Getting ready for September 7. Important updates and reminders for students and employees.
On August 31, 2021, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities released the Postsecondary Education Health Measures Framework for Fall 2021. Included in this framework were requirements for postsecondary institutions to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy in place by September 7, 2021, including requirements for providing proof of vaccination, exemptions, testing and an education program.
Mohawk College previously announced a vaccine requirement that complies with the Ministry’s framework. Beginning September 7, 2021, all employees, students, contractors and visitors attending Mohawk College will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated with a Health Canada or World Health Organization approved vaccine before entering a Mohawk campus or facility.
Our top priority is your health and safety. Requiring proof of vaccination provides an additional layer of protection to the measures the college has already implemented to provide a safe learning and working environment.
While on campus, or in the community, show respect for others, including those who may have different opinions than you. Please be patient as you enter the campus. Expect delays and long line ups and adjust your schedules accordingly.
Below, you will find important reminders about proof of vaccination and exemptions, as well as updates on Rapid Antigen Testing, the mandatory education program and information to make your first few days on campus easier.
Please read the information carefully and ensure you complete the steps that apply to you.
- Proof of vaccination status
Proof of vaccination submissions will not be accepted when you arrive to enter the campus. Submissions must be made a minimum of 3 days ahead of time for your proof of vaccination to be reviewed and accepted. If you do not receive vaccination status confirmation ahead of time, you will be denied access to campus.
Those who are not fully vaccinated by September 7 are required to provide proof they have received their first dose of an approved vaccine. These individuals will also be required to do regular Rapid Antigen Testing once every seven days until they are fully vaccinated.
Instructions for submitting proof of vaccination (1st and 2nd dose) have been posted on the COVID-19 update website: How to provide proof of vaccination.
- Exemptions from the vaccine policy
Students and employees may continue to apply for exemptions from the policy. Exemptions may be granted for medical and non-medical reasons. You must apply for and have your exemption accepted before you will be permitted to enter the campus. Submissions for exemptions will not be accepted when you arrive to enter the campus.
If you have already applied for an exemption, the college is now reviewing your request. Please do not submit another request, as this may delay processing times.
Instructions on how to apply for an exemption have been posted the COVID-19 Update website: website: How to request an exemption.
- Rapid Antigen Testing clinics
Any individual who is not confirmed as fully vaccinated must complete Rapid Antigen Testing once every seven days. This would include those who are partially vaccinated or have registered and/or been accepted for an exemption.
The testing will either be done at clinics located at Mohawk College campuses, or, through an external service provider. Only students and employees who have been accepted or applied for an exemption or have been confirmed as partially vaccinated will be allowed to access the college clinics.
The costs of external tests will not be covered by the college. If you choose to use an external testing service, you must bring the results to the college Rapid Antigen Testing Clinic for verification and tracking. Please note, test results other than those mentioned will not be accepted.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, do not come to campus and do not attempt to access a Rapid Antigen Testing clinic. Instead, please book an appointment to receive a COVID-19 test at a testing centre in your community. For information on testing centre locations in Hamilton, visit: https://www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/testing-centres.
Locations and hours of operations for Mohawk College Rapid Antigen Testing clinics will be sent directly to accepted individuals by email.
Mohawk College will continue to review the rapid antigen testing process, following federal and provincial guidelines.
- Mandatory education program
As per provincial guidelines, individuals who receive a non-medical exemption will be required to complete a mandatory education program along with the Rapid Antigen Testing. You do not need to complete the education program prior to September 7. Details about the education program will be communicated to participants directly.
- Resources to help you navigate your first week on campus.
Visit the Entering Campus Checklist page on the COVID-19 Update site for links and information about downloading the Mohawk Safety App, obtaining a ONE card, designated entrances and parking.
This page also contains important information about the daily requirements to access campus, such as mandatory daily health screening, how vaccine status is confirmed and PPE requirements, including face masks and eye protection.
Have questions?
We are aware that the vaccine requirement came as a surprise to many. You may have additional questions. We appreciate your patience as we work to address your questions and add new ones to our COVID-19 FAQ page.
The Fall semester will be a transition period for all of us. We ask for your continued support and understanding as we work through this process together.