ENDWELL, NY (WSKG) — Hartwick College, in Oneonta, will require all students, staff and faculty to receive COVID-19 vaccination before returning to campus during the fall semester.
According to a press release issued Wednesday, the college came to the decision after consulting with its Strategic Response Team, which includes staff, faculty and administration from around the college. It follows several other higher education institutions, including Cornell University* and Ithaca College in mandating vaccinations for the next school year.
"We are choosing the path that will lead to the best experience possible, for the greatest number of people," Hartwick President Margaret Drugovich wrote about the move.
Last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that SUNY schools would also require shots once the FDA upgrades at least one of the vaccines above its current emergency use authorization.
The announcement from Hartwick said that the requirement would be waived for individuals on legitimate medical or religious grounds.
*Full Disclosure: Cornell University is a WSKG underwriter