vaccine and COVID-19 testing, or objects to vaccination and/or COVID-19 testing based on another ground protected by applicable human rights legislation.

Any request for an exemption made by an individual shall be submitted in writing and shall include all supporting documentation. Requests for exemptions should be made to the Director of Human Resources.

Exemptions to this vaccination and testing policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Where an individual’s circumstances satisfy the criteria for an exemption, it will be determined if a reasonable accommodation may be provided without causing undue hardship.

Where an exemption is granted, alternative arrangements may be required to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of COVID-19.

5. OTHER

This policy will remain in force as long as it is necessary to maintain requirements related to vaccinations and testing of employees related to COVID-19. This policy will be reviewed, and edited or affirmed, no later than one month before the beginning of each academic term (i.e., winter, spring/summer and fall), until it is revoked.

Questions about the policy should be directed to the Director of Human Resources.