This website uses cookies to ensure site visitors get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies and Privacy Statement. To find out more, please visit Southern University's Privacy Statement.

I agree

Spring 2022 Vaccine Protocols - Frequently Asked Questions for Students and Employees

Frequently Asked Questions — Students

Does the  Southern University System (System) require all students to be vaccinated for the Spring 2022 semester?

The Southern University System is requiring the participation of all students (in-person and online) in its COVID-19 vaccination protocols for Spring 2022, in line with LSA R.S. 17:117. The System includes Southern University and A&M College (SUBR), Southern University Law Center (SULC), Southern University and Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SU Ag), Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), and Southern University Shreveport (SUSLA). 

Participation includes:

  • Providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination
  • Filing a medical or religious exemption
  • Submitting a letter of dissent to vaccination

Exemptions and dissents MUST be uploaded by Friday, December 3, 2021.

Proof of vaccination MUST be uploaded by Wednesday, December 8, 2021

What COVID-19 vaccines are accepted? 

Any COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in the U.S. will be accepted.

This includes:

  • Moderna
  • Pfizer
  • Johnson & Johnson

How can students provide proof of vaccination?

Students can upload proof of vaccination at sus.edu/page/document-submission.

IMPORTANT: You must use your SUNO email credentials to upload proof of vaccination (firstname.lastname@suno.edu).

If you need technical assistance accessing and/or using your SUNO email credentials, contact your campus I.T. department.

Once I am logged into the portal and get to the screen to upload my documents, I see an option to pay $10. Do I have to pay this?

No. Uploading documents to your SU/Med+Proctor account is free. Click/tap the gray box below the list of optional services that states, “No, thank you. I do not want access to my documents later.” However, you do have the option to pay for those extra services.

What qualifies as a COVID-19 vaccination official document?

The document may include the following:

  1. CDC Vaccination Card,
  2. World Health Organization Yellow Book, or
  3. official documentation from a medical provider. 

The document must include the name of the vaccine you received and the dates you were vaccinated.

What if I cannot locate my COVID-19 vaccination record?

A student who does not have their COVID-19 vaccination record/card may consider one of the of following:

  1. Download LA Wallet (Louisiana residents only);
  2. Contact your vaccination provider to get another copy; or
  3. Utilize your state department of health immunization information system.

I am an international student returning home between semesters. Is there anything I should be aware of?

If an international student received a different vaccine from the three granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, an international student may have to be revaccinated when you re-enter the United States.  Submission of proof of a WHO-approved vaccine will allow entry but may later require revaccination with an FDA-approved vaccine.

Can a student apply for an exemption to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement?

System students may request an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for one of the following reasons:

  1. Medical
  2. Religious
  3. Submit a letter of dissent

 The deadline to submit an exemption request or letter of dissent is Friday, December 3, 2021.

What is a letter of dissent?

Students may under Louisiana law “opt out” of the vaccine requirement by a submitting a written statement expressing their choice to not receive the vaccine. This option is listed as “Letter of Dissent” in the exemption options provided in your Med+Proctor account.

How do I submit an exemption request or letter of dissent?

Students can upload an exemption request or letter of dissent at sus.edu/page/document-submission.

IMPORTANT: You must use your SUNO email credentials to upload proof of vaccination (firstname.lastname@suno.edu).

If you need technical assistance accessing and/or using your SUNO email credentials ONLY, contact your campus I.T. department.

How will I know if my exemption request has been approved?

Med+Proctor will notify students once the exemption request is verified/approved. Med+Proctor will update the student’s account to reflect the exemption request has been approved.

If I am approved for an exemption, what is next?

Students with an approved exemption/dissent will be required to have a COVID-19 PCR test performed between January 3-5, 2022 and to submit negative COVID-19 (PCR) test results by Friday, January 7, 2022 to begin the Spring 2022 semester of classes. Rapid test results will not be accepted.

Test results must be uploaded at sus.edu/page/document-submission.

How often will I have to submit my negative test results?

All students approved for an exemption or who have submitted a letter of dissent must upload negative COVID-19 (PCR) test results monthly. Please note that each campus may respectively change this frequency. Rapid COVID-19 test results will not be accepted.

Test results must be uploaded at sus.edu/vaccinesus.edu/page/document-submission.

Why was my medical exemption request denied?

A student’s medical exemption request may be denied for the following reasons:

  1. Submitting incomplete forms;
  2. Submitting incomplete documentation from a medical provider; or
  3. Submitting CDC or the manufacturer's vaccine contraindication that cannot be certified.

What if I am pregnant and do not want the vaccine at this time?

If you have chosen not to receive the vaccine, please have your obstetrician complete the medical exemption form to verify you are pregnant.

What if I recently had a positive COVID-19 test?

Anyone who is less than 90 days from a positive COVID-19 test or less than 90 days from receiving a monoclonal antibody or high titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma treatment may receive a temporary medical exemption. A medical provider must complete the medical exemption form verifying the dates of the recent test or treatment. Once the 90-day period has expired, comply with the participation requirement to upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination or to file an exemption request.  

Can I submit proof of partial vaccination?

Proof of partial vaccination can be submitted by December 8, 2021. Your classes will not be dropped at this time. HOWEVER, proof of the full dose of vaccine (first and second shots, accordingly) must be submitted no later than January 7, 2022 to be in compliance with the protocols.

 

A full dose of vaccination is defined as:

  • Two shots of Moderna
  • Two shots of Pfizer
  • One shot of Johnson & Johnson

Are COVID-19 vaccine booster shots required?

The System is not requiring COVID-19 boosters at this time.

What happens if I do not provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, file an exemption request or submit a letter of dissent by the deadlines?

If a student does not comply by uploading proof full vaccination doses, filing and being approved for an exemption, or submitting a letter of dissent, the student will be subject to the following:

  1. The student’s Spring 2022 classes will be dropped and the student may be disenrolled from their System campus.
  2. The registrar’s office at the student’s System campus will place a hold on the student’s account, which will prevent the student from accessing transcripts and viewing earned grades.

Students who comply with the protocols (uploading proof of vaccination, an exemption or dissent) by Friday, January 7, 2022 are eligible to re-enroll at their System campus. Please note that previously scheduled classes that were dropped due to noncompliance may not be available.

 

What if I am exposed to someone with COVID-19 and/or I have COVID-19? 

The Southern University System COVID-19 Reporting Protocols are still effective. Please note that these protocols are relevant for both students and employees. See your campus’ COVID-19 websites for reporting forms.

Will Southern University continue to require masks on its campuses?

The Southern University System will continue to comply with the Southern University System Mask Policy

Where can I get my COVID-19 vaccine?

Southern University Baton Rouge Landmass (SUBR, SULC and SU Ag)

Southern University Student Health Center 
Call 225-771-4770 to schedule an appointment. Same-day appointments are available.


Southern University Community Testing and Vaccine Site
Horace Moody Intramural Sports Complex
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

No appointment necessary.

 

Southern University at New Orleans

University Center
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
No appointment necessary.

 

Southern University Shreveport
3050 MLK Jr. Drive
Shreveport, LA 71107
Student Parking Lot, Drive-Thru Vaccination Tent
Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
No appointment necessary.

 

For off-campus locations, go to vaccines.gov.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions — Employees

Does the Southern University System (System) require faculty and staff to be vaccinated for the Spring 2022 semester?

The System is requiring all employees to participate in the process to upload proof of full vaccination or file for an exemption. The participation requirement applies to all full-time, part-time, temporary and contract employees. This includes employees who work on site and remote/virtually.The deadline to upload proof of vaccination is Wednesday, December 8, 2021.  

Participation includes:

  • Providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination
  • Filing a medical or religious exemption request

Exemption requests MUST be uploaded by Friday, December 3, 2021.

Proof of vaccination MUST be uploaded by Wednesday, December 8, 2021.

What vaccines are accepted?

Any COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in the U.S. will be accepted.

This includes:

  • Moderna
  • Pfizer
  • Johnson & Johnson

How can employees provide proof of vaccination?

Employees can upload proof of vaccination at sus.edu/page/document-submissione.

IMPORTANT: You must use your SUNO email credentials to upload proof of vaccination (firstname.lastname@suno.edu)

If you need technical assistance accessing your SUNO email credentials ONLY, contact your campus I.T. department.

What qualifies as a COVID-19 vaccine official document?

The document may include the following:

  1. CDC Vaccination Card,
  2. World Health Organization Yellow Book, or
  3. Official documentation from a medical provider. 

 The document must include the name of the vaccine you received and the dates you were vaccinated.

Can a System employee apply for an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination participation?

Southern University System employees may apply for an exemption for one of the following reasons:

  1. Medical
  2. Religious

The deadline to submit an exemption request is Friday, December 3, 2021.

How do I submit an exemption request?

Employees can upload an exemption request at sus.edu/page/document-submission.

IMPORTANT: You must use your SUNO email credentials to upload proof of vaccination (firstname.lastname@suno.edu).

If you need technical assistance accessing/utilizing your SUNO email credentials ONLY, contact your campus I.T. department.

How will I know that my exemption request has been approved?

Employees will be notified in writing by December 20, 2021.

What happens if I am approved for an exemption?

Employees with an approved exemption will be required to have a COVID-19 PCR test performed any time January 3-5, 2022 and to upload the negative PCR test results by Friday, January 7, 2022. Rapid test results will not be accepted.

Test results must be uploaded at sus.edu/page/document-submission.

How often will I have to submit negative COVID-19 tests results?

Employees with approved exemptions must upload negative COVID-19 (PCR) test results weekly. Rapid COVID-19 test results will not be accepted.

Why was my exemption request denied?

An employee’s exemption request may be denied for the following reasons:

  1. Submitting incomplete forms;
  2. Submitting incomplete documentation from a medical provider; or
  3. Submitting CDC or the manufacturer's vaccine contraindication that cannot be certified.

What if I am pregnant and do not want the vaccine at this time?

If an employee is pregnant and chooses not to receive the vaccine, please have your obstetrician complete the medical exemption form to verify you are pregnant.

What if I recently had a positive COVID-19 test?

Anyone who is less than 90 days from a positive COVID-19 test or less than 90 days from receiving a monoclonal antibody or high titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma treatment may receive a temporary medical exemption. A medical provider must complete the medical exemption form verifying the dates of the recent test or treatment. Once the 90-day period has expired, comply with the participation requirement to upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination or to file an exemption request.  

What if I cannot locate my COVID-19 vaccination record?

 If an employee does not have a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card, the employee should do one of the following:

  1. Download LA Wallet (Louisiana residents only);
  2. Contact your vaccination provider to get another copy; or
  3. Utilize your state department of health immunization information system.

Will proof of partial vaccine doses be accepted?

Proof of partial vaccination can be submitted by December 8, 2021. HOWEVER, proof of the full dose of vaccine (first and second shots, accordingly) must be submitted no later than January 7, 2022, to be in compliance with the protocols.

A full dose is defined as:

  • Two shots of Moderna
  • Two shots of Pfizer
  • One shot of Johnson & Johnson

Are COVID-19 vaccine booster shots required?

The System is not requiring COVID-19 boosters at this time.  

If I do not upload proof of vaccination or an exemption request, what happens next?

System employees that are not in compliance by Wednesday, December 8, 2021, may be subject to disciplinary actions up to and including termination.

Will Southern University continue to require masks on its campuses?

The Southern University System will continue to comply with the Southern University System Mask Policy.

 

What if I am exposed to someone with COVID-19 and/or I have COVID-19? 

The Southern University System COVID-19 Reporting Protocols are still in effect. Please note that these protocols are relevant for both students and employees.

Where can I get my COVID-19 vaccine?

Southern University Baton Rouge Landmass (SUBR, SULC and SU Ag)

Southern University/CareSouth Employee Clinic
J.K. Haynes (Nursing School) Building
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Southern University Community Testing and Vaccine Site
Horace Moody Intramural Sports Complex
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Southern University at New Orleans

University Center
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
No appointment necessary.

  

Southern University Shreveport
3050 MLK Jr. Drive
Shreveport, LA 71107
Student Parking Lot, Drive-Thru Vaccination Tent

Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

No appointment necessary.

For off-campus locations, go to vaccines.gov.